Parfum D'Habit Vintage formulation

Blackcurrant, Bergamot, Petitgrain.
Leather, Geranium, Patchouli, Incense.
Sandalwood, Amber, Vanilla.

The image to the left is the current rendition, but the review is of the vintage formula. I have yet to smell the new version, so I can not speak of any comparisons.

The opening accord of Parfum d'habit is one of the more challenging greetings you will encounter from a perfume. I still find this fragrance a tough wear and I know there are folks out there who love this juice. I have the utmost respect for Parfum d'Habit. Every time I wear it, I'm reminded that this scent is like Beauty and the Beast.

My instantaneous reaction to applying Parfum d'Habit is damp wool underneath a leather saddle. I understand not everyone gets the wool comparison, but it's intense on my skin and front and center. The ratios of Blackcurrant, Leather and Patchouli come into being as a wool accord that's slightly prickly. It's rather amazing and as unique a triumvirate as I've smelled.

Somehow, the intro and heart of Parfum d'Habit are the very same thing on my skin and as long lasting as it is, the only shift is in volume and presence. Others may experience nuances that I do not. The leathery wool persists with the other listed culprits acting as a supporting cast of sorts. Parfum d'Habit is not a comfort scent by any means and I must be in an energetic mood to wear it. The days I have that spring in my step and the weather is cool, this is a interesting choice and gives me a strange sense of pleasure.

It isn't until Parfum d'Habit begins to drydown that a sandalwood comes to fruition. It's underneath the leathery wool, but once it does arrive, it's a nice addition and lends this additional depth.

You can also sense a resin quality in the base and beyond, along with the sandal. I'm going to guess that this is from the amber. Since I can't detect a conventional amber rendition, it really is a guess, but perhaps that's all the amber is destined to contribute in Parfum d'Habit.

The oriental notes don't unravel in an obvious fashion. Stating that they are subtle is an understatement. In extended drydown, their DNA leaves trace evidence, but nothing more than that on me. I'm considering asking a Fragrance C.S.I. team what their thoughts are on this. Anyhow.........

Sillage is very good and longevity is commendable. A wearing usually results in a 6 hour leather-fest garnished in wool. Thumbs up from Aromi for MPG's eclectic Parfum d'Habit.

Comments

DK Men by Donna Karan

Citrus, Juniper, Pineapple. Ambergris, Almond. Sandalwood, Lavender, Musk. I felt compelled to revisit DK Men ( Fuel for Men ) after perusing through some older samples and then reading my previous review from 2009. Wearing DK Men again has caused me to revise my original post. I liked it three years ago and have a new found appreciation for this extremely smooth fragrance. My perception of it has changed slightly, but my opinion is still extremely favorable. This time around, I get less of a petrol vibe and much more of a fruit and suede theme. The pineapple note is integrated so well that I am surprised I couldn't previously esteem its deft implementation like I can now. The magic of DK Men is in the blending of chosen notes. The citric opening is very good indeed in spite of its quick dissipation. The pineapple and amber quickly pick up the slack. They are rich, full bodied and manage to keep a respectable presence while offending no one. The volume is intelligent. ...

Black Suede by Avon

Nutmeg, Clove, Amber, Musk, Moss, Wood Notes. Yes.........I am reviewing one of the Rodney Dangerfield's of fragrance. Black Suede has been gracing medicine cabinets, for better or worse, since 1980 my friends. If you're expecting me to inform you ( like others may have already ) that Black Suede is a nasty scrubber, you will be disappointed. On the other hand, if you're expecting a glowing review claiming it's a diamond in the rough, you won't hear that from me either. I will say though that Black Suede doesn't deserve the hate it's received and most of that is due to snobbery aimed at Avon products in general. I kid you not when I state that a close relative to this fragrance is Cacharel Pour L'Homme. The array of spice in both ensure comparison, but the "smoother" of the two is Black Suede due to its implementation of Amber. While wearing Black Suede, one can detect a hint of "drugstore". That quality doesn't manife...

La Chasse Aux Papillons Extreme by L'Artisan Parfumeur

I read many reviews before or after I do my own and I seem to be at complete odds with the house of L'Artisan. I have previously said on basenotes that for me, L'Artisan Parfumeur is the most over-rated house I have come across. La Chasse Aux Papillons Extreme does nothing to sway that opinion. Yet another linear, floral dominant scent that does nothing to stir me up or inspire me in any way. This house has "pleasant" nailed down to an art form......but damn...can't we go beyond that? The only attempt at polarization so far has been Dzongkha ....and I found it a jumbled mess. At these prices, move me, anger me, hate me.......but please don't bore me. Extreme in a nutshell is a toned down tuberose with assorted "blossom" thrown in the mix. Is it bad? No, it's an acceptable floral scent that's very timid and just lays on my skin smelling like....well....a toned down version of tuberose with blossom this or that added to it. I'm almost a...

Il Mondo di Odore

Search This Blog