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Disappointing Flanker
Opium and her subsequent flankers appear to have gone through some major changes over the years. The original formula of Opium was a spicy, rich oriental. However the modern interpretation as we know it today, is much softer and more of a crowd pleaser. As a result, flankers such as, Belle d'Opium and Opium Vapeurs de Parfum, are not really spicy orientals at all. They have little to no relation to the spicy Opium from the by-gone era.
The only spices to be found in this composition, come in the form of pink pepper, (which is so zesty and sour that it could be mistaken for pineapple), and powdered nutmeg. Opium Vapeurs de Parfum is a surprisingly subdued floral, wearing almost like a skin-scent.
First of all, I love the bottle. It was such a shame that I didn't enjoy the scent enough to buy it. I would have loved to have displayed that powder pink bottle on my dresser.
I'm quite a fan of orange blossom in perfume, however the orange blossom note in Opium Vapeurs de Parfum struck me as a little synthetic. The floral notes in general were mildly soapy, with the nutmeg creating a smooth, musky blend on the skin.
I sprayed Opium Vapeurs de Parfum on my left wrist and walked around the shopping centre sniffing it occasionally. I found it pleasant but nothing outstanding. It's not worth the YSL price tag, at least not in my opinion.
Opium Vapeurs de Parfum is such a blasé fragrance. The projection is like a whisper on the skin, with the lasting strength being quite poor also. Not impressed. Opium is starting to lose its charm.
Original review written: May 2013.
The only spices to be found in this composition, come in the form of pink pepper, (which is so zesty and sour that it could be mistaken for pineapple), and powdered nutmeg. Opium Vapeurs de Parfum is a surprisingly subdued floral, wearing almost like a skin-scent.
First of all, I love the bottle. It was such a shame that I didn't enjoy the scent enough to buy it. I would have loved to have displayed that powder pink bottle on my dresser.
I'm quite a fan of orange blossom in perfume, however the orange blossom note in Opium Vapeurs de Parfum struck me as a little synthetic. The floral notes in general were mildly soapy, with the nutmeg creating a smooth, musky blend on the skin.
I sprayed Opium Vapeurs de Parfum on my left wrist and walked around the shopping centre sniffing it occasionally. I found it pleasant but nothing outstanding. It's not worth the YSL price tag, at least not in my opinion.
Opium Vapeurs de Parfum is such a blasé fragrance. The projection is like a whisper on the skin, with the lasting strength being quite poor also. Not impressed. Opium is starting to lose its charm.
Original review written: May 2013.
Sour Watermelon Candies
Oh goodness, gracious me! Big Pony 1 for Women is one big sweet, fruity fragrance. Previous reviewers are not wrong in saying that it smells like sour watermelon candies.
If you were a fan of the now discontinued Ralph Cool, than this more recent Ralph Lauren release could definitely be its replacement. It's a fresh watermelon and grapefruit scent with an added hint of sugar.
To be honest, it's far too fruity for my personal tastes. It is also a little too strong and 'in your face'. The first spray had me reeling back in terror.
Big Pony 1 for Women is more for the younger crowd. It's flirty and vivacious, maybe even a little beachy. Would I call it an aquatic? No, not really. It's more of a sweet fruity floral. Nothing outstanding, but perhaps more lasting than your average fruity scent.
I would definitely go light with the sprays. Too much of this fragrance wafting around you could end with one massive headache. It can be worn during Spring, but if you wish to wear it during Summer, pick a mild Summer day. Intense heat or humidity could make this fragrance smell sweaty and unpleasant on the skin.
Original review written: May 2013.
If you were a fan of the now discontinued Ralph Cool, than this more recent Ralph Lauren release could definitely be its replacement. It's a fresh watermelon and grapefruit scent with an added hint of sugar.
To be honest, it's far too fruity for my personal tastes. It is also a little too strong and 'in your face'. The first spray had me reeling back in terror.
Big Pony 1 for Women is more for the younger crowd. It's flirty and vivacious, maybe even a little beachy. Would I call it an aquatic? No, not really. It's more of a sweet fruity floral. Nothing outstanding, but perhaps more lasting than your average fruity scent.
I would definitely go light with the sprays. Too much of this fragrance wafting around you could end with one massive headache. It can be worn during Spring, but if you wish to wear it during Summer, pick a mild Summer day. Intense heat or humidity could make this fragrance smell sweaty and unpleasant on the skin.
Original review written: May 2013.
Warm Skin and Coconutty Tuberose
It's not everyday that you smell a woody tuberose fragrance. So Nude by Costume National is less focused on the white floral aspects, and more zoned into the creamy and sheer qualities of this popular flower.
A knowledgeable sales assistant was the one to introduce me to So Nude. I had been looking for a feminine woods scent, and was surprised when she led me to the Costume National counter. I already own and love Costume National 21, however I was dubious that So Nude could live up to the expectations.
I am naturally quite taken with So Nude. This fragrance is unique and inoffensive, soft like a skin-scent but not in a bland sense of the word. It smells rather woodsy on the skin with a dominant cedar accord, paired with some subtle spices like cardamom and caraway.
The tuberose note in So Nude is creamy and clean. As I mentioned previously, this fragrance does not resemble a fresh, white floral bouquet. Instead it smells like warm skin, with a hint of coconutty lotion.
So Nude is not my favourite fragrance from the house of Costume National, but it is one of the stand-outs. I think it could easily be unisex, especially with such a bold cedar note. I am also pleased to say that So Nude's longevity was excellent, lasting a good twelve hours on my skin. I recommend.
Original review written: April 2013.
A knowledgeable sales assistant was the one to introduce me to So Nude. I had been looking for a feminine woods scent, and was surprised when she led me to the Costume National counter. I already own and love Costume National 21, however I was dubious that So Nude could live up to the expectations.
I am naturally quite taken with So Nude. This fragrance is unique and inoffensive, soft like a skin-scent but not in a bland sense of the word. It smells rather woodsy on the skin with a dominant cedar accord, paired with some subtle spices like cardamom and caraway.
The tuberose note in So Nude is creamy and clean. As I mentioned previously, this fragrance does not resemble a fresh, white floral bouquet. Instead it smells like warm skin, with a hint of coconutty lotion.
So Nude is not my favourite fragrance from the house of Costume National, but it is one of the stand-outs. I think it could easily be unisex, especially with such a bold cedar note. I am also pleased to say that So Nude's longevity was excellent, lasting a good twelve hours on my skin. I recommend.
Original review written: April 2013.
Roasted Coffee Beans and Cacao
Rebelle by Rihanna is quite a daring composition if you think about it. Not many celebrities have dared to put their name to something so polarising.
I first heard of Rebelle through a friend. She told me in great detail how she disliked it because it was too sweet. Through her description, I had imagined Rebelle to be quite candied, sort of like Aquolina's Pink Sugar. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that it smelt strongly of coffee, cocoa and patchouli. It was sweet indeed, but in a very different way.
Thierry Mugler is known for having made coffee and chocolate notes popular in perfume. It's obvious that Rihanna is trying to cash in by creating a similar gourmand blend.
There are times when I thoroughly enjoy wearing Rebelle, but for the most part, I find Rebelle an odd fragrance, to the point of not knowing how to describe it. I'm not a huge fan of the fruity nuances. The plum and juicy strawberry blend just doesn't seem right when blended with the coffee and cocoa.
It's a Winter, night-time fragrance for sure. Rebelle is also on the heavy side of things, so I would go easy on the sprays. I think it's important to like the scent of coffee in order to enjoy Rebelle. I love coffee myself, so this fragrance did appeal to me, however I realise there are some people out there that detest the scent of roasted coffee beans. Proceed with caution, is all I'll say on the matter.
Original review written: April 2013.
I first heard of Rebelle through a friend. She told me in great detail how she disliked it because it was too sweet. Through her description, I had imagined Rebelle to be quite candied, sort of like Aquolina's Pink Sugar. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that it smelt strongly of coffee, cocoa and patchouli. It was sweet indeed, but in a very different way.
Thierry Mugler is known for having made coffee and chocolate notes popular in perfume. It's obvious that Rihanna is trying to cash in by creating a similar gourmand blend.
There are times when I thoroughly enjoy wearing Rebelle, but for the most part, I find Rebelle an odd fragrance, to the point of not knowing how to describe it. I'm not a huge fan of the fruity nuances. The plum and juicy strawberry blend just doesn't seem right when blended with the coffee and cocoa.
It's a Winter, night-time fragrance for sure. Rebelle is also on the heavy side of things, so I would go easy on the sprays. I think it's important to like the scent of coffee in order to enjoy Rebelle. I love coffee myself, so this fragrance did appeal to me, however I realise there are some people out there that detest the scent of roasted coffee beans. Proceed with caution, is all I'll say on the matter.
Original review written: April 2013.
A Pleasant Surprise
I actually don't mind this fragrance at all. It smells a little bit like Jo Malone's Nectarine Blossom and Honey, and of course, that's in its favour.
I enjoy very few Paris Hilton fragrances. Those that I do like are often flowery or sugary, such as, Can Can and Tease. Her fruity scents smell horrid in my personal opinion, however South Beach is a definite improvement.
South Beach opens with a juicy and refreshing blend of nectarine, lotus, freesia and osmanthus. Thankfully the nectarine accord is neither sickeningly sweet nor sour. I can't believe I'm actually saying this, but it smelt quite natural, like the actual fruit.
The floral accords in South Beach add to the composition's watery freshness. It's a really smooth and wearable Summer scent, one that has taken me quite by surprise.
The scent is kind of along the same lines as her original fragrance, Paris Hilton. They both have that similar fruity-fresh quality. In fact, they also share a clean and musky sandalwood drydown. Comparing the two, I would still go with South Beach as the better one, in regards to better longevity and a more natural smell.
Original review written: April 2013.
I enjoy very few Paris Hilton fragrances. Those that I do like are often flowery or sugary, such as, Can Can and Tease. Her fruity scents smell horrid in my personal opinion, however South Beach is a definite improvement.
South Beach opens with a juicy and refreshing blend of nectarine, lotus, freesia and osmanthus. Thankfully the nectarine accord is neither sickeningly sweet nor sour. I can't believe I'm actually saying this, but it smelt quite natural, like the actual fruit.
The floral accords in South Beach add to the composition's watery freshness. It's a really smooth and wearable Summer scent, one that has taken me quite by surprise.
The scent is kind of along the same lines as her original fragrance, Paris Hilton. They both have that similar fruity-fresh quality. In fact, they also share a clean and musky sandalwood drydown. Comparing the two, I would still go with South Beach as the better one, in regards to better longevity and a more natural smell.
Original review written: April 2013.
