WHAT I SMELL:  Proud opens with a puddy like melon and a blunt and flattened pear note that quickly moves to a dusty musk.  This is a strange opening that feels as if it was born in the future.  And what i mean by that is that it feels incredibly modern as if it was conceived through a laboratory.  After a bit, a floral note begins to break out from underneath the plastic clapboard and it helps to soften the base which has moved towards a woody note. After some more time, a softened vanilla makes it’s way in to help sweeten the now lovely perfume.  There’s a bit of mystery that seems to be intertwined within the notes of the perfume, like a light incense which gives the perfume a wonderful depth.  Here, the perfume begins to grow, project and warm in the most energetic way.  In the end, Proud is a floral fragrance that is big, bold and different from what you think of floral perfumes.  The warmed ambered base is like a springboard for the deep and heady florals to project off the skin and it works beautifully.

From the RudRoss website:

Conquering new heights, claiming first places, and simply training will be easier with this fragrance. Our fragrance, like the sport of running, is for active and hardworking individuals.

What is it like? Rich, sensual, invigorating. It feels like being transported into space with its sharp transformations. The sweet and spicy elements of the fragrance will keep you energized for a long time. It won’t let you relax, but instead will charge you with its energy and audacity. You will achieve success! Conquer pedestals with this fragrance!

Head notes
Citrus, Melon, Pear

Heart notes
Lily of the Valley, White Musk, Tonka Bean

Base notes
Amber, Saffron, White Powder, Vanilla

WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME:  Flower power.

THREE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE PROUD:  bold, modern, striking

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT PROUD:  No written reviews found.

BOTTOM LINE:  Proud is shape shifting unique perfume that takes the wearer on a wild ride and in the end it makes for a beautiful, but bold wear.  When I say bold wear, that means that a little goes a long way so be sure to spritz lightly.  But that said, I find that Proud is almost like a mood ring and seems to change with the weather and with your state of mind.  At times the perfume seems a bit more subdued and at other times it’s full on blossom.  This is my first foray into RudRoss Perfumes and I have to say I am pleasantly surprised.

• Bone Rating: 4 out of possible 5 bones
• Scent:  Oriental Floral
• Classification:  Unisex
• Expense:  $150 for 95 ml eau de parfum

Sample courtesy of RudRoss.  Opinion my own.