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Amber Noir
Amber Noir is very pleasing to the nose. The cedarwood and lily-of-the-valley captures you with its stunning natural smell. This feels like a luxurious cedarwood/sandalwood fragrance when worn. Absolutely beautiful fragrance. To me, it's a manly, natural sophisticated scent done just right-not too much of anything or underdone.
The top notes of carrot, fig, elemi resin are expertly blended and paired nicely with the cedar and sandalwood and in such a lovely combination as it pulls you into the lily of the valley middle notes.. It moved from my 2nd favorite from Orientica to #1 favorite. Royal Bleu is #2. The Amber Noir was a blind purchase and Royal Bleu wasn't. The dry down is beautiful amber, sweet sandalwood and cedar.
The bottle is okay for me. Some people like it. I don't care of the "extra' in any fragrance bottling. However, it's a very sturdy constructed bottle.
It pulls off classy, gentleman, natural/outdoorsy with the cedarwood vibe so doing all of these is a big win for me. If I can't point out any offensive notes, and I like or love the top to base notes, it's a 10, and that's why I gave it a 10.
The top notes of carrot, fig, elemi resin are expertly blended and paired nicely with the cedar and sandalwood and in such a lovely combination as it pulls you into the lily of the valley middle notes.. It moved from my 2nd favorite from Orientica to #1 favorite. Royal Bleu is #2. The Amber Noir was a blind purchase and Royal Bleu wasn't. The dry down is beautiful amber, sweet sandalwood and cedar.
The bottle is okay for me. Some people like it. I don't care of the "extra' in any fragrance bottling. However, it's a very sturdy constructed bottle.
It pulls off classy, gentleman, natural/outdoorsy with the cedarwood vibe so doing all of these is a big win for me. If I can't point out any offensive notes, and I like or love the top to base notes, it's a 10, and that's why I gave it a 10.
Spicebomb 2012 Edition
The OG from this Line and considered a sweet spicy fragrance for men. There's several other flankers from this line, but this one I'm reviewing and the 2015 - amber spicy, Spicebomb release are considered the top two from this lot.
Spicebomb is spicy, sweet, woody, oriental. It's not mind blowing, I admit but it's does the job for me in captivating my curiosity and likes. If I had to compare it to another fragrance it would be Man in Black by Bvlgari. They are similar in spiciness and smoothness. However, MIB has a earthy-green twist in it's opening that Spicebomb obviously does not. Same familiarity and vibe but different. I like both and probably Spicebomb just by a bit. I think it's more spicy, tobacco, and leathery. Too me, MIB is sweeter and not as spicy.
The one thing that I'd say is a bit disappointing is longevity. But first let me say, "don't believe everything you read about longevity." I'm not saying they aren't correct, it's just that everyone has a different experience for many different reasons. Every bottle/batch could be different than what you get. In addition, the longer your bottle sits, the better it should get. Sometimes, I don't think these bottles maturate long enough. It's about mass production and not so much quality, IMHO. Mine last about 2 hours after two modest sprays to wrists.
It does have a nice pillowy tobacco and vanilla/oriental base that is noticed throughout. I don't think you can go without mentioning it's also creamy gourmand vibe. Spicebomb gives me kind of a dapper barbershop vibe as well. You know, barbershops have "recreated" their images to be more youthful, trendy, and stylish. Maybe I get that because of spicy leather? Creamy, woody?
I think there needs to be second category for men's barbershop style perfume because Spicebomb does not fit the original style barbershop vibe as we are familiar with which is to me a more mature scent. Maybe the second 2nd cat barbershop vibe could be as follows: a bit more youthful (but not too), gentleman, spirited, dapper, and cozy, confident. In some ways parts of it oddly reminds me of The Tragedy of Lord George Penhaligon's. They're not really alike much, except for the warm spicy and a bit soapy on dry down. It just popped in my head.
Spicebomb is a wonderful fall & holiday and winter scent I would say. Festive holiday season and winter is where one would get the most enjoyment wearing this scent.
It's too early to say if I would buy it again. For one reason, there's ocean(s) of untried fragrances to be tried. but this certainly a keeper. For me to say, "I'd buy again," there has to be something very special about it. Shouldn't it be something that describes how your feeling? something you think about often? your personality maybe? Somewhat addictive, wanting more? Something you want near you? Something that brings back memories or something somewhere in you past or present?
For something to be great to someone it just has to please them. It's funny how that works sometimes. We think people are strange for liking things we don't. It's just about how our brains and minds work and sometimes not so much about all the technical things in perfumes.
Best! :)
Spicebomb is spicy, sweet, woody, oriental. It's not mind blowing, I admit but it's does the job for me in captivating my curiosity and likes. If I had to compare it to another fragrance it would be Man in Black by Bvlgari. They are similar in spiciness and smoothness. However, MIB has a earthy-green twist in it's opening that Spicebomb obviously does not. Same familiarity and vibe but different. I like both and probably Spicebomb just by a bit. I think it's more spicy, tobacco, and leathery. Too me, MIB is sweeter and not as spicy.
The one thing that I'd say is a bit disappointing is longevity. But first let me say, "don't believe everything you read about longevity." I'm not saying they aren't correct, it's just that everyone has a different experience for many different reasons. Every bottle/batch could be different than what you get. In addition, the longer your bottle sits, the better it should get. Sometimes, I don't think these bottles maturate long enough. It's about mass production and not so much quality, IMHO. Mine last about 2 hours after two modest sprays to wrists.
It does have a nice pillowy tobacco and vanilla/oriental base that is noticed throughout. I don't think you can go without mentioning it's also creamy gourmand vibe. Spicebomb gives me kind of a dapper barbershop vibe as well. You know, barbershops have "recreated" their images to be more youthful, trendy, and stylish. Maybe I get that because of spicy leather? Creamy, woody?
I think there needs to be second category for men's barbershop style perfume because Spicebomb does not fit the original style barbershop vibe as we are familiar with which is to me a more mature scent. Maybe the second 2nd cat barbershop vibe could be as follows: a bit more youthful (but not too), gentleman, spirited, dapper, and cozy, confident. In some ways parts of it oddly reminds me of The Tragedy of Lord George Penhaligon's. They're not really alike much, except for the warm spicy and a bit soapy on dry down. It just popped in my head.
Spicebomb is a wonderful fall & holiday and winter scent I would say. Festive holiday season and winter is where one would get the most enjoyment wearing this scent.
It's too early to say if I would buy it again. For one reason, there's ocean(s) of untried fragrances to be tried. but this certainly a keeper. For me to say, "I'd buy again," there has to be something very special about it. Shouldn't it be something that describes how your feeling? something you think about often? your personality maybe? Somewhat addictive, wanting more? Something you want near you? Something that brings back memories or something somewhere in you past or present?
For something to be great to someone it just has to please them. It's funny how that works sometimes. We think people are strange for liking things we don't. It's just about how our brains and minds work and sometimes not so much about all the technical things in perfumes.
Best! :)
People either Love or Dislike OW?
Oud Wood is one of the first fragrances that truly allured me to perfumery. It's an everyday, office, running around town, or just bumming around the house type. Simply put, it's just good. It's clean with just a touch of sophistication! It's men mostly who wear it, but some confident women like it too. However, some men think it's too fem. Bottom line, it's fresh, clean wood with a touch of spiciness.
I made my own batch recently and it has the longevity that some of the commercial bottles may be lacking nowadays, plus it still has that true character of TF Oud wood. Not to mention the savings $$.
Don't get discouraged on the original bottles though because the last original Oud Wood bottle I purchased had decent longevity but the silage wasn't that great. I don't care for huge silage anyway, just lasting time. On clothes, it can last up to 3-4 weeks.
The fresh beautiful, woody-ambery smell is a winner for me and worth trying for those who haven't.
One thing I hear quite often is that it shouldn't be called oud wood because it really doesn't smell much like Oud. I do agree there. It is what it is. TF got where he is today without my opinion, so I'll trust that it happened that way for a reason and leave it at that. He's very competent to say the least. Carry on TF!
Best!
I made my own batch recently and it has the longevity that some of the commercial bottles may be lacking nowadays, plus it still has that true character of TF Oud wood. Not to mention the savings $$.
Don't get discouraged on the original bottles though because the last original Oud Wood bottle I purchased had decent longevity but the silage wasn't that great. I don't care for huge silage anyway, just lasting time. On clothes, it can last up to 3-4 weeks.
The fresh beautiful, woody-ambery smell is a winner for me and worth trying for those who haven't.
One thing I hear quite often is that it shouldn't be called oud wood because it really doesn't smell much like Oud. I do agree there. It is what it is. TF got where he is today without my opinion, so I'll trust that it happened that way for a reason and leave it at that. He's very competent to say the least. Carry on TF!
Best!
Santal de Mysore--Strange opening!
Serge Lutens is where I started and got my inspiration for perfume. I like the uniqueness of this brand. Today, I received a 5 ml decant of Santal Mysore (blind buy) and sadly, thus far, I have to say that I’m a bit disappointed. Where I live, it was early spring like temperatures today, so it may not have been ideal wearing temps for this fragrance.
First whiff: takes me to a beach somewhere, and I’m smelling a peculiar cocktail drink and sunscreen. In the opening, there’s warm sweetness drizzled over the multi-scented spices. Then, strong scent of pencil shavings, caramel, and glazed carrots. The longer it sits on my skin, I’m warming up a bit to the scent—not to say I approve of it! It’s not the Santal Mysore that’s the problem; it’s my nose. For some reason, my nose and Santal aren’t jiving to the same song. So, in my little experience, I know it’s helps to get a second take on the fragrance—probably wait a couple days for the temperatures to reach burrrrr, it’s cold again. So many things can affect your reaction to a scent—so don’t give up the first smelling!
Okay, 45 minutes later I’m in first grade again. Spiced cookies, crayons, and pencils. It’s weird, and I think maybe I like it—I don’t for sure. It smells like candied spices. Very woody-spicy on the dry down. For me, the spices and perhaps the sweetness cloud up the sandalwood a bit. However, I’m beginning to like the scent okay now. Not great, but okay. I won’t be purchasing a full bottle of the juice. Many people love this fragrance, and I think that’s great—Serge Lutens is a great brand/product.
I definitely like this fragrance better on the dry down. Also in the opening, you get a good dose of curry. That may be my dislike---curry. Curry is not one of my finest spice scents. Once I let my guards down from my dislikes and the dry down begins, Santal Mysore is actually a comforting scent overall. Then there’s ginger, cinnamon, and caraway, and Vanilla, all simmered in butter. Benzoin. Benzoin is just gorgeous. The longer I wear this fragrance, it becomes more sensual and luscious. My first impression of this frag was about 2.5 or 3 stars out of 5. Now, it’s about a 4.5. Now you know why I’m fond of Serge Lutens. It’s brilliant how his fragrances can change over time, and in this case becoming more seductive. That’s how I see it.
There’s another one by Serge called Santal Majuscule with sandalwood, rose, cocoa that I would like to try. Serge Lutens, Cedre is phenomenal. I wish it was edible. My favorite SL is Chergui. Diam Blond is great too. Most of SL fragrances are unisex.
To sum it up: I like this scent. Obviously, it’s not the best SL fragrance in my opinion, but I like it and will wear it. The 5 ml Santal Mysore purchase will not go to waste, that’s for sure! I’ll discover more interesting things about Santal Mysore the next time I wear it. It’s always an experience wearing SL fragrances. I do recommend getting sample first—that goes for all (or most) fragrances. This is a wonderful fall and winter frag. Good for many occasions.
First whiff: takes me to a beach somewhere, and I’m smelling a peculiar cocktail drink and sunscreen. In the opening, there’s warm sweetness drizzled over the multi-scented spices. Then, strong scent of pencil shavings, caramel, and glazed carrots. The longer it sits on my skin, I’m warming up a bit to the scent—not to say I approve of it! It’s not the Santal Mysore that’s the problem; it’s my nose. For some reason, my nose and Santal aren’t jiving to the same song. So, in my little experience, I know it’s helps to get a second take on the fragrance—probably wait a couple days for the temperatures to reach burrrrr, it’s cold again. So many things can affect your reaction to a scent—so don’t give up the first smelling!
Okay, 45 minutes later I’m in first grade again. Spiced cookies, crayons, and pencils. It’s weird, and I think maybe I like it—I don’t for sure. It smells like candied spices. Very woody-spicy on the dry down. For me, the spices and perhaps the sweetness cloud up the sandalwood a bit. However, I’m beginning to like the scent okay now. Not great, but okay. I won’t be purchasing a full bottle of the juice. Many people love this fragrance, and I think that’s great—Serge Lutens is a great brand/product.
I definitely like this fragrance better on the dry down. Also in the opening, you get a good dose of curry. That may be my dislike---curry. Curry is not one of my finest spice scents. Once I let my guards down from my dislikes and the dry down begins, Santal Mysore is actually a comforting scent overall. Then there’s ginger, cinnamon, and caraway, and Vanilla, all simmered in butter. Benzoin. Benzoin is just gorgeous. The longer I wear this fragrance, it becomes more sensual and luscious. My first impression of this frag was about 2.5 or 3 stars out of 5. Now, it’s about a 4.5. Now you know why I’m fond of Serge Lutens. It’s brilliant how his fragrances can change over time, and in this case becoming more seductive. That’s how I see it.
There’s another one by Serge called Santal Majuscule with sandalwood, rose, cocoa that I would like to try. Serge Lutens, Cedre is phenomenal. I wish it was edible. My favorite SL is Chergui. Diam Blond is great too. Most of SL fragrances are unisex.
To sum it up: I like this scent. Obviously, it’s not the best SL fragrance in my opinion, but I like it and will wear it. The 5 ml Santal Mysore purchase will not go to waste, that’s for sure! I’ll discover more interesting things about Santal Mysore the next time I wear it. It’s always an experience wearing SL fragrances. I do recommend getting sample first—that goes for all (or most) fragrances. This is a wonderful fall and winter frag. Good for many occasions.
Leather Oud Dior
Leather Oud by Dior
This is a unique fragrance by Dior. For me, I don’t get much of the top note Bergamot as it jumps right into the heart notes which are easy to distinguish; clove, cardamon, Jasmine, and geranium. In the base notes it has somewhat of a peculiar note which grows on you after repeated samplings—it’s the note of beach sand (this is what makes it so unique I think). I love Agarwood. This one is great too, along with leather, smoke, and Amberwood. I have to admit at first smelling from the sample vial, I wasn’t sure if I liked it. But as you know, never judge a scent from a vial or bottle.
ON the dry down: the cardamom and clove really start to warm and become less medicinal. I think I smell a little Bergamot now which makes it fresher, cleaner. I’ve heard people say this scent is rough one. Maybe a little in the beginning-but only for about 10-15 minutes. It’s totally friendly. So, if you try it, let it wear on your skin a few minutes before throwing in the towel. It does change scent quickly and dries down beautifully. I would say it’s a little classy, masculine (not overly), and bit animalic-very little in my opinion. I can see it being versatile for many occasions. The longevity is good. It becomes extremely sexy the longer it wears on your skin. Positively good!
This is a unique fragrance by Dior. For me, I don’t get much of the top note Bergamot as it jumps right into the heart notes which are easy to distinguish; clove, cardamon, Jasmine, and geranium. In the base notes it has somewhat of a peculiar note which grows on you after repeated samplings—it’s the note of beach sand (this is what makes it so unique I think). I love Agarwood. This one is great too, along with leather, smoke, and Amberwood. I have to admit at first smelling from the sample vial, I wasn’t sure if I liked it. But as you know, never judge a scent from a vial or bottle.
ON the dry down: the cardamom and clove really start to warm and become less medicinal. I think I smell a little Bergamot now which makes it fresher, cleaner. I’ve heard people say this scent is rough one. Maybe a little in the beginning-but only for about 10-15 minutes. It’s totally friendly. So, if you try it, let it wear on your skin a few minutes before throwing in the towel. It does change scent quickly and dries down beautifully. I would say it’s a little classy, masculine (not overly), and bit animalic-very little in my opinion. I can see it being versatile for many occasions. The longevity is good. It becomes extremely sexy the longer it wears on your skin. Positively good!
