Ispazon by Parfums De Marly

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I found a box of samples, in my closet, from which I had yet to review a dozen or more fragrances. To my surprise, I had left a couple of Parfums de Marly scents in there, and never gave a full review on either. One of these colognes is, Ispazon. How does this one smell? What’s in it? How does it perform? Please continue below for my full take.

What does Ispazon Smell Like?

Notes include: lime, amber, vanilla, cedar, lily of the valley, bay leaf, orange, lemon

My Full Review

Before I get into my personal review of Ispazon, let’s see what Parfums de Marly has to say about it: “A woody-oriental scent named after the native breed from the Netherlands renowned for its grace and beauty, opens with the freshness of lime and laurel notes to settle into an oriental base of amber and vanilla.”

When I initially received a bunch of Parfums de Marly samples and read the descriptions of each, I immediately thought that Ispazon would have been my favorite. Lime, amber, and vanilla? Sounds like something that I would enjoy.

However, after testing it out for the first time, over a year ago. I detested the scent and wanted nothing more to do with it. Obviously, I’ve circled back to retry Ispazon, and see if it would be better with more distance from my first reaction.

I think that my main issue, was with how it starts. I was expecting something smoother, creamier, and with a great citrus highlight. What I’m met with is a spicy citrus, which utilizes bay leaf and thyme. It’s sharp and herbal. Ispazon feels intense and sort of bothersome up top.

It’s less annoying than I remember, at the start, but still not something that I particularly like. After a few minutes, though, it starts to feel much more like a green scent and I get floral undertones. The citrus sharpness fades somewhat and what emerges is better.

The scent begins to turn to becoming a woodsy masculine scent. It has a fairly big dose of cedar, which gives this PdM scent, a super dry freshness. At this stage, you get mostly everything that Ispazon has to offer. A big bay leaf note, with cedar riding shotgun, thyme, with some remaining citrus, and lily of the valley.

What of the vanilla and amber? Truthfully, they aren’t very noticeable, until late into the game. Even then, there is a slight warmth and familiar sweetness. Does it change the smell of Ispazon? Yes, somewhat. It’s not a massive difference, however.

Sillage, Longevity, Versatility

The sillage on this one isn’t super strong, but it is quite good. It’ll project itself, in a decent radius around you, for a few hours before dialing it back in.

The longevity is also good, but not elite. I seem to hit that 7-9 hour range, on my skin. Not much more than that and perfectly satisfactory, for most everyone’s purposes. Ispazon does have very good performance overall.

Seasonally, you do get to enjoy plenty of time with this fragrance. It’s not a heavy winter scent, nor is it an aquatic summertime wear. It just really never feels out of place, maybe excluding, the absolute hottest days with high humidity. Outside of that? It’ll be good.

Ispazon has a masculine and mature vibe. Not old mannish, but not really something most younger guys would want to wear either. This scent could be worn casually, to an office, or out for an evening. It doesn’t strike me as one to have limited possibilities.

Overall Impression of Ispazon

Do I like Ispazon? More than I did, but it’s still not my style. I do have a much better appreciation for this fragrance. It’s definitely not a ‘bad’ scent, by any means.

You’re going to have to like the smell of bay leaf. That, cedar, and thyme are major players in this cologne. So, expect a herbal green, woody, fresh, and spicy scent. If that doesn’t sound appealing, move on to something else.

I’m not sure that PdM even makes this anymore. I couldn’t find a bottle on their website or on Amazon, for that matter. Perhaps, look to the discount retailers, if you’re interested.

Update: Yeah, looks like it’s discontinued.

It’s unique, versatile, and performs well. Whether or not, you personally take to its structure, will determine its worth.

Mont Blanc Legend Spirit vs. Legend Night

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For this edition in the head to head men’s fragrance match ups, I want to do another comparison between, two Mont Blanc fragrances: Legend Night vs. Legend Spirit. Which of these descendants from the original popular cologne, smells better? Which has a better performance? Which is overall the better buy?

I have worn, tested, and reviewed each of these scents. Now, I will break them down by category, before ultimately declaring a winner.

Tale of the Tape: Spirit vs Night

Legend Spirit

Notes include: grapefruit, pink pepper, bergamot, musk, aquatic accord, lavender, cardamom, oak moss, wood

Click here to try: MONTBLANC Legend Spirit Eau de Toilette, 3.3 Fl Oz

Read my review: Legend Spirit

Legend Night

Notes include: candied apple, cedar, vanilla, cardamom, vetiver, sage, mint, bergamot, fir, lavender, violet, patchouli, and musk

Click here to try: MONTBLANC Legend Night Eau De Parfum, 1 fl. oz.

Read my review: Legend Night

Opening

Legend Spirit opens up with a citrus and aquatic blend of notes. Beyond that, is a warm and slightly spicy blend of cardamom and pink pepper. It is a nice scent, clean, and that cardamom note really helps to prevent it from settling into a standard issue aquatic.

Legend Night starts off with bergamot and candied apple. The citrus is the same as Spirit, but Night goes in an entirely, different direction. The second layer is of vanilla, sage, cardamom, and cool mint.

You get plenty of creamy vanilla and apple mix, with the warm spicy undertones.

Which is better? To me, Legend Night, has the better start. The initial juiciness of the fruits, the cool and warm contrast in spice, and then the vanilla note. It’s great.

Edge: Night

Projection

So, Spirit is a moderate with its sillage, but on the lighter end of that spectrum. Legend Night is also moderate overall, but has a strong start, and can be quite noticeable for a while, at a distance.

It’s also just a heavier fragrance versus Spirit, which can be used into the spring and summertime, whereas Night isn’t a hot weather wear.

Edge: Night

Longevity

Legend Spirit gives me 5-6 hours of wear and that’s about it. Pretty consistent with that range. Legend Night will get me 7 hours, but when I double spray each side of my neck, it goes for 9 hours.

Spirit doesn’t get any more time, with double sprays. I don’t think either of these are amazing with their longevity. Pretty standard for most Montblanc colognes. Night, has just worked better for me, over many times testing them.

Edge: Night

Versatility

Legend Spirit gets the edge in versatility. It is a warm weather fragrance but can do well year-round. It can go casual to work to a date with ease. Legend Night, is great in cold weather, and fine in the moderate temperatures.

It is also more geared toward casual and nightlife, as the name suggests. So, probably not the best business fragrance, but neither really is.

Edge: Spirit

Overall Scent

There is a lot to like about Legend Spirit. It’s got a clean and aquatic citrus aroma, with nice touches of spice. It’s pretty average in its longevity and sillage, but I do really enjoy the cardamom note in this one. Nice overall cologne.

Legend Night is better and it’s one that I wear on a pretty regular basis. It too has the cardamom, but an overall, warm and enveloping scent. It’s sweet, fruity, spicy, and has sex appeal.

I’ve gotten complements with Legend Night from ride share drivers to women to random folks at the bar. I really dig this type of scent and when it’s in the right environment, it can be amazing.

To me, it’s a fairly easy win.

Winner: Legend Night 

Emblem by Mont Blanc

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Been posting quite a few Mont Blanc cologne reviews as of late and am going to finish up here today with one of the more popular scents, Emblem. I’ve already had experience with this one in the past, but got a hold of a sample vial, in order to refresh my memory, and get my thoughts down after wearing it around.

This fragrance was released in 2014. As usual, I’ll explore what’s inside, how it smells, performs, and whether or not it is actually worth a purchase.

What does Montblanc Emblem Smell Like?

Notes include: cinnamon, violet, tonka bean, sage, cardamom, grapefruit, wood, pepper, ambroxan

Click here to try: MONTBLANC Emblem Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.3 fl. oz.

My Full Review

The opening of Emblem gives me a blast of grapefruit that is joined by a cool rush of cardamom, pepper, and violet leaf. After a few minutes, I start to pick up more cinnamon in the composition. It is interesting that I experience a warm and enveloping sensation at times.

Meanwhile, there is sort of a chill, that runs through this Mont Blanc cologne. I think the grapefruit and violet leaf, provide that cooling sensation. While cinnamon and cardamom, bring the warm feeling.

Within 20 minutes of applying, Emblem shifts away from the citrus top note opening, and I get an herbal and lightly spiced aroma. The violet leaf is familiar, as is the clary sage, which gives it that earthy sort of quality.

The cardamom stays pretty consistent throughout, to my nose. Meanwhile, there is a delicate hint of creamy tonka bean, that sits in the background during the dry down.

The sage note that comes in, stays fairly moderate during its peak, before retreating to the outer edges of the aroma. Emblem has a nice blend between being cozy and aromatic, slightly sweet and spicy. It’s fresh and not one, which screams for attention.

Further down the line, Emblem has a warm sweetness that feels like an equal part, when compared to the earlier spice.

It’s violet leaf, cinnamon, tonka bean, and cardamom at this point in the wear. The changes throughout are pretty subtle, but there is some jockeying between the ingredients, as time moves on.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Mont Blanc Emblem has a lighter to moderate sillage. It’s not a beast, but you’ll know that you have it on.

It sort of just becomes a part of your day and not something that intrudes and permeates while wearing. At the opening, it will form a solid perimeter around the wearer.

The longevity isn’t outstanding but not terrible either. At around 6 hours, it becomes a complete skin scent, and begins that slow evaporation process. It’s in the middle of the pack, in this regard.

Seasonally, I would slot this as a fall/winter wear, since this is built for the cold weather mainly. Temperate climate, would also be fine.

I couldn’t see myself ever reaching for Emblem during the summer months. The warm spice and later smoothness, just don’t fit really warm weather. Even with it’s lighter, ozonic aspects, I don’t think it’d fit well. At least where I live.

It’s more of a business casual to formal wear sort of cologne. You can wear it out at night, but it’s low key, so don’t expect some kind of club monster. Though, it is attractive enough to be appreciated, when someone else moves close enough.

Overall Impressions of Emblem

Overall, do I recommend Emblem? I like it. I think the aroma is overall very pleasant to wear. The longevity kind of leaves more to be desire, but it isn’t terrible.

It’s a seemingly simple scent, but it has some sneaky depth. Plus, it has some more unique aspects versus a lot of the other mainstream fare.

I like the cinnamon note, along with the cardamom. The contrast between the warm and cooling sensation is attractive.

The violet leaf doesn’t actually bother me in the mix. It’s for sure one of my least favorite notes, personally. Here, I think it works and doesn’t get on my nerves.

I don’t know that this would be my personal go to, as it occupies that cold weather space, that contains some of my favorite fragrances.

Also, in terms of Mont Blanc scents, I’ve actually been loving Legend Night, as of late. If you can get a good deal on Emblem, it’s a solid choice, not earth shattering but good all around. I wouldn’t pay full retail for it, though.

Polo Red EDT vs. EDP

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Polo Red has been used for many releases by Ralph Lauren since the EDT was initially brought to market last decade. Now, they have come out with an Eau de Parfum version after cycling through Intense, Rush, Extreme, etc. The EDP does raise the question, which is better? EDT or the newer bottle? Which lasts longer? Which should you buy?

Tale of the Tape: Polo Red EDP vs Red EDT

Polo Red

Notes include: grapefruit, italian lemon, cranberry, saffron, sage, coffee beans, and amber

Click here to try: POLO RED by Ralph Lauren, 4.2 Fl Oz

Read my full review: Polo Red

Polo Red Eau de Parfum

Notes include: red grapefruit, ginger, cranberry, lavender, sage, cedar, benzoin, oud, resin, musk

Read my full review: Polo Red EDP

Opening

The original Polo Red starts off with a sharp, sweet, and tart blend of notes: lemon, cranberry, and grapefruit. While the cranberry is the strongest note, the lemon is also quite prevalent and there is a growing amber coming from the base.

Meanwhile, Red EDP starts off with the same cranberry and grapefruit sans lemon. Instead, you get ginger and later the sage note begins to take shape.

Between the two, EDP feels more tolerable and not as in your face as the original. The cranberry note is given more space to shine and I always love a good ginger.

I do also like the EDT, it’s just that, the lemon and amber can be a bit much and overly tart and sweet when it’s all blended.

Edge: EDP

Sillage

Both EDT and EDP start off projecting themselves well and as fairly strong overall. Then, each settles into more of a moderate scent. While EDP has the greater concentration of fragrance, it’s actually only slightly better in this regard, when compared with EDT.

Edge: EDP

Longevity

Red EDT lasts 4-6 hours on my skin. If I double up, I can get a few more out of the wear. EDP is better, but is by no means elite. 6-7.5 hours is what I’ve been getting out of it. Still, it takes this round.

Edge: EDP

 

 

Versatility

Red EDP is good fragrance in any season other than the summer. Meanwhile, the EDT is good in spring and can hold up better in summer.

Eau de Parfum feels more grown up, however. Neither is a formal fragrance, but EDP would fit in better in an office environment than EDT. Both have their strengths, but I don’t think either really has an edge.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Polo Red was a really nice release, when it came out years ago. I enjoyed wearing it around and thought that the cranberry note, was an interesting ingredient to use. It has that really tart lemon aroma that gets tempered by amber, as it moves along.

I always wished that the performance was better. It also can become kind of too sweet for its own good, also.

The EDP corrects this. The lemon is gone. You get ginger, sage, and a blend of lavender and benzoin in the base. It feels much smoother and more appealing than the EDT version.

I don’t think it’s a great release, but it does have the edge in this matchup. It’s a nice wear and has enough of the DNA of the original to be enjoyed by fans of EDT. The performance is slightly better, but not elite. Still, all things considered, I’d rather wear EDP.

Winner: Polo Red EDP

Good Girl EDP by Carolina Herrera

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Good Girl by Carolina Herrera has become a massive hit since its release in 2016. Since then, it has spawned a bunch of flanker perfumes in various decorated high heel bottles. How does it smell? When can it be worn? Is it actually worth a try?

What does Good Girl Eau de Parfum Smell Like?

Notes include: jasmine, coffee, bergamot, tuberose, almond, rose, tonka bean, cocoa

Click here to try: CAROLINA HERRERA Good Girl Eau de Perfume Spray, 2.7 Fl Oz

My Full Review

The initial spray Good Girl gives me a blend of citrus and white floral notes for the first few minutes. It’s somewhat of a lemon and jasmine blend with hints of almond coming through. There is a secondary layer of tuberose.

Quickly after that, the citrus really fades away on my skin. Then, the gourmand notes begin to move in. Up first is the aforementioned almond, which is joined by coffee. Later, cocoa and tonka bean will play a greater role.

This perfume does have a sweetness to it, but it isn’t sugary or candy-like. Actually, it’s very well blended and there is a certain spiciness that is persistent throughout. That, mostly comes through if I press my nose to the skin.

On my skin, I do get a greater share of almond and jasmine with some lighter coffee and tonka bean notes. However, when I have smelled this on women, it comes across as more of a mocha latte with floral highlights.

In either case, the latter stages are semi-sweet, a bit powdery, and almost exclusively jasmine (in terms of the floral notes). Coffee, tonka bean, and jasmine are what I pick up during the absolute final stage. Though, it gets more difficult to distinguish, as no one note dominates completely.

It doesn’t have a ton of development past that transition to the middle notes. Doesn’t necessarily need it, but Good Girl isn’t a very complex fragrance.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Good Girl isn’t a super heavy scent or one that is going to fill the room. However, I think that it projects itself to a greater extent than people give it credit for.

It’s not a constant bombardment of my sense of smell, but I do keep getting whiffs and impressions of it throughout the day. It’s not fading fast, rather, it can be subtle.

Longevity is also quite good, at around 8 hours. I’m not saying this Carolina Herrera fragrance is elite, but it does a solid job for most purposes.

Seasonally, this is a colder weather wear. Autumn through early spring, is when it is going to be of use. Not the most formal fragrance, but isn’t so sickly sweet or overpowering that you cannot lightly use in a variety of situations.

Casual wear to a night out to a party kind of fragrance, would all work with Good Girl. Very versatile and mass appealing.

Overall Impressions of Good Girl

Do I like this scent? Yes, I do. It’s popular for a reason. Not the most original or greatest perfume on the market, but it does everything well, with an appealing presentation. It gets copied a lot and there are more alternatives to Carolina Herrera Good Girl than ever.

I like that it doesn’t go completely gourmand or sickly sweet. The floral notes and overall balance lend themselves well to its overall appeal. I really like the coffee and almond notes, the most in the composition.

It’s one most are already probably familiar with. It performs well enough, has a nice scent, and can be worn for a good chunk of the year in a multitude of scenarios.

There have been a ton of flankers released after this initial one and it doesn’t seem as if they’re going to stop anytime soon. Some are better than this one, while others are forgettable.

Nothing groundbreaking here, just an easy to wear perfume, that is sort of a jack of all trades. Though, it certainly has some charm.