Best Perfumes for Women

Romance by Ralph Lauren

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Romance has been one of the most popular fragrances from Ralph Lauren for decades now. I was sent a sample of the latest batch, with a fragrance order that I put in a few months ago, and so I of course had to write a review finally. How does it smell? How long does it last? Is it worth a try?

What does Romance by Ralph Lauren Smell Like?

Notes include: jasmine, rose, musk, mandarin essence, pink pepper, marigold, geranium, patchouli, oakmoss 

Click here to try: Ralph Lauren Romance Eau de Parfum Spray for Women, 3.4 Fluid Ounce

My Full Review

A romantic heart of rose Damascena blended with a delicate veil of jasmine absolute.

Romance opens up with a light mandarin orange essence, that feels quite watery within the composition. This is a well put together floral blend with a certain herbal green-quality coming through the mix, probably the geranium.

It’s fresh and has a chilled sort of aroma. Early on, I do pick up plenty of that rose note, but it isn’t super distinct from the rest of the floral heart. In some ways, I think that the floral notes are hidden by the ever-present pink pepper and musk notes.

As it dries down, I get just a musky and fresh floral fragrance. Sometimes, the jasmine will peak through or the rose will have its turn again. Mostly, it is just the impression of a bouquet. Clean with a spicy kick from the pink pepper note and the woodsy green-ish aroma still coming through.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here, isn’t too powerful. It’ll project somewhere in the 4-6 foot range, at its peak, in my experience. A moderate wear that is clean and unobtrusive.

I can go above 7 hours of wear with Romance, on my skin, maybe it’ll hit 8 under certain circumstances. But, mostly that 7 hour mark should be what to expect.

Seasonally, spring and summer mostly. Anywhere from a temperate climate to a hotter one. It would probably be a bit out of place during the coldest days of winter time.

Romance is quite versatile. It would fit a wide age range. It can venture into work, school, casual, and nightlife. It does have a romantic kind of vibe, as the name implies, but isn’t really a super sexy scent. Nice and attractive, but not something that I’d go crazy for.

Overall Impressions of Romance

I’m pretty sure that this fragrance has undergone some reformulations, over the years. This review is for the latest batch here in 2021. After over 20 years, it’s not surprising that they have changed things up.

Do I like this version? I do. It certainly has its pluses, but doesn’t completely wow me. It is a very green/watery/musky sort of floral. Very attractive and has enough going for it to not smell completely like a garden.

The performance is good, but not outstanding. I can get nearly a full workday of wear from Romance without much trouble. It’s a nice smelling and versatile scent, that can be beautiful on the right person.

Tory Burch EDP by Tory Burch

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Tory Burch eau de parfum was the first women’s fragrance released by the designer back in 2013. Since then, it has garnered a lot of popularity as a daily wear fragrance, with a bold citrus opening. While already familiar with this scent, I have never posted a full review here, and it’s time to rectify that situation. So, let’s get into it.

What does Tory Burch EDP Smell Like?

Notes include: neroli, grapefruit, cassis, bergamot, peony, tuberose, jasmine, vetiver, sandalwood

Click here to try: Tory Burch FOR WOMEN by Tory Burch – 3.4 oz EDP Spray

My Full Review

Feminine and tomboy. A bright mix of citrus and florals, anchored by earth vetiver.

Tory Burch EDP opens up with a strong citrus accord of grapefruit, bergamot, and neroli. It does have that bright juiciness that you would expect, but you also get the floral accord wafting up from the heart immediately.

To me, the grapefruit is the strongest of the bunch. The bergamot is there, but it isn’t much of a factor to my nose. It’s a bit spicy from the jump, as I’m picking up the cassis  note, but I think that there might be some unlisted pepper in there as well.

As it dries down a bit more, the floral notes emerge much more. Personally, I get a lot of peony, but there is also a nice amount of tuberose and the remaining neroli in here too. The citrus has settled at this point and Burch EDP becomes more of a floral/musk fragrance…with some of the orange still hanging on.

Still further, Burch EDP is a tuberose/peony blend with a vetiver base and musk. It’s fairly different from that sharp citrus start, but still appealing and some residual spiciness still coming through.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Burch EDP isn’t super powerful, but I’d put it down as a moderate, maybe close to the upper end of that range. It will project in the 4-7 foot range, for much of the wear. You could overspray it, if you went crazy, but not with a normal application amount.

The longevity is also good, just not elite. I usually get at least 7 hours of wear from this one and it can venture into the 8 territory in the right circumstances.

Seasonally, I’d stick to the spring and summer months with this. The citrus could be too much in the cold and crisp air of winter. Though, within those seasons, this a very versatile fragrance.

Tory Burch EDP is more of a daily wear scent. It can be worn to work, school, or casual. While it is a fairly pretty scent, it really isn’t a sexy club beast or anything like that. You’ll get plenty of wear out of it, sort of an easy to wear perfume that you really don’t have to think about.

Overall Impressions of Tory Burch Eau de Parfum

Overall, do I like Tory Burch EDP? I do. It can certainly have its place in any woman’s collection and it does have a close resemblance to the ever-popular Clinique Happy. So, if you like that, you’d enjoy this one. If not, you know that you can probably avoid.

The opening act of citrus notes is really a highlight for me. Although, I do like the peony and tuberose mix that comes later. The performance is good enough and this is one that can be worn in a variety of situations.

No, it’s not a completely unique fragrance or one that will really stand out. However, it does its job well and is good in every facet of what you’d want from a fragrance. It’s a solid daily wear that can be appreciated by a wide swath of people.

Coach EDT by Coach New York

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Coach New York has revamped its fragrance lineup over the past 5-6 years and among these newer releases is Coach eau de toilette for women. I received a sample of this perfume with an order a few months back and have been testing it out for the site. How does it smell? When should it be worn? How long does Coach last? Is it worth a buy?

What does Coach EDT Smell Like?

Notes include: pear, cedar, white Alba rose, grapefruit, musk

Click here to try: Coach Eau de Toilette from Coach New York

 

My Full Review

Before I get into my thoughts about Coach EDT, let’s see how the brand describes it: Coach eau de toilette is inspired by the spontaneous energy and chic downtown style of New York City. Fresh pear gives was to timeless and elegant white Alba roses, before drying down to a sensual cedarwood base note.

Coach Eau de Toilette starts off with a bright and juicy blend of its fruit notes. Pear, is going to be the major focal point of the top notes, but the citrus shares a fairly equal weight in the beginning. The smell is very pretty and fresh. 

As the perfumes settles, it will move into its more fruity floral phase. The citrus will begin to subside and the pear takes over. However, it is also joined by the Alba rose and some jasmine.

Coach EDT isn’t super complex. It takes on a bit of a clean shampoo sort of aroma, once the musk and cedar fully arrive. At that point, it is a rose/pear/jasmine blend, that’s sitting on top of the musk and cedar base. 

You’ve almost undoubtedly smelled something similar, if you’ve tried any sort of perfumes before. Though, this is a great example of this style of scent.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here is pretty light to moderate. You’ll notice that it is there, but it isn’t going to take over the room. It’s about what you would want with a fragrance like this, non-offensive and non-intrusive. A nice balance, without being weak.

It’ll go for as long as 7.5 hours, on my skin. I’d say it’s mostly in the 6-7.5 hour range, depending on the day. Not a complete workhorse, but this Coach is still plenty useful. 

One of the main selling points with Coach EDT is just how versatile it is. It can be worn by any age group, works well in different seasons, and can be worn in a variety of situations.

Seasonally, I’d say that it is best in the spring and summer months. Maybe you’d want to go with something else in the winter, that reflects that season, but this wouldn’t be bad there either.

It is safe for work, school, casual situations, and is attractive enough to venture into afterhours if needed. It might not be the stand out in your collection, though, it will will get plenty of use.

 

 

Overall Impressions of Coach EDT

Overall, do I like this scent? I really do. Not a super unique fragrance, but it smells very nice. The opening with the pear and citrus is my favorite part.

This is a great choice for a simple daily wear perfume. Well balanced, a simple fruity floral, but enjoyable to wear. The performance is solid, just not extreme. If you need something that’s clean, fresh, and versatile…this is worth a try.

Really kind of a no-brainer scent, but not one that’s going to set the world on fire.

Eau de Lacoste Sensuelle by Lacoste

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Eau de Lacoste Sensuelle was released back in 2013 by the brand. I have probably had a sample of this for 3 or 4 years now, just sitting around, waiting for me to review it. Well, it’s that time apparently, in my race to get caught up on the backlog of scents. How does it smell? When should it be worn? Is it worth a buy?

What does Eau de Lacoste Sensuelle Smell Like?

Notes include: pink pepper, nougat, amber, black currant, rose, sweet pea, and gladiolus

My Full Review

Before I get into my thoughts about this perfume, let’s see how Lacoste describes it: The spirit of Lacoste in a sensual fragrance that captures the natural intensity of soft floral notes.

As I said, I’ve had this sample sitting in a box of them for years now. I’m pretty sure that this fragrance has been discontinued by Lacoste at this point, but I’ll review it for posterity’s sake.

The opening is sweet with just a nice amount of spice and the floral notes peaking through. Yes, that fruity tartness of the black currant is in effect, but I pick up on the nougat right from the get go. It has a slightly creamy and nutty aroma to it.

I do enjoy a good amber and pink pepper note, especially when they’re utilized together. Eau de Lacoste Sensuelle has that and it is used to great effect.

After the initial fruitiness and pink pepper has burned off somewhat, the floral notes really emerge. I honestly cannot distinguish the floral notes all that much from one another, it feels like a generic floral smell. Then again, I have zero familiarity with gladiolus, so that could be a factor.

By the end of the wear, it is a slightly floral nougat aroma that is wrapped in a nice amber note. Sweet, warm, and an inviting gourmand.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Like many other Lacoste scents, this one isn’t super powerful or a marathon performer. It’s a lighter moderate scent, but actually does better than some of this brand’s other offerings. Overall, it’s going to stay in the 3-5 foot range from the skin.

Longevity is okay. Nothing to write home about, but I get about six hours of solid wear from it, before it evaporates completely. Usable, though, you’ll want to reapply for anything beyond that.

Seasonally, it would fit best in autumn and winter. Then again, it isn’t all that heavy or dense of a fragrance. It could venture into springtime for many folks, just avoid using Sensuelle when the heat and humidity rise.

This could be a daily wear, casual, or more of a romantic/nightlife sort of scent. It isn’t a bold club beast and it also isn’t a formal sort of fragrance. But, it can fit in plenty of scenarios without really drawing unwanted attention.

Sensuelle is attractive and somewhat sexy. Not a complete stunner, but it does draw me in with its yummy sort of vibe.

Overall Impressions of Eau de Lacoste Sensuelle

Do I like this perfume? I do. It smells very nice and feels similar to other designer scents, while not being an exact copy of any of them. Mainly, I think it smells like a mix of Poison Girl and Mon Guerlain. The overlap is there, but again, not a duplication.

The performance is decent, but it could definitely be better. However, if you can still get a bottle for a decent price, I think that it’s a worthwhile one to try based on the smell and its use cases.

Sensuelle was a good release from Lacoste, that didn’t really change the game, but one that you can still get plenty of joy from wearing.

I Love NY for Holidays by Bond No. 9

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The march of rating I Love NY fragrances from Bond No. 9 moves on. Today, we have a supposed unisex scent from the brand called, Holidays. This is an interesting gourmand scent suitable for the cooler months of the year. In this post, I am going to go over how it smells, performs, when it should be worn, and whether or not it is worth a purchase.

What does I Love NY for Holidays Smell Like?

Notes include: apricot, pomegranate, mandarin, praline, leather, musk, patchouli, freesia

Click here to try: Bond No 9 I Love NY Cologne, Holidays, 3.4 Ounce

My Full Review

The opening of I Love NY for Holidays hits immediately with a fruity blend of the apricot and mandarin orange notes. This is flanked by a noticeable combo of praline and patchouli. The instantly reminded me of Black XS, except that the fruit notes are much better than the Paco Rabanne lemon that ends up smelling like a candied strawberry.

It is interesting that Holidays also takes on a different kind of fruity aroma, almost a blueberry feel to it. The freesia gives it a nice little floral scent, as well.

Holidays further takes on the appearance of another popular fragrance, Angel by Thierry Mugler. It seems that Holidays is sort of skirting between Black XS and Angel, which isn’t terrible company to be in, but it will have a rather set appeal with people.

This fragrance is very sweet and gourmand with a distinctive impression of patchouli. Holidays was actually marketed as a unisex fragrance but this leans much more to the female side of things. I could wear it, but it honestly doesn’t seem to fit with me.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Holidays is pretty powerful stuff not super intense but you’ll know that it is there throughout the day, and so will others. I would put it on the upper end of the moderate range, in terms of sillage.

It also does have really good longevity, I’m getting 9+ hours. After testing it out multiple times, it can hit over 10 hours on the right day. But, it seems to fall in that 9-10 time frame. On the performance side of things, Holidays actually does deliver.

Again, I’d treat this more as a ladies’ scent than something that is unisex. It would work well in cold weather but would probably turn into an abomination in the heat. Casual and perhaps romantic wear would work but go lightly with it, if wearing at the office.

Overall Impressions of Holidays

Overall, is I Love NY for Holidays worth a buy? It might be the best smelling of the I Love NY line, in my opinion. It actually performs well and smells good. I’m not too thrilled with the patchouli and praline combo, Black XS is okay, but I never wear any from my bottle.

If you’re a fan of Angel and want something similar but slightly different than this one might be up your alley. This is a very solid offering from Bond No. 9