review | The Scented Hound

August 27, 2014
by The Scented Hound Leave a comment

A Hound CaFleureBon Post: New Perfume Review – Maison Francis Kurkdjian masculin Pluriel and féminin Pluriel + Un Homme et Un Femme Draw

There is no future, there is no past. I live this moment as my last. There’s only us, there’s only this; forget regret, or life is yours to miss, no other road, no other way, no day but today. – Lyric from Another Day (Rent)

Master and prolific perfumer Francis Kurkdjian has launched his latest creations as part of the new Pluriel collection in the Maison Francis Kurkdjian line. Comprised of two fragrances, masculin Pluriel and feminin Pluriel. Kurkdjian’s inspiration for the genesis of this new line was his quest to create eternal femininity and masculinity in fragrance unbound from convention. These two new unique fragrances are designed to evoke freedom and sensuality while harnessing a timelessness required for the creation of two classic perfumes with modern sensibilities.

masculin Pluriel and feminin Pluriel are sublime in their masterful interpretation of their individuality. Together, masculin Pluriel and feminin Pluriel create a mirror image of equaled masculinity and femininity and an understanding that the blending of those distinct traits makes for the perfect pairing.

To read the full review on CaFleureBon and to enter in a draw to win a sample of each, click here.

August 21, 2014
by The Scented Hound 22 Comments

New Release: Sotto la Luna GARDENIA by Tauer Perfumes

WHAT I SMELL: Sotto la Luna GARDENIA’s opening is green and slightly sharp along with being big and bold with a semi-vintage vibe. The initial opening is met quickly with a gourmand sweetness like almond extrait that’s layered under a spiced rose. And soon enough a creaminess develops that helps to radiate this incredible floral warmth as the notes begin to bounce around like a symphony of full-bodied petals. How can you not love a big, bold floral like this? Sotto la Luna GARDENIA is sweet with its gourmand almond and vanilla, but there’s a depth that keeps it from becoming saccharine as the sandalwood and tonka keep it leveled. As Sotto la Luna GARDENIA continues to develop, it deepens and the florals project off the skin like they’re about to burst. The sweetness then begins to dissipate to be taken over by a more earthy component, like the heavy flowers are being plucked from the ground. At this point, the fragrance is heady, intoxicating and dreamy. After some more time, the florals retreat and the vanilla comes to the forefront and it’s creamy, lush and it swirls off the skin. After about an hour, Sotto la Luna GARDENIA begins to settle and calm. At this point the drydown is DIVINE, as it’s smooth, warm, lightly almond sugared and lightly powdered. In the end Sotto la Luna GARDENIA is incredibly comforting; so much so that it makes me want to purr like a kitten!

From the Tauer Perfumes website:

Sotto la Luna®, inspired by white flowers blooming under the moon.

Head Notes: The spicy freshness of gardenia budding under a bright moon.

Heart Notes: The green floral delicacy of gardenia in full bloom with a gentle rose.

Body Notes: The powdery mossiness of ripe gardenia with a hint of jasmine, in a bed of sandalwood, tonka and vanilla.

WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: Riding a Crescent Moon

THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE SOTTO LA LUNA GARDENIA: creamy, luscious, narcotic

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT SOTTO LA LUNA GARDENIA: Is it possible that there aren’t any reviews of this yet?

BOTTOM LINE: If you are looking for a straight up Gardenia fragrance, Sotto la Luna GARDENIA is not for you. However, if you are looking for a deeply delicious rounded floral that makes your head dizzy with intoxication, this IS for you (and of course, for me!)

Bone Rating: 4.5 out of possible 5 bones
Scent: Floral
Nose: Andy Tauer
Classification: Unisex
Expense: $145 for 50ml (Available via pre-order through Twisted Lily and Indigo Perfumery with shipping in early September)

August 13, 2014
by The Scented Hound 9 Comments

D.S. & Durga Siberian Snow

WHAT I SMELL: Siberian Snow opens with a deep and rooty mint that’s earthy, rich and organic. Overall the opening is full bodied, with a tinge of what can be described as body odor with a bit of mustiness. But I love that bit of funk because it makes Siberian Snow real and rather primal and sexy. There’s also a very sheer incense that layers the bottom of the fragrance. It’s quite light, but it makes the composition seem much more mysterious. After around the 10 minute mark, Siberian Snow lightens and in weaves an ever so slight soapiness along with a sweetened patchouli. The whole composition seems wrapped in moisture, the kind that leaves a light wetness on the ground when there’s a fog overhead. After some more time, the patchouli takes center stage, but it’s earthy and sharp and seems to be entwined with the forest floor. Soon enough the opoponax comes to life with an almost sugared coating that’s more sticky than sweet. As the fragrance further develops, it becomes greener, sharper and the projection grows. But as the projection grows, the fragrance completely dries out making this in the end, a warm, woody, dry and powdery big patchouli earthy fragrance.

Notes from the D.S. & Durga website:

Top notes: wintergreen mint, cistus labdanum, incense

Heart notes: styrax, jasmine sambac, patchouli

Base notes: amber, civet, opoponax

WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: Red Riding Hood going to visit grandma’s house, through the foggy and wet forest only to find grandma’s house nice and dry. Grandma looks so snuggly in her bed…

THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE SIBERIAN SNOW: earthy, bold, dark

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT SIBERIAN SNOW: Scent Hive, Sabbath of Senses

BOTTOM LINE: Siberian Snow was one of the 5 finalists for the 2012 FIFI Indie Award. It ultimately did not gain the top spot, but that tells you how good it is. This is marketed as a woman’s fragrance, but I have to say that this is incredibly masculine and could easily be worn by men. I also think that it’s suited better for the fall and winter. Although I didn’t get snow from this… I have to admit that I enjoyed taking the walk through the forest, Grandma’s big teeth and all.

Bone Rating: 4 out of possible 5 bones
Scent: Floral Green
Classification: Unisex
Expense: $98 for 30ml EdP

Sample courtesy of Indigo Perfumery.