Dalmajen

As thrilled as I am at receiving samples of untried, and hard to get fragrances, I nearly overlooked testing this, as it was pink, and has fruit notes. I'm not against the color pink by any means, but most of the ultra fruity/floral combo's that I have tried, have just been boring berry clones, with no specific character. But, finally I have come across something with real personality! Another thing that nearly stopped me from trying this, was the pine needle note..another thing I dislike in my choice of perfumes. I have to say, I am really impressed with this. The opening is super fresh, but in no way lemony. It has an open air feel to it, like somewhere where there are lots of beautiful trees, surrounded by drifts of snow. I can almost detect a pin sized drop of eucalyptus, this could very well perhaps be the pine needle note, but it is so well done, it is very enticing, and soft. The fruit notes are also done to perfection! The red currant and plum are smooth as silk, have a natural feel, and drift in and out throughout. The jasmine note is also soft, and blends very well with the fruit accord. Then comes the wonderful, delicious dry down! I was drawn in to the dry down! It is smooth and elegant.All the notes meld together like a mini symphony, a harmonious blend of perfectly matched notes. I find it keeps quite close to the skin, which is a shame for my liking, as I would love a Big sillage on this one! Longevity is aversge, which is OK for my skin type. At least it lasted a few hours! Yes, this is really a Pink, that makes you think!

This is the time of year that makes us think of lovely floral or crisp fragrances. I have been thinking about trying some assorted floral choices for a few weeks now, and luckily for me, I received a generous sample of this very admirable perfume. How nice to have a floral, without an overdose of synthetic smelling berries ruling the whole palette! This has a nicely put together bouquet of Peony, lily- of- the- valley, Gardenia,and a sprinkle of rose and very light jasmine. It lists black currant and pink berries, but quite honestly I think there is only a tiny trace in there! I like the way the other flowers balance out the Gardenia, as it is so fresh and appealing, not overbearing, or intoxicating. The dry down is just as elegant and feminine as the rest of the fragrant journey, even though I haven't really heard of pink patchouli! I suppose this is just a thinner, or lighter version of patch, as they don't need to make it the star player in this fragrance, as I have noticed in many of the fruity floral scents these days. The cedar and musk are just there, not pushy or overdone at all. This fragrance, in my opinion), is a terrific choice for Spring and summer. It isn't over sweet, or cloying. It is very feminine and appealing. The only drawbacks are, the price, which is very high, and the Longevity. I found it faded very quickly, but this could have to do with skin type etc. Do test it first, as nothing is more disappointing than paying for a fleeting beauty!

This is the second fragrance in the Armani Prive line that I have had the pleasure of getting acquainted with. The notes appealed to my spicy love list, so I decided to order a decent decant so I could enjoy the experience. I have already enjoyed Myrrhe in a few of my fragrances, so that wasn't a great surprise, as far as knowing what to expect. Mind you, sometimes a well known note can turn on you, but, in this case, thankfully, it didn't. It plays it part just right. I would venture to say, perfection. No overdone medicinal note, just a fresh, and well balanced, smooth Myrrhe. This is the opening..fresh and ready to impress. I get the Myrrhe straight away in the opening. Then I detect the peppery addition. It is not overwhelming to my nose, but can't guarantee what someone would think, who doesn't like spicy fragrances. After about thirty minuets or so, the lovely mellow yellow saffron appears, with the base notes. What a delicious mixture! I am completely enchanted by this fragrance! It is a perfect melody...not too loud, but just right, from the beginning to the very end. The only thing that was a bit sad for me, was the longevity. But, this is a very individual thing. This may last longer on some, hopefully, but on me, was too fleeting. But for me, this is my lovely, relaxing, and elegant Mellow Yellow!

I'm happy that I received a sample of this strange named fragrance. I have to admit, it was very difficult wearing this the whole day! I wanted to see how it developed, and if it got any better...But, in the end, I was happy to scrub it off, as I just couldn't get used to the overwhelming bitterness of it! The opening had a touch of bergamot, but was quickly overcome with the crack of a large leather whip, surrounded by immortelle and a cold steely touch of iris. I didn't pick up any cinnomon, which is a shame, as it would have added a bit of warmth to the picture. Perhaps the moss made it so bitter, hard to say, but the fragrance is so very dry! Dry and a very unpleasant type of green. I felt very uncomfortable wearing it, as it has an almost sad vibe to it. It is by far, a more masculine scent. This may be attractive to those who like rather dry, green, leathery scents. I just couldn't get past the harsh, bitter side of it.

Finally! My lovely big decant arrived in the post this morning. I have had this on my wish list for ages, and finally had the chance to purchase a decant from a fragrance buddy. Of course I purchased it untested! This is the icon of vanilla perfumes! I have read so many glowing reviews, I couldn't possibly go wrong buying it blind. After all, I adore vanilla, and this is portrayed as a Holy Grail! Oh..how the tables turned on me! I sprayed it, and straight away I got a blast of vanilla essence, laced with rum. Ok, this is just the beginning..let's wait till the creamy, dreamy vanilla kicks in! It probably has to develop, as this is the Queen of all vanillas, after all! Four hours later..still waiting, and nearly in tears at the utter disappointment! Not even a trace of rose, nor a hint of jasmine..just a low quality vanilla soaked unbaked rum ball. Oh where is the luscious,elegant vanilla that is in my Shalimar Ode a la vanille Madagascar? I feel so let down. It must be my skin, chemistry, nose, or something I just can't fathom! I must be one of the very few people on the planet that doesn't adore this fragrance! I am almost ashamed to write this review, and in actual fact, did delete the first one, as it sounds so unbelievable that I'm not weak at the knees from this perfume. I am, however, not sorry I purchased this decant, as I would have been always sorry I never had the chance to experience it. But I've learned one thing..Double the anticipation, double the disappointment!