![MrHonest]()
MrHonest
Helpful Review
3
Basic, entry level, quasi-aquatic vetiver.
There are some vetiver scents on the market, both expensive and inexpensive that are absolutely dreadful. This is not one of them.
I was honestly surprised when I first smelled this. It immediately took me back to my grandfather's bathroom cabinet for some reason. I don't know if it was the lemon, ginger or the vetiver, but the overall spiciness was not what I was expecting. The effect is to give off an air of cleanliness, to be sure, but for me, there was always something about it that put it in the buttoned-down realm of Terre de Hermes, without that distinct earthiness. Moreover, there is no question that the "orange" in orange zest (Oz) is peculiarly absent.
It's an incredibly simple and linear scent. Perhaps a small nod to the fougeres of yesteryear, it leans just a little too mature and "zingy" for my nose, but can still be appreciated for what it is - a very decent release. It really is. I do get the Dior Homme Sport (2012) similarity, but Oz is far less complex and refined than Dior's creation. It's just basic as basic can be - a distinctly synthetic, crisp and refreshing ginger-vetiver combo from top to bottom, with respectable longevity for the price.
I salute Zara for creating something fresh and spicy among an overwhelming selection of sweet and fruity gourmands, but it's hardly revolutionary. In fact, one of their newest releases from the Swedish collection called "Norrland" is probably a step up for the average individual, due to the substitution of grapefruit for the ginger making it slightly more youthful and appealing IMO. However, despite being hailed a TdH parfum clone, that one is also strangely missing the orange (#wheresmyorange?...).
So is it worth a buy? I guess that's up to you. I personally don't own a bottle, but since most Zara fragrances are usually clearanced after a year, I wouldn't mind scooping one up eventually. But if you can, do a side-by-side comparison with Norrland and see which you like better. Otherwise, don't rush it. Like I said, it's not revolutionary and there's always something better around the corner...
SamuelGustav
