By Designer

Givenchy L’Interdit vs Rouge

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Givenchy’s L’Interdit series has enjoyed a good deal of popularity over the past few years, with its newer releases. Two of the most popular options remain the revamped EDP and the newer offering, L’Interdit Rouge.

I’ve tested out the line in order to do reviews for the site and present a head to head comparison of each. Which of these fragrances smells better? Lasts longer? Is the better buy?

Quick Overview

L’Interdit Rouge is the overall winner because it takes the familiar white-floral DNA of the original and gives it a spicier, more dynamic character. Blood orange and a stronger dose of ginger make the opening more interesting, while tuberose, patchouli, and sandalwood create a warmer and sexier dry down.

The original L’Interdit EDP has the stronger performance. Its pear, orange blossom, tuberose, jasmine, patchouli, and vanilla combination projects a little more strongly and lasts around 8–9.5 hours, compared with roughly eight hours for Rouge.

Both are best suited to fall and winter, although the EDP can move into spring more comfortably. Rouge gets a slight versatility edge for nightlife and its more mature, sensual character, while also winning the overall scent comparison by a narrow margin.

Category L’Interdit EDP L’Interdit Rouge Winner
Opening Opens with pear, bergamot, orange blossom, and ginger. Sweet, fruity, and floral, with a slight candy-like quality before tuberose and jasmine become stronger. Starts spicier with blood orange, stronger ginger, and orange blossom. Tuberose develops earlier, giving it a warmer and more energetic opening. L’Interdit Rouge
Projection Strong projection with an excellent scent trail. During testing, it was slightly easier to detect from farther away. Also projects strongly and leaves a noticeable trail without overwhelming a room when applied reasonably. L’Interdit EDP
Longevity Usually lasts around 8–9.5 hours and often lands toward the upper end of that range. Generally lasts around eight hours, sometimes a little more or less, but does not reach the same high end as the original. L’Interdit EDP
Versatility Best for fall and winter, though it can move into spring more easily. Works well for everyday wear, evenings, and nightlife. Also best in cooler weather, with a slightly more mature and sexier character that gives it an advantage for nightlife. L’Interdit Rouge
Overall Scent A sweet pear-and-orange-blossom opening that settles into a traditional tuberose-heavy white floral with patchouli and vanilla. Keeps the recognizable L’Interdit style but adds blood orange, stronger ginger, patchouli, and sandalwood for a spicier and more dynamic experience. L’Interdit Rouge

Tale of the Tape: L’Interdit EDP vs. Rouge

L’Interdit EDP

Notes include: tuberose, pear, orange blossom, jasmine, vetiver, ginger, patchouli, vanilla, ambroxan

Click here to try: Givenchy L’interdit Women, Eau de Parfum Spray, 1.7 Fl Oz

My Full Review: L’Interdit EDP

L’Interdit Rouge

Notes include: blood orange, ginger, jasmine, orange blossom, tuberose, patchouli, sandalwood

Click here to try: L’Interdit Rouge by Givenchy

My Review: L’Interdit Rouge EDP

l'interdit rouge review

Opening

L’Interdit EDP starts off with a blend of pear, bergamot, orange blossom, and ginger. The bergamot and ginger add an initial kick to the mix, but quickly fade out.

The orange blossom is the star white floral in the early stages, that will be joined by tuberose and jasmine,  as they strengthen. But, I actually get a good deal of patchouli from EDP, on my skin.

The opening is actually a sweet floral, that some people compare to the smell of grape bubble gum. I understand the comparison, it’s just overblown.

With Rouge, we go spicier from the start, and use a greater amount of citrus. Here, it is blood orange. The ginger is the same between the two, but is amped up and sticks around for much longer in Rouge.

It is interesting, that you also get that big orange blossom start with Rouge also, but it is the note that fades away quickly. The tuberose moves into full strength earlier, in this edition.

Which is better, at the start? I really like each of them a lot early on. Though, I have a slight preference for Rouge. That ginger spice and blood orange is really great and just somewhat more attractive than EDP.

Edge: Rouge

Projection

So, both of these perfumes are what could be considered strong fragrances. You will get great projection off of the skin, a scent trail, without completely bombing out a room (if you don’t over-spray).

The sillage of both is actually pretty similar. During my testing, I did find L’Interdit to be a bit more powerful when compared to Rouge.

It isn’t a huge difference, but I do seem to be able to pick up the scent of EDP on a shirt, somewhat further away than I did when I did the same later with Rouge.

Edge: L’Interdit

Longevity

With L’Interdit EDP, it will last between 8-9.5 hours on my skin. It is a good amount of range, but definitely leaned towards the higher end, during testing.

With Rouge, it’s a bit of a step back from that, but a similar level. I get somewhere around 8 hours, maybe less or a little bit more. However, it doesn’t hit that same high end that the original does. 

I tested each of them out multiple times and it was consistently the case that EDP was outdoing Rouge.

Not a huge discrepancy, though, there’s enough of a difference to have a clear distinction. 

Edge: L’Interdit

Versatility

Neither of these fragrances is built for the hottest days of the year. I’d stick mostly to autumn and winter with each. But, EDP can more easily venture into the springtime than Rouge.

Rouge is a bit more mature and sexier, when compared to the EDP. Both can fit into nightlife wear, but Rouge is a better option there.

Not a huge difference, basically on par with one another. Rouge does have a very slight edge.

Edge: Rouge

givenchy l'interdit perfume

Overall Scent

Which one of these fragrances is better? To me, it’s actually a close race, as they are my two favorite perfumes from this Givenchy series.

With EDP, I like the opening act with the pear and the orange blossom. Sure, a candy-like at times, but still a wonderful scent. The dry down is more of the traditional tuberose led, white floral. Still, I like it.

However, even with a slightly better performance, I prefer Rouge more so than the original. 

It’s not a major sure fire win for the flanker scent. Yet, the opening is better to me, as is the whole experience. 

It’s got a more dynamic start with blood orange and ginger, while still retaining that familiar L’Interdit DNA. I like the spicier vibe and dry down with plenty of sandalwood and patchouli. Rouge is a great perfume release, to me.

It’s a perfume that I wanted to keep coming back to, time and time again.

I can honestly recommend either one of these. Or really, any of them in the series (if you enjoy tuberose or can stand it). Just in this head to head battle, I think L’Interdit Rouge stands just a notch above. 

Winner: Rouge

Dylan Turquoise vs Blue by Versace

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Versace released its Dylan Blue series for men and women more than a handful of years ago now. On the women’s side, they followed it up with Dylan Turquoise, which share similarities with the initial release. The question is, which perfume is better? Lasts longer? Is the better buy, between them?

Quick Overview

Dylan Blue Pour Femme is the very slight overall winner because, while its opening is sharper and less immediately enjoyable, it develops into the better fragrance over the course of the full wear.

Its black currant, apple, floral notes, musk, and woods settle into a clean, sweet floral profile that feels more approachable after the first stage.

Dylan Turquoise has the better opening. Black currant is joined by orange, lemon, guava, and an aquatic quality, giving it a fresher and slightly more tropical start than Dylan Blue.

Performance is fairly close. Dylan Blue projects a little more strongly and for slightly longer, while both usually last around 5–6 hours. Versatility is essentially equal, with both working best as clean, casual spring and summer fragrances rather than formal or nightlife scents.

You might also try the ‘inspired by’ alternative: Her Bleu Welsh Sea by Dua

Category Dylan Turquoise Dylan Blue Pour Femme Winner
Opening Opens with black currant, orange, lemon, guava, and an aquatic freshness. The guava is short-lived, but gives it a slightly tropical and more enjoyable start. Starts sharply with black currant and apple, joined by fresh florals. It has a clean, shampoo-like quality and becomes sweeter as it settles. Dylan Turquoise
Projection Begins with moderate projection and a decent scent trail, but becomes much lighter after roughly the first hour. Follows a similar path, but reaches a slightly higher peak and maintains its stronger projection for a little longer. Dylan Blue
Longevity Usually lasts around 5–6 hours. Overall performance is acceptable, but fairly basic. Also reaches around the 6-hour mark and generally does not push much beyond that point. Push
Versatility Best for spring and summer as a clean, fresh daily fragrance. Works well for casual situations and easy everyday wear. Occupies essentially the same space, working best for casual spring and summer wear rather than formal events or nightlife. Push
Overall Scent Has the better opening, with aquatic citrus, guava, freesia, musk, spice, and cedar. The later dry down is pleasant but not especially exciting. Starts more sharply, but develops into a sweeter floral freshness with musk and a clean, soapy quality. More enjoyable across the entire wear. Dylan Blue

Tale of the Tape: Dylan Blue Femme vs. Turquoise

Dylan Blue

Notes include: blackcurrant, apple sorbet, styrax, wild blooms, musk, white woods, patchouli

Click here to try: Dylan Blue Pour Femme

Dylan Turquoise

Notes include: mandarin essence, lemon, pink pepper, blackcurrant, jasmine, freesia, guava, cedar, vibrant woods, and musk

Click here to try: Dylan Turquoise by Versace

My Full Review: Dylan Turquoise Review

Opening

Dylan Blue begins with its black currant and apple notes in full swing. It’s sharp, fruity, and already fresh from the accompanying notes. Very much a body wash or shampoo-like aroma.

Blue is joined by floral notes including forget me not, jasmine, and a mix of others. It becomes a slightly sweeter perfume after the initial spray.

Turquoise starts off with it’s own sharp blend, that also includes that black currant note. But, it also comes across as more aquatic and a bit tropical versus Dylan Blue.

Orange, lemon, and guava accompany the black currant. The apple note isn’t here and the black currant is reduced.

Which is better? I like the start of Turquoise a little more than Blue. The guava is short-lived but that and the watery aroma with the citrus gives this one a nice beginning.

Blue isn’t bad, but I don’t enjoy the opening to the same extent.

Edge: Turquoise

Projection

Turquoise starts off leaving a moderate scent trail with a decent projection off of the skin. After that first hour or so, it’s much lighter and will only project a few feet from where you sprayed it.

Dylan Blue follows a pretty similar path to Turquoise, except that it has a bit higher peak in its strength early on. So, with Blue you’ll have a higher level of projection for slightly longer.

It takes this category.

Edge: Blue

Longevity

The longevity of Turquoise only hits about 5-6 hours, on my skin. It’s not great in this department, but also not absolutely terrible. Performance on the whole, is just okay.

With Dylan Blue Femme, it is about the same. It will hit the same 6 hour mark, but doesn’t seem to go beyond that at all for me.

This category is a draw.

Edge: Push

Versatility

These two basically exist in the same space. Both are best served as spring and summer wears.

Neither is very formal or built for nightlife. More clean and fresh daily wears. Think casual or just an easy grab that you don’t need to put much thought into.

I don’t really see a clear winner here.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

So, this is a very close matchup between these two Versace perfumes. I have to say that, I’m not entirely in love with either, but they’re both pretty good fragrances.

With Turquoise, I like it’s opening act. It’s more tolerable to me and the guava and aquatic touches is something that I gravitate towards.

After that, there is some muskiness and spice. But, overall its a fresh citrus, floral, and woody combination. Freesia and just a general sharp/sweet fruitiness with a cedar base.

The dry down doesn’t particularly excite me and the performance is basic.

With Dylan Blue Pour Femme, I don’t like the opening as much, but I think that the latter stages are better than that of Turquoise.

Update: They have also since released Dylan Purple, which I like about equally to Blue.

Yes, it is sharper at first, but it will settle down into a more sweet floral freshness. The cleanliness is much more approachable after the opening act, with a good mix of the floral notes and a musky quality.

Sure, soapy clean, but it is an attractive fragrance. During the entire wear, it is better than Turquoise, even if that has a better opening.

All things considered, I’d give a very slight win to Dylan Blue. Also check out: the cheaper ‘inspired by’ alternative fragrance: Her Bleu Welsh Sea by Dua

Winner: Blue

Paris-Biarritz by Chanel

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Chanel’s Les Eaux de Chanel line is one that I’ve been testing out for a while now. I’ve become familiar with all of the scents and am now writing up my full reviews of each. Today’s entry is Paris-Biarritz. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is this one worth a try?

My Verdict

Paris-Biarritz is a cold, refreshing citrus fragrance that opens with juicy grapefruit, mandarin, and a noticeable lemon-like sharpness. A subtle aquatic quality gives the opening an almost icy ocean-air effect, while neroli adds a green and lightly spicy undertone.

Overall, Paris-Biarritz smells pleasant and works well as a casual spring or summer daytime fragrance.

Chanel Paris-Biarritz Overview

Notes include: grapefruit, mandarin, lily-of-the-valley, vetiver, musk, neroli, patchouli

Click here to try: Paris-Biarritz by Chanel

🌊 Paris-Biarritz by Chanel — At a Glance
Fragrance Family Fresh Citrus Floral Aquatic
Key Notes Grapefruit, Mandarin Orange, Neroli, Lily-of-the-Valley, Vetiver, Musk, Patchouli
Season Spring, Summer, Warm Weather
Occasion Casual Daytime Wear, Work, Around Town, Semi-Formal Events
Longevity Around 4–5 hours, even with some over-spraying
Sillage Moderate initially, then light and fairly close to the skin
Rating ★★★☆☆ 6.3 / 10
Quick Verdict A cold and refreshing citrus fragrance with grapefruit, mandarin, neroli, soft florals, and a subtle watery character. The juicy opening is the highlight, while the later soapy, green, and musky dry down is pleasant but fairly familiar. It is clean, versatile, and well suited to warm-weather daytime wear, but weak 4–5-hour longevity and Chanel pricing prevent it from being a must-have.

My Full Review

Paris-Biarritz begins with its citrus notes out in full force. According to Chanel, it is grapefruit and mandarin orange. But, I definitely pick up on a lemon note, pretty clearly. To me, it actually starts off the strongest.

The citrus is juicy, refreshing, but very cold. Almost like they threw in an iced accord. The composition does have a bit of an aquatic note in there. Almost oceanic, in how it comes across. Now, it isn’t super powerful, but I get it each time I spray this perfume.

Beyond all of that, the neroli not adds to the citrus, while also creating a green and spicy fresh undertone to Biarritz.

Once the juiciness of the citrus has faded, this becomes drier, greener, and more floral. Neroli and lily of the valley are the floral notes here. Paris-Biarritz becomes a balanced mix of those along with some ample vetiver, musk, and patchouli.

It’s a light soapy citrus with woody, green, and musky aromas exchanging places during the dry down. It’s something I’ve experienced with plenty of other scents, but the watery/sea vibe I get, does give it some distinction.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this one is pretty moderate at first. Then, becoming lighter for the rest of the wear. Now, the citrus notes can initially come on strong, as it has that usual sharpness. That is short-lived.

For the rest of the wear, it is going to sit close to the skin, 2-3 feet away. Not a powerhouse, like most summertime citrus perfumes. I do wish that it had a little bit more strength behind it.

The longevity also isn’t very good. I can squeeze 4-5 hours out of Paris-Biarritz, with a bit of over-spraying. That’s about all it is going to provide. Not shocking for the type of perfume this is, but I’d expect more.

Seasonally, this is a warm day wear for spring and summertime. It is a unisex fragrance, that sort of starts off more masculine, and finishes more floral and feminine. It’s about the same impression as something like, Neroli Portofino by Tom Ford.

If you can wear that, this will be fine.

I would stick to daytime wear. Around town casually, maybe to work, or semi-formal events. It’s attractive and clean, but not anything that would be considered sexy.

Overall Impressions of Paris-Biarritz

Overall, do I like Paris-Biarritz? Yes, I do. It’s just my least favorite of the Les Eaux de Chanel line of perfumes. Go after another one of those on the list.

The aroma itself is nice.  I really like the citrus top, with its cold juiciness. The rest of the wear, it pretty standard issue. It smells like a bunch of other stuff, which is fine, but not at Chanel prices. Plus, there are better options than this from the brand.

The longevity here is only 5 hours at best, which doesn’t lend itself to wanting to acquire a full bottle. If that were beefed up, I certainly wouldn’t be opposed to it. Though, I can’t say that this one that I’d constantly be wanting to wear.

It’s nice, with how it smells. The performance is meh. Just not too much to get excited about with this one. Not terrible, just not a must have.

Libre Intense by YSL

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Libre Intense was released in 2020 by YSL, as a follow up to the immensely popular and powerful Libre EDP. I got a sample of this, along with the original to really test them out and see how each differs from one another. Here’s my direct comparison post. In this one, I am going to do a deeper review of Libre Intense. How does it smell? Perform? Is it worth a try?

My Verdict

YSL Libre Intense is a richer, creamier take on the original Libre, opening with bright bergamot, orange, orange blossom, and warm vanilla.

The lavender is still noticeable, but it plays a smaller role here, allowing orchid, jasmine, vanilla, and tonka bean to create a sweeter and more balanced floral profile.

The later ambergris and white-floral stage is not quite as appealing as the opening, but the overall scent remains deeper and more enjoyable than the original Libre.

It is not particularly unique, but its richer scent and massive performance make it one of the stronger Libre releases.

YSL Libre Intense Overview

Notes include: lavender, orange blossom, orchid, vanilla

Click here to try: Yves Saint Laurent for Women Libre 1.6 oz Eau de Parfum Intense Spray

🔥 Libre Intense by YSL — At a Glance
Fragrance Family Sweet Floral Amber Vanilla
Key Notes Lavender, Orange Blossom, Orchid, Jasmine, Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Bergamot, Mandarin Orange, Ambergris
Season Fall, Winter, Early Spring, Cold Weather
Occasion Nightlife, Dates, Evening Wear, Social Events, Dressier Occasions
Longevity Easily reaches double-digit hours and can last more than 12 hours
Sillage Very strong — projects heavily and leaves a noticeable scent trail
Rating ★★★★☆ 8.1 / 10
Quick Verdict A richer and creamier version of Libre, blending orange blossom, orchid, lavender, vanilla, tonka bean, and bright citrus. It is sweeter and more balanced than the original, with less emphasis on soapy lavender. Massive projection and 12-plus-hour longevity make it an excellent cold-weather and evening fragrance, though its powerful performance requires a restrained application.

My Full Review

Before we get into my review of Libre Intense, let’s see how YSL describes it: The iconic structure of Libre, a tension the lavender from France and the orange blossom from Morocco, reinterpreted in a suave and sensual way. The intensity of a melting floral core, where orange blossom flower absolute & blazing orchid accord fuse. A fragrance like a shout of freedom, the freedom to live everything with excess.

Libre Intense starts out with a sweet aroma. I don’t find it to be sugary or candy-like, but the citrus top and vanilla do give it that bright, warm, and upbeat attractiveness. It’s actually a great deal like YSL’s L’Homme Parfum Intense, but more vanilla.

The opening gives you quite a bergamot and orange-laden aroma. Both the fruit and the orange blossom itself. Which is why it strikes so close to that men’s YSL scent.

The lavender note is going to be present in this Libre flanker, but less so than in the original. That one had more of that note and a greater muskiness. This one goes more with the vanilla note and a balanced floral foursome.

Here it is: lavender, orange blossom, jasmine, and orchid. Orange blossom is strong early on, but my nose gets more orchid during the dry down stages. Jasmine is present, but it does come on all that strong, on my skin.

The vanilla qualities will ramp up, as the initial bergamot and orange juiciness fades. You also get tonka bean here, so there will bee that creamy and powdery aroma versus the soapy lavender of the original.

The ambergris, white floral notes, and vanilla end this one. It actually feels much drier and the sweetness has gone down a whole lot, by the late stage of this wear.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, Libre Intense will leave its mark. This perfume is powerful, can project like crazy, and will never really be considered weak.

It’s not the absolute most powerful fragrance that I’ve come across or anything. But, for a designer scent, Intense is massive in comparison to most others…including the original.

The longevity here is also great. It will easily hit double digit hours, and went 12+ hours in my experience while testing it out.

So, performance isn’t an issue and not something you’d need to worry about. Except, maybe going overboard with the sprays.

Seasonally, Libre Intense is more of a cold weather fragrance. I’d stick to this from autumn through early spring. I wouldn’t venture into the summer months with this on, seems like it’d melt pretty quickly.

A cozy fragrance, but one that doesn’t completely shy away, more like a blanket that wraps you.

This one is probably better for adults rather than teens. It has a more mature vibe, not old-ladyish, but wouldn’t match with most younger girls or younger adults.

It is attractive, has a certain sexiness to it, and can absolutely venture into the nightlife.

Overall Impressions of Libre Intense

Overall, do I like Libre Intense? I do. It’s a good fragrance on the whole and I do enjoy it much more than the original.

Mainly, less lavender makes this one better. It’s sweeter, has more orchid and orange blossom versus Libre. This one is more balanced, while actually living up to the Intense name. Libre Le Parfum is another newer edition, that I think is even better.

I like that opening especially, as it reminds me of L’Homme Parfum Intense, which was great but had mediocre performance. Libre Intense does not, but does change into the dry down away from that YSL scent.

You can also try this ‘inspired by’ version from Dua: Intensely Liberated

The latter stages are closer to the original. But, the lavender still shares the stage with the other floral notes. Still, orchid and orange blossom, mainly. It’s creamier and just feels richer than the first one.

The floral and ambergris end, isn’t my favorite. However, I like the opening and middle enough, for it to be not too big of a deal.

This one lasts freaking forever, has a great ability to project, and can leave a scent trail in your wake. For a designer and not niche perfume, this YSL is a monster.

Chinatown by Bond No. 9

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took about a week off from posting on the site, but during that time, I got to test out more fragrances for review. On of these, is among the Bond No. 9 samples that I recently got a hold of, and a scent that I’ve been meaning to review for a number of years now…Chinatown. Is this Bond No. 9 scent worth a purchase? What does it smell like? How does it perform?

 

My Verdict

Bond No. 9 Chinatown is a warm, creamy floral fragrance that opens with tuberose, gardenia, peach blossom, and a brief touch of bergamot. The fruity sweetness fades fairly quickly, allowing cardamom, honey, vanilla, and the white florals to create a smoother, lightly spiced middle.

As it dries down, a subtle woody and smoky quality gives the scent more depth without making it overly complex. The composition remains fairly straightforward, but it is exceptionally well balanced and offers a more distinctive take on the usual tuberose or gardenia perfume.

Overall, this is one of my favorite women’s fragrances from Bond No. 9. It is especially well suited to anyone who enjoys white florals but wants enough fruit, spice, and sweetness to keep the scent from feeling overly green or garden-like.

Bond No. 9 Chinatown Overview

Notes include: tuberose, peach blossom, bergamot, honey, cedar, cardamom, vanilla sandalwood, guiac wood, and gardenia.

Click here to try: Chinatown by Bond No. 9 for Women – 3.3 oz EDP Spray.

🌸 Chinatown by Bond No. 9 — At a Glance
Fragrance Family Warm Fruity White Floral
Key Notes Tuberose, Gardenia, Peach Blossom, Cardamom, Honey, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Guaiac Wood, Cedar, Bergamot
Season Fall, Winter, Spring, Cooler Weather
Occasion Casual Wear, Daily Wear, Work, Social Events, Dressier Occasions
Longevity All-day wear with consistently strong staying power
Sillage Moderate — noticeable and persistent without overpowering the room
Rating ★★★★☆ 8.3 / 10
Quick Verdict A warm and creamy white floral built around tuberose, gardenia, peach blossom, cardamom, honey, and soft woods. It is sweet and lightly fruity without becoming overly sugary, while the spicy and smoky dry down adds depth. Moderate projection, all-day longevity, and excellent balance make Chinatown one of the stronger women’s releases from Bond No. 9.

My Full Review

The opening gives you a blast of white floral aroma provided by tuberose and the gardenia notes. This isn’t like some of the other Bond No. 9 floral offerings, which get heavily into the green plant life scent.

Instead, Chinatown has a wonderful fruity/floral mix with the peach blossom and a brief appearance by the bergamot top note. It gives Chinatown a sweetness and light juiciness, that really comes across as pleasant and well put together.

That fruity/sweet aspect, is really around for the opening bit, and then it fades into the background. The peach blossom, gives you a floral/fruity blend of aromas.

I think that the note that sets this one apart from many other floral perfumes, is the inclusion of cardamom. It does give Chinatown that hint of spice and a sweetness that pairs with the vague thickness of honey. I really love a good cardamom in a fragrance, and Chinatown is one which delivers exactly that.

The next main stage of this fragrance, is the creamy/warm floral period. Lots of tuberose, gardenia, and some light vanilla highlights. Mixed with peach blossom and cardamom. The middle of this perfume, is really quite nice, with an easygoing naturalism.

As it dries down, there is more of a noticeable woody/smoky quality that just gives this fragrance an added depth. Part of that, is definitely the cardamom at work.

I don’t want to make this out to be super complex, I don’t think that it really is. However, I believe this to be a very well balanced scent, in what ends up being a fairly straightforward life cycle.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, I’d call it a moderate. A moderate that actually performs. It isn’t going to choke anyone out or really overpower a room but it does a good job of having staying power.

The longevity is great, which it should be at such a price point, but we all know that’s not always the case. It’s an all day wear and never really felt weak during testing.

Chinatown is a good casual or everyday wear. It certainly is a beautiful kind of perfume but doesn’t seem all that ‘sexy’, but it’s definitely attractive.

It was pretty cold outside during testing and it seemed to work well in that environment and I think it’d be safe through the springtime. Probably not the best bet for the height of summer, however.

Overall Impressions of Chinatown

Overall, would I recommend Chinatown? Yes, it a really lovely fragrance, and one of my favorite women’s scents from Bond No. 9. Sometimes, I have really mixed notions about this brand, and think they have some downright awful fragrances.

However, Chinatown isn’t one of those. This is a well balanced gem and a unique take on floral perfumes.

This is a scent for those who want a good tuberose or gardenia laden fragrance, but that also has enough sweetness to avoid going full ‘garden mode’. This is one of the best women’s releases from Bond and it shows from the popularity and number of sales it has generated since its release.