TheWolf's Stats
- Review Count30
- Helpfulness Votes88
- First Review31 January 2012
- Last Review26 April 2015
- Featured Reviews0
- Average Rating4.6
Iris Nobile Eau de Toilette Spray
A lighter interpretation of the luminous Iris Nobile fragrance
that combines the discreet elegance of floral notes with a refined
chypre accord, gradually revealing it's sensual, discreet and
precious notes.
A sensation of vibrant vitality bestowed by a great transparent
floral fragrance. Tingling notes of bergamot and star anise
anticipate the noble fascination of the iris and the refined,
discreet elegance of cedar flower and orange blossom. Soft, velvety
notes of ambrette crystals and an infusion of vanilla close this
sophisticated, discreet fragrance with a unique sillage.
Top: Bergamot, Orange, Mandarin, Iris, Star Anise
Heart: Mimose, Tuberose, Orange Blossom, Hibiscus.
Base: Amber, Vanilla.
Overall Rating:
4
out of
5
Date:15 March 2012
It's interesting that Iris Nobile should be largely billed as a feminine fragrance. In its stronger concentration as an Eau de Parfum I would concede that the female of the species is more suited to its abundant charms but the Eau de Toilette could just as easily be worn by a man without fear of undue controversy! This has everything to do with the spicy note of star anise which emerges from a fresh citrusy opening (bergamot) before getting down to the main business : its resounding orris root heart - albeit a heart somewhat sweeter than many other iris -centred fragrances. The measured addition of vanilla becomes gently apparent in the dry down and knits the whole together into a subtle woody finale. A lovely scent to enhance a warm summer evening.
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Serge Lutens Nuit de Cellophane Eau de Parfum Spray 50ml
Are you familiar with the scent of osmanthus? The flower is white or tinged with orange. From the tight clusters of its petals bursts the scent of jasmine laced with mandarin orange. On hot summer days, it provides a breath of fresh air. Our Fragrance Expert Says: "Occasionally Uncle Serge will do something completely out of character (see L'Eau) - something that doesn't entirely fit with his aesthetic of hedonistic orientals and vicious florals. Nuit de Cellophane is one such exception and is Lutens' take on the soft, shampoo-esque floral. The result is creamy and milky osmanthus buds wrapped in cling film. Not an entirely new style of scent but well executed"
Overall Rating:
5
out of
5
There's Nothing Wrong With A Bit Of Subtlety
Date:14 March 2012
Fragrance appeal:
5
out of
5
Longevity:
3
out of
5
Another magical fragrance imagined by Christopher Sheldrake for Serge Lutens (2009), this time employing osmathus up front with a subtle note of jasmine following not far behind. Six hours or so into the dry down I am left with an impression of sweet traces of Parma violet . A beguiling shadow of a perfume; reticent but sure of itself. None of your unisex stuff here; this is a scent for the kind of woman who is happy to be noticed unobtrusively rather than crashing through the cocktail bar door in furs and a blaze of trumpets and crashing cymbals. Definitely not one for Nancy Dell'Olio !
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+6points
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Elegance is the ultimate freedom.
Habit Rouge incarnates the magnificent and unpredictable hunter, a man who is enamored of refinement and capable of all manner of audacity.
He lives his life fervently and distinguishes himself with an allure that combines sophistication and sensuality.
An oriental that is by turns citrusy, warm and accented with vanilla, Habit Rouge expresses the genius of contrast and well-mastered emotions.
The bottle's mastery of form, sharp shoulders and modern geometry give it an eternally elegant appeal.
Fragrance Description.
Oriental Citrus Passionate, sophisticated, audacious. Bitter becomes fresh when played in refined accords of lime and tangy orange.
Its spicy pedigree heart is warmed by patchouli and rests on a noble base where leather relaxes under the lavish caress of benzoin and vanilla.
It is the rich and sensual use of vanilla that gives Habit Rouge its complex and mysterious personality, the hallmark of Guerlain's greatest perfumes.
Perfumer's Secret.
A few drops of Eau de Toilette on a little leather ball placed in the car or in the home leaves a lasting, warm and sensual impression.
Overall Rating:
5
out of
5
Woody Alchemy
Date:13 March 2012
Fragrance appeal:
5
out of
5
Longevity:
4
out of
5
What is a "classic" when it comes to scent? Jean Paul Guerlain may or not have been fully aware of how well the years would treat his creation Habit Rouge when it was released into the world in 1965. Not that longevity is everything of course - Faberge's Brut is still lurking around in some form or other after all ! - but HR's ineffable qualities have stood the test of time because it is one of the most cunningly integrated and curiously reassuring fragrances ever imagined.
The sweet, rounded citrusy opening; resinous middle notes of sandalwood and patchouli and soft woody coda are a testament to the wisdom and craft of M. Guerlain's almost alchemical sensibility.
Simply magical stuff!
The sweet, rounded citrusy opening; resinous middle notes of sandalwood and patchouli and soft woody coda are a testament to the wisdom and craft of M. Guerlain's almost alchemical sensibility.
Simply magical stuff!
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+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
A lighter concentration of the exotic, spicy Opium scent. The deep and intense fragrance highlights the sensuality of an Oriental fragrance as mythical as it is mysterious. Top notes: Blackcurrant and star anise. Heart notes: Galanga and pepper. Base notes: Tolu balsam, atlas cedar and bourbon vanilla.
Overall Rating:
2
out of
5
Not So Oriental
Date:5 March 2012
Fragrance appeal:
2
out of
5
Longevity:
4
out of
5
Unlike its blousey Big Sister created for YSL in1977 by Jean-Louis Sieuzac Opium Pour Homme, an invention of Jaques Cavallier is a different kettle of fish altogether. The former is rightly perceived as a true
"Oriental" but I struggle to percieve the magic of "A Thousand and One Nights" in its masculine namesake. Pour Homme starts of well, if a little stridently, with a big nose full of peppery spice, a tad fruity around the edges and nice enough but thereafter I'm afraid it all goes down hill rapidly. An abrasive metalic note develops in the dry down from which the stately presence of vanilla cannot save us from a general (and wholly unpleasant) impression of an aerosol insecticide spray. It fails for me,.
"Oriental" but I struggle to percieve the magic of "A Thousand and One Nights" in its masculine namesake. Pour Homme starts of well, if a little stridently, with a big nose full of peppery spice, a tad fruity around the edges and nice enough but thereafter I'm afraid it all goes down hill rapidly. An abrasive metalic note develops in the dry down from which the stately presence of vanilla cannot save us from a general (and wholly unpleasant) impression of an aerosol insecticide spray. It fails for me,.
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-2points
3of 8voted this as helpful.
The Dior Homme Eau de Toilette is intriguingly powerful and appealingly fresh. Dior Homme holds the promise of an intensely woody masculinity that envelops and enfolds, leaving a lasting impression.
"This new Dior Homme has an unmistakably virile signature that does not prevent it from developing tender, sensual accents. It basically draws the portrait of a modern man." - François Demachy, Dior Perfumer-Creator
OLFACTORY DESCRIPTION:
Atlas Cedar
Atlas Cedar blows its dry and subtly leathery warmth through the trail of Dior Homme. Combined with Vetiver, it leads a polyphony of woods filled with tension and dialogue.
Patchouli Heart
The Patchouli Heart is full and enveloping. It mingles with the virile woods to convey a caressing sensuality.
Vetiver
Native to India and Indonesia, but also found in Haiti and on Reunion Island, Vetiver is a perennial plant with an odorous root system. The essential oil is obtained by steam distillation. The persistent accords of Vetiver are used in woody, chypre and oriental compositions. Vetiver lavishes a boldly sophisticated base note on Dior Homme.
HOW TO USE:
Prolong the trail of Dior Homme Eau de Toilette with the Dior Homme ritual:
1. Awaken the senses with the invigorating notes of the Dior Homme shower gel.
2. Soften your skin with the Dior Homme aftershave balm.
3. Freshen up with the Dior Homme spray deodorant.
Ingredients (click to show)
Ingredients (click to hide)
Alcohol, Parfum (Fragrance), Aqua (Water), Limonene, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Hydroxycitronellal, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citronellol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bht, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Coumarin, Citral, Geraniol, Ci 47005 (Yellow 10), Tocopherol, Ci 14700 (Red 4), Ci 60730 (Ext. Violet 2), Ci 19140 (Yellow 5).
Overall Rating:
5
out of
5
If You Go Down To The Woods Today
Date:5 March 2012
Fragrance appeal:
5
out of
5
Longevity:
4
out of
5
Created for Dior in2005 by perfumer Olivier Polge, Dior Homme truly is a masculine fragrance, a scent which holds its integrity from top to tail. Opening with a sweet citrus note of bergamot it quickly settles down into the main business which it a big hit of dry powdery iris which carries right through to a sophisticated coda redolent of freshly planed cedar wood shavings or perhaps even the interior of an old cigar box. A robust aroma which would be equally at home if worn with a polo shirt and jeans or a smart business suit (but nothing at all scruffy please!) Pure class.
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+4points
4of 4voted this as helpful.
Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Mirto di Panarea is a fragrance inspired by Panarea, an island suspended in time, and the smallest and oldest of the Aeolian Islands.
The fragrance is an ode to the volcanic landscape and a representation of the wild spirit of the Mediterranean through a blend of sparkling citrus notes with myrtle and fresh juniper notes. Mirto di Panarea eau de toilette embodies the aromatic warmth of myrtle combined with basil and sparkling citrus accents of lemon and Calabrian bergamot. Sea breeze accents and fresh juniper notes meet jasmine and rose, bringing a feeling of calm and harmony.
Mirto di Panarea comes in the iconic Acqua di Parma bottle, a must-have design object with Art deco influences. The glass, which is pure, luxurious, and thick, is tinged with a deep blue that in a play of reflections evokes the transparency of the sea.
Overall Rating:
4
out of
5
Beside The Seaside
Date:24 February 2012
Fragrance appeal:
5
out of
5
Longevity:
3
out of
5
Aqua De Parma's 'Blue Mediterraneo' range of fragrances are a lot of fun. Mirto Di Panarea just about levels out as my favorite of the bunch. Don't expect a long-lasting fragrance because it isn't but while it lingers there's no doubting its invigorating qualities. It's a fresh daytime smell with "Wake Up!!" written all over it. The citrusy top notes quickly settle down leaving a more complex bitter-sweet finish thanks to the dry woody ambience of myrtle and darker shadows of juniper. A seaside holiday smell like foaming white waves breaking over the rocks. Lovely.
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+2points
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Serge Lutens Cèdre Eau de Parfum 50ml
Like a pastry made of wood.
Another take on Féminité for an alternate reality. True to its name, it contains cedar, to which honey is the key. But I have added tuberose, barely perceptible but of paramount importance.
Overall Rating:
5
out of
5
Woody Masculine
Date:24 February 2012
Fragrance appeal:
5
out of
5
Longevity:
5
out of
5
Another fine creation for Serge Lutens by perfumer Christopher Sheldrake (2005), Cedre is in every way a masculine fragrance. Full of elusive woodland notes and fleeting spicy, leathery shadows (and -don't be put off! - even a trace of something not unlike tobacco and engine oil in the dry-down) it would make a great gift for the older gentleman.
Above all I am struck by its warmth and longevity as it unfolds on the skin.
Above all I am struck by its warmth and longevity as it unfolds on the skin.
A wonderfully integrated but quietly undemonstrative invention.
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+7points
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The scent of the gods, Yves Saint Laurent Kouros is a symbol of perfection, strength, and power. Vibrant and exceptional, this fragrance is a daring blend of aromatic notes deepened with spices and the warmth of woods and musk. The resounding note of Coriander is enhanced by the energy of Bergamot and the virile power of Artemisia. The sensual Clove and floral notes of Jasmine then warm this complex and vibrant essence before Ambergris and Oakmoss complete the perfection of the trail. A divine and conquering spicy chypre fragrance with a powerful and intense trail. Top Notes: Coriander, Bergamot, Artemisia Heart Notes: Clove, Patchouli, Jasmine Base Notes: Leather, Oakmoss, Vanilla.
Overall Rating:
5
out of
5
The Test Of Time
Date:23 February 2012
Fragrance appeal:
5
out of
5
Longevity:
5
out of
5
There's no doubt about it, Kouros is a BIG smell! Created by Pierre Bourdon for YSL in 1981 it's a scent for a brave man! I fell head over heels for it on my first encounter three decades ago but lost faith for a while when it was adopted by a veritable army of Ladz who chose to bathe in it rather than consider a discreet application (It could fill up a whole train carriage from end to end!) Returning to it after a long break is a revelation. The white and silver bottle seems seems entirely apt (it is a WHITE smell, redolent of a well known brand of baby powder amplified one hundred times and more! ) and therein, perhaps, lays its power - a memory trace of infancy; the soothing touch of a mother's hands. It's hard to separate out the notes, so well integrated are they into a singular whole. Sweet but not cloying; masculine but with a soft centre; beauty and the beast entwined! A little goes (quite literally) a very long way; the kind of fragrance which refuses not to be noticed. Kouros is a unique and remarkable invention which, to my nose at least, has stood the test of time with all its many idiosyncrasies intact.
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+2points
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Prada Infusion d'Iris Eau de Toilette Spray 50ml
A fresher, lighter interpretation of the contemporary elegance of Infusion d'Iris, a fragrance that
reinforces Prada's connection with the artisan traditions of
classic perfumery.
Full of high-quality natural ingredients, Infusion D'Iris is as clean and refreshing as freshly washed linen, whilst also exuding sophistication and elegance. It is an intimate and personal scent that envelops you.
Top: Lily-Of-The-Valley, Violet, Heliotrope.
Heart: Iris.
Base: Cedar, Neroli.
Overall Rating:
5
out of
5
Classy Pastoral Pleasures
Date:21 February 2012
Fragrance appeal:
5
out of
5
Longevity:
4
out of
5
Created by Daniela Andrier for Prada in 2007 'Infusion d' Iris'
is a classy piece of work. A sophisticated scent as at home in
the boardroom as it might be teasing the nose of your lover
across the candlelit table of an intimate backstreet Venetian
restaurant. Iris is the thing and there's a big solid blast of it
sitting squarely in the middle but on either side the citrusy top
notes (which to my sense of smell may have been tweaked
a tad since its first appearance), suggestive of orange blossom
and neroli and woody dry-down of cedar and the faintest trace
of liquorice, give the well-structured whole an elusive pastoral character. Warmed by skin it is very nearly intoxicating.
It would sit perfectly well with man or woman alike.
The discreet frosted glass bottle is a perfect vessel for its
beguiling contents. I love it.
is a classy piece of work. A sophisticated scent as at home in
the boardroom as it might be teasing the nose of your lover
across the candlelit table of an intimate backstreet Venetian
restaurant. Iris is the thing and there's a big solid blast of it
sitting squarely in the middle but on either side the citrusy top
notes (which to my sense of smell may have been tweaked
a tad since its first appearance), suggestive of orange blossom
and neroli and woody dry-down of cedar and the faintest trace
of liquorice, give the well-structured whole an elusive pastoral character. Warmed by skin it is very nearly intoxicating.
It would sit perfectly well with man or woman alike.
The discreet frosted glass bottle is a perfect vessel for its
beguiling contents. I love it.
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Serge Lutens Chergui Eau de Parfum Spray 50ml
A fire fanned by the wind, a desert in flames. As if bursting from the earth, Chergui, a desert wind, creates an effect that involves suction more than blowing, carrying plants, insects and twigs along in an inescapable ascent. Its full, persistent gusts crystallize shrubs, bushes and berries, which proceed to scorch, shrivel up and pay a final ransom in saps, resins and juices. Night falls on a still-smoldering memory, making way for the fragrant, ambery and candied aromas by the alchemist that is Chergui
Overall Rating:
5
out of
5
The Spice Is Right
Date:31 January 2012
Perfumer Christopher Sheldrake created Chergui for Serge Lutens
in 2001. On a blotter the first thing that hits you is a great big wollop
of spice, a bit like the smell of orange peel as it hits the bottom of a
pan of molten caramelized sugar laced with cumin; bitter/sweet
and just a little bit burnt. As the fragrance softens it becomes a
tad "greener" with notes of angelica, hay and greengage jam.
Finally base notes of tobacco, leather and black pepper come
through for a subtly masculine suave and stubbly finish.
in 2001. On a blotter the first thing that hits you is a great big wollop
of spice, a bit like the smell of orange peel as it hits the bottom of a
pan of molten caramelized sugar laced with cumin; bitter/sweet
and just a little bit burnt. As the fragrance softens it becomes a
tad "greener" with notes of angelica, hay and greengage jam.
Finally base notes of tobacco, leather and black pepper come
through for a subtly masculine suave and stubbly finish.
Up close it works its magic well on a romantic summer evening.
Pure class.
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+9points
9of 9voted this as helpful.