WHAT I SMELL: Solo’s opening is a nicely warm one with a lightly herbal lavender that is quickly met with a brightened patchouli that sits between earthy, funky and cottony fresh. There’s also an underlying citrus note that helps to keep the patchouli in an uplifted manner. Pretty much from the first spritz, the perfume is fresh, rather dewy and light with a wonderfully positive persona. As the perfume continues to develop, it begins to move to the more spiced with a lightly sweetened cumin, nutmeg and cinnamon melding with the patchouli. Thankfully, the perfume remains light and airy as the spice is kept at the right depth. Soon afterwards, the perfume begins to dry and it takes on a hazy finish. For the most part, Solo remains true to the lavender, patchouli and lightly spiced heart, but it starts moving towards a clean musk finish. But as soon as I thought it would end there, a flattened slightly sour woody note comes to the forefront and that’s unfortunate as the perfume prior to this development was very likable and now it’s just… OK.
From the Loewe website:
A timeless yet novel fragrance, its secret lies in its contrasting accords of aromatic notes that are juxtaposed in perfect counterpoint.
A spicy, woody fragrance with contrasting notes of sandalwood, guava and marzipan, for the elegant man of distinction who appreciates the value of balance.
The harmony of extremes.
Olfactive Notes –
Humid Stone Chord : guava, lavender, boldo and thyme
Dry Wood Chord : cachemire and patchouli
Hesperides Chord : bergamot, lemon and tangerine
Spicy Chord : cumin, nutmeg and cinnamon
WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: A careworn ranch house from the 1950s or 60s. When it was built it was a beauty, but over time it has become a bit tired and dated and needs a little sprucing up.
THREE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE SOLO: cottony, herbal, semi-delightful.
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT SOLO: No reviews found.
BOTTOM LINE: I really wanted to like Solo as the opening and middle stages of development are fantastically alluring. Unfortunately, it’s only at the end that the perfume begins to fade from my enthusiasm. And call me shallow, but there’s something about the Loewe aesthetic that leaves me a bit cold.
- Bone Rating: 3 out of possible 5 bones
- Scent: Oriental
- Classification: Masculine
- Expense: Prices start at around $100 for 50ml eau de toilette.
WHAT I SMELL: Habit Rouge opens with a bright and sparkling mix of citrus highlighted by a clean barbershop lemon. It feels neat, brisk and fully energetic. After a short time, the citrus begins to mute and a warmth begins to wrap itself around the lemon with a light creamed sandalwood at the center. The perfume still retains its barbershop vibe, but instead of just coming out of the barber’s chair, it feels a bit more like one has prepped for a night out with a great aftershave. As the perfume continues to develop, a light floral note gives the perfume a bit of a softer and more rounded feel. After some more time, the perfume dries, flattens and becomes more herbal and vanilla-woody. Habit Rouge has a proper feel, but not so much as it feels too buttoned up or uptight. And in the end, it’s a perfume that’s easy to wear, gentlemanly and perfect for the office or for any occasion.
WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: Classic man of the mid 1960’s.
WHAT I SMELL: PARIS-DEAUVILLE greets the skin with a sun-kissed fresh orange that’s bright, light and juicy. Rather quickly, the perfume warms to a delightful sunny white floral and a calming freshly cut basil. The perfume is so fresh, so bright and so happy that it’s an immediate mood lifter. The perfume doesn’t morph all that much, but it does warm and it radiates this incredible citrus green accord rounded off by a a softened jasmine and rose mix that bounces off of the skin. In the end, PARIS-DEAUVILLE becomes a muted and slightly soapy version of the opening…a beautiful citrus and basil dream of a perfume tinged with the lightest of soft florals.
WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: A young and ever so pretty Cybill Shepherd; full of sunshine and promise.
The Scented Hound 