Best Perfumes for Women

Joy Intense by Dior

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Joy Intense is the 2019 follow up the popular, but not super well loved, Joy by Dior. I have never done a review of this one, since I sort of forgot about the series, after the original was pretty much only decent. How does Intense fair? Is it an improved upon formula? Is the performance good? Is Joy Intense worth a try?

What does Dior Joy Intense Smell Like?

Notes include: neroli, bergamot, Grasse rose, jasmine, vanilla, sandalwood, musk, tonka bean

Click here to try: Dior Joy Intense

joy intense review

My Full Review

Here’s how Dior describes it: Floral fireworks, concentration of joy. The dazzle of juicy citrus mingles with colorful sparks of Grasse rose and jasmine, heightened by an enveloping, woody echo of sandalwood tinged with vanilla.

The original Joy has a blend of peach and orange up top, that Intense lacks. Sure, you get citrus influence here, but the bergamot doesn’t seems as strong as the other two.

Early on, I get a lot of the jasmine, neroli, and powdery aroma that was in the original. Here, the jasmine shows up earlier. There is still indeed a freshness to this one early on, the bergamot is there, creating a bright and sparkling undertone.

As we get to the next phase, Joy Intense is fully displaying its jasmine and Grasse rose combination. With that is the vanilla and tonka bean notes. Very much a floral-vanilla, at this point.

Has some sweetness and creaminess, but it’s mostly a light powder/musky aroma wrapped around the floral core.

For the rest of the way, it’s kind of like the original. Jasmine really stands out. This time, there is more vanilla, less powder in the dry down than Joy. None of the patchouli. It’s hard to tell, but I feel like less of a sandalwood influence in Intense.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This is the stronger of the Joy fragrances, as the name suggests. It’s definitely strong in the opening, but isn’t massive really. You will get a scent trail for a few hours, good projection, but not a super heavy scent.

It’s solidly above average throughout the wear, though.

With the original Joy, it lasted up to about six hours on my skin. Does Intense do a better job of sticking around?

Yes, but, it’s nothing to crazy. Maybe 7.5 hours or so. A definite improvement, but it still doesn’t blow anything out of the water. Though, I am glad that this one is better than the disappointing performance of the original.

Intense covers much of the same ground that the original does. However, I will say that it’s a notch below, as I would skip wearing this in the summer. The rest of the year is fine, but the original (while not being a pure summer wear), holds up better in the heat than this.

Pretty much a daytime sort of wear, that can fit in anywhere without causing any offense.

Overall Impressions of Joy Intense

Overall, do I like Joy Intense? I do. This version certainly isn’t amazing, but it is better than the first. Both in terms of smell and it’s performance. It’s a lot more balanced across the board.

The jasmine and vanilla dominance, isn’t exactly the most original fragrance out there, but it smells quite nice. The citrus isn’t too powerful of an influence, just a touch to highlight the rest of the composition.

It’s got enough of a difference from the first Joy, to be worth checking out, if you didn’t care too much for that one.

I probably wouldn’t want to pay full price for a bottle. However, if you can find Joy Intense at a discount, it’s a good perfume from Dior that you could get plenty of use out of.

Naturally Fierce by Abercrombie & Fitch

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Naturally Fierce is a sample that I kind of just got randomly with another order. I hadn’t ever heard of this Abercrombie & Fitch scent and initially thought it was a flanker to the men’s version. Nope. This women’s perfume was released by the company back in 2021. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is Naturally Fierce worth a try?

What does Naturally Fierce by A&F Smell Like?

Notes include: cactus, agave, sunflower, coconut, plumeria, vetiver, sandalwood, orange blossom, moss

Click here to try: Naturally Fierce

My Full Review

The opening of Naturally Fierce will bring the coconut out, front and center. However, it does have somewhat of an odd presentation. It’s sweet and greenish, with a milky and syrupy sort of aroma.

Obviously, you’re going to get the milky scent from the coconut, but the agave and cactus add to it early on. I really wasn’t sure what to make of it. It’s not something that I enjoyed very much, I didn’t hate it. Though, I just don’t think it works to well in the beginning.

As you move forward, things will become more familiar. The frangipani tropical flower (plumeria) joins its usual tropical partner in coconut. Along with, a fairly light orange blossom.

The greenish aspect and thicker syrupy sweetness will abate. Naturally Fierce will take on a bit of a powdery smell, with some woodsy/earthiness from the vetiver and moss notes in the base. The moss, doesn’t have too strong of a presence, however.

Mainly, though, this is about coconut and sandalwood. That’s what’ll dry down to and that’s what the other notes have to surround for the rest of the way.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This one doesn’t feel heavy, pretty average with the scent trail and how it will just project off of the skin. That first hour, is honestly pretty good. I can spray it on a shirt and detect it from maybe 5-7 feet away.

The power of Naturally Fierce will begin to subside quickly, though.

The longevity is basically 5 to 5.5 hours on my skin. The back half of that, is basically a skin scent. That middle of the road projection dies out and this one is going to be pretty intimate, without a heavier application.

Naturally Fierce will be at its best in the warmer temperatures of spring and summertime. It felt a bit off, when I wore it on one colder evening.

And yeah, it’s also a daytime sort of wear. It can actually fit in rather well for most occasion and even to work, since there’s nothing too off-putting here.

Unlike some A&F fragrances, this one doesn’t come across as just something that teenagers would wear. It’s coconut and sandalwood blend never feels too juvenile.

Overall Impressions of Naturally Fierce

Overall, do I like Naturally Fierce? It’s okay. I think the opening act is sort of weird and not all that appealing, but it settles into something much more pleasant.

That being said, it’s not much more than an average performer. So, even that fairly nice middle and dry down periods are short lived.

If it’s on sale for really cheap, it might be worth a pick up. It does have sort of a ‘poor woman’s’ version of Crystal Noir going for it (they aren’t the same, though). The Versace is better, but this could be a similar enough substitute (in the dry down), especially with a massive price break.

This perfume does have some unique aspects, especially early on. Agave, sunflower, and the like aren’t typical notes. I don’t think those non-typical notes work extremely well, but at least it offers up a change of pace for a while.

Naturally Fierce is a good enough release from Abercrombie. Nothing spectacular on the whole, but it has its moments where I think it’s a good little fragrance.

Twilly d’Hermes Eau Ginger by Hermes

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Twilly d’Hermes Eau Ginger is a sample that I picked up along with the Eau Poivree version. Eau Ginger was released in 2021 as a flanker to the very popular original release from Hermes. I’ve been putting this fragrance through its paces to see what it’s all about. What does it smell like? How long does it last? Is it worth a try?

What does Twilly d’Hermes Eau Ginger Smell Like?

Notes include: candied ginger, peony, cedar

Click here to try: Twilly d’Hermes Eau Ginger

My Full Review

Here’s how Hermes describes it: The joyful spirit of a luminous fragrance revealed by candied ginger, generous peony, and tender cedar

The opening is a blast of the sugary and spicy candied ginger note, along with the peony. To me, the candied ginger has a slight orange-like aroma to it. Fresh, sweet, and a similar floral aspect to the original Twilly.

Eau Ginger is a very clean fragrance, the peony is well balanced with the ginger note itself. I think it becomes more of a standard ginger smell versus the opening, where it has a sugary smell.

Closer to the ginger in Un Jardin Apres la Mousson, also by Hermes. Less of the overall spiciness, but some of that same aquatic-like freshness (not to the same extent either).

As it dries down, this one feels soapier. The cedar and peony really team up and the ginger, while it hangs around, is less of a factor overall.

That’s basically it for the rest of the way.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Eau Ginger isn’t a massive projector nor a very heavy perfume. It is in the upper range of what could be considered average. It’ll leave a decent scent trail for a time and has a nice reaching scent bubble effect.

But, I never felt like it was going to be overwhelming, unless you really went nuts with the sprays. Even then, that might be only for a limited time.

On my skin, Eau Ginger lasts a little more than 7 hours on my skin. Call it, about 7.5 hours. It’s pretty good, but nothing elite in its performance.

Seasonally, this one can be a nice pickup for the spring and summer months. Or, any other time of the year that is mild to temperate. I feel like it’s better in the mid-range temperatures versus the hottest and most humid days of summer. Good, if indoors, however.

This is mostly going to serve as a daily wear. Something clean and fresh to wear around with a nice sweet and spice blend up top. It’s not really a nightlife fragrance or one that is particularly sexy. Can be quite likeable though.

Overall Impressions of Eau Ginger

Overall, do I like Twilly d’Hermes Eau Ginger? I do. I think that it’s one of the best entries so far in the series. Perhaps the best, depending on your tastes. I like it more so than Poivree.

I’m a fan of ginger as a note. I like the candied sugary version that is presented with this Hermes release. That, with the orange note is really great. The fragrance isn’t too complex, but it delivers a fairly beautiful experience.

If you liked the original, this one should also appeal to you. If you’re a fan of ginger and need a daily wear that utilizes that note, this can be a great option.

Now, I don’t think it’s going to be for everyone, but it certainly has a mass appeal. Eau Ginger is pleasant and never strays to far into niche fragrance territory. It’s worth a try, if it sounds like something that you’d be interested in.

Flowerbomb Dew by Viktor & Rolf

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Flowerbomb Dew was a flanker of the popular perfume line which was released in 2020. I got a sample of this as part of my progress of reviewing most (if not, all) of the Flowerbomb perfumes for this site. How does Dew Smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a try?

What does Flowerbomb Dew Smell Like?

Notes include: pear, dew drop, musk mallow, bergamot, rose, iris, heliotrope, musk, cashmeran

Click here to try: Flowerbomb Dew

My Full Wear Review

The opening of Dew, does indeed have a light watery freshness to it. Between the pear and the dew drop, it’s really to be expected.

While it is sweet, somewhat fruity early on, it’s never dominant in the mix. Musk mallow, musk, and the powdery floral notes are already a factor. Iris, seems to poke through more early, but in the dry down I get more heliotrope aroma.

Much of what you’re getting with Flowerbomb Dew, is already apparent in the opening act. The aquatic dew drop element will subside, as will any bergamot, and eventually the pear too.

It goes from being a sweeter musky floral (led by the iris) to a musky more generic powdery aroma, that’s a mix of the floral notes. I do get periods which the rose is somewhat of a factor, but it really doesn’t pop out, on my skin.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this is average at its peak, and pretty darn light outside of that. It doesn’t completely disappear for me, but Dew is in skin scent territory a couple of hours into the wear.

That’s its main weakness.

How long does it stick around? Somewhere in the six hour range, for me, on skin. Again, it’s not a massively powerful scent at that point, but I do still detect it. Musk and mostly the iris note remain.

Seasonally, this is pretty much a year round sort of fragrance. It’s powder isn’t a heavy one, so, it doesn’t get bogged down much in the heat. That fresh opening really helps. Maybe not a pure winter scent and that’s not when Dew will be at its best.

This is very versatile as a daily wear perfume. It can go casual to semi-formal and be fine for most occasions. Another fragrance would be in order if you need a formal wear, nightlife, or something that is sexy.

Dew is pleasant and attractive, not one that is inherently seductive.

Overall Impression of Flowerbomb Dew

Overall, do I like Dew? Yes, I think that it is a solid flanker, on the whole. Not the best of the Flowerbomb lineup, but I’d put it in the upper half.

Dew is a very simple fragrance. The pear and dew drop add a lightness and aquatic sort of feeling to it. You get musky florals with powdery heliotrope and iris. It’s easy to wear and all around pleasant.

It’s just not going to be a massive performer. So, if you need something with more power, you might want to go with something else besides this V&R release.

I do wish it had some further reach and ability to stick around longer, at a stronger level. But, on the smell alone, I like this Flowerbomb. I prefer the original, Midnight, and Ruby Orchid to this for sure though.

I would probably want to get a significant discount, if I were going to give Flowerbomb Dew a try. At full price, the performance isn’t really worth the admission.

Alien Eau Sublime by Mugler

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Alien Eau Sublime is one that I missed, when it came out back in 2017. So, when I saw a sample of it available, I purchased it in order to do a review for the site. I really didn’t have much knowledge about what this one was all about beforehand. How does Eau Sublime smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a try?

What does Alien Eau Sublime Smell Like?

Notes include: lemon, solar notes, heliotrope, galbanum, orange, jasmine, tiare flower, cherry blossom, amber, vanilla, cashmeran, vetiver, orange blossom

My Full Review

Here’s how Mugler describes it: A luminous and refreshing fragrance, an energizing cocktail which stimulates the senses.

While they’re not the same, this Alien perfume actually reminds me of Libre L’Absolu Platine, in its opening act.

Citrus, solar notes (instead of the YSL aldehydes…similar), orange blossom. Here, though, we get the usual Alien jasmine note versus the lavender of Libre. Not the same, but a reminiscent style. This Mugler, came first.

Once that part is out of the way, Eau Sublime feels like a less dense and more summer acceptable version of the original Alien.

Tiare flower, vanilla, jasmine, and that orange blossom really come through. This becomes a white floral mix, with some remaining light citrus sweetness, and a bit of amber coming through.

On my skin, I don’t get much of a powdery aroma. The heliotrope seems muted. But, spraying this one on a shirt, does make that aspect pop some more. For me, I get a creamier blend of tiare and vanilla, on skin.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The original Alien can be an absolute bomb and also has some really heavy qualities about it. Sometimes, it’s pretty cloying in the heat.

Alien Eau Sublime is lighter and doesn’t get bogged down. However, it still produces a nice scent trail and can project itself well. Definitely above average with its strength, just not massive.

The longevity is good, not amazing. On my skin, Eau Sublime can hit around the 8 hour mark without trouble. It doesn’t seem to go much beyond that, if at all.

Seasonally, this Mugler is built more for the spring and summer months. It’s got that light citrus and white floral blend, without all of the heaviness, that will work well once it gets somewhat warm outside.

It’s fine for any age, but I’m not sure that Eau Sublime will appeal too much to younger women. It may be better to go with something like Alien Goddess, for some people.

Eau Sublime is fine as a daytime wear. It can fit in fine in most places, it’s not too formal of a scent. But, it also won’t stand out as being anything offensive. This isn’t really a nightlife wear and I don’t find it to be ‘sexy’ at all.

Overall Impressions of Alien Eau Sublime

Overall, do I like Eau Sublime? It’s fine. I’m not too enthralled this one. It’s not nearly as enjoyable as the original Alien or some of the more unique flanker releases from over the years.

It’s pretty basic, as a white floral scent. That opening is kind of like Libre Platine, but I’m not a huge fan of that either. Everything here is ‘just fine’. Eau Sublime is somewhat likeable, has decent performance, etc.

I like the dry down better. The jasmine, tiare flower, and orange blossom work rather well together with the vanilla and surrounding notes.

This one came out back in 2017, so, it’s discontinued anyway. Unless you’re a major fan of Alien, there’s no real reason to chase this one down. Now, if it sounds like your style and you can get a good discount on a bottle, go for it. Otherwise, it’s not a must have.