Happy Labor Day to all the US folks out there. I’m having a quiet day off as we’re heading off to vacation later this week so I’m doing all of those things that require preparation: loading books on my Kindle, making sure that my camera batteries are charged, washing clothes, etc. Rather dull, but necessary. Of course, all of this dullness needed some help in pepping me up. So, in the midst of cleaning up my office, I went in my “unsampled” bag and pulled out Dia Man. I knew that an Amouage scent would be nice and strong and since I am doing chores all day I wanted to smell fabulous doing them.
WHAT I SMELL: A warm incense (very discreet and light), with bitter orange and I believe cardamon (based on the notes listing). It smells like a modern/traditional scent, in that it’s elegant and luxurious. It’s also surprisingly warm. I was expecting something more heavily floral. After a bit, an interesting plum notes barely sneaks out which adds more depth along with the peony. For the next couple of hours, Dia stays in this warm slightly spicy amberish floral stage that is extremely luxurious and inviting. I have the feeling if I was in the office today I would be asked what I was wearing. In the end, what I was left with a nice and pleasant and slightly powdery woody floral, it’s very serene and I find it to be a bit feminine. Of course since this is an Amouage fragrance, it has great longevity and sillage.
Top notes: cistus, bigarade, cardamom, frankincense, labdanum
Heart notes: peony, ylang ylang, orris, plum
Base notes: vetiver, leather, patchouli, amber, palissander
WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: I am picturing a 1920’s “Out of Africa” scene. Exotic, yet refined colonial atmosphere in the plains of Africa.
THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE DIA MAN: warm, privileged, fluid
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT DIA MAN: From Top to Bottom, Eiderdown Press
BOTTOM LINE: Amouage fragrances are quality personified and Dia Man is no exception. As good as this is, it’s probably not something that I would add to my collection as I wouldn’t wear it enough to justify the hefty price. But I’ll know that I’ll be back to visit every now and then!
- Bone Rating: 4 out of 5 possible bones
- Scent: Woody Floral Musk
- Classification: Masculine
- Expense: $260 for 50ml EdP
The Scented Hound 
September 3, 2012 at 4:59 pm
I haven’t had much luck with Amouage so far – this doesn’t sound like my cup of tea either.
I guess it’s just not a line that appeals to me. I think the first one I tried was Jubilation XXV which was so damn boring it put me off a bit. Ah well 🙂
Enjoy your vacation Steve, very jealous 😛
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September 3, 2012 at 5:07 pm
Yes, I wouldn’t call this a Freddie perfume. It’s even a bit “big” for me. And please, you’re going off on vacation in a month or so. But thanks for the kind thoughts. This time next week I will be on the beach with a drink in my hand 🙂
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September 3, 2012 at 5:43 pm
You lucky ole dog! Sounds glorious. Yes my vay-kay will be fab, but bitterly cold D:
I doesn’t sound big, I actually have found most Amouage’s relatively translucent – might just be me, maybe I haven’t explored enough.
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September 3, 2012 at 5:44 pm
Really? I always feel that when I wear an Amouage, I have a trail behind me a mile long. Of course, I am probably bathing in them 🙂
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September 3, 2012 at 6:12 pm
Isn’t that the only way to wear perfume?
Yup – I guess the sillage is big, but I do find they have a certain translucency. At least the ones I’ve tried.
Have you tried the new Interlude Man? I hated it – the Women’s was more tolerable but still. Anyway – enough of my immature nose, I shall leave you to pack!
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September 3, 2012 at 6:34 pm
We’re not leaving until Thursday. I have 2 days of work yet 😦 Interlude Man is suffocating.
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September 3, 2012 at 7:27 pm
Elegant and luxurious MY two favorite words. Sounds wonderful. Have a great trip!
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September 3, 2012 at 9:14 pm
Thank you Mr. Smith!
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September 3, 2012 at 8:23 pm
I’ve avoided the Amouage line because of the price. I’m afraid to even sample any for fear I’d love one. I think if I were the type of person who only bought one bottle at a time and wore it almost exclusively I could justify it but I’m not that person. The notes in this sound nice. I will resist the urge to sample. Thanks for the review.
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September 3, 2012 at 9:14 pm
LOL… I’m with you. That’s kind of how I feel about Tom Ford. I stay away because they are just so darn expensive and it seems like there are too many of them!
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September 4, 2012 at 2:06 am
I like most perfumes from Amouage. But I have to agree with Freddie on that one: Dia Men seemed – he found a good word – translucent. I understand that it’s an EdT but I thought that for the price it could have been more … substantial. But I liked the scent especially in drydown. I prefer Dia Women and enjoy wearing it from time to time.
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September 4, 2012 at 5:45 am
Actually it is an EdP…was there an EdT version maybe? I guess in any case, neither of us is going to run out and buy some. And that Freddie is a smart fella isn’t he 🙂
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September 4, 2012 at 4:39 am
I hope you’ll have a lovely vacation. Please have double fun to compensate my lack of summer fun, alright?
I like your review of Dia. I’m familiar with this scent and found it really nice, but also not full bottle worthy. Lyric Man is my favourite from Amouage.
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September 4, 2012 at 5:46 am
I shall attempt to have a great time. For me it doesn’t take much; a good book and a cocktail make me very happy!
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September 4, 2012 at 6:41 am
Book and cocktail sound like a nice duet.
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September 4, 2012 at 9:17 am
Reading your superb review of Dia Man makes me miss my sample. 🙂 I should really order a decant of it sometime, as you’re very right, it is serene and a bit feminine. It strikes just the right balance of masculine and feminine elements for me. Thank you for the link to my review (very kind of you!).
Here’s wishing you a wonderful beach vacation. Do you head north or south for your beach, or stay in your home state of Virginia?
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September 4, 2012 at 11:39 am
Thanks for stopping by Suzanne! I’m glad I found your site and look forward to becoming a regular reader. As for the beach, we are actually getting away to the Dominican Republic…and I’m not taking my phone with me!!!
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September 4, 2012 at 11:10 pm
My pleasure, Steve. I look forward to becoming a regular reader of yours, as well.
And the Dominican Republic? Nice!! Enjoy those white-sand beaches and blue waters (and no phone!). 🙂
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