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.

The One for Men Grey by D&G

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Dolce & Gabbana keeps right on using The One name to introduce new fragrances, some of which actually have a relation to the original formulation. 2018’s The One Grey, is one of those cologne offerings which has a lot of overlap with the popular EDT and EDP versions of this D&G scent. But, how does it smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a try?

What does The One Grey Smell Like?

Notes include: grapefruit, coriander, cardamom, vetiver, basil, lavender, geranium, sage, patchouli, tobacco, labdanum

Click here to try: The One for Men Grey

My Full Review

The One Grey is very much a flanker of The One and I can tell that from the opening spray. The difference with Grey is, that the strength of each of the notes has been changed in order to make a lighter fragrance more friendly to warmer temperatures than The One EDP.

Grapefruit leads the way, just like the original versions. Except that it is amped up in this formulation. Spicier, fresher, with less tobacco and amber.

It is joined by cardamom, sage, basil, and coriander as the main spices. Basil is actually strong to my nose and the equal to the cardamom early on. That will change and cardamom will be the one which sticks around the longest.

The basil will fade and sage, takes its place, but doesn’t muscle out that cardamom. Coriander is a distant fourth, with a minor influence. Patchouli very briefly gives Grey an earthiness, that will pass too.

It is interesting that after the initial blast, I can pick up on that tobacco note, from the others in the series. It sits underneath almost everything, but it is there reminding you of The One EDP.

After 20 minutes or so, this is less of an intense spice and more of a lightly spiced clean freshness. Vetiver, lavender, geranium and that tobacco really help to moderate this one.

Bright citrus with a cold aromatic aroma.

The final dry down will be a balanced mix of vetiver, lavender, tobacco, and cardamom. Still a bit of a spice, but not much, and there is a smokiness that emerges. Not heavy, but I guess it’s the labdanum mixing with vetiver and some other notes.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The One Grey actually has some decent power, at least for a while. It’s not a massive fragrance, but for the first few hours you will get nice projection off of the skin.

This Dolce & Gabbana is not going to leave a scent trail behind you for all that long. However, I get a nice intimate bubble of the fragrance for most of the wear. It’s pretty average, but towards the above average end of things.

This one lasts on my skin, somewhere in the 6-7 hour range. Not one that’s going to seriously outperform (like its predecessors), but it also doesn’t just quit like EDT, either.

Seasonally, this one takes the formula of The One and makes it acceptable for the spring and summer months. I love The One EDP, but the heat is not friendly towards it. With Grey, the clean style and lightness of the notes makes it one that can take the heat.

It’s fine in more moderate early autumn weather, also. I’d skip the winter application and go with EDP, instead.

This doesn’t have that same level of sexiness or date night vibe as the EDP. This is more suited for daytime wear, good for the office, casual, or even semi-formal occasions.

It smells good. Is attractive and easy to like. You can wear it in a lot of different scenarios without issue. Very nice versatility here.

 

 

Overall Impressions of The One Grey

Overall, do I like The One Grey? I do. It’s actually one of the better flankers from this line, despite the lack of fanfare about it.

The originals, Luminous Night, and EDP Intense are all better than this. But, I like it more than Gentleman and Royal Night (slightly). It gives you a different weighting of the notes of the original, but in a more palatable form for day to day wear, in the warmer months.

Grapefruit and vetiver give it a nice and freshly clean feeling. There’s still some tobacco and the spicy notes create a dynamic aroma, without being too much to handle.

The performance is much like other entries in the series, not terrible like the original, just passable and useful for daily wear. I’ve read others say that this one is weak, that hasn’t been my experience with the travel sprayer, this one came in.

If you like the originals, this one is worth a try. You just have to know going in, that it’s not the same fragrance. Yes, the note’s are quite the same, but the style is different. A remixed version of the original, where the background players get shown more love.

Dior Homme EDT (2020) by Dior

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Dior Homme is a series which has been well-loved in its multiple iterations during the past two decades. Well, Dior once again reformulated the fragrance in 2020, moving away from the iris based scent. The 2011 version was my daily wear for a long stretch of time and I’ve been really slow at giving this newer edition a try. How does it smell? Is it actually worth a shot?

What does Dior Homme (2020) Smell Like? 

Notes include: bergamot, elemi, pink pepper, Haitian vetiver, Atlas cedar, musk, patchouli, cashmere, Iso E Super

Click here to try: Dior Homme at Macy’s

dior homme edt review

My Full Review

Here’s how Dior describes it: The virility of Atlas Cedar embraces the enveloping warmth of Haitian vetiver with a caress of spices. An intensely woody yet luminous signature that leaves a sensual trail.

Dior Homme does open up with the same slight citrus quality as its predecessors. Now, completely different fragrances, but that bergamot is still here. It just doesn’t punch you in the face like other citrus openings.

Actually, what this one actually reminds me of is the old Guerlain Homme, that I used to wear 6 or 7 years ago. That one was boozy/sweet with its mojito accord, but the underneath that, it is very similar to the start of this new Dior.

They share the bergamot, vetiver, and cedar notes. Plus, an overall freshness with some spice. Here it’s pink pepper and patchouli, rather than mint and geranium.

Aside from that light citrus top, pink pepper and vetiver are pretty strong for me early on. I get much more of that Haitian vetiver than I do the cedar in this early stage, but that will change as we move forward. 

The spice isn’t overwhelming at all here. It’s more of just a touch, along with a bit of resinous warmth from that elemi note. Another scent that seems to be a distant cousin to this is Allure Homme Sport Cologne…which is almost a dead ringer for Dior Homme Cologne.

That cologne version of the popular Chanel has a cedar finish and that same elemi resinous warmth.

As this rolls along, it’s less of that fresh spice and the woods have a sweeter quality. Cedar and the Iso E Super influence really start to show. A light general musk and some smooth cashmere wood also join the fray. 

This Iso E Super seems to add a general woody/earthy quality that leans more towards the patchouli side of the spectrum. It’s very clean when it’s all brought together. I like the cedar note a lot in this blend. 

The final dry down of this fairly simple fragrance, is more of a sweet musky aroma with touches of the remaining woods. Really easy to wear and is quite clean.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here isn’t amazing, but it is a fragrance that leaves a trail and has a nice ability to project itself from the skin. Just not a beast at all, however.

Dior Homme is pretty moderate. You’ll probably stop noticing it, before others around you do. Since it isn’t a heavy scent with one note that really sticks out, you can sometimes think that it is gone, and then it’ll re-emerge. 

The longevity here seems to be in the 6.5-8 hour range, on skin. Not great, but very serviceable for most purposes. There’s a decent chance that you’ll make it a full work day, but you may need to reapply, if you’re getting drinks afterward. 

The strength of this scent, lies in its versatility. I mean, it wouldn’t be my winter fragrance, but it could probably still work decently there. In the height of summer, I’d also probably go with something else. Though, it did do an okay job in the heat during testing.

It’s mass appealing, safe for work, and has a masculine aroma without being overbearing. It can be worn almost anywhere and be fine. Unless you want a nightclub beast, Dior Homme should have you pretty much covered.

As a daily wear office cologne, Dior Homme is definitely one to reach for.

The age range should be everyone. It’s modern and fresh. Dynamic enough for younger guys, while not being childish or tacky. Plus, a classy confidence for the professional type. 

 

 

Overall Impressions of Dior Homme EDT (2020)

Overall, do I like the 2020 version of Dior Homme? I really do. It’s not as good as Intense or the 2011 version, in my mind, but has a very great and simplistic aroma that I find attractive.

The old Dior Homme with the iris, leather, and cacao notes had a uniqueness and depth that this one doesn’t. But, this will probably have more mass appeal, without that famous iris note.

I am getting a complete Guerlain vibe from this cologne, though. It’s a better scent than Guerlain Homme, which was kind of quirky with its mojito influence. But, this has that same vetiver and cedar almost to a tee. 

This isn’t super powerful, but the longevity is good enough for most purposes. Beyond that, Dior Homme EDT, is extremely versatile, safe to wear for all ages, and exudes the usual Dior class. 

This is for sure worthy of a buy. Just understand that this is a fragrance that is more low key and understated. Dior Homme doesn’t beg for attention, but it will still attract it.

YSL Libre vs Flowerbomb

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YSL Libre and Viktor & Rolf’s Flowerbomb are two of the more popular fragrances for women on the market. If you look at the notes alone, they do share quite a bit of overlap, but are actually very different fragrances from one another. Still, as popular floral based perfumes they are often on people’s list to try out. Which is better? Lasts longer? Is the one to buy?

Tale of the Tape: YSL Libre vs. Flowerbomb

Libre EDP

Notes include: lavender, white musks, orange flower, vanilla, orchid

Click here to try: Yves Saint Laurent Libre Eau De Parfum Spray for Women 90ml/3oz, clear

Read my review: Libre EDP

Flowerbomb

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

Read my review: Flowerbomb EDP

viktor rolf review

Opening

Libre starts off not with the strong lavender note, that it is known for. Instead, the main note early on is the orange blossom. This is paired with a slight spritz of the citrus fruit itself, also.

Underneath that, is of course the lavender which will take over later. Along with, musk and some vanilla creaminess.

With Flowerbomb, you get an initial burst of sweetness and fruitiness. The osmanthus flower gives you a jammy sort of aroma, sweet almost-peach like that is put with bergamot citrus.

Tea, patchouli, and vanilla are also present coming from the heart and base notes. The rose and orchid will have their moments, but very early stages it is osmanthus, tea, and patchouli taking turns.

Which is better? I usually really like orange flower in perfumes, but I’m not a fan of it in Libre’s opening act. In fact, I think Libre’s lavender stage is much better.

Meanwhile, I really like that fruit-chouli sweet start of Flowerbomb. Sure, it can be intense, but it’s much more attractive.

Edge: Flowerbomb

Projection

Both of these fragrances do have some power and it’s not a huge gap between them.

With Libre, I’d call it an upper moderate fragrance in terms of its sillage. What’s nice about its performance, is that it has consistency during the wear before it trails off at the end. Very solid.

However, Flowerbomb is a tad better at projecting and creating a scent trail behind you. The opening has a higher peak and the Viktor & Rolf perfume is also quite consistent.

Edge: Flowerbomb

Longevity

With Libre, I get 8-9 hours of wear, on my skin. It’s good and definitely doesn’t disappoint.

But, it again doesn’t hit the same level of performance as Flowerbomb. With that, I get double digit hours of wear easily. It’s at least 10 and I’m not sure when it quits, maybe 12-ish or slightly more.

Edge: Flowerbomb

Versatility

In terms of when it can be worn, I think Libre has more of an edge seasonally. Neither is best in the height of summer, but Libre can go further into the warmer weather than can Flowerbomb.

Both can go daytime or nighttime, but Flowerbomb is better at the latter. Libre probably has more of an edge in the former, as it is probably better in a work environment than something like Flowerbomb.

It’s not much of an edge, but I think Libre does have somewhat of one here.

Edge: Libre

Overall Scent

When it comes to the overall smell and performance of these perfumes, I think the clear winner for me is Flowerbomb.

The aroma itself is sexier and just more pleasant to my nose. I like the sweetness, the orchid/patchouli/musk dry down, and vanilla touches throughout.

Libre does have its positives, especially if you’re a fan of lavender. It’s actually the more floral of the two, in a pure sense. The orange flower and lavender play a much larger role than the orchid or rose in Flowerbomb.

The Viktor & Rolf is floral/patchouli/sweet, while Libre is lavender/musky/vanilla. More of a soapy clean type of perfume, with a heavy emphasis on its main note. So, if that’s more along the lines you’re looking for, you should probably look at trying the YSL.

To me, it’s just not as good.

Winner: Flowerbomb