marc jacobs

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.

Perfect by Marc Jacobs

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I received a sample of Perfect by Marc Jacobs by mistake. With an order, they sent me a whole host of women’s perfumes, when I ordered samples for men. Oh well. As such, I am going to add to my ladies’ fragrance reviews, and start things off with this 2020 release. How does Perfect smell? Perform? Is it worth a try?

What does Perfect by Marc Jacobs Smell Like?

Notes include: daffodil, rhubarb, almond milk, cedar, cashmeran 

Click here to try: Marc Jacobs Perfect Women 3.3 oz EDP Spray 

My Full Review

Before we get into my own review, let’s see how Marc Jacobs describes it: A bright daffodil and juicy rhubarb accord meets soft cashmeran and comforting notes of almond ilk. Dazzling and unexpected. Perfect, just like you.

The opening is quite bright and juicy. The rhubarb accord comes across like strawberries mixed with a greenish aroma. There also seems to be some other fruity note or at least the impression there, smells sort of like cherry to my nose.

That’ll stick around for a little while, as the daffodil gains strength, along with the light and semi-sweet almond milk. The almond milk actually isn’t too heavy in the mix, don’t expect a huge creaminess or anything, but it is there.

The top is juicy and candy-like (sweet/tart), while this one will dry down into something more woody fresh and musky.

As it moves along, the cashmeran will be the main player alongside the daffodil. It actually never turns into a pure floral play, but is rather balanced in how it presents.

That sweet-tart aroma of the rhubarb accord will fade. It is a clean, slightly soapy scent, with a milky woody base. Not too complicated, but very nice.

Projection, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, it is fairly strong, while the rhubarb is around. Then, it will be a lighter to moderate wear, without much of a trail.

Overall, I’d say it’s above average, but it’s not going to project like crazy.

The longevity is also good, but not amazing. I get about 7-8 hours of wear, on my skin. So, around a workday, which is fine unless you need a marathon performer.

Seasonally, this one is a spring and summertime wear, all the way. It completely matches a daytime of sunshine and greenery.

It’s not a ‘teenagers’ fragrance, even if they can also where this. Though, it does have a youthful energy. Probably not going to be something that you wear formally. However, it’s safe enough to wear for most other occasions.

Not really a romantic or nightlife wear. Stick to the daytime, but you can use it a whole lot in that timeframe.

Overall Impressions of Perfect

Overall, do I like Perfect? I do enjoy it. It doesn’t live up to the name exactly, but it is a very nice and uplifting perfume from Marc Jacobs.

I like the opening with the rhubarb and how the daffodil starts to come through underneath. It reminds me of a sunny spring day and it all just has a nice energy to it.

As it dries down, I appreciate that it doesn’t go full on floral or green, but instead takes a more balanced approach. The almond milk isn’t all that forceful, but in its limited role (at least on me), it does add a nice touch.

The performance is good all around, even if it isn’t a powerhouse. I don’t think most people would be disappointed by it.

Maybe you should avoid, if you don’t like that sweet tart strawberry/cherry like vibe. If that’s you’re thing, you will probably get plenty of use out of this in the spring and summertime. It’s pretty, not overwhelming, and has some decent versatility.