Categories
Fragrance Reviews

Nomaterra Brooklyn Violet Leaf Fragrance Review

nomaterra-brooklyn

* Bracing sharp intro of cold citrus.  The notes listed are yuzu and bergamot – I get grapefruit, which is probably the yuzu.

* For an oil-based perfume, it projects quite strongly on the intro.

Categories
Fragrance Reviews

Houbigant Fougere Royal Fragrance Review

houbigant-fougere-royale
* The bottle looks all elegant and refined, but on first spray, it’s an intense bang of lavender and bergamot. 

* It starts off smelling like a regular men’s cologne, nothing special, but just wait because it gets better or worse depending on your mood.

* On good days, I get a spicy floral mix which dries down to an earthy amber.

* On bad days, it’s an evil caustic vetiver that borders on chemical waste.  It then fades into a dirty, musky patchouli with a bit of skunk (in a  bad way).

Summary:  So, I’ve worn this nearly 20 times while testing it in the hope of trying to discern what triggers the different scent journeys.  I simply can’t predict which way it will go when I wear it.  When it’s good, it’s really amazing.  When it’s bad, it puts me in such a bad mood that I feel like torturing unicorns.  This is an update of a classic fougere that pretty much defined the category.  I’ve never smelled the original, so I can’t compare.  All I know is that you should test this several times before you consider buying it. Longevity is good at more than 10 hours either way it goes (either a blessing or a curse). Although a little strong at first, it is office-friendly.

Other opinions:

Now Smell This
The Non-Blonde
That Smell
Persolaise
What Men Should Smell Like

Houbigant fragrances are available through Lucky Scent and Neiman Marcus.

Disclaimer: Bottle given to me as a gift from a friend – no disclaimer needed. Image courtesy of Lucky Scent.

Categories
Grooming

The Men’s Soap Shop Bergamot Shaving Set Review

the-mens-soap-shop-bergamot-shaving-set

* The Body Care set consists of body soap, shaving soap, and aftershave.

* The body soap lathers up nicely and leaves a clean feeling without a soapy film.

Categories
Uncategorized

Base Sand Fragrance Review

Base Sand* Probably eight years ago, I walked into the Base store on Lincoln Road (South Beach), took a deep breath, and fell in love with Sand.  I ran to the counter and the lady pointed to the bottle of Sand.

* The top notes of bergamot, orange, and light patchouli are fresh, yet invigorating and energizing.

* Warning – this projects like a monster- especially if worn undiluted.  Keep this in mind.

* The concentrated spray can also be diluted to make an amazing room spray.

* The top notes last a long time. After about an hour, they fade and a clean patchouli and slightly soapy musk come in.

* The base notes stay on your skin until you shower – whether it be 12 or 20 hours later.

Summary:  Sand is the first fragrance that I have rebought more than three times.  It was my signature scent for over a year and it always makes me think of the Winter Music Conference, which brings a smile to my face.  At $55, the 4 ounce bottle is a bargain.  I’ve given it as a gift to friends who’ve asked me about it.  This would probably be considered an oil, so dilution might be necessary for those with sensitive skin or those who want to wear it to the office.  Sand is also available as a body wash, candle, roll-on, and incense sticks.  Also from the Base line, the mandarin/green tea SEA and peppermind/floral HOPE are quite wonderful. Base is a well-curated store that is worth a visit the next time you are in Miami.  Otherwise, check out their website.

Base Sand is available from Base boutiques and from the BaseWorld website.

Disclaimer:  No disclaimer needed, I bought a full bottle.  Image from www.Baseworld.com