The Scented Hound

Perfume blog with abbreviated perfume reviews & fragrance reviews.

Tag Archives: 4 bones


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Rose Anonyme and Vetiver Fatal by Atelier Cologne

WHAT I SMELL:  Rose Anonyme opens with a dark, deep, rich and lush rose.  It’s achingly beautiful, full-bodied and juicy; almost like wine.  Soon that stage is followed by a mild suede leather that bounces between the multi layered rose scent that smells more like a bouquet than just a singular rose.  And it’s not an ordinary rose, it’s one that’s almost gourmand.  This phase is simply lovely and is different in its hefty beefiness.  As such, I would say that this borders on being a powerhouse rose.  As it settles, what you are left with is a sweet rose layered under a snuggly oudy suede with a bit of musk.

Rose Anonyme Notes:  calabrian bergamot, ginger, turkish rose, somalian opoponax, agarwood (oud), indonesian patchouli leaf, papyrus and benzoin

WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: For some reason, I envision a red velvet cake topped with a rose!

THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE ROSE ANONYME: luscious, hearty, full-bodied

  • Bone Rating: 4 out of 5 possible bones
  • Scent: Oriental Floral
  • Classification: Unisex
  • Expense: $75 for 30ml Cologne Absolue

WHAT I SMELL:  Vetiver Fatal opens as I expect a vetiver scent to open:  clean and green.  However, in a little time what you also get is a bit of warm musk that turns this fragrance into a deeper and richer, buttery scent with hints of spice.  I’m not a fan of vetivers, but this I can enjoy.

Vetiver Fatal Notes:  calabrian bergamot, sicilian lemon, bitter orange, tunisian orange blossom, violet leaf, plum, haitian vetiver, cedar and agarwood (oud)

WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME:  Honeyed candied biscuits.

 

THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE VETIVER FATAL: warm, comforting, classy

  • Bone Rating: 4 out of 5 possible bones
  • Scent: Woody Aromatic
  • Classification: Unisex
  • Expense: $75 for 30ml Cologne Absolue

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT ROSE ANONYME AND VETIVER FATAL: Chemist in a Bottle, Bois de Jasmin, Il Mondo di Odore

BOTTOM LINE: These are both wonderful fragrances.  If I were to lean to one, it would be Rose Anonyme, but am worried that I might get a little tired of the sweetness.  However, I could see myself also wearing Vetiver Fatal; this coming from a person who usually cares little about vetiver scents.


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Dia Man by Amouage

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


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A*Men Pure Havane by Thierry Mugler

The wonderful Undina and I swapped some samples a while back and I am slowly making my way through each and every one. It’s been a real treat.  Today’s sampling was a very nice surprise!

WHAT I SMELL:  A*Men Pure Havane opens with a wonderful sweet tobacco ladened honey.  It’s warm and delicious and oh so edible; you just want to lick it off of your skin.  This could easily have gone over the top, but it doesn’t as the labdanum and amber mixed with the vanilla and cocoa leaves this scent grounded.  It’s so full bodied, gourmand and wonderfully unique and bold.  Once this scent takes off, it remains in this state of sweetened warmth. You just can’t help but to continually sniff your wrist while wearing this.  Thankfully A*Men Pure Havane also has wonderful sillage and longevity.  Goody!

A*Men Pure Havane notes:  fresh tobacco leaves, honeyed tobacco accord, patchouli, and bitter cocoa

WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: Cuba 1955.  I can picture a open aired bar with rotating celing fans to drive away the heat, a Mojito, a white suit, and a large cigar.

THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE A*MEN PURE HAVANE:  masculine, comfortable, confident

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT A*MEN PURE HAVANE:  CaFluereBon, EauMG, Now Smell This

BOTTOM LINE:  This flanker is a limited edition, but can still be purchased on the Thierry Mugler website for a very reasonable $88 for 100ml bottle.  I may just be doing that.  Although I keep reading that this is similar to Tom Ford’s Tobacco Vanille so you might just see me at Nordstrom’s checking that out this weekend.  However, I don’t think I can get Tom Ford for $88!  Thanks Undina, I am loving this!

  • Bone Rating: 4.5 out of 5 possible bones
  • Scent: Oriental Vanilla
  • Classification: Masculine
  • Nose: Jacques Huclier
  • Expense: $88 for 100ml EdT