Perfume Reviews

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.

Irresistible EDP by Givenchy

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Irresistible is one of Givenchy’s main fragrance series for women. I got samples of each of the perfume options from this line to test them out and review for the site. The eau de parfum was released in 2020. How does it smell? When should it be worn? Is it worth a try?

What does Irresistible EDP Smell Like?

Notes include: rose, pear, ambrette, iris, cedar, musk

Click here to try: Irresistible EDP

My Full Review

Here’s how Givenchy describes it: A magnetically powerful contrast between two opposite accords: luscious rose and luminous blond wood. Irresistible Givenchy Eau de Parfum entices you to feel charmingly, irresistibly you.

Irresistible kicks off fresh, juicy, with a sweet muskiness. The rose is advertised as the dominant note in this one, to some extent that becomes true later. However, early on there’s a good deal of pear.

The pear note alone gives you that usual sweet and watery juiciness. But that ambrette, gives it a further sweetness and is really better than just a standard musk would be by itself in this composition. Though, you do get that as well.

That opening is bright, sparkling, with a nice fizziness from the notes coming together.

As it moves forward, Irresistible does start to show more of it rosiness. That, with a further powdery punch from the iris note. But, it never strays into full baby powder mode, and the powder is simply complementary.

This isn’t super complicated. The pear does take a step back. you get more of the standard musk, rose has a greater weighting, with the iris and cedar freshness coming from the base.

More of a floral musk, with some fruity sweetness. To me, this doesn’t get too soapy or shampoo-like with how it comes across. Sure, to some extent, but it stays balanced and attractive.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, it’s a bit moderate. The opening actually has a decent amount of strength, with a fairly short-lived but pronounced scent trail. This all projects well off the area you applied Irresistible to for a few hours.

Thereafter, it’s going to be a lighter scent. Not a skin scent, but maybe a 2-3 foot scent bubble.

The longevity is pretty run of the mill, but slightly above average. I get about 7 hours on the high end, but somewhere in the 5.5-7 hour range is about what to expect on the skin. Not great, but I didn’t find it to be entirely weak.

Seasonally, this is a versatile fragrance, but mostly for spring and summer. Though, it’s fine in the autumn, when it’s not too cold outside. Maybe a bit too sharp or bright for the dead of winter, but fine outside of that.

Irresistible is a pretty sort of perfume, that will get complements, and less of something that might be called sexy. But, it’s one that is a crowd pleaser and nothing that should offend.

It’s fairly wearable. Light and upbeat. More of a daily wear, casual, and semi-formal. Again, I’d probably skip using this as a nightlife sort of scent.

 

 

Overall Impressions of Irresistible

Overall, do I like this perfume? Yes, to me, this is the best of the Irresistible lineup thus far. The EDT and Fraiche aren’t as enjoyable or long lasting. Plus, this is nice fragrance overall. Not completely amazing, but I like it. 

The performance could be better, but I didn’t think that it was too bad. Irresistible doesn’t have that beast mode performance, however. 

The pear and ambrette are the highlights of this one to me. The latter part goes more in the musky floral direction, tried and true, yet it’s a simple formula which works well. 

As a daily wear, this one will work just fine for most people. Maybe you don’t want to pay full retail for Irresistible, but it’s worth a try, and a great option at a discount. 

English Pear & Freesia by Jo Malone

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Jo Malone has a whole host of fragrances that are great by themselves or layered with another perfume from the line. That’s what they’re made to do. I somewhat recently received a sample of what I consider to be one of the better scents from this designer, which gave me the opportunity to retest it and finally give English Pear & Freesia a full review. What does it smell like? How long does it last?

What does English Pear & Freesia Smell Like?

Notes include: King William pear, melon, freesia, patchouli, rhubarb, rose, musk

Click here to try: English Pear & Freesia

english pear review

My Full Review

Here’s how Jo Malone describes it: The essence of autumn. Mellow. Cool. Golden.

So, Jo Malone scents are designed to be both worn solo or layered with other offerings from their line. If you go with English Pear & Freesia they have the following suggestions. Try layering this one with (according to Jo Malone): Wild Bluebell for a fresher scent. Velvet Rose & Oud for a warmer scent.

The pear note here is probably the highlight of the entire wear. It’s crisp, bright, and has less of the sparkling quality than some other perfumes, but it smells better to my nose. The light melon note helps add that juicy or watery sort of fruit aroma to the opening act.

Early on, the fruity notes are in charge. But, I do get plenty of musk in the early stages of this perfume. Musk flanked by the rose note, which plays more of a role than you might think by the name alone.

However, the freesia is ultimately the star here. A lovely white floral impression with hints of green stems and the underlying patchouli note.

The dry down will pretty much be a shift away from the pear dominance, to a more traditional floral soapy sort of perfume.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This one has a nice opening burst of strength and can project itself well for the first hour or so. Then, it’ll become pretty moderate, with about a 3 foot radius of a scent bubble on the wearer.

Finally, the last couple hours are lighter still. It isn’t a weak fragrance, but not exactly a beast either. That opening is pretty substantial on me, however.

This one actually lasts a decent amount of time, on my skin. Somewhere in the 6.5-7 hour range, at its best. It’s not a long lasting powerhouse scent, but it’s not terrible for what it is.

Seasonally, this is at its best in the spring and into the summertime. But again, what you’re layering it with can determine whether it can venture further into the heat or the cold. That’s great, if you’re looking for a super versatile scent to base things off of.

On its own, this is a pleasant and clean smelling fragrance that can fit in a variety of situations. Not really a sexy or nightlife scent, though. Outside of that, it’s going to give you most of what you’d want in a perfume.

This is technically a unisex scent, but I will say that it definitely leans more traditionally feminine than being down the middle.

Overall Impressions of English Pear & Freesia

Overall do I like this fragrance? Yes, English Pear & Freesia is simple, but ultimately a lovely experience. You just have to understand what you’re actually getting with this perfume.

I do enjoy that sparkling, almost champagne-like opening, with the rather unique pear note and the melon coming through. Juicy, fresh, sweet, with the underlying musk that will be more prevalent in its support of the floral notes later.

The performance actually isn’t bad for such a simple and somewhat linear fragrance. The performance on my skin, is solid, but others report that it doesn’t last long for them. So, maybe this Jo Malone perfume is more dependent on your own skin chemistry, versus some other scent on the market.

I do think that this one is worth a try on its own. The tail on of the scent isn’t completely unique or earth-shattering, but it does smell quite good. I do still think that this is one of the better options in the Jo Malone catalogue, even after all these years.

Flora Gorgeous Jasmine by Gucci

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Flora Gorgeous Jasmine is the latest flanker fragrance from the Flora line here in 2022. I’ve had a chance to try it out here recently, a fairly short time after testing Gorgeous Gardenia for the site. But, how does this one actually smell? Does it last a long time? Is this jasmine perfume even worth a try?

What does Flora Gorgeous Jasmine Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, mandarin, black pepper, jasmine, magnolia, Damask rose, benzoin, sandalwood, and patchouli

My Full Review

Here’s how Gucci describes it: Gucci Flora Gorgeous Jasmine Eau de Parfrum bursts with a radiant composition led by Grandiflorum Jasmine. Tender wreaths of noble Jasmine are transformed through extraction into the heart and spirit of Gucci Flora Gorgeous Jasmine, resulting in an enlightened expression of this precious flower. Blended with base notes of Sandalwood and Benzoin, its sensual notes create a skin imprint unique to the wearer.

Gorgeous Jasmine opens up with a bright burst of citrus surrounding the titular floral note. Bergamot is there, but I pick up more of the mandarin orange. It’s a bit watery, lightly green, with some fresh spice.

There’s apparently pepper here, which contributes to that opening bit of spice, but it is light and pretty darn short-lived.

The next phase, gets cleaner, almost has a musky quality to it. The jasmine is certainly dominant throughout the wear. But, that opening citrus has a nice little run near the top, and the magnolia also has its second place moment.

Any Damask rose that is here, must be getting outdone by that jasmine and magnolia, as I really don’t get any.

Soft and soapy clean/fresh, but with some sweetness there, before we transition to a sandalwood and patchouli infused base. Much more of the sandalwood, to my nose, versus the patchouli.

Finally, the only real noticeable difference, will be a bit of a resinous finish thanks to some benzoin. However, this one dries down like a jasmine shampoo thanks to the floral combination and the Australian sandalwood.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here is above average. Gorgeous Jasmine is not at all a weak fragrance, but it’s also not an absolute bomb that’s going to take over a room.

It’ll mostly provide a solid scent bubble around the wearer, with some early projection ability, that can reach rather far from the skin itself.

This one also has fairly good longevity, not elite, but it’s another aspect of this Gucci perfume which is above average. Somewhere around 8 hours on me, before it finally fades away entirely.

Seasonally, this is an obvious choice for the spring and summer months. The floral aspects, the citrus, the cleanliness all combine to make it a warm weather wear. Moderate to warmer temperatures is when it’s at its best, probably skip wearing it at the extremes.

This is a daily wear. Casual, work, semi-formal. It’s pretty and attractive, but not a sexy date night fragrance or one for the nightlife. Much more of a subtle and easy to wear perfume versus something that is going to scream for attention.

Overall Impressions of Gorgeous Jasmine

Overall, do I like Flora Gorgeous Jasmine? I do. It’s not the best or most ‘naturalistic’ smelling jasmine scent out there. However, it still is quite good for what it is.

The mandarin orange and the light spice add some dynamic qualities to this fragrance. I enjoy the opening act a lot. The dry down is where you really get into the jasmine, joined by a sandalwood note, and general soapy clean aroma.

It doesn’t blow my socks off, but I enjoyed Jasmine the whole way through. It gives you a worthy performance and an opportunity to wear it in a variety of situations.

If you’re a jasmine fan or just want a nice mainstream floral perfume, this is a good one to check out. Might be a little on the expensive side for what it is, but it also isn’t a complete ripoff or anything.

Tease EDP by Victoria’s Secret

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Tease is another of the more popular fragrances by Victoria’s Secret line. It’s been in lotion, body spray, and eau de parfum form. In this post, I am going to be review the latter, and seeing just how this EDP performs. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a try?

What does Tease EDP by Victoria’s Secret Smell Like?

Notes include: anjou pear, gardenia, black vanilla, litchi

Click here to try: Tease EDP

tease edp review

My Full Wear Review

Tease is a sweeter perfume at times, but it actually starts out fairly tart. The pear and litchi combination will do that. Maybe a little apple thrown in the mix to boot. 

On the whole though, it is more of a light fruity sweetness than a sugary kind of perfume. A gourmand with a larger age range than just being for teenagers. Some VS scents are too youthful for women above 25 to wear them, but I think this one has a broader appeal. 

Vanilla and gardenia really star here. The pear early, these two notes later in the wear. That shift will come at about 45 minutes after application, that’s around when it happened for me.

There is slight resinous quality from an amber note in the base. Keeps it warm and smooth.

There does seem to be some other white floral notes in the mix. But, this is at least 85% gardenia in how it presents. Maybe a little bit of jasmine, but that’s about all I get distinctly. Otherwise, it’s a mishmash. 

Less fruity more vanilla floral with some touches of woods and amber. Pear and it’s sparkling quality start to play the background.

Tease EDP isn’t a very complicated fragrance. So, you pretty quickly get to experience most of what you’ll get for the duration of the wear.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here is pretty moderate. You get a fairly big and bold start with a normal amount of sprays. Though, that’ll last maybe a little less than an hour. Then, it’s noticeable, just not anything bold or with a far reaching projection.

On my skin, Tease lasts between 6-7 hours. Not amazing, but honestly better than many of Victoria’s Secret’s other fragrances. Though, overall it’s pretty basic, and what you’d get from most other brand’s perfumes. 

Seasonally, Tease is an interesting fragrance. I’d say it’s a bit better in the colder weather than warmer, but it isn’t exclusive to autumn or winter. Really, I’d mostly just stay away from the extreme heat of summer days.

It’s not the most formal fragrance ever, but it can serve its purpose as a casual scent or daily wear. It’s attractive enough for the nightlife and will gather compliments, as these sorts of gourmands to have a mass appeal.

Tease isn’t a difficult fragrance to wear around and versatility is one of its strengths. Not the most mature or serious perfume out there, but that’s not what everyone needs either.

 

 

Overall Impressions of Tease EDP

Overall, do I like Tease? Yes, it’s a very nice entry from VS. Not the most unique, but it smells nice, and gives a good enough performance.

I do slightly prefer something like Eau So Sexy from Victoria’s Secret to this one. But, it’s not an overwhelming preference. 

The anjou pear note is really great up top and one of the highlights of the scent for me. You might think with vanilla, amber, and some other gourmand influences that this might be a heavier/thicker fragrance.

Not really, it has substance, but isn’t going to completely melt if venturing into warmer temperatures. This is a very balanced and versatile fragrance. Pretty, straightforward, and likeable for most people. 

Not a must have, but for sure worth a try, if this is your style.