EDP | The Scented Hound

December 10, 2013
by The Scented Hound 26 Comments

Topaze Imperiale by Krigler

WHAT I SMELL: Topaze Imperiale opens with large blast of astringent alcohol, which then leads to this almost sour-smelling pine (kind of like dirty socks). Thankfully, that little spell soon moves into a warm spice that seems a bit nutty and smells brownish to me (yes, don’t ask me why, but it makes me think “brown”). After around five minutes, a little oud makes an appearance. It’s lightly chewy and again, moves out-of-the-way quickly for the sandalwood to take its place along with hints of vetiver. It’s smooth with streaks of sharpness that make it a bit lighter. Soon again there’s another change; this time a dry wood that comes into play. It’s a wood that seems to have been aged with some smoke and incense. After 20 minutes, the fragrance becomes very dry, highlighted with just a faint top layer of rose. Where before I could only think that this could be worn by a man, with the inclusion of the rose, I now think it of this as very unisex. All I can say is that Topaze Imperiale is classic and classy…and it lasts for a very long time.

From the Krigler website:

A rich mélange, grounded in a seductive Amber base, Topaze Imperiale evokes the undeniable allure of the precious stone. Intriguing top notes of Vetiver, Musk and Sandalwood lead to an addictive heart of Vanilla, Neroli and Oud before leading to the magnetic base that is accented by notes of Amber, Galbanum, Rose and Mandarin.

WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: This reminds me so much of my beloved Amouage Fate Woman, but this is less powdery and contains more of a burnt wood effect which makes this more masculine. It’s like its Amouage Fate Woman’s big brother.

THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE TOPAZE IMPERIALE: smoked, eternal, confident

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT TOPAZE IMPERIALE: I Am the Makeup Junkie

BOTTOM LINE: Thanks to the wonderful Daisy from coolcookstyle, who purchased this precious jewel at Sniffapalooza and gave me a sample. Topaze Imperiale is classic, with an incredible amount of subtleness. This is a keeper and I’m thinking that maybe it’s my turn for a full bottle??!!!

Bone Rating: 4 out of 5 possible bones
Scent: Oriental
Classification: Unisex
Expense: $245 for 50ml EdP from the Krigler website

October 14, 2013
by The Scented Hound 12 Comments

Yuzu Fou by Parfum d’Empire

WHAT I SMELL: Yuzu Fou goes on with a rush of citrus which is cool to the touch of the skin. What starts off as primarily orange, quickly turns almost Lemon Pledge lemony. Soon after Yuzu Fou brings in the funk, as there is a sweaty cumin like presence that makes its appearance. There is this odd sensation of fresh lemon and sweaty armpits. Not soon after, the funk starts to take a back seat to some minty freshness, but every once in a while, the funky sweat still pops up, just to make sure you know it’s still there. While this interplay is going on, the constant is the fresh orangey-mint which remains at the heart. In the end, Yuzu Fou is very similar to Parfum d’Empire’s Azemour les Orangers, and that’s not a bad thing.

Yuzu Fou notes from Fragrantica: Top notes are kumquat, bitter orange, yuzu and mint; middle notes are bamboo, lemon verbena and cedar; base notes are neroli and white musk.

It’s impossible to find a picture of a teenager next to a lemon tree. So instead I posted a picture of Lance Kerwin, star of the horrific 1970s show, “James at 15.” The show was a stinker if there ever was one.

WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: Like a junior high aged boy running around a lemon orchard. It smells so wonderfully fresh outside, but you can’t help notice that when he starts getting sweaty, he really needs to be wearing deodorant. Of course, he’s completely clueless, but you know it’s time to have that talk.

THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE YUZU FOU: fresh, semi-funky, dichotomous

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT YUZU FOU: Best Things in Beauty, The Alembicated Genie, The Black Narcissus

BOTTOM LINE: Don’t get me wrong, without the little bit of funk in Yuzu Fou, this would be a tad bit boring. But that extra something different makes this interesting, while not detracting from its wearability. Don’t worry though, others won’t notice it as I believe the funkiness probably doesn’t project all that much. I like that it will just be our little secret!

Bone Rating: 3.5 out of 5 possible bones
Scent: Aromatic Green
Noses: Marc-Antoine Corticchiato
Classification: Unisex
Expense: $75 for 50ml EdP

September 23, 2013
by The Scented Hound 7 Comments

Les Nombres d’Or Rose Etoile de Hollande by Mona Di Orio

WHAT I SMELL: Rose Etoile de Hollande opens with a bright peach layered upon aldehydes, which is then quickly followed a disconcerting clove note. What opens and pretty, soon becomes strange and sour and somewhat biting. Thankfully the rose steps out a bit which helps to soften the clove, but there remains a sharpness that I am hoping will dissipate. After around 15 minutes or so, the rose retreats and the peach once again makes it to front and center. The peach is tangy and bright. I wouldn’t say it’s juicy, but it does have a warmth about it which cuts the sharpness experienced from the first 15 minutes. This is strange. Where’s the rose? All I get is peach and more peach. More strange is that another 15 minutes it seems like I am back to the beginning with the sharpness that I experienced earlier and a bit more rose than all the peach. After a lengthy dry down, Rose Etoile de Hollande becomes slightly woody and much softer with hints of heliotrope. And after even a few more hours, you’ll notice a very light smoky incense leather added to the mix. Rose Etoile de Hollande overall is rather pretty and comforting, but it’s all peach and little to no rose. Surprisingly, for a Mona di Orio fragrance, Rose Etoile de Hollande sits close to the skin and is rather light in its projection. Overall, it’s a beautiful fragrance in the end. I just wish there was a little more rose and a little less peach.

Top notes are aldehydes, white peach and bergamot; middle notes are rose, cloves and geranium; base notes are leather, patchouli, cedar, heliotrope, vanilla, benzoin, amber and peru balsam.

WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: peaches

THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE ROSE ETOILE DE HOLLANDE: peachy, bright, semi-sharp

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT ROSE ETOILE DE HOLLANDE: Perfume-Smellin Things, Olfactoria’s Travels, Cafleurebon

BOTTOM LINE: Rose Etoile de Hollande is perplexing to me. I really want to like it, but something is holding me back. I think it’s the peach. It’s just a bit too dominant for my tastes. However, if you love a good peach note, I can see how this could be wonderful. It’s no Mitsouko, but it is nice.

Bone Rating: 3.5 out of 5 possible bones
Scent: Floral
Nose: Mona di Orio
Classification: Unisex, but leans feminine
Expense: $230 for 100ml EdP