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. 

Dune by Christian Dior

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Dune is a fragrance which dates back to the Dior lineup of the 1990s. I have already covered the men’s version of this name, but I wanted to do a deeper dive into the ladies’ original, which is the better known of the two. How does Dune smell? When should it be worn? Is it still worth a try?

What does Dune by Dior Smell Like?

Notes include: mandarin, rosewood, sandalwood, bergamot, aldehydes, and more

Click here to try: Dune from Dior

My Full Review

Here’s how Dior describes this scent: A tribute to Christian Dior’s childhood home in Granville, Dior created the fragrance Dune. An oceanic fragrance, created in harmony with nature, this radiant, fresh and subtle accord captures the landscape where the sky meets the sea in a warm, oceanic floral bouquet. Enveloping, serene and sensual.

The opening of Dune is really great. The mandarin orange with some assistance from the bergamot note gives this Dior its citrus sweetness.

But, that is matched by dry woods and a spiced kick. Rosewood and sandalwood are two ingredients which really shine with this one.

The aldehydes here do create an atmosphere of a coastal landscape. Not necessarily marine, but a fresh and warm sort of breezy aroma. Tough to describe, but that’s what I get.

The citrus moves away pretty quickly. Before it does, Dune has a vanilla/orange impression for a short time. Then, it is vanilla, mossy, and floral. The floral notes kind of do just blend together as a white floral smell. The moss adds a layer to that dry freshness.

From there, this one becomes quite woody with balsamic notes, a more generic amber and a benzoin which gives it that medicinal fizziness. It’s warm, more fresh than its early spiciness, super dry but has a sweetness underneath that helps hold it all together.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here isn’t overly bold or something that’s going too leave a massive trail in your wake. The first few hours are above average, with a nice reaching projection. Especially while that citrus sticks around.

After that, it’s going to become a more intimate perfume. Not a total skin scent, in my experience, just one that is going to create a close yet not heavy envelopment.

On my skin, I get somewhere in the 7-7.5 hour range as far as its longevity. It’s about what I’d expect from this sort of EDT. It’s interesting that this is the concentration that’s stuck around for all of these years and the EDP and Extrait went by the wayside. I never got to try either of them.

Seasonally, Dune is kind of a year round wonder. I like it more when it’s at least a little warm out. But, trying it out in the cold, it felt like it was working well. Especially seems to bring out more of an amber influence.

This one can work in almost any situation, save maybe, nightlife and romantic wear. It’s fine casually and has enough style to get other uses out of it. Plus, it casts a wide net with its age range. Very wearable, for all, so long as you like the smell.

Overall Impressions of Dune

Overall, do I like Dune? Absolutely. That opening is simply awesome. A great blend of citrus, spice, and woods. Gives you a rather unique experience versus much of what you get on the market today.

The rest of the wear is dry, but changes from a more coastal breezy feel to a warmer and balsamic aroma. Nice use of aldehydes and I’ve always felt that this was like an inversion of Chanel No. 5. So many overlapping notes, heavy aldehydes, but the weightings are all different.

The performance is pretty moderate, but towards the upper end of that. It’s never been a powerhouse fragrance and the longevity is at least above average. You might even get a few more hours from Dune, than I do.

The real appeal is just how versatile this one can be. Not screaming out for attention, but the formula gives you different variations depending on the climate, and it doesn’t get blasted by heat or cold like many others can.

I’m a fan of Dune. I wish the men’s version had better performance, because it is also a nice change of pace cologne. This is worth trying out and can even become a favorite perfume for some.