Knowing Eau de Parfum by Estee Lauder

Rose, Tuberose, Mimosa, Melon, Green Notes, Coriander, Aldehyde.
Jasmine, Patchouli, Orange Blossom, Orris Root, Muguet, Laurel, Cedar, Cardamom.
Oakmoss, Vetiver, Sandalwood, Amber, Musk, Patchouli, Orris Root, Spices, Civet.

Jean Kerleo is the nose behind Knowing by Estee Lauder. He also happens to be responsible for what I consider to be ( quite possibly ) the best masculine designer fragrance of all time. For the few that don't know what I'm referring to, it happens to be the venerable Patou Pour Homme. Lauder is a house I normally don't care for that much, but exceptions are a general rule that we all must adhere to.

Knowing is more substantial than I thought it would be and although a feminine, this is strong willed and determined not to be your garden variety, sexy chypre. Extremely woody from Cedarwood oil, the earth and green tones lend enough masculinity to have me considering wearing this or at least layering it. You simply don't smell anything current that's akin to this.

Although some reviewers seem to revel in the rose, I experience a very woody-moss tandem that takes center stage. I do get the rose, but it blooms on my skin more like an accent note and is of the dry variety. There's depth to Knowing and it wears on the heavier side. This scent is for a very confident woman and it probably would surprise me if I smelled this on someone under 25. I'm not insinuating Knowing is dated or that a younger woman couldn't pull this off. It simply is better suited for a particular age and personality.

Sillage is very acceptable and longevity is 6 hours plus on me. Thumbs up once again for Mean Jean Kerleo and this creation for Estee Lauder. A sample wear ( as always ) is strongly recommended.

Comments

Oriental Lounge by The Different Company

Bergamot, Curry Leaf, Pepper, Red Rose, Tonka Bean, Labdanum, Satinwood. I suppose the first thing I noticed about Oriental Lounge is that as a man, this is a bit of a stretch to pull off. Since the core of Oriental Lounge is a powdery tonka and amber duo, it really does lean a bit too far feminine for me to wear. However, it would smell just as lovely on a woman and more appropriate as well. I bring this up simply because it's marketed as shared. I was wondering about the curry leaf. Actually, this "note" brought nothing to the table with the exception of possibly enhancing the pepper note just a bit. Even so, the pepper note itself was low key ( at least on me ) and both blended nicely with the citrus opening. From the onset of Oriental Lounge, it's unmistakable that this fragrance is.......well.....an oriental. From other opinions, I read some gripes about longevity, but it lasts on me quite awhile. This fragrance is uncomplicated and without much movemen...

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...

Paco Rabanne Pour Homme

I am reviewing the original Paco Rabanne Pour Homme ( circa 1973 ) thanks to a generous basenoter who sent it to me recently in a swap. He also sent me the current formulation in order for me to do a side by side comparison. The side by side resulted in what I had already imagined would be the case. Not that the newer formula is terrible by any means. The original version simply is better by being deeper and a bit more masculine. No......you shouldn't go to ebay searching for the vintage formula and paying stupid prices. It's simply a notch or two better than the current and noticeable by comparing the two in real time. Rabanne Pour Homme opens with a slight shimmer in conjunction with lavender, spices and a subtle woodiness. It's an old school introduction, however a good one. The lavender takes about 5 minutes to raise its volume and evolve into a soapy rendition. I dislike when a boatload of soapy lavender takes over a composition, but here it doesn't go over t...

Il Mondo di Odore

Search This Blog