By Designer

Mon Guerlain EDP by Guerlain

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I bought a bottle of Ultra Male from Macy’s last week, as that cologne is about to be discontinued, and Macy’s sent along a bunch of sample fragrances in the box. Naturally, they were all perfumes for women…luckily, I own this website and do reviews, so it worked out.

Anyways, one such sample was the 2017 release from Guerlain, Mon Guerlain, in an EDP spray. In this post, I am going to share my thoughts on how this perfume smells, performs, and whether or not it is worth a purchase.

What does Mon Guerlain EDP Smell Like?

Notes include: jasmine, vanilla, lavender, sandalwood, tonka bean

Click here to try: Guerlain Mon Guerlain Eau De Parfum Spray 100ml/3.3oz

My Full Review

The opening 15-20 minutes of Mon Guerlain reminds me of two other perfumes on the market, BonBon and Black Opium, both of which I enjoyed. Not to say that these three scents are the same, just seem to be in the same family of sweet, candy-like perfumes (at least at the start).

Mon Guerlain has an aroma that is sort of similar to the caramel note in BonBon and it of course shares the vanilla note that is featured so prominently in Black Opium.

It’s probably a mix of the tonka, vanilla, licorice, and that light bergamot citrus note up top. A nice blend of sweet, creamy, powdery (iris), and bright. It’s not super heavy, but it does have a substantial body to it. Very wearable.

However, as this perfume progresses it loses some of its similarity with those two fragrances and becomes more of a vanilla/lavender combo. It is a fresh blend of floral notes with a smooth and inviting sweetness.

As a man, I find this perfume to be really attractive, and kept wanting to smell it on my arm throughout the wear. Mon Guerlain is very feminine without being overpowering or bothersome and I enjoy the mix of jasmine and lavender.

There is some lingering fuzziness/resin from a touch of benzoin, sweetness with that little licorice note, and the woods in the base.

The floral is still that jasmine and lavender in the end, but a can pick up some iris and perhaps rose in there as well.

Mon Guerlain has gourmand qualities, but isn’t completely a ‘baked goods’ smelling perfume. The lavender’s heavy influence helps to make sure of that.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, it isn’t a heavy perfume at all. Mon Guerlain is very well blended and even tempered. This isn’t a bad thing, as it still lasts for a long time, pretty much past a full work day.

It’s by no means a weak performer, so one will get their money’s worth when using this scent. This is a designer perfume that will leave behind a nice scent trail for a good period of time. Jumps off the skin with a wide projection radius for a long while.

After that, it’ll settle closer to the skin, but much of the wear it’ll be noticeable to you and those in close proximity to you.

It seems to hit anywhere from 8-11 hours, depending on the circumstances. Expect somewhere around the midpoint of that.

Update: After testing it out multiple times over the years, that’s about  what I get each time. It seems to be able to cross that 10 hour mark without too much issue.

Honestly, since it doesn’t stay that same warm gourmand fragrance throughout, as it is in the start, Mon Guerlain could be worn about any time except the high heat of summer. It might turn into a mess with that much heat bearing down on it, but it’s good to go any other time.

Ideally, this will be worn in autumn and winter. The cooler temperatures help this one to develop and not become cloying and unbearable.

I’ve tested this one outdoors in October or November and Mon Guerlain was fantastic when it’s chilly out.

Another plus, it just how versatile of a scent this is. It is soft enough and attractive enough to be worn in an office or school type of environment. So long as you don’t go crazy with the sprays.

You might also want to give it some time to settle before going into a close quarters environment with other people. That opening can be bold, but it’s tolerable thereafter.

Meanwhile, that attractiveness is also quite sexy, and could be worn on a date. Now, is it a loud club type of scent? No, but I have to say, I would love smelling this on a woman.

Overall Impressions of Mon Guerlain

Overall, would I recommend Mon Guerlain? Yes. I think it is a very well done fragrance from Guerlain. It smells great and performs quite well. If you’re not into vanilla or lavender, you’d do well to look elsewhere.

Now, you do get more than just that, but those are the dominant notes here. I like that bold and sweeter opening act, however, as you get so many different facets from this perfume.

This has grown a lot in popularity since I first wrote this review. It has also spawned a few flanker fragrances under this same Mon Guerlain banner. It’s not a super unique fragrance, but you get a great smell and performance out of it.

This perfume can usually be found at a fair price point and can serve as a daily wear go to scent. There’s not much to complain about here.

This is a safe fragrance, in the sense that, it isn’t going to draw a lot of negative attention and enjoys a rather universal appeal. Mon Guerlain is a winner in my book.

J’adore L’absolu EDP by Christian Dior

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So, I have yet another ladies fragrance review from Christian Dior today. This is one that I forgot that I had a sample of and never got around to doing a write up about it, it’s name: J’adore L’absolu.

Yes, the folks over at Dior really like to use the same names for their scents over and over again…gotta confuse the customers, right babe? Anyway, as usual, I have worn and gone over different aspects of this fragrance below so please continue on for my full take.

What does J’adore L’Absolu Smell Like?

Notes include: Damascus rose, rose de Mai, jasmine, tuberose

Click here to try: Christian Dior J’adore L’absolu By Christian Dior – Edp Spray 2.5 OZ

j'adore l'absolu review

My Full Wear Review

Dior fragrances can be a pain to keep track of, as the brand always seems to come out with different flankers, and variations of fragrances either under the same or very similar names.

J’adore L’absolu is one such perfume and there appears to be at least 2 variations of this scent, I believe I have the latest one and this will be the subject of this review. Here’s how the sample insert describes it:

An intense Eau de Parfum which blends absolutes of Damascus rose, rose de Mai, Jasmine Sambac, and Indian Tuberose to reveal the heart of each flower.

From that alone, you should be able to tell that J’adore L’absolu is a floral lovers dream. Now, I’ve already reviewed the original J’adore EDP, and when compared to this one they are quite different. The original is more complex and has the additional fruit notes, which set it apart.

L’absolu doesn’t have that aspect to it. It instead opens up with a beautiful and rich jasmine note with an undercurrent of the rose notes which will fully emerge later in the wear.

It smells elegant and classy, like a bright spring day at some French chateau. The jasmine lends a creaminess to the perfume and while clean, it doesn’t smell like soap to my nose.

I do like that it’s not just a complete shampoo or body wash smell, but it’s hard not to think of that comparison sometimes with these types of perfumes. Since the notes are so often used in those sorts of products.

As it dries down, the tuberose note and the rose begin to become more prominent. The rose notes never get too strong or feel as if they are going to overpower the composition.

Each note has its turn in the spotlight, before they all sort of meld together to create a bouquet effect.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, I’d say that the sillage of L’absolu is pretty average. It’s not a bomb but not weak either.

I’d say you get about an hour or two of a robust scent trail. Then, it’s going to stick within a few feet of the wearer. Not a super projector, while being solidly above average.

It’s got decent longevity but not amazing, somewhere in the 6-8 range is what it lasted on my skin. Very usable, close to a full workday. After a few tests, that’s what it seems capable of.

The performance on the whole, is better than the median average of perfumes. Just towards the upper end of the middle of the pack.

This is another spring/summer scent. It doesn’t strike me as sexy, but more refined and beautiful to be around. It can be worn casually or dressed up, as it has an air of sophistication about it.

With a scent like this, it’s going to be a versatile wear. Not one that is going to annoy or be an intimidating type of fragrance.

So, work or just as a daily wear. A nice springtime aroma, that can fit a lot of different moods or scenarios.

Overall Impressions of L’absolu

Overall, do I like J’adore l’absolu. Yes, at least somewhat. I don’t really enjoy smelling pure floral perfumes, which is what I liked about Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet, and it’s additional citrus notes.

However, the floral notes in here are extremely good, and don’t have any sense of being synthetic. It is a pretty straightforward scent, look at the notes, and if you like the way those flowers smell…then you’ll like this perfume.

This does bare some resemblance to Gabrielle Essence by Chanel, but the blend is for sure different. The notes don’t have the same weighting.

If you’re not someone who likes to wear flowery perfumes, then stay away from this one. The jasmine is probably the highlight for me.

Jasmin Rouge by Tom Ford

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Jumping back into some fragrance reviews here, I still have some Tom Ford perfumes that I need to do write ups on. I’ve fallen behind somewhat, so, let’s begin to remedy that with a closer look at Jasmin Rouge.

Obviously, this is going to be a jasmine dominant perfume, and geared much more towards women. I want to share my experience with this one and how it smells, how long it lasts, and whether or not I ultimately think it is worth a buy.

What does Jasmin Rouge Smell Like?

Notes include: jasmine, ginger, sage, cinnamon, bergamot, neroli, ylang-ylang, amber, pepper, cedar, vanilla, and more

Click here to try: Tom Ford Jasmin Rouge eau de parfum for women 1.7 oz

My Full Review

Jasmin Rouge opens up with a bright citrus and spice blend. The jasmine and ylang-ylang are noticeable at the top, along with the bergamot, and a ginger/pepper/cinnamon spice blend.

The spices here aren’t too heavy, just playing a supporting role, to the citrus juiciness and floral highlights.

After about 30-60 minutes, the citrus notes have subsided mostly, and the jasmine really steps up into its own. The ylang-ylang is still present, but is no longer an equal partner, and neroli feels more present than either the bergamot or mandarin orange.

From the spices found in the opening, cinnamon is the strongest to my nose. However, it is still quite light within the composition, and subservient to the main jasmine note. At this point, the perfume is a jasmine dominant scent flanked by, neroli and ylang-ylang, with a bit of spice.

A few hours into the wear, Jasmin Rouge fully develops into what it’ll be for the rest of its life cycle.

The main difference here, is that the perfume sweetens up. In place of much of the spice, you get vanilla, amber, and a bit of cedar. The floral notes, maintain their strength, but the spice is mostly overtaken by these new arrivals.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, the sillage here isn’t too powerful, but it isn’t weak either. I’d say for much of its time on the skin, it is on the higher end of moderate with its sillage. Then, it calms down quite a bit.

The opening act will give you a nice scent trail. For a few hours, it is plenty noticeable and has a nice lift off of skin. After those first two hours, it becomes more intimate.

The longevity is really good, but not great, as it goes for about 8 hours. It doesn’t want to hang around beyond that amount of time, during the times that I’ve tested it.

For an expensive fragrance? That’s just okay. I do wish it hit double digit hours like many other Tom Ford’s. Though, it certainly isn’t terrible.

Seasonally, it’s sort of a year round perfume. I don’t particularly like it in the high heat of summer, as it kind of  ‘melts’, but otherwise you’re good to go. Honestly, autumn or spring would work best with the more moderate temperatures.

Cold, too. But, a middle of the road temperature seems to be when Jasmin Rouge shines.

This can go casual, but feels more like a formal or at least semi-formal kind of scent. It’s attractive, but not particularly sexy. Just a really good floral.

Overall Impressions of Jasmin Rouge

Overall, do I think Jasmin Rouge, is worth a buy? Yes, provided you’re a jasmine fan. This Tom Ford is really well put together, has solid performance, and a really pleasant aroma. I like it, but I don’t think that it’s all that amazing, but I’m also not totally in love with jasmine.

I like the initial citrus and ginger note, especially. The cinnamon does give this perfume a liveliness and the opening is the highlight of the experience for me. The jasmine is also quite good, for what it is.

It’s a pretty scent that becomes pretty typical with how it smells. The quality is there and you get some decent performance also.

At the price point which Tom Ford’s sell at, this is actually one of the perfumes that is worth a purchase, if you’re into this sort of scent. To me, it’s well above average with how it smells, just not an elite level ‘must have’.

Bloom Profumo di Fiori by Gucci

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Bloom has been a popular line of perfumes for Gucci over the past handful of years. I’ve been working my way through reviewing the entire series and am almost complete with what they’ve released, up to this point. Today’s entry is Bloom Profumo di Fiori, which was released in 2020. How does this one smell? How is it different? Is it worth trying out?

What does Bloom Profumo di Fiori Smell Like?

Notes include: jasmine, ylang-ylang, sandalwood, tuberose, sun-drenched wood, orris, benzoin, musk

Click here to try: Bloom Profumo di Fiori

profumo di fiori review

My Full Review

Here’s how Gucci describes it: Debuting within a visionary campaign set in a garden of dreams where magic blooms, Profumo di Fiori eau de parfum enters the world of Gucci Bloom—conceived by Alessandro Michele and created by master perfumer Alberto Morillas. A radiant twist on the classic Gucci Bloom accord, Profumo di Fiori unleashes the addictive magnetism of Tuberose Essence, blended with Jasmine Sambac Closed Buds and Jasmine Sambac Absolute

This one does have a lot in common with the original Bloom, but takes things in a slightly different direction.

The opening really goes strong with the white floral notes. Jasmine and the Rangoon Creeper found in the others. However, the ‘sun-drenched wood’ accord here does really bring a bright and sunny feeling to Profumo di Fiori.

Creeper starts off the strongest to me. Then, the jasmine really kicks into overdrive for a long while.

Solar notes have become more common in fragrances over the past few years. With the blend of floral notes, this perfume does have a warm and somewhat buttery quality to it. In the early stages, at least.

Ylang-ylang comes in to further this trend. A nice yellow floral touch to the jasmine dominant mix.

The sandalwood stands out as the non-floral part of this early. Well, aside from that generic wood note, that is sun-drenched. Later, this gets muskier, not to a huge extent. Just, more noticeable than the woods.

As it dries down, the tuberose and the jasmine sort of split duties as the leading notes. Ultimately, more of the tuberose. The ylang-ylang sticks around somewhat, but whatever is left of the Rangoon Creeper has gone into oblivion it seems.

In the end, this is a sunny and upbeat white floral with bits of ylang-ylang, musk, and wood.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this one hits about the same level as the rest of the series. That being, pretty moderate, though slightly above average. The start does give you a fairly substantial projection off of the skin, but it isn’t massive.

It lasts for 5.5-7 hours, on me. Again, about in line with what you get from the Bloom lineup. The performance for all of them are decent, just not super long-lasting or completely beast mode with how they project.

Seasonally, it sticks to its heritage and gives you another wear for the spring and summer months. You’re not going to venture too far out of that time frame, but if it’s not too cold out, this would be fine.

Profumo gives you the same mostly daytime application of this style of this fragrance. Honestly, I’m surprised Gucci never really went for a bolder nightlife edition of Bloom, but this one doesn’t break the mold either.

Casual, work, and even something a bit more formal. Pleasant and attractive enough to receive complements and one of the more appealing perfumes of Bloom.

 

 

Overall Impressions of Bloom Profumo di Fiori

Overall, do I like Profumo di Fiori? Yes, it might be the best smelling of the Bloom series, in my opinion. It’s a pretty close call with Ambrosia, but this has the edge after testing each of them.

I really dig the woody notes here, the buttery quality of the early stages, and the ylang-ylang that has its time to shine. This is much less greenish or even aquatic feeling versus some of the other perfumes that have been released under this banner.

The dry down is more floral with the jasmine and tuberose taking over leading positions in the mix. Much closer to how the others are, but the balance is different.

You’re not going to get much difference in the performance with this one.

I can recommend giving this edition a try. If you’re a fan of the Gucci Bloom series, this is one that I’d try out first, if you want to narrow down the selections.

If you haven’t liked others in the series, this does share a lot of overlap. It’s the best smelling, but even the changes might not be enough to sway your opinion.

Paris-Venise by Chanel

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Les Eaux de Chanel is a series from the house that I’ve been working my way through reviewing, over the past year or so. I sort of forgot to publish this one on Venise, so, here I am correcting that now. How does it smell? How long does it last? Is it actually worth a try?

What does Paris-Venise Smell Like?

Notes include: citrus, iris, petitgrain, pink pepper, vanilla, tonka bean, violet, neroli, rose, ylang-ylang, and more

Click here to try: Paris-Venise from Chanel

paris venise review

My Full Review

Here’s how Chanel describes it: Inspired by the enchanting city Gabrielle Chanel revered, PARIS-VENISE Eau de Toilette is a composition of shadow and light, between freshness and sensuality.

The opening of Venise is a bright blend of citrus and floral notes. The citrus doesn’t feel too juicy here, but the lemon and orange are bolstered by the presence of the neroli and petitgrain in the mix.

Aside from that, you’re going to get some early powder from iris and violet. Not super heavy or anything, but it is there. Paris-Venise does stay much more of a spring and summer scent, so, it isn’t an imposing amount of powder.

I also get the ylang-ylang coming through early on. It has its moments, during this part of the wear, but will fade to the background as we move along.

Is it just citrus and powder? No, there is some spice to liven up the mix. Pink pepper, neroli, and even a bit of a resin from a benzoin note lurking behind everything.

The citrus, iris, and ylang-ylang (plus other floral notes) are most prominent in the opening act. Then, as it settles, you get the softer sweet and creamy notes coming through.

Once this initial phase passes, this becomes more about the iris, with musk, and the vanilla/tonka bean combination.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Like the others in this series, Venise doesn’t leave a massive scent trail behind when you wear it. I think the projection at its peak, is a bit better than most of the others (maybe not Edimbourg), but still fairly moderate in totality.

On skin, Venise goes 7 to maybe around 7.5 hours. Not a superb performer, but it gets the job done for most occasions.

Seasonally, Venise is another one for the spring and summer months, in particular. Though, if it’s somewhat mild outside you could wear it at other times. Mainly, focus on the warmer days, since that’s when it is at its best.

While the Les Eaux lineup is considered unisex, about all of the lean heavily towards the more feminine end of the spectrum. Paris-Venise is no exception.

This is an attractive and clean fragrance. Daytime wear. Not sexy or sultry, but quite attractive, and one that can gather complements. Venise is easy to wear and appropriate for just about anytime outside of the nightlife or super formal events.

Overall Impressions of Paris-Venise

Overall, do I like Paris-Venise? Absolutely. This one is my favorite from the Les Eaux series of fragrances. Deauville, is another one, that I personally enjoy a lot. However, I think Venise has enough of an edge to claim the top.

I always like a good iris perfume, especially when it gets that powdery and make-up bag vibe going. Venise has that, but it isn’t overwhelming with the powder. I do like the citrus, vanilla, and spices which add different elements to the mix.

The performance is on the upper range of what you could consider average, but still well within those bounds. But, I feel like you get more than enough out of this Chanel, especially since it’s not at an extreme price point.

This is one from the Les Eaux de Chanel series that you should definitely check out. It’s pretty safe to blind buy, as there really isn’t anything too offensive here. Unless, you just really hate iris.