WHAT I SMELL: Flor de le Virgen opens with a soft sweetened pomelo that is quickly met with a lightly chewy jasmine. From the first spritz, the perfume is bright and full of light and energy. But as soon as the jasmine makes its presence, the citrus notes once again takes over. I’m glad about this as the citrus keeps the perfume on the lighter side. Well, as soon as write that, it seems that the jasmine wants to once again make itself known. But this time the jasmine is softer, more demure and jubilantly pretty with just a brush of pencil shaving olibanum. It’s here that the perfume seems to glide softly as it seems to ride a light breeze in the spring air. After quite some time, the perfume sweetens some more and moves towards the bubblegum with an undercurrent of white musk. In all, Flor de La Virgen is uncomplicated loveliness.
From the Boy Smells website:
FLOR DE LA VIRGEN is a bright and energetic combination of feminine jasmine petals and masculine musks, sitting in an abundant bouquet of pomelo, saffron, and deep resinous olibanum. Citrus, floral, and spice, this is a truly GENDERFUL™ scent made to unleash your inner god and goddess — transcend expectations and scent accordingly.
Top Notes: Pomelo, Lemon Rind, Fig Leaf
Mid Notes: Saffron, Jasmine Petals, Ivy Leaves
Dry Notes: Cistus, Olibanum, Labdanum, Clear Musks, Ambrox
WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: Flowers on the wind.
THREE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE FLOR DE LA VIRGEN: soft, breezy, lighthearted
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT FLOR DE LA VIRGEN: Editorialist
BOTTOM LINE: Flor de la Virgen is my first foray into the Boy Smell brand and I really liked my “virgin” experience. The perfume is pretty, inoffensive and easy to wear. I would say that Flor de la Virgen is one of those scents that could travel anywhere and be worn on any occasion, including in the office. Who could ask for anything more from a perfume?
- Bone Rating: 3.5 out of possible 5 bones
- Scent: Floral
- Nose: Gil Clavien
- Classification: Unisex
- Expense: Starting at $98 for 65ml cologne de parfum
WHAT I SMELL: Velvet Tonka opens with a soft and silky orange blossom that’s riding on top of a thickened wave of almond. The perfume starts off big and very rounded with what seems to be a taffy like glaze. It’s sweet, but more buttery almond sweet than sugary sweet. As the perfume begins to develop it radiates greatly and it reminds me of my mother’s confectionary kitchen cabinet where smells of vanilla, almond, paste and frosting created a veritable olfactory sugar rush. Continuing on, the addition of tobacco absolute helps to tame the perfume from growing out of control. However, the almond is still front and center and rather hard to resist. As the perfume continues on its journey, the almond melds with the tonka and vanilla. Here, the perfume softens oh so lightly along with a dash of wood just to even it out. It’s much later where I believe Velvet Tonka hits its “sweet spot” when it quiets to an ambered gourmet delight. It’s pretty, slightly sweet, lightly warmed and quite delightful.
WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: Frosted almond cookies.
WHAT I SMELL: Snowy Owl opens with bright reflective aldehydic snow and the smell of freshly turned earth. Quickly, it begins to move to the cool and fresh along with a cottony finish that feels light and fluffy. There’s a wonderfully light herbal hint of mint, but its portrayal is much more attuned to the smell of warmed faux fur that lines the inside of worn leather gloves. As the perfume continues to develop, light and soft florals seem to pop out from the snow and once again the smell of moist earth begins to emerge as if the frozen ground has melted to reveal some hints of spring. The perfume at this point is soft and inviting and quite powdery and it feels as if it has been lightly applied to the skin with the softest makeup brush. As Snowy Owl continues to develop, it begins to strengthen just a bit and the light florals make way for a radiating amber tinged woodiness. In the end, the perfume feels as if it is full of contained energy that’s held secure within a cocooned wrap of musk.
WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: I can’t argue with the fact that this perfume captures the spirit of the snowy owl and it’s winter environment. But what I can add is that it’s a very well dressed snowy owl at that.
The Scented Hound 