unisex | The Scented Hound

February 13, 2012
by The Scented Hound Leave a comment

Black Aoud by Montale

You would think that a scent that I would describe as going on as smelling like plastic and burning rubber would be a scent that I wouldn’t recommend. Well… when I first put this on, I was ready to wash it off right away. But as you know, things can change as time passes and indeed this is one of those times. I walked into work about 45 minutes after I applied this perfume and no sooner than I was in the door (I hadn’t even had time to remove my coat), did a co-worker lean over and ask me what I was wearing because it smelled so wonderful. Go figure. So in about an hour, I went from smelling like an old tire to smelling delicious. And yes, once the fragrance opened up, it turned into a lovely warm and musky rose scent. And don’t get scared of the idea of roses, this is not the kind of rose scent that your grandmother wore. Overall, it’s a very distinctive and original scent. In addition, it’s a scent that lasts all day. I’m just not sure that it’s a scent for me…but I’ll give it some time and will definitely give it another try; old tire smell and all!

From the Montale Website:

A magnificent Cambodian Aoud blended with Indonesian Patchouli leaves over a combination of Mandarin, Musk and Rose petals.

Bone Rating: 3 out of 5 possible bones
Scent: musk, rose, patchouli
Classification: Unisex
Expense: Moderately expensive – $110 for 50ml eau de parfum

February 9, 2012
by The Scented Hound Leave a comment

L’Hetre Reve by Nez a Nez

I love good surprises. I am always hesitant with scents that are comprised with elements of leather. I know as a man, I should embrace that rustic side of me, but I usually find that the leather is just too heavy. When I first applied this to my skin, the leather was clearly present, but it mixed wonderfully with the spices of cinnamon and clove. I can live with that kind of leather. As a unisex perfume, I thought at first that this was a decidedly a masculine scent; manly but warm and very enveloping. By the time I arrived at work, the magic continued but on a whole other level. Still warm, but now sweet. The leather dissipated and out came the light floral elements, a tinge of musk and a tinge of powder. I noticed that as the day went on, depending on what I was doing, sitting at my desk quietly or running to a meeting very busily, the scent changed… warm, cool, sweet, powdery, musky. It was like I was applying a new scent throughout the day. My one downside is that by the time I got home, the scent had pretty much disapearred on me. Well, I guess that just means that I’ll have to apply some more!

Notes:

Star anise, mandarin, cinnamon, clove, sandalwood, vetiver, patchouli, plum, wisteria, cedarwood, gaiacwood, jacaranda, leather, musk, port

Bone Rating: 3 out of 5 possible bones
Scent: leather, sweet, musk
Classification: Unisex
Expense: Moderately expensive – $165 for 100ml

February 7, 2012
by The Scented Hound 3 Comments

1969 by Histoires de Parfums

Yesterday, I received a lovely package from Paris (who doesn’t love mail from Paris!!!), because I had ordered a sample pack from Histoires de Parfums comprised of 6 samples of my choice for $10. A great deal considering that you can $10 off your first order. So today, I tried my first of the six, 1969. From a smell of the vial, I was expecting something heavier and more musky. But when I first applied it, the peach exploded off my skin. I was scared, I’m not the type who wants to smell like an orchard. I always have to remember to give it time, great things come for those who wait… and indeed it did. Once it began to dry, it mellowed into a lovely, calm and lightly sweet musky scent. The name of this parfum is based on the year 1969, which the website says is an “erotic year” that represents the sexual revolution. Not quite sure if it represents that for me, but what I did find was a scent that falls outside my normal preferences. I am looking forward to sampling the other Histories samples soon!

From the Histoires de Parfums website:

Top Note: Fruit of the sun, Peach.
Heart Note: Rose, White Flowers, Cardamom, Clove
Base Note: Patchouli, Chocolate, Coffee, White Musk