Fragrances -Coty - April Fields
FairBlair 3/6/2013 7:34:00 AM
Not sure about the packing because I bought it used and without box or cap, but the sprayer seems okay. This reminds me of O de Lancome but I don't have a lot of experience with these kinds of scents. It's at least borderline unisex, considering its somewhat sharp qualities. It's reasonably natural smelling considering its price and seems to last fairly well too. What more can you ask for (if you are considering an Avon scent in the first place)?
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Fragrances -Marilyn Miglin - Magic
FairBlair 2/22/2013 10:09:00 PM
This is perhaps best described as an oriental chypre. The spicy/peppery quality is strong at first but it doesn't last long. The chypre element is quite strong once the top notes subside but the spices are still clearly present. This is not a "modern" scent, so if you have no experience with chpyres of the 70s you should sample first. The ingredient quality is here and this is a great bargain at current prices.
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Fragrance -Cartier - Roadster
FairBlair 7/19/2011 3:47:00 AM
There is an idea behind this one, which is to create a fougere with mint rather than lavender. Why do this? Lavender can be sharp, or creamy, or have a "smoky" quality, and all of these qualities can become irritating over time. In fact, I generally won't wear a fougere if the initial fougere accord remains too strong, for this reason. Using a slightly dry, herbaceous mint note, however, solves these potential problems (as we see in Roadster). With Roadster's mint, the fougere (if it should still be called one) remains nicely balanced, with just enough dynamism to keep from becoming boring.
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Fragrances -Acqua di Parma - Lavanda Tonica
FairBlair 4/21/2011 5:41:00 PM
I'll just speak to the drydown here, which is very soft, with nothing resembling a "sharp edge." It reminds me of a lighter, softer version of the original Comme des Garcons perfume, with a nice assortment of spices and a kind of soapy, candle wax quality to it. It's natural smelling and has no flaws, though I can't speak to everyone's skin chemistry (especially involving the supposed lack of longevity). Clearly, there is lavender present, but it's neither the sweet "barbershop fougere" type nor the sharp, dry herbaceous type. Longevity is at least good, but the projection/"sillage" is moderate at best, once you get to the drydown. While it doesn't have the level of complexity and note separation that I prefer, I could imagine myself using it as a change of pace every couple of months. I got this in a swap, and I have to admit that I would not buy it anywhere near retail prices, but that's true of almost all fragrances, because now I have so many that I'm more interested in selling or swapping a bunch of them off, rather than acquiring new ones that only get worn rarely.
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Fragrances -Guerlain - Habit Rouge
FairBlair 1/24/2011 2:34:00 AM
I don't want to rate this as "good" or "bad." If you understand what it is, you can decide if you'd like it or not. For me, this is the masculine version of vintage Emeraude. Habit Rouge adds spices and leather, but both feature strong orange blossom and jasmine. The effect is a "dirty" and powdery opening. Emeraude seems to have a "green" quality, though the notes don't suggest anything like that (and I don't think it has galbanum in it). Perhaps it's something like menthol or eucalyptus. It also has incense and the vanilla is stronger. Habit Rouge has stronger orange blossom and jasmine, but it doesn't seem to last as long. I've only tried the EdC formulation, so for all I know the others are substantially different. I'm not a huge fan of these kinds of fragrances, probably because I like ones that are more complex but also have better balance among the various notes. In any case, this will smell "old" or even musty to those accustomed to "fresh" fragrances, so be aware of that point.
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Fragrances -Unlisted Brand - Histoires de parfums 1740 Marquis de Sade
FairBlair 8/23/2010 6:17:00 PM
I think of this one as an amber fragrance, not a tobacco, "dirty," leathery, or spicy one. It's not as powdery or vanillic as some amber fragrances, but if you don't like amber fragrances that I suggest sampling this one first. I'm a leather fragrance fan and don't get any here (The Knize Ten is one of my favorite fragrances, leather or just in general). Some have said there is a maple syrup thing going on here, and that certainly makes sense. For me, it's not quite that gourmand though. In any case, it's mostly a big soft blob, if that makes sense to anyone! Yes, there are spices, but they certainly are not overwhelming. After a few hours the amber quiets down significantly, but no other note really steps up It's certainly a pleasant blend, with good projection and longevity, but on the negative side, it's not one I find myself drawn to. Perhaps once a year I would like to experience it, and my sample can accomplish that for a long time. Note: I gave the packaging quality a 5 even though I don't know what it looks like.
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Fragrances -Unlisted Brand - Mauboussin Histoire d 'eau
FairBlair 12/2/2009 12:47:00 AM
The opening is a bit boozy and strong to me, but once it dries down, in the one to two hour range, it's excellent. Because I read the reviews (here and elsewhere) saying that it was "unisex," I took a chance and I can't believe how good this is relative to the meager cost. None of the notes is too strong, and all seem to contribute to the whole. I was afraid it might be too rich for me, but it seems just right, without any nasty "synthetic" or "chemical" qualities. I haven't sampled Daim Blond, but now I feel no need to! I have the EdT and the longevity is fine, at least 8 hours with one full spray, though my skin chemistry seems to be best for longevity. The box is flimsy but the bottle is interesting. You need two hands to spray, which I dislike, but it's certainly "artistic," and seems like it is durable. The outside appears to be a plexiglass material and the ball on the inside that hold the liquid is glass. It's not flimsy. My advice is to grab one if you can get it cheap and if like the notes listed (the tangerine is not "bright" and sweet, but more boozy and like dried fruit).
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Fragrances -Versace - Baby Blue Jeans
FairBlair 11/4/2009 11:17:00 PM
Starts off like something along the lines of Shalimar Light but ends up as a smoother version of something like Burberry Brit for men. It lasts a reasonable amount of time and projects moderately after an hour or so. I only sprayed once to the chest, so next time I'll spray twice. If you don't like vanilla, though, you might want to sample first.
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Fragrances -Etro - Ambra
FairBlair 4/9/2009 2:56:00 PM
I've tried a lot of amber fragrances, and this was the only one that seems balanced just right. Some of the other ones smelled good at first, but then got irritating after a while. This one doesn't, so before you dismiss it as "basic" or "simple," wear it for a few hours when you have the time too give it some attention, and I think you'll find it's balanced very well. The cost can be an issue for some, but if you can find a sample first, and you really like it, you can find a decent deal (such as on ebay) and then it's worth it.
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Fragrance -Alfred Sung - SUNG HOMME
FairBlair 11/20/2008 7:04:00 PM
I'm a guy. This is too strong for me, but it does smell like spicy guy sweat. The problem is, I hardly sweat at all, unlike most guys, so the powerful opening blast lasts too long on me, and nauseates me. So, if you sweat a lot, this could be exactly what you are looking for, and it's super cheap. Unfortunately, it's just too strong for me, and I don't really like the smell of it. However, I have a feeling the ladies will like it (mine does not though, but she's not into any fragrances) if you apply it within reason.
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