Perfume Reviews

Euphoria by Calvin Klein

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Euphoria is a fragrance that was released by Calvin Klein back in 2005. It’s a series that produced a ton of flankers and also had a men’s line as well. It’s a scent that I’ve enjoyed coming in contact with over the years, so, I got a sample of it to finally do a full review for the site. Is it still worth a try?

What does Euphoria by Calvin Klein Smell Like?

Notes include: mahogany, black orchid, lotus blossom, black violet, persimmon, and pomegranate

My Full Review

Euphoria is a perfume which while being a mainstream designer fragrance, does have a fairly unique aroma versus many others on the market.

It starts from the opening, where you get a mix of pomegranate and persimmon as the fruity top notes, which are two underutilized ingredients. Very juicy, tart, sweet, and delicious overall.

Underneath that you’re going to already get a good deal of what this perfume is all about. The mahogany note, which really helps to set this one apart is already apparent. But, the floral accord is what’s going to develop in full once some of the fruitiness has burned off.

Here, the main attraction is orchid. Violet in the second spot, with lotus for a short amount of time. The fruity opening subsides and Euphoria becomes floral/fruity with rich wood, instead of a tart juicy explosion.

When the floral notes get going, the patchouli will also start to come out more. It’s not too heavy on my skin, but I like the earthy depth it brings to the floral heart. A bit of spice here.

This one dries down into a darkly rich perfume. That pomegranate and persimmon continue their decline. Orchid, mahogany and amber all take on a larger share of the pie. Violet sticks around to still play a supporting role.

It gets woodier with the mahogany becoming dominant in the final dry down. Amber, musk, and floral notes. Still some spice, less of that sweet tart beginning.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Euphoria opens up with a bang. The sillage definitely is strong in the opening hour or so. Not massive, but very easily over-sprayed and will leave a trail behind you. But, that will come in closer to the skin, and be more of a moderate the rest of the way.

On my skin, it goes for 7-7.5 hours before calling it quits. Not amazing, but Euphoria does its job fairly well and I wasn’t disappointed.

Seasonally, I’d stick to autumn through early springtime with Euphoria. It doesn’t come across as a summer scent and it will probably be a complete mess in the heat.

This has a darker feeling, while still having a youthful dynamic. Not to say that Euphoria is just for teenagers, it actually casts a fairly wide net. It can be worn to school or even some offices, while also has a nightlife style, or even date nights.

Still, it may be based on my memories of smelling this stuff out in the wild, but I associate it with women in their early 20s.

Overall Impressions of Euphoria for Women

Overall, do I like Euphoria? Yes, it’s one of my favorites from the Calvin Klein women’s collection. Some of the flankers were really good as well. Though, I’m pretty sure a lot of them are difficult to find nowadays.

I’m probably a little more of a fan of this scent than many people, but I think it is great for something that is mass appealing. The men’s version is also great, but just has terrible performance. This, is much better in that regard.

Pomegranate, mahogany, and the amber. It’s different from most of the designer fare, especially here in the 2020s. This was early 2000s vibe, though, it even stands out from that era of perfumes.

It’s still super popular and probably the most famous CK fragrance from the women’s line, for younger people (Obsession? Maybe). This is worth trying out to this day, it smells great, it’s different, and the performance holds up.

Perfect Intense by Marc Jacobs

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Perfect Intense is a fragrance that I grabbed a sample of after having already done a review of the original Perfect release. I wanted to see what this one was all about and how it smells on its own. How long does this one last? Is it even worth a try?

What does Perfect Intense Smell Like?

Notes include: daffodil, jasmine, almond, sandalwood

Click here to try: Perfect Intense by Marc Jacobs

My Full Review

Here’s how Marc Jacobs describes it: An unabashedly bold twist to the original Perfect EDP. An explosion of vibrant daffodil and golden roasted almonds meets opulent night blooming jasmine and velvety sandalwood. Celebrate the intoxicating clash of the unexpected.

The original Perfect had a rhubarb note up top, which came across like strawberry. It felt much fruitier than does Intense. Yet, this one does have a sweetness that feels fruity here, in the opening moments of the wear.

Yes, that banana-like narcissus aroma, but there’s something else too.

Along with that, you get a mix of daffodil and jasmine, also coming through. The daffodil here, feels stepped up versus the original (at least for the first part). You get a nice yellow floral aroma, Perfect Intense does have a golden impression about it.

I’d say about 30% of the floral scent, is taken up by the jasmine. I like it though, it doesn’t need to be any stronger.

Perfect Intense feels fresh, yet buttery smooth (not smelling), with the almond and that ‘velvety sandalwood’ taking on more of a role. It’s warm and really has a nice back and forth between daffodil and the almond note, as the lead.

The end is more split between the almond and sandalwood, versus anything floral. Not too heavy, pretty different from the original, and clean.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Perfect Intense does live up to the moniker for that first hour to hour and a half of wear. The projection isn’t absolutely far reaching, just one that produces a good radius off of the skin. After that, Intense stays above average with its strength until it fades completely.

The longevity with Perfect Intense is solid, but not amazing. I get somewhere in the 7.5-8 hour range, on skin with this Marc Jacobs perfume. It’s a scent that gives you a good run of time to spend with it.

Seasonally, it doesn’t actually scream out any defined season. I wouldn’t wear it in the heat, especially when it’s also really humid outside. But, outside of the summer months, this should be fine to wear in most places.

This is a pretty scent, not particularly sexy or even formal. Though, I suppose it could be good as a daily wear, something casual, or one to wear in the right conditions while out and about.

Overall Impressions of Perfect Intense

Overall, do I like Perfect Intense? I do. I think that this is a good release all around, not spectacular but worth checking out.

The whole experience gives you a warm and golden sort of impression. The daffodil and the almond together are nice and have a buttery creaminess that I thought was enjoyable. I’m certainly not blown away by the aroma, just one that’s pleasant and upbeat.

The performance is solid enough to create a level of value with Perfect Intense, particularly if you can snag it at a discount.  It’s something different from most of the mainstream that’s out nowadays, while not being completely outlandish with what it’s trying to go for.

If you liked the original, you’ll probably dig this one as well. Personally, I still like Perfect EDP slightly more than this Intense flanker. Yet, it’s still one to check out to see which you happen to prefer.

Girl of Now Forever EDP by Elie Saab

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Girl of Now Forever is one of the flankers to the popular Elie Saab release. This perfume came out back in 2019 and I’ve been testing out a sample of it for the site. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is Forever worth a try?

What does Girl of Now Forever Smell Like?

Notes include: rose, lemon, raspberry, patchouli, almond, orange blossom, blackcurrant, vanilla, musk, cashmeran

girl now forever review

My Full Review

The opening of Forever is a bit messy and sharp, in my opinion. I do like what this develops into, but I’m not much of a fan of the early stages here.

Lemon, raspberry, and blackcurrant obviously create a bright and fruity aroma. But, when paired with the early burst of almond and orange blossom, it feels like it is too much. I think it’s the way the lemon and almond interact, that I find bothersome.

That phase will pass, however. The blackcurrant fades, as does the orange blossom. Plus, the almond is not as aggressive.

What you do get is a sparkling raspberry near lemonade at times, emergent vanilla highlights, and a very nice pinkish rose. Girl of Now Forever isn’t a pure rose perfume, but it certainly develops into a scent with a rose influence.

As the rose comes on, you do get some musk and a bit of patchouli. Honestly, there’s not a lot of the patchouli here from what I can pick up.

Final dry down is rose, musk, wood, with a light lemon/raspberry finish. Not overly complicated, but I like the smell.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This one does start out with a good deal of power. It projects quite well off of the skin, without feeling too heavy or overtaking the room. But, it will change in a short amount of time into something that is more moderate throughout the rest of the wear.

Forever is never weak and I didn’t ever feel like this one had bad performance.

Beyond the sillage, the longevity is also well above average. On my skin, this version of Girl of Now went above 8 hours and closer to about 8.5 in total. You might even be able to get a bit more time, but this is still a solid performer for a designer wear.

Seasonally, this isn’t exclusive to the warmer weather. But, the spring and parts of summer is when it is at its best. Basically, whenever the climate is mid-range to warm outside, Forever can work.

This is a perfume that is probably going to appeal to younger women. It’s a good perfume for a teenager or someone in their early 20s. Obviously, anyone ‘can’ wear it, but this scent itself does have a playful youthful vibe versus some other designer fragrances.

Overall Impressions of Girl of Now Forever

Overall, do I like Girl of Now Forever? It’s good, but not great. That opening needs time to work itself out and isn’t amazing, but I do like how this one smells and performs thereafter.

It does skew younger, it seems, so it may be too bright and fruity for some older women. Rosy with its raspberry lemonade highlights coming through, is the period of this perfume that I particularly enjoyed.

It’s also easy to wear, will give you good longevity and enough power to be noticeable, while not blowing out whatever room you’re entering. Forever is a good flanker, if you’re already a fan of the Girl of Now series.

It’s at least worth trying out, if you’re completely unfamiliar. Not too polarizing that it wouldn’t be safe as a blind buy.

Chloe Rose Tangerine by Chloe

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Rose Tangerine is another release from Chloe which came out in 2020. I purchased a bunch of different samples from this brand to test out and review for the site and was intrigued by this one based on the name. How does it actually smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a try?

What does Chloe Rose Tangerine Smell Like?

Notes include: rose, blackcurrant, tangerine, cedar, amber

Click here to try: Chloe Rose Tangerine

My Full Review

Here’s how Chloe describes it: A fragrance with a luminous character around a modern fruity accord. While the sparkling tangerine and blackcurrant bring a breath of freshness, the iconic rose adds grace and femininity.

The opening spray, is quite likeable to me. The tangerine and blackcurrant have a sharp bite to them, not a sweet sort of perfume here, more clean floral and freshness.

The blackcurrant takes a back seat, rather quickly. The sharpness tones down and this becomes rosier, soapier, and not the same type of rosewater scent found in L’eau. The blend feels kind of bitter and greenish in the opening minutes.

As I get further along, this is light and still decent. It’s a rose and cedar freshness with a citrus zest. I don’t get much development beyond that, maybe some amber, but not to the point where it stands out on me. 

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The first hour or two, this one is pretty moderate while still being very noticeable. Projects from the skin in the 4-6 foot range for that duration. Then, it’ll move into the 1-3 foot range for the rest of the way.

A lot of the time, it will be very close to the skin. 

On my skin, Rose Tangerine lasts a little more than 5 hours in total. The performance wasn’t too great and I wish I could squeeze a few more hours of wear out of it. Kind of a weak point.

Seasonally, this is a spring and summer wear all the way. That’s when it’s going to shine and this isn’t going to get much play in the colder months.

But, it is quiet and simple enough to be worn in a wide variety of outings without issue. It’s not going to be a bold nightlife wear or a formal one or anything like that. Outdoors would be nice, casually, maybe to work would be appropriate for some people.

 

 

Overall Impressions of Rose Tangerine

Overall, do I like Chloe Rose Tangerine? I like parts of it, but it’s pretty forgettable overall. I do like that tangerine and blackcurrant opening act, which is very short-lived. 

After that, it becomes rose-focused like the other perfumes in the series, but not really as good. Very greenish stem with the rose petals adding the rest of the floral aspect. Plus, this one does have a bitterness which comes through in the middle. 

I don’t hate that part, but it just doesn’t have the same appeal. This is also a pretty simple fragrance on the whole.

The performance is light and just enough to be a viable purchase for those who like it. Personally, I think it’s okay and definitely not one of the best from Chloe. 

Sutton Place by Bond No. 9

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Sutton Place is a fragrance released by Bond No. 9 back in 2016. I was given a sample of this as a bonus, when I ordered a lot of perfume samples months ago. Since I hadn’t yet tried it, I wanted to see what this one was all about. How does it smell? When should it be worn? Is it worth a try?

What does Sutton Place Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, pineapple, cassis, jasmine, lily, patchouli, amber, musk, and leather

Click here to try: Sutton Place by Bond

My Full Review

Here’s how Bond No. 9 describes it: Sutton Place, Bond No. 9’s classically masculine newest scent, celebrates that quiet, serene, understated enclave that serves as home to the traditionally male cadre of U.N. diplomats

Sutton Place opens up fresh, juicy, and a bit green. Early, the bergamot and pineapple really supply that juiciness, but the dominant note here is going to be the cassis. It adds to the fruitiness, but with that patchouli note, really gives this a greenish aroma early on.

What Sutton Place also has, is nice dose of spicy pink pepper. Once the citrus and pineapple level off, the pink pepper comes in to join that cassis note.

30 minutes or so into the wear, the patchouli has also taken a step back and this one really starts to bring out the leather. Cassis and leather, with pink pepper, and a touch of jasmine.

The latter stages for me are really a musky leather, the remaining cassis,  and some general spiciness from what’s left of the rest of the notes.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sutton Place actually projects nicely. The opening hour is quite strong, not a massive cloud, but the fragrance can indeed create a trail. After that, it is above average and never felt like it was a weak or more intimate sort of scent.

The longevity is good, which it should be at this price point. On my skin, it goes just over 8 hours and can sometimes hit that 9 hour mark. During testing, it was more consistently at the eight side of that range.

Seasonally, this can basically work in all seasons, save the absolute coldest days of winter where the freshness might be too much. It’s versatility is a bright spot. Spring seems like the ideal time for Sutton Place.

It’s not formal or a super sexy fragrance. But, outside of the opening which can be bold, it’s not one that really going to be offensive to anyone and so can fit into a pretty wide variety of situations.

Overall Impressions of Sutton Place

Overall, do I like Sutton Place? Eh, it’s fine. It’s not one of the better Bond fragrances in their lineup, but I didn’t hate it completely.

The early stages can be somewhat messy and sharp with the citrus, pineapple, and pink pepper. Fresh, but I think it gets better once everything settles down. The cassis and leather combination is the highlight of this one.

Yet, it’s still nothing that feels too impressive or attractive. It’s middle tier at a high price.

Performance is good. No problems there.

This is definitely not a blind buy and most likely not something that many folks are going to be clamoring for. If it sounds interesting to you, try it out, and see if your one of the people that this can potentially fit with. Otherwise, just skip this entirely.