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Summer Trip Beach Contest
* Sweet citrus and a hint of pine on the top.
* Projection is really strong on the top – really strong – really, really strong.
* As it starts to come closer to skin, a really artificial fruit mix comes in.
* It’s not that it is unpleasant, it just doesn’t smell inviting.
* The base is two of my least favorite notes – cedar and vetiver fighting for dominance.
Summary: The bow tie on the bottle is cute. There, I said something nice. Some Bond No 9 scents work really well on me and others really don’t. The Scent of Peace for Men is in the latter category. I wore it for a week and I was surprised at how much it projected and how many people commented on it. People from across the room could smell it and they generally didn’t say nice things. Cedar and vetiver don’t work on my skin – almost as a rule. Combining them on my skin for the long-lasting base – yes, more than 12 hours, so longevity is good – is a pretty horrible experience for me. I wouldn’t say it is as torturesome as Houbigant Fougère Royal but it is not something I would choose to wear ever again. This scent makes me unhappy and not peaceful, but maybe you will have a different reaction to it.
Bond No 9 Fragrance are available from Saks Fifth Avenue and Bond Boutiques.
Sample received from sales associate. Image courtesy of Bond No 9 website.
* Starts off with a nose-itching peppery citrus.
* It feels very old school masculine – like a ’70s powerhouse for active guys with money.
* Up next is manly florals – subdued violets and rose. They are definitely present but not screaming, with a hint of earthy patchouli grounding them.
* It is this point that a hint of oud comes in – not skank or animalic, but woody and aged.
* The base is woods and fruity patchouli.
Summary: Ex Idolo Thirty Three is a fragrance you have to skin test for yourself. Every review I read is a bit different and it wears on me a bit differently each time. My writeup is like the average experience – sometimes it’s very fruity rose, and at other times it’s bone dry. It really lives on your skin and amps up your natural chemistry. One common touch is that it is never “oud in your face.” There is oud in the base, but it is a supporting ingredient rather than the main focus. Some might classify this as a classic rose oud blend but I strongly disagree. It is overtly masculine and powerful, yet also classic and refined. Longevity is good – lasting more than 8 hours – and the base will need to be washed off for it to go away. It is also a scent that is affordably priced for what you are getting. If this was sold by Tom Ford or Kurkdjian, it would cost three times more. If you are looking for a non-aggressive oud, this is definitely worth testing.
Other opinions:
Persolaise
Kafkaesque
Olfactoria’s Travels
Ca Fleure Bon
Goodsmellas
The Perfume Chronicles
1000 Fragrances
The Spa Man
Ex Idolo is available from Twisted Lily and Lucky Scent.
No disclaimer needed – purchased a full bottle. Image courtesy of Twisted Lily.
* Sweet fruit on the top- black berries and strawberries- with a hint of spice.
* It smells clean and fresh to me, very similar to what you would expect from a department store designer fragrance.
* The fruits fade away as lavender comes in with a spicy floral undertone.
* Guys shouldn’t be scared of the floral note – it isn’t that strong.
* The base is a clean, woodsy musk.
Summary: Although I live in Tennessee, I don’t make it up to Knoxville that often – so I can’t really gauge if these are REALLY the smells of the college. Honestly, it could probably smell like bongwater and the ravenous UT Vols fans would still buy it up. The MASIC company has discovered a great and loyal crowd who will buy signature fragrances – university students and alumni. The scent smells nice and will please a lot of people who are looking for an easy to wear, everyday, work-friendly scent. As stated above, it is very similar to a lot of the designer fragrances you see in a department store. It isn’t groundbreaking, but that’s not its purpose. For the target audience, it is a great fit.
Masik University of Tennessee Men’s Cologne is available at the Masik Website and Belk. Sample provided by publicist.