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Sylv's Stats
 
  • Review Count
    27
  • Helpfulness Votes
    41
  • First Review
    9 June 2012
  • Last Review
    11 November 2014
  • Featured Reviews
    0
  • Average Rating
    4.2
 
 
Sylv's Reviews
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 Carbone Eau de Toilette Spray 100ml
Carbone Eau de Toilette Spray 100ml
An enduring masculine fragrance, the Balmain Carbone Eau de Toilette captures the spirit of the modern Balmain man. As the name suggests, Carbone is bathed in darkness. A sensual and passionate scent that is dedicated to the urban man who is driven by performance. At the opening, bourbon pepper and black fig combined with the Elemi resin compose an explosively spicy overture. The heart of the fragrance conveys refinement, modernity and elegance with touches of greenery and resonating intense. The base lingers over the intense and sensual notes of Siam benzoin and musk. Vetiver adds its masculine touch. Top Notes: Bourbon Pepper, Elemi Resin, Fig Leaf Heart Notes: Violet Leaf Absolute, Green Ivy, Incense Base Notes: Siam Benzoin, Musk, Vetiver
 
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
beautiful !
Date:18 February 2013
Location: Bucharest
Age: 19-29
Gender: Male
Fragrance appeal: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Effectiveness: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Ease of use: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Now this is one woody-spicy fragrance to remember! Not a masterpiece but an inspired release of the past few years. Casual, but elegant and also very classy.
The notes are close to those of Balmain de Balmain. In my imagination, i expected something peppery and after testing this repeatedly i can say that i wasnt extremely far in my view.
This all construction is sublime and it is completed by a stuning bottle. Simple but beautiful: heavy glass, straight lines, traditional touch. Atomizer is average though.
The scent has notes of elemi (a resin with a herbal aroma), musk, benzoin, bourbon pepper in the beggining. Then, in what would be called the base of the scent, you experience violet leaves, vetiver, incense and black fig. A manly smell, not overpowering, with a soft touch, warm, refined and praised by women, without necessarily refer to classic green fragrances from the early 80’s.
The smell: it's a dry pencil-woody scent with a hint of incense. The fig note provides some interest and is completed with a certain degree of sweetness to balance the preliminary woods.
To write a bit in details, Carbone begins "burned and a bit harsh”, with a mix of elemi and pepper followed (as mentioned previously) immediately by strong wood tones and the incense, pretty intense one, which remains dominant for quite some hours. About 1 hour into the fragrance evolution, it becomes a bit more creamy and smoky thanks to the benzoin probably and to the fig, which gives sweet nuances to the fragrance.
Carbone has good longevity (7-8 hours) but it is quiet and stays close to the skin after about 2 hours. I wouldn't mind if it was a little bit louder, but there is something to appreciate about its reservedness as well. It is easy to wear and I can't see it ever becoming intrusive or offending anyone. A nice, casual choice for Fall and Winter wear, Carbone bears some resemblance to Gucci Pour Homme I (mixing it with Gucci pour homme II) or Eau Des Baux.
It’s seductive and delivers a lot of elegance. I'm still going beyond: has the typical tone of niche perfumes that many men lose time looking for.
A cologne for formal occasions or for work environments. Indeed very pleasant (women like it) and easily wearable; but not earth-shattering.
Final rating: 4.5 / 5 (a better projection would of raised the final rating to 4.8).
+1point
1of 1voted 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
5 out of 5
very good formal option!
Date:24 December 2012
Location: Bucharest
Age: 19-29
Gender: Male
Fragrance appeal: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Longevity: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
An excellent re-creation from perfumer Francois Demacy (who reformulated this one in 2012; the fragrance also suffered several other reformulations in the past). It is actually a completely different fragrance from the "Fahrenheit" signature series by Dior.
Dior Homme opens with the iris note and in the early stages it gives off that lipstick scent that this fragrance is famous for; after about an hour it begins to warm up but it still holds on to the iris note.
About 1 hour and a half into the drydown, you will notice a cocoa note starting to emerge which then turns into a slightly warm, cocoa lipstick is just great.
About 4 hours into the drydown and the slight warmth of the fragrance tones down as does the iris/lipstick note. Cocoa gets more proeminent, turning the fragrance into something beautiful.
At this stage the fragrance actually turns unisex. Can be easily worn by women as well.
The longevity is above average (6-8 hours) and the sillage is goodf for a fragrance of this intensity (you get a good scent cloud of about 3 hours then turns a bit into skin scent). It doesn't blast off the skin, but instead leaves a nice scent trail.
You and the persons nearby can enjoy this noble scent for a whole evening, without having to dig the nose in the skin or the shirt. This is the essential idea in making perfumes, as the word 'per fumum' says, nowadays is actually so often ignored.
Compliment factor is good. Mainly because this is a well crafted fragrance. It evokes class and luxury. Bottle is well made and the sprayer is very good.
What are the differences between 2012 reformulation and original DH?
Actually there have been more reformulations before the 2012 one. There are some slight differences between the old and new versions of DH, yes. The vintage opens up with a powerful iris, where the last reformulation hangs on to the iris less longer. You do get cocoa stronger than in the vintage one and it also takes a bit less to develop.
When to wear Dior Homme?
Indeed it is for those special occasions or for romantic dates. Can be used daily but not really versatile for office wear.
Why would you hate Dior Homme?
You might not enjoy this fragrance due to its initial blast of lipstick given by the iris note, blended with other notes. There are plenty of negative opinions due to this. So if you dislike the iris, there is a fair chance that you will not like this. Sample before you buy.
What season to wear Dior Homme?
It is mainly cold weather scent, but due to its smooth and warmth, can be used in warmer evenings (spring especially). It is not really suitable for hot summer as the iris blast can be found overpowering.
A top fragrance needs a special dressed man. Therefore if you spray Dior Homme. avoid sports-wear or hoodies. Choose to dress with casual shirts or blazers and nice jeans.
Can be worn on formal occasions or on really important occasions such as weddings (just avoid wearing it in a hot weather). Very good for romantic wears but go easy on the trigger.
Conclusion: High quality? Seductive? Absolutely! Sexy? So and so, it is rather elegant and shows class. It's woody, sensual, warm, not totally masculine, but rather unisex in drydown.
4.8/5
+2points
5of 8voted this as helpful.
 
Dior Homme Intense is the quintessence of prestige and sophistication in a woody ambery Eau de Parfum, between strength, singularity and confident sensuality. "Dior Homme Intense is a 'dry' and persistent oriental. Its full, round notes are wrapped in wood to give the composition a drier character. It has a clear, unrestrained manliness about it." - François Demachy, Dior Perfumer-Creator OLFACTORY DESCRIPTION: Tuscan Iris Iris absolute is one of the most precious elements of the perfumer's palette. Its extraction is a very long and delicate process: the rhizome must first be treated and then dried for at least three years. Its extraordinarily strong, almost pervasive fragrance of powdery accords reveals its woody green nuances, recalling the comforting aroma of warm bread. Ecuadorian Ambrette Seed Ambrette Seed is a noble ingredient in the palette. Hibiscus fruit seeds are distilled to obtain an ambrette "butter". The fatty acids are then washed away, leaving only a purified essence. Its musky and slightly fruity accents, between Pear Liqueur and Silk Talc, feature in Dior Homme Intense. Virginia Cedar Indigenous to the United States, the essence of Cedar is extracted by steam distillation. Its refined, noble scent is used to deliver a full-bodied, energizing tone to base notes in many men's fragrances. Prolong the trail of Dior Homme Intense Eau de Parfum 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. Apply Dior Homme deodorant for long-lasting freshness.
 
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
High Quality
Date:9 November 2012
Location: Bucharest
Age: 19-29
Gender: Male
Fragrance appeal: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Longevity: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
A High Quality creation from Francois Demacy (who reformulated this one in 2011) and actually a completely different fragrance from the "Fahrenheit" signature series by Dior.
Dior Homme Intense pens with the iris note and in the early stages it gives off that lipstick scent that this fragrance is famous for; after about 30 minutes it begins to heat up but it still holds on to the iris note.
About 1 hour into the drydown, you will notice a cocoa note starting to emerge which then turns into a slightly warm, cocoa lipstick is just great.
About 3 hours into the drydown and the slight warmth of the fragrance tones down as does the iris/lipstick note. A vanilla vibe surfaces and blends into the cocoa, turning the fragrance into something absolutely beautiful. Vaqnilla is actually not listed into the notes but you will get a clear feel of it in the drydown.
At this stage the fragrance actually turns unisex as it becomes really sweet. Can be easily worn by women as well.
The longevity is extremely good (10-12 hours) and the sillage is perfect for a fragrance of this intensity (you get a good scent cloud of about 4 hours). It doesn't blast off the skin, but instead leaves a smooth haze around the wearer and a soft, but prevalent, scent trail.
Pure iris but also vanilla feel powdery elegance with a potent projection and longevity, sans being intrusive. You and the persons nearby can enjoy this noble scent for a whole evening, without the necessity of digging the nose in the skin or the shirt. This is the essential idea in making perfumes, as the word 'per fumum' says, nowadays is actually so often ignored.
Compliment factor is good to very good. Mainly because this is a well crafted fragrance. It evokes class and luxury. Bottle is well made and the sprayer is very good.
Why would you hate Dior Homme Intense?
Yes, you might not enjoy this fragrance due to its early stages and the lipstick vibe given by the iris note, blended with the pear and lavender. There are plenty of negative opinions due to its powdery top notes. So if you dislike the iris, there is a chance that you might not like this. Sample before you buy.
What are the differences between 2011 reformulation and original DHI?
There are some slight differences between the old and new versions of DHI, yes. The vintage opens up with a powerful iris that quickly turns into a vanilla/cocoa bomb, where the reformulation hangs on to the iris much longer. You do get vanilla and cocoa, it just takes a bit longer to develop.
Also on the reformulation you will notice the pear and lavender in the early stages. While the pear note dissapears pretty quickly, the lavender remains in the background for a high amount of time.
When to wear Dior Homme Intense?
Indeed its for those special occasions or for romantic dates. Can be used daily but not really versatile for office wear.
What season to wear Dior Homme Intense?
It is mainly a winter scent, but due to its smooth and warmth, can be used in warmer evenings (autumn especially). It is not really suitable for hot summer as the vanilla can be found overpowering.
A top fragrance needs a special dressed man. Therefore if you spray Dior Homme Intense, avoid sports-wear or hoodies, sneakers. Choose to dress with casual shirts or blazers and nice jeans (if possible not dry washed look or ripped off).
Can be worn on formal occasions or different press releases or luxury events; also on really important occasions such as anniversaries or weddings (just avoid wearing it in a hot weather). Very good for romantic wears but go easy on the trigger.
Conclusion: High quality? Seductive? Absolutely! Sexy? Not really, it is rather elegant and shows class. It's woody, sensual, warm but not exactly masculine, but rather unisex.
4.9/5
+8points
8of 8voted this as helpful.
 
 DSquared2 Potion Eau de Parfum Spray 30ml
DSquared2 Potion Eau de Parfum Spray 30ml
Lose yourself to the science of seduction with the DSquared2 Potion Eau de Parfum, a masculine essence inspired by the concoctions prepared in laboratories of the past. The affective alchemy is a tonic for the senses; the product of years of sensory evaluation and an artful blend of raw materials. It is a measured mixture that that intoxicates the mind and reveals an intense masculinity with its surprising aromatic woody amber notes. The compelling blend of red mint leaves, rose, black peppercorns, cinnamon and amber is impossible to resist. Bottled in a heavy medicinal flacon with modern lateral grooving, a plastified paper label displays the composition of the precious formula. Recipe: 2 freshly picked Red Mint Leaves, 2 pinches of Angelica, 1 twig of Thyme, 6 freshly picked Rose Petals, 4 Black Peppercorns, 2 tear drops of Gentian, 1 ½ Cinnamon sticks, 1 handful of blended Cashmere Wood, 2 splashes of Patchouli, ½ cup of Amber, and 10ml of Musk.
 
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
great !
Date:13 June 2012
Location: Bucharest
Age: 19-29
Gender: Male
Fragrance appeal: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Effectiveness: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Ease of use: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
A Real Masterpiece from Annick Menardo and a completely different fragrance from the "Wood" series by Dsquared.
Warm and sensual scent, with a high cinnamon feel in the base.
One of the best designer releases of the last several years. Basically this is a spicy-woody fragrance laying on a patchouli and amber base with an overall incense vibe that brings to mind an early 2000 release by Gucci (Gucci Pour Homme I) or, in other stages of the drydown, even Dirty English by Juicy Couture. If you're on a budget and you also want to avoid smelling like everybody else, this is a very presentable alternative to niche houses.
Potion opens with just the faintest hint of mint over light spiced amber and woods, before developing into a combination of cinnamon, black pepper and a deeper more vociferous amber heart. The pyramid states that wood is at the base, but I could smell it from the first spray. The aromatic notes are noticeably quieter, which makes the dry down a lot smoother, perhaps slightly sweeter and pulls amber further front. The cedar in the base however differs from the usual cedar, combining it with musk and amber (from the heart notes) and with subtle touches of patchouli.
Potion edp is definitely on the sweet side of fragrances, can be classified as gourmand even, but it never drops into the dangerous territory of being overly sweet or cloying (like Lolita Au Masculin or Boucheron Jairpur Homme).
Overall is quite linear in its development, but it smells extremely refined and well-blended. Longevity is above average (I am getting a minimum of 8 hours out of it) and projection is below average (more like a skin scent, but not weak at all; you get a scent cloud of around 2 hours our of it). To the nose: scent is soft and kind, it is a sticky cinammon and a little gourmand (amber effect). Tangy and yummy and fresh to an extent. It is an eau de parfum from the perspective that it is a rich and quality scent, not so much from a projection point of view, as i previously mentioned.
When to wear Potion?
For sure its for those special occasions or for dates. Also cocktail partys and less for everyday use (1-2 days in a week maybe).
What season to wear Potion?
It is mainly a colder weather scent, but due to its smooth and soft feel, can be used in warmer evenings (spring and autumn). It is not really suitable for hot summers.
A good perfume needs a special dressed man or at least well dressed. Therefore if you spray Potion, avoid fperexample hoodies, sneakers. So dress with casual shirts or blazers and nice jeans (if possible not dry washed look or ripped off).
Conclusion: Seductive? Sexy? Absolutely! It's oriental, sensual, dark but smooth and of course masculine.
5/5
+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
 
 Jean Paul Gaultier Kokorico Eau de Toilette Spray 100ml
Jean Paul Gaultier Kokorico Eau de Toilette Spray 100ml
The Jean Paul Gaultier Kokorico Eau de Toilette is a powerful, dynamic, aphrodisiac fragrance. Raw cocoa bean collides with the sprightly freshness of fig leaf , and livens up the timeless elegance of woods. A striking and unusual bottle. With a trick of the eye a man's face is shown when viewed from the front, turnung nto a sexy and virile torso in profile. Top Notes: Fig Leaf Hearts Notes: Raw Cocoa Bean Base Notes: Woods
 
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Very good
Date:9 June 2012
Age: 19-29
Gender: Male
Fragrance appeal: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Longevity: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
A very blamed new release due to its resemblance with Instant de Guerlain, but in time people will understand it. Cocoa and patchouli combo is not a pleaser to all the crowd. Take cocoa from the Instant, add some a fig note, pair it with the vibe of latest givenchy releases and there you have the top and heart of this fragrance. For the base, ISO-E and cedarwood overload. A well done fragrance in my opinion with an awesome longevity.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
 Homme L'Eau Eau de Toilette Spray 80ml
Homme L'Eau Eau de Toilette Spray 80ml
Guerlain Homme L'eau reinterprets the attraction of the citrus harmony, still discreetly infused with rum. Searching for purity and authenticity, the male who wears Guerlain Homme L'eau instinctively knows where to find the original water that will replenish him and renew his powers of attraction. In frosted glass through which the vivid colour of the fragrance can be glimpsed, its bottle is distinguished by its luminosity. Part ice sculpture, part pared-down design, it is a return to original purity whose olfactive creation is signed by Thierry Wasser. CITRUS, AROMATIC , WOODY. The zest and refinement of the duo of bergamot and grapefruit, then the inevitable twist provided by the emblematic notes of Guerlain Homme, mint and geranium, the freshness of L'Eau is invigorating almost to the point of being icycool. A hint of rum sustains the citrus harmony that is the signature of this new creation of Thierry Wasser.
 
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Great !
Date:9 June 2012
Age: 19-29
Gender: Male
Fragrance appeal: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Longevity: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
A great green citrus spicy fragrance, this flanker of the original Guerlain Homme, can be worn both smart or casual during summer. Lime and mint done right ! Projection and longevity over the average.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
 Unforgivable Eau de Toilette Spray Recharge
Unforgivable Eau de Toilette Spray Recharge
This Recharge version of Unforgivable contains just the singular bottle of fragrance without the holder. Perfect for Unforgivable fans who already have the holder. A sexy and smooth scent that captures the dynamism of Sean Combs, otherwise known as P Diddy. Clean, sensual and energetic, the fragrance is for men who live with passion and conviction; those who have no limits and unbridled ambition. A unique scent and an impressive debut. Top Notes: Lemon, Bergamot, Tangerine. Heart Notes: Lavender, Clary Sage Base Notes: Rum, Amber, Tonka.
 
Overall Rating: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Very good
Date:9 June 2012
Age: 19-29
Gender: Male
Fragrance appeal: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Effectiveness: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Ease of use: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
A very pleasant scent that most people will appreciate and say that it smells nice. A dark citrus fragrance with a nice woody drydown + a hint of sweet tangerine. Good projection, a scent cloud of around 2 hours and a longevity of 5-6 hours for this fragrance, that shares similarities with a much more expensive scent: Creed Millesime Imperial.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.