Perfume Reviews

Alien Goddess Intense by Mugler

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Alien Goddess Intense is the follow up the very successful, Alien Goddess by Mugler. This flanker was released in 2022. I recently bought a sample of this perfume in order to test it out and see how it compares to the original. How does Intense smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a try?

What does Alien Goddess Intense Smell Like?

Notes include: coconut, bergamot, jasmine, jasmine tea, benzoin, vanilla, cashmere

Click here to try: Intense at Sephora

My Full Review

Here’s how Mugler describes it: Dazzling bergamot, a glorious infusion of jasmine and mesmerizing benzoin. When intensity meets extraordinary.

Goddess Intense has a more substantial feel from the start, than the lighter original. In that, coconut water and bergamot were the top.

Here, it is more of a regular coconut, that’s thickened by a substantial vanilla not and a touch of the bergamot. Neither editions, have much of the citrus, but it really doesn’t stand out here.

While the vanilla is around for the entire wear, it feels like it has more strength later on.

What it does have, is plenty of jasmine. Coconut, jasmine, and vanilla are the main trio in Goddess Intense. With the latter two, taking over the coconut influence as we move deeper.

Outside of that, benzoin. Sort of fuzzy and ambery coming through the base. There is a light wood, from the cashmere. Just not too massive.

Finally, this is a vanilla and amber blend with a somewhat soapy quality from the remaining jasmine note. Not really any coconut towards the end, on me.

Doesn’t have the same powdery heliotrope like the original Alien Goddess. Actually, comes across like the original Alien quite a bit. Not the same, but the similarities are very apparent.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The original was a lighter fragrance than this newer Intense version, but it still had above average projection. Alien Goddess Intense is somewhat thicker/heavy and has an improved projection radius.

However, it’s not that much stronger than the original. Again, certainly above average, but nothing that’s going to absolutely dominate a room for hours.

The longevity is borderline great. For a mainstream designer fragrance, it delivers plenty and more than what you get from many others. On my skin, it lasts at least 9 hours, with 10+ not being out of the question.

I don’t think it’s going to be a 12 hour performer, but it can come close.

Seasonally, this could probably work at any time. I might suggest using something else during the hottest days of summer, but Intense could probably work in the evenings then, too.

Really, it’s best when it’s slightly chilly out to slightly warm. Very versatile with the climates, that it can work well in. Personally, I liked it best on the colder testing day, that I tried this one out on.

It’s good as a daily wear perfume. Intense isn’t something that’s going to be totally formal or anything, but it’s put together enough to not feel childish or juvenile at all. Don’t expect some sophisticated masterpiece, just a nice smelling fragrance.

My Overall Impressions of Alien Goddess Intense

Overall, do I like this fragrance? Yes, I think that it is quite good and somewhat better than the original Alien Goddess release. Not miles better, but I do prefer this edition to the first.

This isn’t a complete 180 degree change from the original, but it is different enough to warrant a try, if you liked that one. The vanilla notes here are substantial, as is some jasmine and amber influence in the base.

The performance is good and what you should expect from most Mugler releases. I’m not at all blown away by this.

I do like the coconut note, with its more substantial aroma. The vanilla, benzoin, and amber are nice. Kind of basic, but fairly enjoyable throughout.

I don’t have too many complaints with Goddess Intense and think that it is a good release from Mugler. If you didn’t like the original, I wouldn’t bet on this version changing your mind, though.

To me, it’s a slight improvement versus that, and a nice scent on the whole.

Shelter Island by Bond No. 9

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Shelter Island is one of the summer fragrance entries from Bond No. 9 New York. One, which goes more into the aquatic camp, with its use of seaweed. It was released in 2014.

I bought a sample of this a while ago, for testing and to see how I actually got along with a that marine note, that I generally dislike. How does Shelter Island smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a try?

What does Shelter Island by Bond No. 9 Smell Like?

Notes include: lemon, black pepper, seaweed, lily, oud, musk, sandalwood, amber, myrrh

Click here to try: Shelter Island

shelter bond review

My Full Review

Here’s how Bond describes it: quietly daring, sparkling-clean, unisex, rife with nonchalant beach-time exotica.

Shelter Island opens fresh and bright with a spiciness via the black pepper. The lemon is a light spritzing on top of the marine accord that features seaweed.

The aquatic aspect isn’t overpowering here. Sure, it’s dominant, but balanced out by its surrounding notes. I’m glad I didn’t get a massive seaweed note, that makes you smell like some sort of marine life.

The lily will come in with its waxy aroma, which pairs with the emergence of the resinous myrrh and amber notes in the base. These three, really seem to keep the seaweed in check, and don’t allow this to be just a salty oceanic fragrance.

The lemon and black pepper basically fade completely. This is an aquatic and beachy oud-floral in the middle. Starting to get musky and taking on a bit of a sun tan lotion scent. At this point, it’s more like sitting by the shore than being in the water itself.

That will continue, as this becomes woodier and muskier in the dry down.

Still somewhat aquatic, with a mix of the woodsy notes, a musky aroma, and that amber and myrrh still a bit detectable.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This Bond fragrance opens up with plenty of initial punch. It’ll leave a slight scent trail and project well enough off of the skin. It’s definitely above average in the first hour or so.

Thereafter, Shelter will be much more moderate, before lightening up in the back half of the wear.

While it isn’t a massively projecting nor heavy sitting fragrance, Shelter Island does a good job at sticking around. On my skin, I can still detect it up to about 9 hours. Which is plenty for what most people are going to use this scent for.

Seasonally, this is a spring and summer wear. Mainly, for the warmest days. A good change of pace from the pure citrus perfumes which usually inhabit those months. A solid marine and wood aquatic for something different.

This is a unisex fragrance, maybe leaning slightly masculine, in the early stages. But, that will balance out, as you move further into the wear.

It’s a niche and fairly casual fragrance for daytime wear. Shelter Island isn’t going to be one that you’re very likely to wear for dates, nightlife, or formal occasions. For those outdoor summer events, it can be a fine choice.

Overall Impressions of Shelter Island

Overall, do I like Shelter Island? It’s pretty good. I never thought that I’d be the target audience for this Bond No. 9, once I saw the seaweed and oud notes together.

However, I was sort of surprised that I wasn’t indifferent towards Shelter Island, and that it had its enjoyable moments for me.

The seaweed, really came through here. It’s front and center, but doesn’t overpower everything else. Very fresh and marine done right, where so many other scents with this note have fallen flat.

The longevity is also great, especially for a summertime scent. Sure, it’s not a massive beast of a fragrance, but this one doesn’t quit early on you either.

The downside? Well, the price for the largest bottle, is currently $300 as of writing. As such, Shelter Island probably isn’t a perfume that most are going to want to buy on a whim.

If you want a beachy aquatic with sun tan lotion vibes, this Bond does a good job at hitting the mark. Find a way to get a sample of this stuff, if that sounds like something you’re after.

Black Opium Le Parfum by YSL

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Black Opium Le Parfum was one of the two Black Opium flanker releases in 2022, along with Illicit Green. This is one that I’d heard good things about, but hadn’t gotten to test it out. So, I bought a sample in order to put this YSL through its paces.

How does it smell? Does it last long? Is Black Opium Le Parfum worth a try?

What does Black Opium Le Parfum Smell Like?

Notes include: pear, cinnamon, green mandarin, jasmine, orange blossom, solar notes, vanilla, coffee, and patchouli

Click here to try: Black Opium Le Parfum

My Full Review

Here’s how YSL describes it: an unexpected high rush, exalted with a quartet of vanillas. Its iconic coffee accord associated with white flowers amplifies an ultra-sensual and audacious femininity. This new creation transforms the original signature into an ultimate pleasure.

The opening of Le Parfum is already sweet, with the vanilla being very present at the start. It does have a ‘quartet’ of vanilla notes, so, that’s understandable.

But, early on I get a good deal of cinnamon in the mix. Much lighter on the green mandarin here versus Illicit Green, and even not too much of a pear influence.

With that cinnamon, the vanilla, coffee, and general warmth this does have a coffee drink sort of vibe and not just beans. With that, the coffee note is diluted and isn’t as strong overall.

To me, this is much smoother and less messy than the original Black Opium EDP.

I’ve also seen Le Parfum get compared to Vanilla 28 by Kayali. Not really the same. That’s more linear, thinner, and has that brown sugar note which sets it apart from this. Plus, it lacks the same level of spice that is present with the cinnamon.

That spice, will relent as we move along. The usual jasmine and orange flower floral heart will begin to emerge, but never fully overtake anything. It’s still a warm/sweet/spicy blend of the vanilla and coffee notes. Just, with a light blend of floral notes.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Black Opium Le Parfum is strong for an hour or two. Well above what you get with most of the others in this series.

Le Parfum will leave a scent trail in your wake for sure and it can seemingly project up to a 7-9 foot radius, at least initially.

Thereafter, it’s pretty moderate, but noticeable. I did test this once side by side with Illicit Green, and Le Parfum, was the only one that I could smell between them.

On my skin, Le Parfum sticks around close to nine hours. Somewhere in the 8-9 range, with maybe a touch of it still lingering for a short time thereafter. The performance is quite good, but not elite.

Seasonally, Le Parfum stays in the autumn and winter mode. Not going to be one that holds up all that well in the heat and humidity of the late spring and summer months.

This is still very much a Black Opium scent. Still has its sweetness, not very formal, etc. Though, it is somewhat more mature and has a decent versatility to it.

This one would be great casually, one to wear out at night, etc. You can also wear it to school or certain workplace environments. That’s going to have to be your own call, however.

Overall Impressions of Le Parfum

Overall, do I like Le Parfum? I do. To me, it’s the best of the Black Opium lineup. I have yet to try Extreme, have the others, and Le Parfum out does them all.

I really do like that opening hour or so. Not only do you get the power, but also, the spiciness and warmth is really quite captivating. It’s still very good after that, but I like the coffee, vanilla, and cinnamon together.

If you don’t like the original Black Opium, you might not like this one. However, I do think it’s more tolerable in comparison, and less likely to get annoying like that can for some people.

Though, Le Parfum is no guarantee to change your mind about this series.

It does still have that heavier sillage, so, Illicit Green might be a better fit, if that was one of your bigger problems with Black Opium.

If you do like other Black Opium releases, I think that you should definitely try Le Parfum out. It obviously has similarities with the original EDP and others, but it stands out as being a slight notch above the rest of them.

Black Opium Illicit Green by YSL

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Illicit Green is a Black Opium flanker that was released in 2022. I bought a sample of it recently, to try it out again, after having encountered it twice before. This time, I wanted it for a full review.

How does it smell? Does it last long? How does the YSL compare to the original Black Opium and others?

What does Black Opium Illicit Green Smell Like?

Notes include: green mandarin, coffee, vanilla, pear, fig leaf, fig, orange blossom, jasmine, patchouli

Click here to try: Black Opium Illicit Green

My Full Review

Here’s how YSL describes it: The sensual addiction of black coffee gets multiplied by a pulpy and creamy fig. An unexpected and long lasting shot of energy, awaken by the zest of a green mandarin. The new Black Opium eau de parfum Illicit Green is a bold and delicious creation for a luscious femininity. 

Illicit Green starts out lighter and cleaner, in my opinion, versus the original Black Opium EDP. With that, the opening has always felt pretty messy, especially compared to this.

Here, I get the green mandarin note, some of the pear. But, what really comes through from the jump is the fig/fig leaf. This opens greenish, somewhat fruity, with plenty of the coffee note already peaking through.

Really, the pear and mandarin are adding a sparkling brightness to the mix and some sweetness. However, those two note are never particularly massive on my skin.

I dig its freshness and its less heavy and cloying than many of the others in this Saint Laurent series.

As we move along, the fruitiness that is there will tone down. You will get more of the vanilla and coffee that the original has. For me, the coffee is the stronger of the two throughout.

That, with: fig, jasmine, orange blossom and some patchouli.

The final dry down is a light coffee aroma, with the vanilla, and what’s left of that fig and jasmine note. Kind of sweet, soft, with a bit of a powdery feel to it all.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Illicit Green has a pretty good start, with how it projects and the trail it can leave behind. That first hour, it is very noticeable to me, while wearing. Spraying it on a shirt, I can still smell Green from 5-7 feet away.

It’s a lighter to moderate scent, that isn’t going to bog down on you. I have sprayed it alongside, Le Parfum, and that Black Opium flanker easily overtook this one in terms of what I could smell.

The longevity is pretty mid. 4-6 hours of wear, on my skin. I cannot seem to get Illicit Green to go beyond that range. Maybe that’s not too much of a problem, if you don’t overpay for this perfume.

Seasonally, even with its softer appeal, Illicit Green still isn’t built for summer. Autumn through springtime, it might come across as too much with the heat and humidity. But, a good deal of versatility otherwise.

Illicit Green isn’t a formal fragrance, nor is it a ‘club beast’. It’s attractive and the cleaner vibe with this can make it better able to fit into situations that the original and others might not.

Overall Impressions of Illicit Green 

Overall, do I like Illicit Green? I do. Out of the series, it reminds me most of Neon. Both of these perfumes are lighter, but Illicit has the fig note and less orange blossom. I would choose this one over Neon.

It’s also better than: Nuit Blanche and Intense

I like that mandarin and fig-laden start. A good blend of sweet, greenish, and enough of that Black Opium DNA to stay on brand with it.

The dry down is good. Nothing that truly stands out, but a softer rehash of the others from this YSL line.

One complaint that I do have, is with the performance. It is a lighter fragrance, but the longevity, really isn’t where it should be. 4-6 hours is pretty mediocre, whether or not I enjoy the scent.

If you find a lot of the Black Opium flankers to be too heavy, this would then, be my first pick out of the bunch. Though, if you really didn’t like any of them, I’m not sure that this would change your mind.

Aqua Allegoria Pera Granita by Guerlain

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Pera Granita is a release which is a part of the Aqua Allegoria series by Guerlain. It’s one that I’ve already tried and enjoyed before, but I decided to buy another sample, in order to write up a full review. It came out in 2016. How does it smell? How long does it last? Is it worth a try?

What does Pera Granita Smell Like?

Notes include: pear, grapefruit, apricot, lemon, bergamot, musk, orange blossom, osmanthus, hedione, cedar, moss

Click here to try: Pera Granita

My Full Review

Here’s how Guerlain describes it: Savour a granita in the shade of the pear trees in the garden of the Hesperides, then gather their fruity treasures.

Pera Granita starts off with an explosion of its citrus and other fruity notes. Early on, you’re going to get plenty of lemon, sour bergamot, and the grapefruit coming through. Yes, the pear will be there throughout, it’s just overshadowed in the beginning.

Add to all of that, some osmanthus, which gives off it’s own sweet fruity sort of aroma as a floral note. Lots of sweet, sour, and sharpness happening in these early stages.

The next phase is fresher rather than sweet and sour. Some of the citrus notes burn off, which gives more play to the pear note. However, it is also going to share the stage with an array of floral notes and musk.

Actually, the grapefruit stands out on my skin, as it seems most of the burn off is from the lemon and bergamot notes.

The jasmine (hedione) and musk create a clean and somewhat shampoo-like vibe in the middle act. Add the freshness of cedar, sparkling water effect of pear, and the citrusy aroma…and Pera Granita really starts to give off the cleanliness.

The back half of this one is a fruit/musk/floral mix. The jasmine, orange blossom, osmanthus aren’t really sticking out as individual notes. More of a generic floral aroma.

It’s fresh with musk and wood at the base, a bit green, some light spice, and the fruits still jockeying for position.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Pera Granita opens up with a moderate strength. It’s fruity notes, definitely have reach in the early stages, and will be noticed from more than 7 feet away from where you sprayed.

As it moves along, this Aqua Allegoria fragrance will be much more of a lighter moderate scent, until it begins to disappear.

On my skin, it’ll last for 6-7 hours, with those last few hours not being particularly powerful. However, Pera Granita is for sure still present.

Seasonally, this is a spring and summertime wear, all the way. A great one to wear outside, relaxing around, or other daily wear functions during this stretch of time.

It’s an upbeat and clean one to wear in the daytime. Not going to be a sexy nightlife wear or one that is super formal. Though, you’ll still get plenty of use out of Pera Granita, even without the nighttime functions.

Overall Impressions of Pera Granita

Overall, do I like this fragrance? I do.

The freshness, the mix of sweet, sour, pear, and floral notes. The energy of it and how it has some depth for a summertime wear. It’s an Aqua Allegoria perfume that I enjoy quite a bit.

The performance itself is pretty mid. It’s not awful on me, but I wouldn’t expect a marathon wear or super beastly performance out of Pera Granita. 7 hours, on the high end, with  the last few being skin scent territory. Fair enough.

Still, this is one of my favorite pear perfumes that I have tried. It’s not completely dominated by that note, but I like how it stands out within the mix.

Pera Granita is a very good warm weather option for those who enjoy this style of fragrance. Definitely worth trying out. But, with how pricey it can be, maybe not a perfume that you’d want to blind buy.

Also, if it doesn’t sound like something that’d fit your style, I don’t think it’d do anything to change that fact.