Perfume Reviews by bugsyiii

Blockade by Mind Games

A linear fragrance, with nuances that point to other fragrances, namely Aventus. Well, some may disagree and that's alright; Blockade, is captivating and alluring...the mango's fruity uniqueness, coupled with the sweetness as well as the Agarwood (Oud) and Suede's persistence is very uplifting. At the initial spray, Blockade reminds me of both Aventus with its birch effect and Cedrat Boise with its woodsy elements blended with fruits. These fragrances are very different in their own right and variations, however hold slight similarities in style even genre.
A solid fragrance, (as well as many others from this brand, J'Adoube, Queening, to name a few). I do have Aventus (Creed) and have had Cedrat Boise (Mancera), Musc Impérial (Atelier Cologne), The Orchid Man (Frapin), and don't see the need to have them all, just sayin'. The drydown is where some of the differences lie among the above-mentioned fragrances.

Blockade, although a great fragrance, however for the price there are many others that are quality fragrances at this price point and you not feel as though you've compromised value. (Maybe this is due to the increase in overall cost of all things). A solid fragrance that IMHO is not worth $375, however maybe somewhere in the price range of $175-$200.
Sample before you buy; being able to test drive this will definitely give you a more accurate resolve than going off of the opinion of others. Also, one's body chemistry will definitely allow any fragrance to wear differently. When I first sprayed this and asked my wife what she thought, immediately she said two things: "smells like something you have." Another, "smells like Aventus." This, coming from someone who knows the scents I typically lean towards, and those that I have had her smell in the past and what's currently in the collection.

~Performance; (8/10)
~Longevity; (7.5/10)
~Sillage; (7.5/10)
~Compliment (6/10)
~Quality w/price factor; (6.5/10)
~$'s Worth/Value; (7/10)
~Overall; (7.5/10)

Great fragrance that I like and enjoy with a decent drydown that lingers!

Straight to Heaven, white cristal by Kilian

What an amazing fragrance! Just received my bottle and I am stunned at how fascinating this fragrance is. I am also surprised by how this fragrance resembles one from the Frapin line that instead of Hennessy, there is Cognac.

Some time ago I use to own a Frapin fragrances, this reminds me of Speakeasy's style. Now, I am not saying this smells like Speakeasy, however I will say this has the style or similar genre as Speakeasy. Straight to Heaven is very smooth, yet boozy with a bit of sweetness, along with tobacco. There is vanilla and patchouli that gives a get deal of balance. Looking forward to rockin' this one!

~Performance is AMAZING - 9
~Longevity is outstanding - 8
~Sillage - 7
~Compliment - 7
~Quality - 8
~$'s Worth/Value- 10

Overall, a great fragrance!

Wall Street by Bond No. 9

Received a sample of Bond No 9 Wall Street, I my takeaway: Wall Street is fresh with interesting marine like greenery, not forestry green; In the initial spray, Wall Street brings a great deal of citrus without being over the top or too heavy. Additionally, this fragrance is aquatic with a sea water vibe, but not pungent with a nice, reserved feel to it. Wall Street packs a delightful punch that will have the wearer in ultra delight and those around in gleeful bliss. Someone mentioned a bit of a Creed Milliseme Imperial or Erolfa feel...bullseye!

Bond No 9 fragrances are well constructed with great longevity, great silage, and master performance.
An overall nice scent that I really enjoy-enough to go grab a bottle...hmmmmm?

Brioni Eau de Parfum Intense by Brioni

Went to the store a few times to try this. Just received my bottle it the mail, and I really enjoy this fragrance! Although designer, Brioni Eau de Parfum Intense version in my opinion is a very Niche quality fragrance. I think this could be a fragrance in the Pdm line; has a
nice Pdm quality to it. A fragrance that I have found myself to be in love with!
I get this o' to die for Saffron, some rich Tobacco, a bit of smokiness (Patchouli), dark, yet appealing leathery (oud) goodness that stands out distinctively! This intense version has great balance, one that my wife really likes, which is great for me! The drydown is this sweet, with a tiny powdery juxtaposed against some dark tobacco oud. Leaving the wearer in a scent trail that should be followed....

~Performance is AMAZING - 10
~Longevity is outstanding - 8
~Sillage is worth noting - 7
~Compliment - 9
~Quality - 9
~ $ Worth - 10
Overall, a great fragrance!

Haltane by Parfums de Marly

Just received a sample of Haltane, and I must say I am very impressed with this fragrance. I didn't know what to expect, however the aroma I was met with is sweet, yet dark; gourmand, and also candy-like. The fragrance is not like any that I have come across, especially one from this house. A few notes that stood out to me, Bergamot, Saffron, Agarwood (Oud), and Cedar. I get the woodsy sweet saffron aroma that is amazing. Longevity seems to be at an all-time peak, sillage is fantastic, performance top-notch.

There are some underlining elements of Carlisle that I get, even the sweetness from Kalan...this is just a reference point. However, these fragrances are worlds apart in smell.

Overall, a really likeable fragrance!

Renaissance Man by Chris Collins

With a wide variety of notes, Sea Notes, Ginger, Pink Pepper, Bergamot, Honey, Sage, Cedar, Cinnamon, Tobacco, Sandalwood, Leather, and Tonka Bean this fragrance seems to remain linear and barbershopish in my opinion all the way through. At first sniff, you get tobacco, ginger, bergamot, honey and cedar in my opinion as a very manly aroma. I wasn't a fan of this one as I was of the other in the line.

Overall, nice fragrance if you are into the kind of fragrances that seem dated. It isn't bad, just not for my taste.

Performance is above average, longevity is moderate, and sillage is above average.

Danse Sauvage by Chris Collins

Danse Sauvage is a great fragrance, with cognac, plum, saffron, pepper, chili, rose, cedarwood, vanilla, and oud many of the notes I don't detect, however those I do get are plum, saffron, pepper, chili, cedarwood and oud. At first sniff, there is the pepper sweetly chili saffron that is amazing.
I love the subtle plum in the ground, the and the cognac that hover around at the fragrance lingers. Fragrances that come to mind are both Iunu and Rogart both from the Molton Brown Navigation Scent collection. The sweet balsamic spiciness that comes through. Not overpowering and not to faint. A gorgeous fragrance to lean into.

Performance is above average, longevity is moderate, sillage...the verdict is still out! I do like it, the same if not more than African Rooibos as I await the arrival of my bottle!

Citrus Grandis by Chris Collins

Huge fan of lemon, in fact that is why I have a bottle of The Art of Shaving-Lemon that I absolutely love.

Notes: pomelo, yuzu, cedrat, blackcurrant, verbena, cedarwood, vetiver, sandalwood, elemi, incense, & musk.

What I get is Verbena, cedrat, elemi, and vetiver; this fragrance is a fresh lemon beauty. I don't get alot of woods, but I can see where that could be in the scent breakdown, the cedar that is. After the initial spray, you are left with a fresh, citrus, linen type fragrance that envelops the skin and invigorates the space around you. To me, there isn't a lot of movement in this fragrance, and that's not a bad thing. I love the fact that this fragrance is very linear which add an element of mystic to it.

Performance is great, longevity is slightly above average, and sillage is decent. Is this a compliment getter, not sure as my wife liked it but it wasn't something she would swoon over. In fact, she referenced The Art of Shaving-Lemon right away when she smelled this one.

Overall, not necessarily unique, but a nice fragrance, nonetheless.

Sweet Taboo by Chris Collins

Nice smell, with an ambiance of notes; One that give me a strong sandalwood aroma at the dry down.

Notes include, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Clary Sage, Cacao Pod, Coffee, Geranium, Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Benzoin, & Musk. At first sniff, I get the sweet Benzoin and Musk then it tappers down to a warm slightly spicy powdery aura. I get a baby powder aroma that is followed by soft musk.
There isn't anything that stood out to me, and after wearing I walked away being reminded that this fragrance resembled a fragrance in my collection already: The Art of Shaving - Sandalwood. I do like this one, however, it seems redundant to purchase this since I own the other. Or shall I say, Sandalwood gives me my the sweet spicy ambery fix.

Decent 6-7 hours of performance. This is not a beast nor it offensive.
Decent sillage, and average longevity.

Tokyo Blue by Chris Collins

The verdict is still out on this one, however had a great experience wearing the sample.

Notes: Bergamot, Galbanum, Ylang-Ylang, Violet Leaf, Orris Root, Mimosa, Rose, Orange Blossom, Musk, & Cedar.

This one opens up strange in my estimation. Everyone might not like it for this reason, however, do give it time. After the first 5 minutes or so, this fragrance gives off a nice, sharp almost green effect, although no green notes listed. Perhaps, this is due to the Violet Leaf, but with some Musk, Cedar, Bergamot, Mimosa flavor. Very powdery as the note breakdown above says. Once this fragrance drys down,
very much so reminds me of a slightly bitter Reflection Man, again once the dry down has settled. It is along that genre at least, NOT AT ALL THE SAME but just a reference point.
A decent fragrance, however this does not have that wow factor for me.
Because I have had Reflection Man in the collection, I don't think it is advantageous to purchase this one. IMO, a fine fragrance to have! I have smelled them all and in my estimation, I can say that most of Chris Collins' fragrances are decent in silage, performance, longevity, scent trail, etc.

Lost In Paradise by Chris Collins

Robust fragrance that is more floral in the onset. pink saffron, passion fruit, coffee bean, frankincense, centifolia rose pink peony oud, crisp amber, & vanilla bean.
Lost in Paradise is a more pink peony and fruit fragrance than oud and ambery, and much different than the previous sample tested. I think this one is more unisex, even feminine than the other in the Discovery set. Not as floral or Rose heavy as VideCorMeum or Harlem Nights, although rose is a part of the note pyramid.

Great performance as I put some on this morning after leaving for the office, and the cloud bubble seems to close and not overbearing. A pretty likeable scent.

Of the Discovery Set, this is not my favorite. However, as mentioned I will be getting a full bottle of one, although not this one :).

Long Kiss Goodnight by Chris Collins

A nice fragrance that is more rose and passion fruit heavy, with coffee beans, agarwood, and saffron floating wayyyy in the background. There is some oud I get but very subtle. The Rose is the star player as I have noticed in a few other fragrances with this brand. (In the same way Mancera has a heavy Rose note in a variety of their fragrances). I think the drydown is where the show starts and ends.

For some, this could be overbearing as one might fine this one very linear. I do like it, with the possibility of growing tired and annoyed for that reason.
Received this as a sample along with my purchase of AfricanRooibos. A great fragrance with outstanding performance that is very likeable indeed.

Oud Galoré by Chris Collins

Oud Galoré is one of those fragrances that either you love it or hate it. Much of that depends on whether you are a Rose fan. Although there are a plethora of notes and ingredients, Oud Galoré is a Rose bomb. This is not necessarily bad, however IMO I think it could linger longer than expected, thus becoming bothersome. Again, a great fragrance however after wearing it throughout the day, I began to become annoyed because of the pungent Rose that remained throughout. (Oud Galoré reminded me of Black Aoud - Mancera).

Deep, rich, sweet, floral (rosy) with a hint of Cinnamon and Sandalwood in the background. With notes of Cinnamon, Madagascar Cloves, Rose, Geranium, Orris, Agarwood (Oud), Sandalwood, Cypriol Oil or Nagarmotha, Copahu Balm, Incense, who could go wrong with this type of fragrance.

To me, this one could be unisex (IMO); The performance is great as I put some this morning after leaving for the office, and the cloud bubble seems to be significant.

Of the Discovery Set, this is not my favorite, As mentioned, I will be getting a full bottle of one, however it's not going to be this one :).

Harlem Nights by Chris Collins

Second on the list: another wonderful fragrance - Harlem Nights, I don't think of Eddie Murphy when wearing this, however I am sure many conjure up or visualize some individual. a nice fragrance.

With these notes, Rum, Saffron, Nutmeg, Cloves, Grapefruit, Lemon, Patchouli, Cedar, Orris Root, Jasmine, Sandalwood, Vanilla, Musk, Vetiver; those that stand out to me the most is Orris Root, Patchouli, Cloves, Jasmine, & Saffron.

I get a strong Saffron, yet Jasmine, Orris Root surprise with sweet Patchouli and Cloves sitting in the foreground. This reminds me of Mancera's Aoud Gold, although with a Rose rush, this is more of a Saffron rush with the Jasmine and Orris Root.

To me, this one leans more feminine (IMO), perhaps due to the Orris Root and Jasmine notes. As opposed to the other(s), my wife didn't seem to notice this one as she did the others. That is not to suggests a dislike, but more of an observation noticed.

The performance is great as I put some this morning after a shower the cloud bubble seems to be significant.

Of the Discovery Set, this is not my favorite, As mentioned, I will be getting a full bottle of one, however it's probably not going to be this one :).

Autumn Rhythm by Chris Collins

Wearing the 3rd of the 6, 2.5ml vials within the Discovery Set; AutumnRhythm, with notes of Green, Bergamot, Orris Root, Cashmeran, Lily-of-the-Valley, Leather, Tonka Bean, Cedar, Ambrette (Musk Mallow) & Musk. Right away I get Musk, Green, Leather, Tonka Bean and Cedar.

With this one, there is a dark green musk even, oud aroma given off during the wear. This one reminds me of a less heavy Amouage Interlude. Amouage has a heavy oregano leaf in there mixed with some very subtle sweetness. Although the green and dark; AutumnRhythm has that similar pyramid however, not as green heavy. I do like this one, as well as my wife.

Very masculine in my opinion; Cold weather wear, one that I think will linger for some time. Although nice, glad to have this to test drive. This one is probably not the one I will shell out $ for a full bottle.

Baccarat Rouge 540 by Maison Francis Kurkdjian

So, , I've had a sample of the BR540 Extrait and I will say that it is a hit in my opinion. Although, many would say otherwise, the Eau de Parfum is very similar as I have tested both side-by-side. (I am aware that some reviews suggests that they are very different.) Again, I did a side-by-side test of them and found that they are very similar in style, smell, and projection. This fragrance and the Extrait hold this indelible sweet aroma, with slight cedar and musk in the background, along with the amazing saffron leading the charge. The cotton candy affinity others spoke of is there, however, not what I come in contact with at first. My wife, however, noticed this cotton candy vibe right away! I don't get dentist office vibes that others have mentioned. Overall, a nice fragrance to purchase and have in the collection.

Kalan by Parfums de Marly

This fragrance is FIRE.

So, I am not very familiar with the notes of Blood orange or Orange blossom, however the others yes.
Kalan is loud and boisterous and if you spray more than 2-3 sprays you will choke, I REPEAT you will suffocate. A little goes a longggggg way - I have a 2.5oz bottle and realize that this will last for a lifetime!

As many have noted, there is a sweet yet very woodsy greenish element that comes through right away. This fragrance is very stringent. Potent! Good! I get the dichotomy of woods versus sweets, as if they are playing a game of tug-of-war. Neither win but remain constant, firm, and grounded. I think Kalan is a nice fragrance, and yet a rather atypical offering from the PdM line (psss...If you try real hard, you will get some of the apple pie spice goodness as nuanced in other PdM fragrances).

Initially, Kalan can be a turn off because of its grand appearance. I must say, give it a moment to settle and you will not be disappointed. A fragrance that almost wants to go in the candied direction completely because of the combination of Blood Orange, Orange Blossom, Amber and Spices but stops and decides to turn around and go in the green direction. Perhaps, due to the mixture of Lavendar, White Sandalwood, Moss, and Woods…it's weird, but in a good way. Many compare this to MFKBR 540, however, I cannot add anything to that comparison as I have not tried that fragrance.

I can see how this could be unisex, however, in my opinion this is more for the masculine crowd. I really like it and more than likely it will be in the regular rotation. :o)

Projection: 9/10...others WILL notice;
Longevity: 9/10....remains on deck ALL day;
Silage: 8.5/10…..the degree to which others around you would notice is VERY high;
Performance: 9/10…PERFORMS extremely well on the skin;
Overall: 9/10

Black Vanilla by Mancera

Black Vanilla is a fragrance to acquire only if you like florals and vanilla. Perhaps more FLORALS than VANILLA, however the vanilla is there, but whose keeping tabs.

Once I sprayed this on my hand I realized a few things:

1) not masculine at all, more feminine in my opinion;
2) very floral and not dark as the name (black) insinuates;
3) potent, very POTENT;
4) smells like something I have smelt before...designer; perhaps, something I have smelt on a woman...

A sweet, floral bomb of a fragrance that lasts a long time on skin. The jasmine, rose, and violet comes through whereby the musk never rears its head, or at least the way in which I expected.

As the fragrance evolves, there is this powdery element that develops! Overall, I think not for me!

Métallique by Tom Ford

Man, I want this stuff!….I smelled this on October 15, ordered 3.4oz - 100ml on October 17, received shipment package on October 24.

First impression:

So, I smelled this for the first time yesterday at Von Maur's department store and I must say this is an exceptional fragrance!!

Tom Ford's Metallique has just the right amount of sweetness, just the right amount of sandalwood, just the right amount of musk, just the right amount of saffron, at least what I think is smells like saffron, and most of all just right amount of vanilla...perfecto! (Not a Mancera Rose Vanille or Aoud Vanille, nor a Atelier Vanille Insensee)

An amazing fragrance! Unisex, definitely! This is a sexy mutha - shut yo mouth, in my opinion! And as a man, I am going to rock the absolute snot out of this!

Performance: ?
Projection: ?
Silage:?
Longevity: ?
Overall: ?

Aventus for Her by Creed

From a sample, this is a very nice fragrance. RICH, potent, sharp or distinct, sweet and peppery, oud-ish, and floral are the descriptors that come to mind when taking in this fragrance.

[As my wife's sample came to a close, she didn't know that I had a full bottle purchased and on its way! I liked it that much, not to mention how it smelled on her...:o)]

The beginning opens with a piercing sweetness that is very nice, followed by a distinct floral smell that I think really defines the overall essence and drydown of this fragrance. There isn't anything in this fragrance that brings to mind the thought of Aventus for men. I believe this fragrance is in a category of its own. Although marketed for women, I am sure some men would find this very appealing however, I am not recommending men to go out and purchase. Just saying!

Use discretion when applying as this fragrance is very rich; I really like this on my wife.

Performance: 8.5/10
Projection: 9/10
Longevity: 8.5/10
Silage: 9/10
Overall: 9/10

Aventus Cologne by Creed

Aventus Cologne...finally received; sent for a sample from Creed Boutique and it finally arrived today.

First spray, this reminds me of a fragrance I had back in my high school days Acqua di Gio Giorgio Armani. Perhaps Acqua Di Gio with added oud.
The opening is very aquatic, fresh, citrusy, yet smoky all at the same time. As it dries down therein lies the original Aventus vibe, maybe a fresher citrusy feel!?!?!.

Aventus Cologne is not as smoky and not as dark as the original. My wife's take on this is, that it is not as strong as the original nor is it as manly, but toned down and reserved.

Conclusion: A manly fragrance that is targeted for men; I like it, however not something I will rush out to purchase; My wife likes this more than the original Aventus, which I find interesting considering they are similar in style and genre.

Projection:6/10 (not a fragrance that will get you noticed)
Performance: 7/10
Longevity: 7/10
Silage: 7.5/10
Overall:7/10

Rouge Avignon by Phaedon

Rouge Avignon was a treat to behold and let go of.

When I blind bought this I assumed I would get a dark jammy, sweet, slightly smoky fragrance that would knock my socks off.

Well, it knocked my socks off but not in a good way. Rouge Avignon was toothache sweet, rosy, and chocolatery from the cacoa. Although there is raspberry listed in the note breakdown, I didn't detect any.
The amber that smelt like honey came out from hiding along with the musk that was very subtle and quiet. As the fragrance evolved, the vetiver emerges as did the ylang-ylang.

I'm not sure if I could bring myself to wear this as is was too feminine for my taste. The initial spray was a very sweetly rose that seemed to remain throughout, although other notes presented themselves. In terms of gender, simply feminine. (wear what you like, but for me...)

Not a fragrance that caused me to want to rush out and purchase. I wished there was some Agarwood or even some Sandalwood added to this to calm/tone the rose down slightly? Maybe adding Agarwood or Sandalwood would add depth and cast a darker edge to the composition.

In no way did this remind me of Tabac Rouge though they share a similar portion of name...

Projection: 7/10
Longevity: 7/10
Silage: 7.5/10
Performance: 7/10
Overall: 7/10

Casamorati Mefisto by Xerjoff

Just received Mefisto in the mail and I am quite impressed. I heard the buzz, the resemblance to Creed's Silver Mountain Water and now that I have it in hand, it does have a Silver Mountain Water vibe, yet nice.

Although I do have Silver Mountain Water, I don't regret purchasing Mefisto. Well, because I got an authentic 98.9% full, 30ml bottle for $65, yes $65. So, I am really please with this fragrance and the purchase.

At the start, I get a citrusy-grapefruit, aquatic, even fresh, slightly sweet, metallic smell with some watery elements in the mix. And quite nice I might add.

Right away my wife liked this one...she doesn't really have reactions to my fragrances, however with this one she immediately said, "O-K; I like that one-that might be my favorite!" She noticed the watery element and could attribute this to a fragrance I have already, namely Creed's Silver Mountain Water.

Projection:7/10
Performance:8/10
Silage:8/10
Longevity:8/10
Overall:8/10

Tabac Rouge / Turkish Blend by Phaedon

Honestly, Tabac Rouge was not what I expected. Since I do have Dzhari, I was looking for a stronger more potent, darker opening. I expected a raw tobacco-ish dark fragrance, with smoke. Instead, I got a lite floral (although not in the note breakdown), cinnamon gingerly, soft fragrance, yet a tinge of smoke, cinnamon, and spice. Surrounded by spice and vanilla, this is a nice fragrance however, again not what I expected.

Many review suggested this is like Herod by Parfums de Marly and others have connected this to Tom Ford's Tobacco Vanille. For me, this reminded me of Musc Ravageur by Frederic Malle. I cannot offer any resemblance to TV, but I can see Herod's slight vanilla flavor, but mostly a touch of that spicy vanilla, cinnamon flavor with some floral elements within the combination that I detected in Musc Ravageur. However, Musc Ravageur had a stronger floral opening that I couldn't get past which caused me to dislike.

Tabac Rouge is a little different in that is offers a slight difference in the spicy cinnamon dept. This fragrance is not too floral, not to spicy, not to dark or tobacco-y. The dry down is a sweet, vanilla, creamy fragrance that I think will be a hit. One that is unisex and not too over the top in terms of overall composition.