Perfume Reviews

La Belle EDP by Jean Paul Gaultier

by

JPG’s La Belle is a sample that I received by mistake, when I was supposed to get different men’s fragrances and received women’s instead. But, not a big deal, since I have to do writeups for this site anyway. I’d encountered this one a few times before, but never spent that much time with it. How does La Belle EDP smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a buy?

What does La Belle by JPG Smell Like?

Notes include: pear, vanilla, bergamot, leather, floral notes, amber, musk, vetiver

Click here to try: Jean Paul Gaultier La Belle for Women Eau De Parfum Spray, 3.4 Ounce

My Full Review

Before we get into my review, let’s see how JPG describes this scent: Jean Paul Gaultier created La Belle in his own image, an ultra sensual feminine fragrance with an addictive sillage. A green oriental perfume born of the encounter between addictive vanilla pod, fresh bergamot and a burst of pear.

Upon first spraying La Belle EDP, I immediately think that this is the female version of Ultra Male, by this designer. Two different scents, with overlaps, and really the same concept.

Juicy pear and bergamot kick things off here. The background is warm and a bit spicy, but the overall aroma is one that is sweet, somewhat thick, but retaining a light and watery freshness about it. I get amber early on, as well.

The sweetness has a gourmand caramelization going on. The bergamot note will subside and that’s when the vanilla note really starts to come into its own. The vetiver note comes in towards the middle act, with a general impression of floral notes.

But, this isn’t really a floral fragrance, just a sweet fruity one. The leather, if it is there, must be hidden underneath the layers of the rest.

In the end, it’s about the vanilla, amber, musk, and vetiver notes. That’s what it dries down to. The pear and bergamot are pretty much just an impression of sweetness later on.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This stuff is pretty massive. The ability that it has to project is very far reaching, much like Ultra Male. Literally, only need a spray or two. I can catch whiffs of it from a shirt that I sprayed from 10 feet away.

So, you know, don’t go crazy with this stuff.

The longevity is pretty top notch. Well over 11 hours, on my skin, during testing. La Belle is an absolute beast and workhorse that isn’t just going to quit. This is a perfume that is bold and commands attention for a long time.

Seasonally, autumn and winter. Maybe, the early part of spring. I wouldn’t wear this when it is too warm out, but it does hang very nicely in the cold air, here in January.

The versatility is probably the biggest weakness. Not a formal scent. Not for work. Probably not for many daytime situations. However, it is a nightlife gem. This can be worn to a bar, club, and out on a date.

It does have a sexiness and attractive qualities to lure someone in. Provided you don’t over-spray and choke them out first.

Overall Impressions of La Belle

Overall, do I like La Belle EDP? I do like it. It’s not a complete love for me, because it is very sweet and kind of overwhelming at times.

Nonetheless, it is a fragrance that smells very nice and it’s a solid gourmand. The bergamot and pear opening is great. It does quickly get wrapped up in that vanilla embrace.

It can be cloying, and frankly, it does wear on my nerves after a while. The vetiver and amber and vanilla dry down, isn’t my favorite…but still pretty good, on the whole.

If you want a monstrous sillage and love sweet gourmand fragrances, this is one to check out. Understand, it isn’t for everyone or one that you’d necessarily want to wear on many occasions. But, it is a perfume that can for sure have its place within a rotation.

A Drop d’Issey by Issey Miyake

by

Issey Miyake released A Drop d’Issey in 2021. I happened to get a sample vial of this fragrance with one of my orders, so I of course eventually tried it out, in order to do a review for the site. I had no clue, as to what I should expect with this perfume. How does it smell? Does it last long? When should it be worn? Is it worth a try?

What does A Drop d’Issey Smell Like?

Notes include: lilac, almond, damask rose, solar notes, jasmine, star anise, musk, vanilla, and more

Click here to try: Issey Miyake A Drop d’Issey for Women Eau de Parfum Spray, 3 Ounce

My Full Review

Here’s how Issey Miyake describes this perfume: A solar lilac accord enlightened by a musky note and an almond milk facet.

A Drop d’Issey opens up with a light and floral aroma. The damask rose and lilac are the main attraction up top, along with the solar notes. It’s light, musky, and the rose dominates on my skin for the first bit, before this fragrance starts to shift.

As it moves along, the lilac will become more noticeable and sort of split the strength with the rose note. Almond and vanilla come in and indeed give this perfume a milky creaminess. Definitely a clean lotion sort of vibe coming from this Issey Miyake.

However, the almond milk will fade out too. The jasmine note will rise with the lilac and this takes on more of a powdery quality. A musky/powdery floral, full of solar warmth and light creamy touches throughout.

For me, this dries down into a fresh musky floral with some sweetness. Much of the creamy and powdery aroma will subside. The lilac fully takes control, on my skin. So, if you’re not big into that note, this might be a skip.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here is actually quite powerful. It will project itself extremely well. I can spray the sample vial on a shirt and smell it from 6+ feet away without issue. I was actually surprised by the performance of this one.

The longevity is also great. It seems to quit in the 8-9 hour range, on my skin. So, you’ll get about a full workday out of it. All in all, this one really delivers the good with how well it sticks around and let’s itself be known.

Seasonally, this is a spring and summer scent. Wear it in moderate to warmer temperatures during the daytime.

A Drop d’Issey is something to be worn casually, semi-formally, or maybe to the office. This isn’t a club beast or something that is particularly sexy. Probably best served for women in their late-20s and up.

But, the lilacs don’t strike me as old lady-ish either. Clean and pretty pleasant to be around.

Overall Impressions of A Drop d’Issey

Overall, do I like A Drop d’Issey? I do like it. I think that it’s a very good perfume all around and doesn’t have any particular weaknesses. Maybe originality?

I will say, that you’re going to have to know what you’re getting into with this one. It does have an aroma very much like soap or a fine face cream. Lilac is a big part and it’s not one that is particularly sexy or dynamic.

But, if this sounds like the type of scent that you enjoy, it is one that is well worth checking out. The smell is attractive, the performance is great, and it’s available at an affordable price point.

I do like the opening with the rose, solar notes, and lilac. As well as, that almond milk creaminess. I’m not a huge lilac fan, but I don’t completely dislike it either, especially with this perfume. Nice smelling, purple flowers, with a creamy/powdery finish to it.

Grand Soir by Maison Francis Kurkdjian

by

Grand Soir is another of the most popular fragrances from the Maison Francis Kurkdjian line of scents. It is a well-known and loved amber perfume that tops many people’s wish lists. But, how does it actually stack up. I grabbed samples of this scent to test it out and put it through its paces. How does it smell? Is it long lasting? Is it worth a try?

What does Grand Soir Smell Like?

Notes include: amber, vanilla, tonka bean, benzoin, labdanum

Click here to try: Grand Soir from Saks

My Full Review

Grand Soir opens up with its amber note in charge and quite powerful. It’s a very smooth amber note, with a nice spice adding to its overall appeal. Personally, I can pick up a slight smokiness in there at times, also.

Beyond that, there is a bit of vanilla early on and the sort of medicinal smelling benzoin creeping in as well. It’s super warm and enveloping and I do like that spiciness.

As it moves along, you will get more of the same, just with less of the spice. Then, the tonka bean comes in to join the vanilla. It actually comes off powdery at times and also creamy for other parts. Interesting.

It becomes very rich and has a full-bodied presence. Though, it will become lighter as it moves along. Also, the perfume is pretty linear for most of the wear. It’s an amber and vanilla show. It’s creamy buttery smooth and sweet, but that’s pretty much what I get here.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage of Grand Soir starts off strong and it can project itself pretty far. But, it does really lighten up, and will hang 2-3 feet from the skin for much of the wear. But, when you first apply it, you will get a heavy dose of the fragrance.

The good news is, that even in its lighter state, Grand Soir will hang around for a long time. Well into the double digit hours, so, expect 12+ hours of wear depending on the climate and circumstance you’re wearing it in.

The longevity is fantastic with this one.

Seasonally, you’re probably going to have to stick to autumn and winter with this Francis Kurkdjian scent. Maybe, further into the year, if you have particularly cold springs. Though, don’t expect this to be a summertime favorite.

While it is a unisex fragrance, it kind of does lean more masculine. Not a crazy ‘manly’ sort of perfume, but it could be something to take into account, if you’re looking for something traditionally feminine. That being said, it’s not too much of an issue, as I don’t think it’s all that masculine…just leans that way.

Overall Impressions of Grand Soir

Overall, do I like Grand Soir? I do. It’s a very nice fragrance, but not one that I want to necessarily own a bottle of.

The smell itself is great, especially if you’re into amber perfumes. It’s soft, warm, and has a fantastic resinous quality to it. This is a fine example of how to use amber in a scent.

Early on, you get some spice. Then, comes the powdery and creamy parts of the wear. But, overall it’s a pretty linear experience. Frankly, I get bored with it after a while and it’s not my favorite.

The performance is really good, particularly in how long it lasts. It isn’t a sillage bomb, if you’re expecting that. But for the high price, it certainly backs it up.

There’s nothing really too much to complain about here. I get why people really enjoy it, but it’s not something that I want to wear all that much.

This is one scent that has become popular, but it isn’t one that you should blind buy. Not only because of the price, but also because the aroma, may really not be what you’re looking for. If you want to experience Grand Soir, I’d get a sample before committing, unless you are a bonafide amber-lover.

Very Good Girl by Carolina Herrera

by

Good Girl has been a big hit for Carolina Herrera, and so, of course a ton of flanker editions have been spun off from the original. In 2021, the brand released, Very Good Girl. Which, has been one of the most popular of the lot.

I got a sample of this perfume with a Macy’s fragrance order and have been testing it out. How does it smell? When should it be worn? Is Very Good Girl worth a try?

What does Very Good Girl Smell Like?

Notes include: litchi, rose, red currant, vetiver, vanilla

Click here to try: Very Good Girl 30 ml Eau de Parfum, 1 fl oz

My Full Review

Here’s how Herrera describe it: Fun, fabulous and fearless, Very Good Girl is a bold new interpretation of the iconic Good Girl scent. Evolving Carolina Herrera’s vision of the duality of the modern woman, this irresistible fragrance will walk straight into your heart with its seductive rose scent and red-hot design.

Very Good Girl opens up with litchi, as the main attraction. Quite sweet and loud, with red currant, giving an added tartness to the aroma.  The red currant is much weaker than the litchi from the get go and will soon be replaced by the strengthening rose note.

After the initial blast, this one does get a more powdery aroma. Not overwhelming so on me, but the litchi and rose do have that effect. That’s a good thing, as much of the tartness up top will subside and it will be more of a fruity sweetness.

As it moves along, you will get more of the vanilla note and a general freshness to the scent. It’s not a thick or heavy feeling, rather, lighter and pleasant, which gives Very Good Girl some great versatility in its uses.

This is a pretty straightforward blend. The changes over time, are more towards the rose and the fresh feeling. Nonetheless, the rose and litchi are in control the entire time. Vanilla comes and goes and you will pick up the additional vetiver note.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Very Good Girl starts off with a nice bit of power, but it isn’t too extreme. Call it the upper edge of what could be considered moderate. From there, the sillage will become lighter and fairly average after the first hour or so. Solid, but not monstrous.

On my skin, Very Good Girl lasted in the 7-plus hour range during testing. It did manage to hit 8 hours, but most of the time, it will be around 7. Pretty good, but you shouldn’t expect a marathon length of performance.

Seasonally, is where you do get plenty of performance, as Very Good Girl can fit in pretty much year round. Probably best around the average temperatures, but cold and warmer weather, can do just fine.

I like it more when it’s somewhat chilly outside, more so than in warmer weather. I’d just stay away from the extremes with this fragrance.

This is more of casual, daily wear, or nightlife scent. It can fit the role of pretty much anything except for super dressy or formal affairs.

It is subtle enough for most daytime applications, but also has enough personality for the night. It’s likeable, attractive, somewhat sexy. Very Good Girl gets the job done, it’s just not the most seductive thing out there.

 

Overall Impressions of Very Good Girl

Overall, do I like this fragrance? I like it. However, I don’t like Very Good Girl as much as other similar scents (hello, Angel Nova) and the original Good Girl is a bit better too. It’s nice enough, has good performance, and is versatile.

But, it’s not an amazing perfume.

The tart sweetness of the litchi and red currant is a pretty big punch early on. The litchi might be the note which makes or breaks your own interest in this scent, as it is rather prominent.

The rose is fine, I like it better during the dry down than when it is paired with the heavier fruitiness.

The dry down is a nice pinkish rose, fruit, some vanilla creaminess, and a light fresh feeling. Honestly, it’s a good perfume, but it never screams that it is a must have.

It is worth giving a try, if it sounds like your style. It’s still somewhat a perfume like Good Girl. Very Good Girl has its strengths, but as a whole, is a slightly above average scent.

Cloud by Ariana Grande

by

Cloud from Ariana Grande has become a super popular fragrance over the past few years, due both to the singer’s own fame and the perfume’s resemblance to Baccarat Rouge 540. I’ve had various decanted samples of this in the recent past, but picked up a new one to give the scent a fresh try and a full review of its own. How does it smell? How long does it last? Does it really live up to the hype?

What does Cloud by Ariana Grande Smell Like?

Notes include: pear, lavender, bergamot, praline, whipped cream, vanilla orchid, coconut, musk, wood

Click here to try: Ariana Grande Cloud Eau de Parfum Spray, clear, 3.4 oz

My Full Review

Cloud starts things off with a sweetness and lively brightness, getting its lead from the prominent pear note, in the early stages. It is also joined by the lavender and bergamot citrus. The latter, isn’t too strong to my nose, at least.

I get a bit of the citrus, which adds a bit more sparkle to that pear juiciness. The lavender here, has a certain roughness which takes some of the softer and fluffier qualities of this perfume.

After 20-30 minutes, I begin to get more of the heart and base notes coming through. The musk will be stronger in the dry down, but it is also noticeable from close to the onset.

Praline and the whipped cream notes really help to bring home the Cloud moniker to the scent. Sweet and fluffy, with the coconut giving it a clean yet milky aroma.

The further on that I get from the initial spray, the perfume does become more airy, less like a thick cloud and more like fine overhang.

There is a bit of a plasticky aroma within this composition. It’s not too bad for me personally, but I know others really tend to smell that with Cloud. Just something to keep in mind.

The dry down becomes a musky lavender scent with a little woodiness and a hodgepodge of whatever sweet notes are still kicking around.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage of Cloud starts off strong. It isn’t a massive bomb of a fragrance, but the projection will hit that 6-8 feet mark, before moving closer in. Thereafter, it is a moderate perfume, but I’d for sure call it above average in totality.

In terms of how long it lasts, I generally get 5-6 hours from Cloud, on my skin. Usually, it leans more towards the six hour mark. Not an amazing marathon runner type of a perfume, but Cloud is solid enough.

Seasonally, it’s much nicer in the autumn and winter. Though, Cloud isn’t a strictly cold weather wear, but I’d probably avoid the high heat. For most places, you could easily wear this Ariana scent in the springtime.

Also, it’s not completely a teenager fragrance. Yes, teens can wear it, but it isn’t so bubblegum sweet that older women couldn’t have a bottle as well. Heck, with the lavender, it can even be somewhat unisex…definitely leans feminine.

Mostly going to be a casual daily wear. It’s light enough to be in an office or something like that, but isn’t very formal. More of a daytime fragrance, rather than a club beast. I’d call it clean/pretty before anything all that attractive or sexy.

Overall Impressions of Cloud

Overall, do I like Cloud? It’s fine. There’s aspects of it that I enjoy, but on the whole it’s just decent. Not my favorite from the Ariana Grande line and I prefer the Intense version. Though, definitely not a bad perfume by any stretch of the imagination.

I’m not too sure what the fuss it all about with this, based on the fragrance alone. It’s not as good as either of the Baccarat Rouge fragrance, but it is pretty inexpensive. In terms of relative cheapies, it can serve the purposes of a lot of people out there, so it can be a worthwhile perfume to have.

Is it a must have? Not particularly. It smells pretty good, the performance is pretty okay, and it has some mass market appeal. As a man, I don’t find it to be super sexy or anything like that, just somewhat attractive.

It does everything at least decently, but nothing quite reaches the level of outstanding.

Update: Since this was published, there’s also been Cloud Intense and Pink. I like both of those a bit more, even if they’re not wildly different.