5 bones | The Scented Hound

March 18, 2012
by The Scented Hound 9 Comments

Terre d’Hermes by Hermes

Spring has definitely sprung this year. But today, the day started off a bit chillier than it has been for the last couple of weeks. This gave me opportunity to break out one of my favorites, Terre d’Hermes. I’m not much for “this is a winter” or “this is a summer” scent classifications, but in this case this fragrance best suits my fall and winter moods. On initial application, you get a rush or citrus and orange with a slight clove note (I don’t notice cloves as an ingredient, but to me it’s there). The orange then takes background to a beautiful and warm cedar scent. When you mention cedar, I typically think of hamster cages; but in this case, the hamster would be lounging on the most luxurious bedding imaginable. Terre d’Hermes is a unique scent that has great longevity and sillage. It’s a captivating scent without being intrusive. Although marketed to men, a female co-worker of mine was wearing this once and it worked perfectly for her as well. This is one of my favorites; so much so that I’m on my third bottle!

Terre d’Hermes Notes:

grapefruit, orange, shiso, flint accord, woody notes

Bone Rating: 5 out of 5 possible bones
Classification: Masculine
Expense: Varied; available in EDT and EDP

March 6, 2012
by The Scented Hound 11 Comments

Ambre Sultan by Serge Lutens

All perfumistas have gone through the process of making a purchase smell unseen. For the most part when I have done this I come away with a great product. A couple of months ago, I blindly purchased Ambre Sultan based on reviews that I read and I am thrilled to say that I love this fragrance. And as an added bonus, I always receive compliments whenever I have this on. This is not a fragrance for the timid and shy. Strong and almost medicinal when first applied, it warms to a nice dry, spicy and woody enveloping scent. This is amber without the sweetness. Amber Sultan is perfect for a winter’s day…I can only imagine how it will wear in the heat of the summer! You can definitely understand the “sultan” in Ambre Sultan thanks to the exotic incense spiciness of this most perfect fragrance. Where’s my magic carpet?

Ambre Sultan Notes:

coriander, amber, oregano, bay leaf, myrtle, angelica root, sandalwood, patchouli, benzoin, vanilla

Bone Rating: 5 out of 5 possible bones
Classification: Unisex
Expense: $100 for 50ml

February 18, 2012
by The Scented Hound 1 Comment

Ambra Nera by Farmacia SS. Annunziata dal 1561

I love amber perfumes. I love their warmth, their other-worldliness and their ability to envelope. Ambra Nera is no exception. Upon application, this opens with a strong pop of cypress and eucalyptus and a slight sweetness. From the start, this is a scent that says, “here I am.” After a little while the vanilla comes out along with a light powdery finish. This is an elegant amber that transports your back in time to the Italian Renaissance. I have to say that my husband said that it makes me smell like someone’s grandmother. That comment had me worried that the scent was too feminine. I realize that everybody has their opinion, but from my end, I absolutely love this scent and the way it made me feel and how it wore on me. This is a unisex scent that has a light sweetness about it that could lean a bit feminine, but if you’re not afraid of unisex scents and embracing your feminine side, I highly recommend this perfume because it is truly a beautiful composition.

Notes: cypress, eucalyptus, amber, benzoin, vetiver, vanilla, patchouli