Perfume Reviews

Guilty Absolute Pour Femme EDP by Gucci

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Gucci Guilty is the staple of both the brand’s men and women’s fragrance lineup. There have been updates and new flankers over the past half-decade plus once Gucci got a new creative director. The Pour Femme line has a multitude of choices, that I’m working my way through reviewing. Absolute Pour Femme is today’s entry to the reviews. How does it smell? Is it worth a try?

What does Guilty Absolute Pour Femme Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, blackberry, pink pepper, Bulgarian rose, cypress, golden wood, vetiver, patchouli, amber

Click here to try: Absolute Pour Femme

absolute femme review

My Full Review

Here’s how Gucci describes it:  Gucci Guilty Absolute Pour Femme is created using a particular blend with a structure that remains unchanged from the first time it is applied to the skin. Goldenwood is complemented with a mysterious note of blackberry, creating a non-traditional chypre fruity fragrance for a contemporary woman. The fragrance’s composition is intensified with patchouli oils and Bulgarian rose.

The blackberry note is the main focus here and it’s great. I love the juiciness and pairing with a light bergamot citrus as well. The pink pepper gives it a tiny bit of spice, but really doesn’t have too much of an impact.

Like the men’s version of Absolute, Pour Femme is a very woody take on the Guilty name. The same cypress and golden wood notes are present here. However, that’s about all they share, as this one is way less intense and smoky.

Aside from woods and fruits, you get further support from a nice pinkish rose and the patchouli base. The patchouli actually doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb here, more so helps to add an edible quality to the blackberry.

Guilty Absolute does a fantastic job at avoiding becoming too much of a girly/sugary/fruity mess. No, this one is dark and has a well-rounded sexiness about it. Deep woods, naturalistic green smells, and that awesome berry note highlighting it all.

Rose has its time to shine, after about an hour of wear. That will subside and the blackberry will sit on top of woods with some of that smokiness that’s found in the men’s version. Once again, the men’s version is a lot bolder on that front.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This one isn’t super powerful and is pretty moderate for the duration. I do get some power out of it early on. I’d say it’ll hit about 7 feet from the skin at its peak. Closer to 3-5 for the majority of the wear.

Not crazy, but you get a nice bubble.

The longevity also goes for like 7.5 hours on me, maximum. On clothes, it goes for days. I sprayed it on an old t-shirt and it hung around for a long time. But, if you don’t want to ruin your fabric, the performance is just above average.

Seasonally, it’ll work in any, so long as it’s not too hot. So, most of the summer will be a no go, in most regions. Outside of that, it’s go time. Personally, I think if it’s a little chilly, Absolute Pour Femme would be awesome.

This is also a great perfume for those who want some versatility. It’s not obnoxious, so, it’s safe in most daytime scenarios. But, it’s also stylish and attractive enough for the nightlife.

Overall Impressions of Guilty Absolute Pour Femme

Overall, do I like this fragrance? Yes, I think that this is the best of the Guilty Pour Femme lineup. It’s a very good perfume.

The blackberry and deep woods combination helps to give this one a different feeling from others in the line and it stands out from the bunch, in my mind.

I love the fruit note, the darkness here, and the mix of the traditional cypress and their own smoky golden wood ingredient.

The performance is good enough. It isn’t amazing, on me at least. I do wish it had a bit more consistent strength. Though, I wasn’t all that disappointed.

Guilty Absolute also feels pretty unique. There’s nothing that I can think of which smells exactly like it, but it seems familiar at the same time.

You get a versatile, sexy, and easy to wear scent that doesn’t do anything poorly. It is definitely worth a try and a pretty safe blind buy, as well. Is it the greatest thing ever? Nope, but it delivers most of what you want in a perfume.

Encens Satin by Giorgio Armani

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Armani Prive is the upscale line of the Giorgio Armani brand. I’ve tried some of them out before, but not the entire range. I really wasn’t checking for Encens Satin, but when I had the change to buy a sample as a part of a lot, I went ahead and added it on. How does this one smell? Does it last long? Is it actually worth the high price?

What does Encens Satin Smell Like?

Notes include: incense, amber, woods, spices

encens satin review

My Full Review

Here’s how Armani describes it: Celebrating a new vision of legendary, sensual, incense. Blue satin, as fluid as the Mediterranean. A midnight blue, refined and modern, one of Giorgio Armani’s most emblematic colors. Satin that caresses as it envelopes the body, always in motion. It is this opulence and radiance that inspired Giorgio Armani to create Encens Satin, a fragrance where each note is wrapped in a deep, luminous embrace.

This is an absolutely smooth, warm, and rich incense fragrance. many other perfumes which use that note, have a harsher and smokier incense. This one is hot and almost like it hasn’t been burned in a while, and yes, somehow feels like it’s wrapped in satin. Weird.

With that, there are some generic spice notes up top. Not very distinct in how they come across, almost like they are sprinkled within the amber itself. It feels like they used labdanum here too, along with the amber note. It’s sweeter, spicier, and deeper than I’d expect otherwise.

The wood here is quite light. I get brief hits of it throughout, but this really turns into the incense and amber show. Sure, some hints of spice remain, just not to the same extent as the beginning.

Again, since the smokiness isn’t heavy, Encens Satin actually comes across as clean and very dry. I get the same deep darkness impression that I get with another Armani scent, AdG Profumo, just on the opposite end of the spectrum.

Water based incense versus this dry aroma. Oh, the frankincense is way higher quality here, though.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Encens Satin isn’t a super heavy fragrance. It has depth, but it very wearable. I don’t find it to be blow out a room powerful. It projects itself well above average, in the first few hours, and will leave a nice scent trail.

But, never made me feel as if it were dominating absolutely everything.

The longevity is great. I got well above 10 hours on my skin. Probably in the 12-ish hour range, at least as a faint amber note. There is no disappointments with how this scent performs.

Seasonally, this is going to be autumn and winter. Maybe the early part of spring, at night. But, I really wouldn’t go too warm with when I ventured to wear Encens. It works in the cold and crisp weather, but can fall apart completely in the heat.

This Armani is indeed a true unisex. Doesn’t lean too far in either direction. Perhaps, a slight bit more traditionally male. Not enough to make a fuss over.

This isn’t a daily wear for most people. Sure, cold weather and out a night, it’s great. Maybe not a daytime fragrance to go with in many office environments. Some folks, might have jobs where it’d be fine.

Again, not too intrusive and not obnoxious. Just kind of depends on your own circumstances.

Overall Impressions of Encens Satin

Overall, do I like this fragrance? I do. I’m not a major fan of the incense based fragrances of this sort, but this Armani is fantastic for what it is.

The amber and the incense lead the way, with only hints of spices and wood throughout. However, it simply works. Not too complex, but you get a full array of sweetness, spiciness, smokiness and just a great perfume all around.

It projects strongly, but isn’t so overpowering as to make it off-putting. But, it also lasts a long time, helping to make the cost of entry with Encens Satin more palatable.

I am pretty sure that Encens Satin has been discontinued, as it’s out of stock everywhere that I’m looking, at the moment. As such, you’ll probably have to track down a bottle in order to experience it…or grab a sample first on eBay, if available.

That being said, if your an incense fan or just think that this one sounds interesting, Encens is definitely worth a try.

L’Interdit EDP Rouge by Givenchy

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L’Interdit is a long running fragrance with Givenchy. In recent years, however, the brand has been adding newer flanker fragrances to that original formula. Perhaps the most popular of them, is L’Interdit Rouge, which was released in 2021. I’ve been testing out this entire lineup over the past little while, after purchasing samples of each. How does Rouge smell? Does it last long? Is it actually worth it?

What does L’Interdit Rouge Smell Like?

Notes include: blood orange, ginger, jasmine, orange blossom, tuberose, patchouli, sandalwood

Click here to try: L’Interdit Rouge by Givenchy

l'interdit rouge review

My Full Review

Here’s how Givenchy describes it: A whisper of carnal excitement is at the heart of the iconic L’Interdit white flower bouquet. Luminous orange blossom and opulent jasmine combine in incandescence. A spicy red accord composed of blood orange, ginger, and pimento leaf is caressed by suave sandalwood, leaving a trail of provocative promise.

Wow. I really enjoy the way the Rouge starts off. Blood orange and ginger. The ginger is the same as the original EDP, but the dose has been turned way up. It’s sweet and spicy, with that familiar L’Interdit candy-like aroma, just matured.

There is a good amount of the orange blossom early on here. But, that note fades really quickly and this becomes tuberose dominant much more quickly than the EDP. Jasmine has a reduced role but sticks around.

That initial sweetness will tone tone, but the spicy warmth and sweetness on the whole, sticks around just with less of a punch.

Noticeably, this one lacks the vanilla. I like the change, but be prepared for more patchouli and sandalwood.

That warmth of ginger and patchouli spice is really a highlight for me. With the tuberose, the creaminess, and the general woodiness of the sandalwood base, Rouge really takes the L’Interdit formula in a new direction…without being completely far off from the original DNA.

Though, it ends pretty close to being like EDP. Both have the tuberose and patchouli. Except this goes with a sandalwood finish versus the aforementioned vanilla.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here is strong, scent trail for a nice long time, but not overwhelming. It’s got a solid punch, but isn’t a complete beast with how it projects itself. But, Rouge also won’t be accused of being a weak fragrance.

On my skin, it reached around 8 hours of wear, maybe a bit more. Again, not completely incredible, but more than enough for most use cases. Rouge will give you plenty of time to spend with it.

Seasonally, this is autumn and winter all the way. The spice and thickness here from the creamy tuberose doesn’t really fit in during the summer months, and would pretty much take a beating in the heat and humidity.

Rouge does have a mature sort of smell. Not ‘old’ or like out of touch, but something that is confident and sexy. It has its sweetness, but doesn’t come across as childish or something designed for youth.

I would like to smell this more in nightlife or other evening situations. But, I suppose daytime use is fine as well. Just go easy with it. But, on cold and crisp nights, this would be one to grab and spray on before heading out.

Overall Impressions of L’Interdit Rouge

Overall, do I like L’Interdit Rouge? Yes, this is a fantastic perfume. It’s become my favorite from the L’Interdit series. Just a notch above the original and Intense, but it’s really separated itself in my mind.

The contrast between that bold ginger spice and the blood orange is really awesome. It’s a great start to a fun ride, on the whole.

The toned down vanilla is actually nice and the tuberose plays its role nicely, as the signature of this Givenchy lineup. Warm, sweet, spicy, and the balance between ginger and patchouli in the latter stages…all amazing.

The performance here isn’t the greatest, but definitely above average in every way. This is the most dynamic and memorable of the L’Interdit line, in my opinion.

I think that it’s worth a try and lives up to the hype that Rouge has gathered since its release. It might not be your favorite out of them, however.

Try it, but I’d also check out Intense and the original too. One may fit more in line with your own style, but I think that this one is a great place to start.

Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf

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Flowerbomb is a women’s scent that I’ve really enjoyed coming across over the years. Yes, it got super popular almost to the point of being annoying, but that’s because it was actually good versus most of the rest of the market. I’m finally getting around to doing my full review, even after having samples of it for months. How does it actually smell? Is it still worth a buy?

What does Flowerbomb Smell Like?

Notes include: Centifolia Rose, Sambac Jasmine, Cattleya Orchid, India Osmanthus, tea, bergamot, patchouli, musk, and vanilla

Click here to try: Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Eau De Parfum Spray for Women, 3.4 Fl Oz

flowerbomb review

My Full Review

Let’s see how Viktor & Rolf describes Flowerbomb: An explosion of floral sensations, Flowerbomb enchants the world. An exceptional trail of volume. Sublime, delicious and addictive.

The opening of Flowerbomb is awesome. As far as popular women’s fragrances go, it has to be among my favorite.

The osmanthus floral sweetness with the bergamot citrus, gives it a fruity/floral start with bits of the patchouli and vanilla already wafting up to give it a short sense of being a gourmand scent.

The fruity quality from the osmanthus does have a jam-like smell.

That initial sweet citrus blend will pass and it will start to resemble its name, much more accurately. It’s more of a sweet floral tea, at this stage. As the tea note that was sitting underneath the initial blast, really starts to reveal itself more.

The initial wave of floral notes, will be the main orchid. Rose has its moment in first or second place, followed by the jasmine.

It’s kind of weird how the rose really trails off on my skin. Like, nearly non-existent towards the end, after a fairly big start.

The vanilla and orchid combination really helps to make this perfume what it is, in my opinion. Now, that vanilla note isn’t heavy, but it just adds that layer of consistent edible sweetness that allows Flowerbomb to become something special.

I’ve always enjoyed that this one isn’t a straight up green bouquet or garden. It’s a layered and pretty blend of sweet, spice, and musk, also. That sweetness at the heart of the fragrance is key, though.

The middle act does have a slightly powdery finish that comes in about 45 minutes after spraying. At least, that’s when it becomes apparent to me.

The dry down is about the patchouli. The orchid and remaining floral notes. With bits of musk and vanilla floating about.

viktor rolf review

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this stuff still packs a punch. Perfumes generally get weakened over time, with massive success. Flowerbomb has still got it though.

This will absolutely leave a scent trail in your wake and projects extremely well off of your skin. It’s not the most massive fragrance out there, you just don’t need to overspray it, because it absolutely is strong.

The longevity can hit 10+ hours easily. I’m not exactly sure when it quits, but it certainly isn’t early and easily eclipses a standard workday.

Seasonally, this is at its peak in late autumn through winter. It’s a bit too cloying in the summer heat, but for most places, it’ll work in the springtime.

While this is a sweeter scent, I don’t find it immature. It can work for younger women, but also can come across as more mature. Flowerbomb isn’t an overly complex fragrance, but it isn’t a teenager’s super sugary perfume either.

This can serve as a daily wear and/or a nighttime scent without issue. I’d go easy on the sprays during the day, in confined spaces.

During the evening, Flowerbomb is sexy and has that appeal and power to be something that is seductive or even a nightclub beast. It’s pretty unique, in the way, it can fit in these different molds.

Not really something that’s a serious or completely formal perfume, though. So, have something else to go with, if you want low key or understated.

Overall Impressions of Flowerbomb

Overall, do I still like this perfume? I do. Though, I do like sweeter perfumes. As a guy, there’s something about Flowerbomb that just clicks for me, especially on a woman. It’s fine on me, also.

Some people do tend to think that the opening is overwhelming. To me, it works well. However, this might be one that you need to wait for that initial phase to pass, and let Flowerbomb truly reveal itself.

The performance is still great, even with these new batches. Strong sillage and lasts a long time. No worries there.

Why shouldn’t you get Flowerbomb? Well, if sweetness isn’t your thing, you may want to skip it. Bothered by patchouli? It’s mass appealing here, but can still not be everyone’s favorite note to experience.

That being said, I do think this Viktor & Rolf scent is one that everyone should give multiple tries to, and see if it works or not for them.

Un Jardin Sur La Lagune by Hermes

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Un Jardin Sur La Lagune is a part of the Jardin series of fragrances by Hermes. I grabbed samples of these perfume a while back and have been getting re-acquainted with each, in order to do reviews. Lagune is today’s entry. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is it actually worth a buy?

What does Un Jardin sur la Lagune Smell Like?

Notes include: magnolia, Madonna lily, pittosporum, wood, sea notes

Click here to try: Un Jardin sur la Lagune

sur lagune review

My Full Review

Here’s how Hermes describes it: A dream escapes through a half open door, Un jardin sur la Lagune is a secret garden where nature comes into its own again.

Wow. Sur la Lagune certainly has an interesting start. A very blue-ish style sea notes, which is more of a general freshness than the ocean itself. It actually sort of reminds me of how the men’s fragrance Luna Rossa Ocean starts.

Except this one is way fresher in how it comes across and has a strong magnolia note, right from the get go. But, even stronger at the beginning is the Madonna lily. That’s already a powerful floral note, with the blueish notes backing it, the flower seems massive.

It comes across as kind of powdery within that watery vibe, which is why it reminds me of the Prada cologne.

Pittosporum is apparently a type of shrub that produces an aroma similar to orange blossom. I do pick up something similar in smell to orange blossom. Not too strong, I don’t really have an experience with this note, but that’s as close as I can get.

As this dries down, it’s a white floral soapy aroma. Very clean with a bit of dry wood in the base, some salt, and just a generally cool feeling. Fresh soap bar is what I’m left with.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this one does start off with a nice amount of power that will leave a fragrance trail in your wake. That lily and initial oceanic sort of blast really does pack a pretty nice punch.

It’ll project maybe, 7-8 feet from the skin, at its peak. That’s a little less than what it did on clothing, when I first tested it out. However, that’s not a super long period of time, when it is at that level.

Lagune will be 3-4 feet from the skin, for most of the wear.

That wear is a nice amount of time, though. On me, it went for 7-8.5 hours. One time, it got to that 8.5 hour mark, the other around 7. So, it’s somewhere within that range.

Seasonally, stick to the spring and summer with this one. Too fresh and floral for the colder weather. Great in the warm air, during the daytime. It really works well in an outdoor environment, early on.

This is more of a daily wear. Pretty safe, if you avoid over-spraying. Not really sexy or a nightlife beast.  Just clean and one for those who really like the smell of lilies.

Overall Impressions of Un Jardin Sur La Lagune

Overall, do I like this fragrance? Yes, it’s somewhere in the middle of the pack in terms of this Jardin series from Hermes, however.

I like it more than Apres la Mousson. Though, not as much as Monsieur Li or Le Nil.

The opening with the blue-ish aquatic vibe and the Madonna lily is my favorite part and where I feel that this one stands out. Lagune really pops up front.

The dry down is more of a generic soapy kind of fragrance. However, it isn’t bad as a perfume. Just kind of a standard issue fresh and clean scent.

The performance is also good. This one lasts well on my skin and the opening does have that fairly strong sillage, which then stays moderate for most of the wear.

Is it ground breaking stuff? No, but it’s a solid perfume all around. Probably not going to be a must have for most, just one that’s definitely worth trying, if it all sounds appealing to you.

Some will absolutely detest this Hermes scent or find it completely boring, so maybe test before you buy it.