Il Mondo di Odore

Tobacco, Basil, Sage, Cardamom, Leather. Recently, I was able to acquire a vintage bottle of this ( 100ml.) at around 50% full. It's completely intact and apparently was well cared for. When this was released in the mid 1990's, I never got around to trying it. Once Lauder took over, it was discontinued along with others. After wearing this since it arrived, this would have been a nice addition to the spring and summer arsenal as it wears "light", yet implements notes that are normally found in heavier fragrances. Called a "Bracing Spray", I'm not really sure I concur, but then again, what exactly is a bracing spray anyway ? This wears much longer than drugstore bracers from the 1960's I assure you. This is different from the masculine release of a year prior. Unleaded doesn't possess the presence of its older brother, but it definitely has merit. It's a little more refined and a bit less macho. The opening is very smooth to my sensi...

Saffron, Mandarin, Cardamom, Lychee, Balm, Aromatic Woods, Immortelle, Patchouli, Oak, Moss, Amber, Incense. I've reviewed this fragrance before, but since I can't retrieve it and the fact that I like it better this time around, I shall go another round with L'Homme Sage by Parfums Divine. Overall, this masculine really doesn't break any new ground ( aroma-wise ) and it does possess similarities to a few others that implement similar note progressions. It does however embody clean spice and an impressive longevity factor. You will be able to smell this 24 hours later with no problem as an enjoyable skin scent. There's a balsamic powder quality that can possibly be misconstrued as something other than perfume. I'm referring to certain talc, lotion or even antiperspirant. I suppose it leans innocuously clean. L'Homme Sage opens with a smooth blast of camphor infused Saffron and Cardamom. This is balsamic, spicy, aromatic and it already possesses an u...

Citrus, Jasmine, Musk, Rose, Carnation, Coumarin, Amber, Vanilla, Orris Root. I suppose the first things I noticed after applying Musk Extreme was that it immediately performed like a conventional Eau de Toilette and it possessed a slight hairspray accord. Does that mean it was an instantaneous deal breaker?  No, it wasn't off putting because the hairspray aura wasn't sharp like some can be, yet is it evident. Am I saying that I like it? I can't say that I do, but I don't hate it. I have a few fragrances by Alyssa Ashley that I wear, but this particular one leans far too feminine for me and it's also one I cannot generate any love for. It goes on oily as well, so expect some topical residue for awhile. This may well be one that interacts better with some sort of base, but I have neither the time or inclination to experiment. When I wear "musk", I guess I expect a sensuality to be present or at least some type of animalic aspect augmenting the sur...

Lime, Citrus, Green Notes Orange Blossom, Lavender Amber, Cedar, Oakmoss, Musk, Sandalwood, Tobacco, Vanilla Did you ever get the feeling you smelled something before, but can't put your finger on it exactly? Handsome by Tova has given me that feeling, yet I cannot recall what fragrance it is that it's reminiscent of. If I smelled this blindfolded with no idea who made it or when, I would have taken a stab and said it was a Caron. Now, whether I'm way off base saying that or not, this fragrance isn't anywhere near as inferior as I was led to believe from reviews I've read. I find it more interesting than the much favored Tova Cologne for Men I just reviewed. The ratio of Lavender and Vanilla is giving me that Caron reference, but others may disagree with me and that's okay. I'm already on record stating I'm not a big fan of certain Caron masculines, but I'm enjoying Handsome for Men. Go figure........ The manner in which Handsome opens is...

Bergamot, Lemon, Orange Blossom, Jasmine, Spices, Musk. For years now, I've periodically come across reviews of how this particular Tova release was rather exceptional, while its counterpart "Handsome for Men" wasn't so good. My calling Handsome for Men a counterpart is probably erroneous, but it's these two that get any attention at all, as far as masculine creations from Tova Borgnine go. Recently, I picked up both in the same purchase. The box included a 100ml. bottle of each. I have to say that the bottles themselves are on the cheap side, as are the sprayers. That aside, I've worn both now and decided to review the more popular one first. The reviewers were correct in describing the alpha lemon note. Two things struck me while pondering the lemon rendition in Tova Cologne for Men. It has an overall denseness not apparent in transparent interpretations. This is thick and heavy, but not overbearing. The aroma also reminds me of the extract variety...

Mandarin, White Ivy, Bergamot, Bitter Orange, Sage. White Nutmeg, Black Pepper, Jasmine, Cardamom. Musk, Sandalwood, Hardwood. Slowly but surely, I seem to be accumulating the Michael Jordan line of fragrances. It's not by design, but rather an economical opportunity when I land in a TJ Maxx or Ross. Most have been a pleasant surprise and while they're not great by any stretch, this is yet another that works fairly well as a work frag that you can spray with abandon and not worry about it. Well, maybe not with abandon as that would be inconsiderate, but this one can be applied heavier than normal and still be tight. This hit the shelves in the year 2000 and possesses that commonality inherent in aquatic/ozonic/marine fragrances targeted toward the youthful male segment. Yes, it's marketing and yes, the suits and ties do it to death. There are some of these releases however that find a way to rise above the intentions and accomplish a little something. They succeed...

Normally, I'll write out the listed notes at the top of the review because one should do that if at all possible. In the case of the Original Burberrys for Men, I cannot because the information is too sketchy and seemingly intertwined with the "other" Burberrys for Men. They aren't the same fragrance inside different bottles, hence my leaving it all to educated guessing and a dash of experience. This image is one I copied from an ebay seller's listing. The seller's name is superalx.  I've used it because it's the best picture I have come across displaying the flask-type bottle and the best thing is, it's immediately behind the Burberrys for Men I've already reviewed. It's these 2 releases that cause the confusion. I own a 30ml. flask splash bottle ( background ) and a 50ml. ribbed bottle as shown in front. They are different fragrances, but both classically constructed and masculine. The flask bottle in the background is what I wa...

Lemon, Incense, Pepper, Jasmine, Labdanum, Patchouli, Cedar, Guaiac, Sandalwood, Oakmoss, Tonka Bean. Patchouli is a love-it or deal breaking note to many enthusiasts. It's earthiness and connection to bygone days is simply unpleasant to the folks who eschew it and a reason to love it for those who do. I suppose my perception of a smooth patchouli can be found in a few Reminiscence releases, with the more bold and unadulterated renditions readily available in numerous others. Naturally, there are houses other than Reminiscence that create upscale patch perfumes, but the majority showcase a more stripped down and in your face version of the note. Patchouli Nobile leans more toward upscale than it does anything else and its presence has been tuned to display a more conservative stance. What tempers the note best for me and directs a patch dominant scent from rugged to refined is the addition of Labdanum and spicy smoke. The success is in the ratio of these players augmentin...

Clary Sage, Geranium, Storax. Ambergris, Coriander, Oud, Saffron. Myrrh, Sandalwood, Vetiver. Recently, I was thinking of revising my review of Ambre Precieux by this house. I like updating them because my taste has evolved, with some of my past reviews being rather blunt and not descriptive enough for my own liking. I ended up buying a bottle of Ambre Dore instead and since they are siblings, I've concluded the AP review is unnecessary at this time. Personally, I like Ambre Dore best out of the two. There's no sense in my comparing sillage and longevity because that would amount to splitting hairs. Both are very acceptable, so I'll leave it at that. Ambre Dore seperates itself during the first half of the wearings due to a resinous, feral quality. This comes about because the combination of Ambergris and Oud dictate that it does. It borders on skank, but not the repulsive variety. There's smoke in this brew once the heart accord commences and this is where it...