Perfume Reviews by bugsyiii

Amber Labdanum by Jo Malone London

This is a lovely fragrance. I tried it without much intention, and I was blown away by the dark, smoky, sweet aura it gives off. It’s not a beast of a fragrance, yet you will garner attention. Also, it does have great longevity, a solid performance, and an impressive projection when applied. I pick up some dark, amber sweetness, along with the labdanum and vanilla in the background giving it this smoky-sweet character.

Overall, a sweet, smoky, even somewhat spicy fragrance with decent longevity, performance and projection. A great fragrance to have in the collection [Still debating on whether I should add it. I need to find a good deal 😊]. For the meantime, I will continue to use my many samples.

Performance (7.5/10)
Longevity (7.5/10)
Sillage (7/10)
Projection (7/10)
Overall (8/10)

Allegra Magnifying Sandalwood by Bulgari

I was at Dillard’s when a sales associate sprayed this fragrance for me. She ranted and raved about it, saying she recommends it to many men and that people often ask about and are intrigued by the aroma. At the time, I wasn’t completely sold and probably gave her the impression that I thought it was just okay. But after I got into my car, I was absolutely astounded by how magnificent the fragrance smelled. I just had to have it!

That sandalwood is something out of this world, sweet, with some cedar vibes. This is also calming and airy at the same time. Immediately, I was reminded of two fragrances, Tom Ford's Metallique and Atelier's Santal Carmin, although both Metallique and Allegra Bvlgari Sandalwood has a bit more sweetness, Santal Carmin leans more into the vanilla. Both are fantastic fragrances. After a few more sniffs, I found myself thinking about how I could get my hands on a bottle. Well… I searched and did. I found one for a great price. I was able to grab a bottle for $100 from someone who was ready to part ways with theirs.

By the way, I haven’t repurchased Santal Carmin. As many are aware, over time the quality of certain fragrances can change and become less like their original selves. With that in mind, I ended up purchasing something I thought would be very close to it instead. Also, I’m not sure I agree with the comparison to Le Labo’s Santal 33 that others have mentioned, perhaps some sight resemblance...

This fragrance does something to you when you wear it; it gives me a high, a boost of confidence, a vibe that’s hard to describe. In my opinion, it’s unisex, even though some fragrance sites classify it as feminine. No matter who wears it, I think it smells phenomenal! In the meantime, while some try to figure out who it was marketed for, I AM GOING TO ROCK THE ABSOLUTE STUFFIN' out of it! 😂😂😂

Projection: 8/10
Longevity: 8/10
Sillage: 7/10
Performance: 9/10
Overall: 8/10

Eragon by Parfums de Marly

Really enjoying Eragon (and the Carious sample as well). Eragon is a fantastic fragrance with noticeable sillage, top-notch performance, satisfying longevity, and moderate projection. It opens with some sweet pleasantries, settling into soft musk and gentle woody notes, with subtle hints of citrus floating through.

I’ll definitely keep enjoying my sample and may pick up a bottle, however, that depends on the price I can get it for and if it make sense. Then again… that question has never really stopped me before. 🤔 Decisions, decisions.

P.S. I picked up a bottle (definitely not at that $550 price, but at a much more convincing deal). Oh brother!

Le Gemme: Orom by Bulgari

I enjoy this fragrance and I'm really glad to have explored the brand. I do have Tygar and Gyan.
This fragrance feels like a softer, more reserved take on Red Tobacco, perhaps reminiscent of Aoud Vanille or even Carlisle. I am really drawn in by the warm, woody, amber-saffron vibe it gives off. The blend of agarwood and vanilla is beautifully done. It’s a fragrance I genuinely like and have added to my collection. It carries depth, flair, and a touch of boldness. Be careful, as a little goes a long way; go easy on the sprays.

Projection: 8/10
Longevity: 8.5/10
Silage: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Overall: 8.5/10

Forbidden Apple Croque Moi by Chris Collins

Just received a bottle in the mail, while it’s a pleasant fragrance, it’s not quite for me. Wear what you love, of course, but the initial spray is very fruity and sweet. Someone suggested Bath and Boy Works; I can see that. The opening is dominated by a strong sweet, strawberry, apple combination followed by cinnamon with a hint of vanilla.

The drydown reminds me of Tom Ford’s Metallique, for which I own. I can see this working on a man, however, the fruity opening might be a touch too much for some and I'm not sure if one would be willing to wait for the dry down to occur. The dry down is where the magic happens and what may appeal to those who prefer less fruit-forward scents.

Projection: 7/10
Longevity: 8/10
silage: 8/10
Performance: 7.5/10
Overall: 8/10 (A nice fragrance, however not for everyone.)

Oud Zarian by Creed

Recently had the pleasure of sampling and wearing Oud Zarian. Although a beautiful fragrance (once you get past the opening...), I find it quite reminiscent of MFK's Oud Satin Mood. There's a prominent licorice-like note (despite it not being listed) in the opening, which gives way to a sweet, ambery, and rosy center that is enjoyable. (Not a POAL rose, or Mancera rose...).

The real test is in the drydown. Once it settles, you're left with a rich, rosy sweetness that’s smooth, balanced, and quite lovely.
Now, as much as I enjoy this scent and want it because it is a new Creed :😊 I’m not entirely sure that I need it in my collection, especially with it being so close to Oud Satin Mood, for which I own. If the goal were simply to add another Creed to the wardrobe for novelty’s sake, maybe, however, spending $400–$500+ on something that gives me the same satisfaction with what I already own doesn’t feel justified.

~Performance: 8.5/10
This fragrance performs well overall. I notice a scent bubble that lasts throughout the day, especially during a full workday.

~Longevity: 8/10
It holds up nicely, giving me around 8 hours of wear before fading.

~Sillage: 8/10
There’s a solid sillage, but not overpowering (that's if you don't over spray).

~Projection: 7/10
Heavy projection, the scent definitely lingers and remains present within close proximity.

~Overall: 8/10
I really enjoyed this fragrance, a real pleasure to wear!

P.S. I got my hands on a bottle! :)

Le Gemme : Gyan by Bulgari

What an amazing scent! In my opinion, it opens with a dry, smoky-burnt essence, with some menthol-ish freshness, and hints of incense and patchouli. This fragrance has a pleasant, yet moderate longevity. Some unique airy, but dark, smoky depth, creating a slight sweetness that, to me, leans rosy or floral. Fragrantica lists only a few notes, however I think there are more, perhaps rose (as mentioned), saffron, Bergamot, Sichuan pepper, even Cedarwood, all contributing to disticntly complex and intriguing composition that I absolutely love!

Fir & Artemisia by Jo Malone London

Up front I get a pine, woodsy aura; fresh with some subtle sweetness, however a minty fresh fir or green, patchouli leather combination that is really lovely. I purchased 2 x 10mL at a great deal, especially since this is not readily available year-round. I do however have a small sample from Dillard's until the 10mL bottle shipment comes in.

I am really enjoying this fragrance. It is not potent at all, but it is there. I feel like there is a scent bubble that is around and it is not cloy. My wife mentioned that I smelled good this morning, so that is a plus.

Projection: 7/10 [The fragrance does project, but it is not in your face.]

Longevity 7.5/10 [I believe you'll get about 7 hours from this fragrance]

Performance: 8/10 [A great performer; attractive, masculine, fresh, even herbal]

Silage: 7/10 [There is a trail that could be garnered from this fragrance, even if one leaves a room, the scent would linger a bit]

Overall: 7.5/10 [A lovely scent that's really nice and will garner compliments.]

Lust Oud Delice by Chris Collins

WAIT for a second, do I smell chocolate? I think I smell something I have had before...A'Men?

The oud, coffee, cocoa, the sweetness, the gourmand feel...I am feeling A'Men!

Anywho, a really nice fragrance with a sweet nuttiness and cocoa that is right up front!

When first sprayed, you are slapped in the face with lots of chocolate, followed by some sweet spice, Agarwood (Oud) and Benzoin. Once the drydown begins to take shape, you are left with a nice, sweet oud concoction that has been blended very well. This is definitely a masculine fragrance, however anyone can wear this.
Thinking about adding this to the collection. Now, hands down, African Rooibos is the Cadillac of this brand in my opinion :).

So, I brought home a sample card to smell. Asked my wife to give a sniff to see what she thinks? Immediately she says, "I like it, but you've had that before!" I said, what do you mean? She says, "it smells like...A'Men by Theirry Mugler."

Performance: 8/10
Longevity: 7.5/10
Sillage: 8/10
Projection:7 .5/10
Overall: 8/10

Blockade by Mind Games

A linear fragrance, with nuances that point to other fragrances, namely Aventus. Well, some may disagree and that's alright; Blockade, is captivating and alluring...the mango's fruity uniqueness, coupled with the sweetness as well as the Agarwood (Oud) and Suede's persistence is very uplifting. At the initial spray, Blockade reminds me of both Aventus with its birch effect and Cedrat Boise with its woodsy elements blended with fruits. These fragrances are very different in their own right and variations, however hold slight similarities in style even genre.
A solid fragrance, (as well as many others from this brand, J'Adoube, Queening, to name a few). I do have Aventus (Creed) and have had Cedrat Boise (Mancera), Musc Impérial (Atelier Cologne), The Orchid Man (Frapin), and don't see the need to have them all, just sayin'. The drydown is where some of the differences lie among the above-mentioned fragrances.

Blockade, although a great fragrance, however for the price there are many others that are quality fragrances at this price point and you not feel as though you've compromised value. (Maybe this is due to the increase in overall cost of all things). A solid fragrance that IMHO is not worth $375, however maybe somewhere in the price range of $175-$200.
Sample before you buy; being able to test drive this will definitely give you a more accurate resolve than going off of the opinion of others. Also, one's body chemistry will definitely allow any fragrance to wear differently. When I first sprayed this and asked my wife what she thought, immediately she said two things: "smells like something you have." Another, "smells like Aventus." This, coming from someone who knows the scents I typically lean towards, and those that I have had her smell in the past and what's currently in the collection.

~Performance; (8/10)
~Longevity; (7.5/10)
~Sillage; (7.5/10)
~Compliment (6/10)
~Quality w/price factor; (6.5/10)
~$'s Worth/Value; (7/10)
~Overall; (7.5/10)

Great fragrance that I like and enjoy with a decent drydown that lingers!

Straight to Heaven, white cristal by Kilian

What an amazing fragrance! Just received my bottle and I am stunned at how fascinating this fragrance is. I am also surprised by how this fragrance resembles one from the Frapin line that instead of Hennessy, there is Cognac.

Some time ago I use to own a Frapin fragrances, this reminds me of Speakeasy's style. Now, I am not saying this smells like Speakeasy, however I will say this has the style or similar genre as Speakeasy. Straight to Heaven is very smooth, yet boozy with a bit of sweetness, along with tobacco. There is vanilla and patchouli that gives a get deal of balance. Looking forward to rockin' this one!

~Performance is AMAZING - 9
~Longevity is outstanding - 8
~Sillage - 7
~Compliment - 7
~Quality - 8
~$'s Worth/Value- 10

Overall, a great fragrance!

Wall Street by Bond No. 9

Received a sample of Bond No 9 Wall Street, I my takeaway: Wall Street is fresh with interesting marine like greenery, not forestry green; In the initial spray, Wall Street brings a great deal of citrus without being over the top or too heavy. Additionally, this fragrance is aquatic with a sea water vibe, but not pungent with a nice, reserved feel to it. Wall Street packs a delightful punch that will have the wearer in ultra delight and those around in gleeful bliss. Someone mentioned a bit of a Creed Milliseme Imperial or Erolfa feel...bullseye!

Bond No 9 fragrances are well constructed with great longevity, great silage, and master performance.
An overall nice scent that I really enjoy-enough to go grab a bottle...hmmmmm?

Brioni Eau de Parfum Intense by Brioni

Went to the store a few times to try this. Just received my bottle it the mail, and I really enjoy this fragrance! Although designer, Brioni Eau de Parfum Intense version in my opinion is a very Niche quality fragrance. I think this could be a fragrance in the Pdm line; has a
nice Pdm quality to it. A fragrance that I have found myself to be in love with!
I get this o' to die for Saffron, some rich Tobacco, a bit of smokiness (Patchouli), dark, yet appealing leathery (oud) goodness that stands out distinctively! This intense version has great balance, one that my wife really likes, which is great for me! The drydown is this sweet, with a tiny powdery juxtaposed against some dark tobacco oud. Leaving the wearer in a scent trail that should be followed....

~Performance is AMAZING - 10
~Longevity is outstanding - 8
~Sillage is worth noting - 7
~Compliment - 9
~Quality - 9
~ $ Worth - 10
Overall, a great fragrance!

Haltane by Parfums de Marly

Just received a sample of Haltane, and I must say I am very impressed with this fragrance. I didn't know what to expect, however the aroma I was met with is sweet, yet dark; gourmand, and also candy-like. The fragrance is not like any that I have come across, especially one from this house. A few notes that stood out to me, Bergamot, Saffron, Agarwood (Oud), and Cedar. I get the woodsy sweet saffron aroma that is amazing. Longevity seems to be at an all-time peak, sillage is fantastic, performance top-notch.

There are some underlining elements of Carlisle that I get, even the sweetness from Kalan...this is just a reference point. However, these fragrances are worlds apart in smell.

Overall, a really likeable fragrance!

Renaissance Man by Chris Collins

With a wide variety of notes, Sea Notes, Ginger, Pink Pepper, Bergamot, Honey, Sage, Cedar, Cinnamon, Tobacco, Sandalwood, Leather, and Tonka Bean this fragrance seems to remain linear and barbershopish in my opinion all the way through. At first sniff, you get tobacco, ginger, bergamot, honey and cedar in my opinion as a very manly aroma. I wasn't a fan of this one as I was of the other in the line.

Overall, nice fragrance if you are into the kind of fragrances that seem dated. It isn't bad, just not for my taste.

Performance is above average, longevity is moderate, and sillage is above average.

Danse Sauvage by Chris Collins

Danse Sauvage is a great fragrance, with cognac, plum, saffron, pepper, chili, rose, cedarwood, vanilla, and oud many of the notes I don't detect, however those I do get are plum, saffron, pepper, chili, cedarwood and oud. At first sniff, there is the pepper sweetly chili saffron that is amazing.
I love the subtle plum in the ground, the and the cognac that hover around at the fragrance lingers. Fragrances that come to mind are both Iunu and Rogart both from the Molton Brown Navigation Scent collection. The sweet balsamic spiciness that comes through. Not overpowering and not to faint. A gorgeous fragrance to lean into.

Performance is above average, longevity is moderate, sillage...the verdict is still out! I do like it, the same if not more than African Rooibos as I await the arrival of my bottle!

Citrus Grandis by Chris Collins

Huge fan of lemon, in fact that is why I have a bottle of The Art of Shaving-Lemon that I absolutely love.

Notes: pomelo, yuzu, cedrat, blackcurrant, verbena, cedarwood, vetiver, sandalwood, elemi, incense, & musk.

What I get is Verbena, cedrat, elemi, and vetiver; this fragrance is a fresh lemon beauty. I don't get alot of woods, but I can see where that could be in the scent breakdown, the cedar that is. After the initial spray, you are left with a fresh, citrus, linen type fragrance that envelops the skin and invigorates the space around you. To me, there isn't a lot of movement in this fragrance, and that's not a bad thing. I love the fact that this fragrance is very linear which add an element of mystic to it.

Performance is great, longevity is slightly above average, and sillage is decent. Is this a compliment getter, not sure as my wife liked it but it wasn't something she would swoon over. In fact, she referenced The Art of Shaving-Lemon right away when she smelled this one.

Overall, not necessarily unique, but a nice fragrance, nonetheless.

Sweet Taboo by Chris Collins

Nice smell, with an ambiance of notes; One that give me a strong sandalwood aroma at the dry down.

Notes include, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Clary Sage, Cacao Pod, Coffee, Geranium, Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Benzoin, & Musk. At first sniff, I get the sweet Benzoin and Musk then it tappers down to a warm slightly spicy powdery aura. I get a baby powder aroma that is followed by soft musk.
There isn't anything that stood out to me, and after wearing I walked away being reminded that this fragrance resembled a fragrance in my collection already: The Art of Shaving - Sandalwood. I do like this one, however, it seems redundant to purchase this since I own the other. Or shall I say, Sandalwood gives me my the sweet spicy ambery fix.

Decent 6-7 hours of performance. This is not a beast nor it offensive.
Decent sillage, and average longevity.

Tokyo Blue by Chris Collins

The verdict is still out on this one, however had a great experience wearing the sample.

Notes: Bergamot, Galbanum, Ylang-Ylang, Violet Leaf, Orris Root, Mimosa, Rose, Orange Blossom, Musk, & Cedar.

This one opens up strange in my estimation. Everyone might not like it for this reason, however, do give it time. After the first 5 minutes or so, this fragrance gives off a nice, sharp almost green effect, although no green notes listed. Perhaps, this is due to the Violet Leaf, but with some Musk, Cedar, Bergamot, Mimosa flavor. Very powdery as the note breakdown above says. Once this fragrance drys down,
very much so reminds me of a slightly bitter Reflection Man, again once the dry down has settled. It is along that genre at least, NOT AT ALL THE SAME but just a reference point.
A decent fragrance, however this does not have that wow factor for me.
Because I have had Reflection Man in the collection, I don't think it is advantageous to purchase this one. IMO, a fine fragrance to have! I have smelled them all and in my estimation, I can say that most of Chris Collins' fragrances are decent in silage, performance, longevity, scent trail, etc.

Lost In Paradise by Chris Collins

Robust fragrance that is more floral in the onset. pink saffron, passion fruit, coffee bean, frankincense, centifolia rose pink peony oud, crisp amber, & vanilla bean.
Lost in Paradise is a more pink peony and fruit fragrance than oud and ambery, and much different than the previous sample tested. I think this one is more unisex, even feminine than the other in the Discovery set. Not as floral or Rose heavy as VideCorMeum or Harlem Nights, although rose is a part of the note pyramid.

Great performance as I put some on this morning after leaving for the office, and the cloud bubble seems to close and not overbearing. A pretty likeable scent.

Of the Discovery Set, this is not my favorite. However, as mentioned I will be getting a full bottle of one, although not this one :).

Long Kiss Goodnight by Chris Collins

A nice fragrance that is more rose and passion fruit heavy, with coffee beans, agarwood, and saffron floating wayyyy in the background. There is some oud I get but very subtle. The Rose is the star player as I have noticed in a few other fragrances with this brand. (In the same way Mancera has a heavy Rose note in a variety of their fragrances). I think the drydown is where the show starts and ends.

For some, this could be overbearing as one might fine this one very linear. I do like it, with the possibility of growing tired and annoyed for that reason.
Received this as a sample along with my purchase of AfricanRooibos. A great fragrance with outstanding performance that is very likeable indeed.

Oud Galoré by Chris Collins

Oud Galoré is one of those fragrances that either you love it or hate it. Much of that depends on whether you are a Rose fan. Although there are a plethora of notes and ingredients, Oud Galoré is a Rose bomb. This is not necessarily bad, however IMO I think it could linger longer than expected, thus becoming bothersome. Again, a great fragrance however after wearing it throughout the day, I began to become annoyed because of the pungent Rose that remained throughout. (Oud Galoré reminded me of Black Aoud - Mancera).

Deep, rich, sweet, floral (rosy) with a hint of Cinnamon and Sandalwood in the background. With notes of Cinnamon, Madagascar Cloves, Rose, Geranium, Orris, Agarwood (Oud), Sandalwood, Cypriol Oil or Nagarmotha, Copahu Balm, Incense, who could go wrong with this type of fragrance.

To me, this one could be unisex (IMO); The performance is great as I put some this morning after leaving for the office, and the cloud bubble seems to be significant.

Of the Discovery Set, this is not my favorite, As mentioned, I will be getting a full bottle of one, however it's not going to be this one :).

Harlem Nights by Chris Collins

Second on the list: another wonderful fragrance - Harlem Nights, I don't think of Eddie Murphy when wearing this, however I am sure many conjure up or visualize some individual. a nice fragrance.

With these notes, Rum, Saffron, Nutmeg, Cloves, Grapefruit, Lemon, Patchouli, Cedar, Orris Root, Jasmine, Sandalwood, Vanilla, Musk, Vetiver; those that stand out to me the most is Orris Root, Patchouli, Cloves, Jasmine, & Saffron.

I get a strong Saffron, yet Jasmine, Orris Root surprise with sweet Patchouli and Cloves sitting in the foreground. This reminds me of Mancera's Aoud Gold, although with a Rose rush, this is more of a Saffron rush with the Jasmine and Orris Root.

To me, this one leans more feminine (IMO), perhaps due to the Orris Root and Jasmine notes. As opposed to the other(s), my wife didn't seem to notice this one as she did the others. That is not to suggests a dislike, but more of an observation noticed.

The performance is great as I put some this morning after a shower the cloud bubble seems to be significant.

Of the Discovery Set, this is not my favorite, As mentioned, I will be getting a full bottle of one, however it's probably not going to be this one :).

Autumn Rhythm by Chris Collins

Wearing the 3rd of the 6, 2.5ml vials within the Discovery Set; AutumnRhythm, with notes of Green, Bergamot, Orris Root, Cashmeran, Lily-of-the-Valley, Leather, Tonka Bean, Cedar, Ambrette (Musk Mallow) & Musk. Right away I get Musk, Green, Leather, Tonka Bean and Cedar.

With this one, there is a dark green musk even, oud aroma given off during the wear. This one reminds me of a less heavy Amouage Interlude. Amouage has a heavy oregano leaf in there mixed with some very subtle sweetness. Although the green and dark; AutumnRhythm has that similar pyramid however, not as green heavy. I do like this one, as well as my wife.

Very masculine in my opinion; Cold weather wear, one that I think will linger for some time. Although nice, glad to have this to test drive. This one is probably not the one I will shell out $ for a full bottle.