EDP | The Scented Hound

March 16, 2012
by The Scented Hound 3 Comments

Je Suis un Homme by Etat Libre d’Orange

I had high hopes for my first venture into the line of Etat Libre d’Orange. I recently received a few samples, one of which was Je Suis un Homme. Although tame in name in comparison with some of the other irreverently titled fragrances in the line, it is the perfect place for me to start. Upon application, I noted a very subdued and almost elegant combination of citrus and musk. It went on beautifully understated with a warm undertone. I really loved the initial impact of this scent. I wanted those initial notes to stay with me; unfortunately they did not. Much too soon for my liking, the citrus notes disappeared and all I got was a slightly green, medicinal, Mennen Skin Bracer scent. In looking at the composition of this fragrance (see below), I would have thought that there would be many surprises that would come to light when wearing this, but it just seemed to flatten out. And not only did it flatten out; after a couple of hours it just disappeared. I have not given up on this one, hoping that it’s my body chemistry today, but I have to admit I’m pretty disappointed.

Oh, and one of the other samples was for Don’t Get Me Wrong Baby. I won’t be reviewing this because it is targeted to the female gender, but I did give it a dab on the back of my hand. If you love Lily of the Valley (and more Lily of the Valley), you might like this. Uggh. Not my thing!

Oh, but I will be back. I’m just too intrigued by this brand!

From the Etat Libre d’Orange website:

Composition: Bergamot, orange, lemon, myrrh, cinnamon, clove, cognac accord, leather, patchouli, animal notes…

Napoleon would have sprayed himself with this, a reinterpretation of his favorite cologne. Citrus and bergamot summon the guard to prepare an attack. Birch wood and cognac evoke the leather of saddle and boots. Energetic and masculine, this is a scent for the man – or the woman – who is ready to launch the offensive…

Bone Rating: 2 out of 5 possible bones
Classification: Masculine
Expense: $80 for 50ml EDP

March 13, 2012
by The Scented Hound 7 Comments

Cuir Ottoman by Parfum d’ Empire

I thought it was timely that I do a review of Cuir Ottoman by Parfum de Empire as I have read some interesting reviews as of late and just received a sample myself. Now my preferences don’t lean towards the leather scents, but I have learned to be open to new avenues of fragrances. So after reading what others thought about this fragrance, I decided to give this a try. The first thing that I found when I applied this was a lovely floral note, mixed with what I found to be almost a rubber or plastic smell. Is that the leather trying to come out? Yes. The rubber smell dissipated quickly and the leather made its presence. Now this is not leather that is harsh or strong, but is more of a buttery, suede leather. The mix of floral and leather is very interesting and quite refreshing. This is a scent that stays close to the skin and is surprisingly light, a little sweet and clean and airy. Cuir Ottoman is quite different from what I think of a typical leather scent. As nice as I found this scent to be, my one disappointment was that it disappeared on me after a few hours. In the end, I found Cuir Ottoman to be an elegant surprise. For those of you who love leather scents, I recommend giving this a try.

Cuir Ottoman Notes:

jasmine, leather, iris, benzoin, balsams, resins, incense

Bone Rating: 4 out of 5 possible bones
Scent: Iris and Leather Oriental
Classification: Unisex
Expense: $75 for 50ml EDP

February 10, 2012
by The Scented Hound Leave a comment

Jaipur Homme by Boucheron

What I love about oriental scents is that they make you feel exotic and propel you to far away places (or what you imagine far away places are like). A continued standby for the past few years for me has been Jaipur Homme by Boucheron. This is a spicy scent… the cinnamon, clove and nutmeg really pop. There is no dry down, there is no change as the day goes on. It is a one level scent that so beautifully feels exotic. It’s light enough in the summer to wear; mixed with a little perspiration and you feel like your walking through the streets of India. But it’s also perfect as a winter scent, the spices comes alive and adds color to any gray, cold and damp day. Whenever I wear this, I feel elegant. This is not a young man’s cologne, and it is most suited for evening wear unless you work in a law office. Jaipur has wonderful sillage and is incredibly long lasting. This is a scent for the sophisticated man…the exotic man.

Notes:

Heliotrope, Bergamot, Amber, Vanilla, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Clove, Tonka Bean