I had high hopes for my first venture into the line of Etat Libre d’Orange. I recently received a few samples, one of which was Je Suis un Homme. Although tame in name in comparison with some of the other irreverently titled fragrances in the line, it is the perfect place for me to start. Upon application, I noted a very subdued and almost elegant combination of citrus and musk. It went on beautifully understated with a warm undertone. I really loved the initial impact of this scent. I wanted those initial notes to stay with me; 
unfortunately they did not. Much too soon for my liking, the citrus notes disappeared and all I got was a slightly green, medicinal, Mennen Skin Bracer scent. In looking at the composition of this fragrance (see below), I would have thought that there would be many surprises that would come to light when wearing this, but it just seemed to flatten out. And not only did it flatten out; after a couple of hours it just disappeared. I have not given up on this one, hoping that it’s my body chemistry today, but I have to admit I’m pretty disappointed.
Oh, and one of the other samples was for Don’t Get Me Wrong Baby. I won’t be reviewing this because it is targeted to the female gender, but I did give it a dab on the back of my hand. If you love Lily of the Valley (and more Lily of the Valley), you might like this. Uggh. Not my thing!
Oh, but I will be back. I’m just too intrigued by this brand!
From the Etat Libre d’Orange website:
Composition: Bergamot, orange, lemon, myrrh, cinnamon, clove, cognac accord, leather, patchouli, animal notes…
Napoleon would have sprayed himself with this, a reinterpretation of his favorite cologne. Citrus and bergamot summon the guard to prepare an attack. Birch wood and cognac evoke the leather of saddle and boots. Energetic and masculine, this is a scent for the man – or the woman – who is ready to launch the offensive…
- Bone Rating: 2 out of 5 possible bones
- Classification: Masculine
- Expense: $80 for 50ml EDP
The Scented Hound 
March 17, 2012 at 4:32 am
They’re a stunning brand – at times. And their playfullness if enthralling.
The standouts are:
Rien – bitter leather, civet and incense
Vierges et Toreros – tuberose, birch tar, amber
Like This – lovely ginger, immortelle and pumpkin
Fils de Dieu – thai curry and metallic notes
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March 17, 2012 at 5:48 am
Thanks for the list. As I said, I want to try more; getting good feedback will help me pick my next choices. Curious about the Fils de Dieu…i like the idea of curry scents, but am always worried that I’ll smell like a fragrant restaurant.
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March 18, 2012 at 10:10 am
Divin Enfant is interesting too, coffee and marshmallows, it falls a little flat in the drydown though.
Although I haven’t tried it, the vanilla/vetiver combo of Fat Electrition is always greatly praised.
The Fils de Dieu is good, but yes it is fragrant restaurant as you said, but there are other notes which just… JUST, pull it away from that territory.
Have you tried Parfum D’Empire Fougere Bengale? That’s like a lavender curry and it’s absolutely fantastic!
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