Mateja1020

Perfume lovers can basically be divided into two groups: Some prefer fresh fragrances, while others appreciate more dark or gourmand scents. The dividing line is not always clear, but for most people a certain tendency can be identified. Personally, I love fresh, citrusy and fruity scents. The problem, however, is that a significant proportion of these fragrances are now far too similar, resulting in a lack of uniqueness. Be it the classic Aventus DNA or the so-called "blue fragrances" with woody-spicy notes alongside the citrus freshness.

Bois Impérial, however, brings color and a breath of fresh air to this wasteland. You know that feeling when you try a dish from a completely foreign cuisine and your taste buds are hit by flavors you didn't even know existed? That's exactly how I felt when I smelled Bois Impérial for the first time.

Even if the fragrance pyramid doesn't immediately suggest it, in my opinion this is a new kind of freshie. The reason for this is obvious: it is a combination of several synthetic ingredients. Many people associate synthetics with something negative, as it is no longer "natural". But basically nothing else is done here than in nature: new components with new properties are created from small components. Nature is the master of synthetics, which we try to imitate or even surpass, which is why I am a great advocate of "synthetic" fragrances.

The fragrance starts (as it should) very citrusy with grapefruit. However, it develops relatively quickly in a pleasant woody-soapy direction. In the dry down, a patchouli note can be recognized, which is not too intrusive compared to other patchouli fragrances and is well embedded in the overall picture of the fragrance. As a result, Bois Impérial is also characterized by excellent longevity and sillage.

My final piece of advice: don't be put off by the synthetics. If you do, you are missing out on a great and unique freshie with a terrific P/L ratio.

The trend is now clear: most oud fragrances are taking a sweet path by adding fragrance notes such as rose or raspberry alongside the oud. A great combination, but nothing really exciting anymore due to the abundance of these fragrances. That's why I set out to find an oud fragrance without excessive sweetness that would also appeal to people who don't usually like oud. A quick search led me to a hot candidate: Royal Oud from the niche label par excellence - Creed. The fragrance pyramid corresponded to what I had in mind, so I went to my trusted perfumery.
Once there, I immediately saw the Royal Oud, took a test strip and sprayed it on. My first reaction: pure disappointment. The opening was exactly like the typical "designer opening" - alcoholic and hardly anything else to smell. Nevertheless, I sprayed the Royal Oud on my wrist and left the store.

About half an hour later, I noticed a wonderful scent. At first I thought it was coming from the friendly older gentleman next to me on the train, who often wears an inexplicably good men's fragrance. However, it took me a while to realize that the scent was coming from my wrist. It was the Royal Oud!!!

After the weak start, the fragrance now fulfilled my expectations: The spiciness, clearly attributable to clove and cardamom, blends in an ombré gradient with the main actor, oud. A subtle incense note is also noticeable and lends the fragrance even more noblesse. Amber and musk provide a pleasant finish that my nose can happily be exposed to non-stop.

In keeping with the epithet "Royal", I only use this fragrance on special occasions and you can't imagine how often I've been asked about it. Even outsiders recognize the uniqueness of this royal fragrance.

H/S have so far been completely sufficient for my purposes. I cannot understand the negative comments. In my opinion, this fragrance is a true work of art. If you have the necessary change, you should definitely buy it and enjoy this noble companion.

I was at the airport and still had a little time to kill, so I went straight to the duty free area to the perfumes. Once there, a red/translucent bottle caught my eye. The Hugo Boss Oud Saffron. Arrogantly I thought to myself, oh what? What can a Boss Bottled fragrance do? However, the oud / saffron combo has long since captured me.
I spray it on and don't trust my nose.
A bed of roses stretches out before me with a hint of saffron and a background of oud.
The rose is definitely the dominant note in this fragrance, but even for me, as a rose hater, it is very pleasant and simply fits in with the overall fragrance, together with the saffron and the oud.
All in all, Hugo Boss Oud Saffron is a super fragrance with an incredible H/S.
My only criticism would be that it smells very slightly synthetic.

Monday morning... the streets of the souk are full and the morning sun shines down on the stalls. I stroll through the market and gather various impressions. I am offered various spices and I particularly notice cardamom. During all the action at the market, there are always quiet moments when a breeze blows the scents of neroli, jasmine and roses towards me. I close my eyes and consciously take in the moment and all the stimuli that affect me.

This is the scene that plays in my head when I think of Aesop Marrakech Intense. The house of Aesop is not necessarily known for its fragrances and offers more skincare than perfumes. However, I find that the Aesop fragrances are criminally underrated and especially the Marrakech Intense doesn't get enough recognition.
The fragrance is a floral, woody scent that is very unique.
This interplay of the cardamom and the floral notes is so incredibly beautiful, I could smell it all day. Sandalwood and cedarwood are added later and give the fragrance a warmth that I have never smelled before.

The fragrance has good longevity and the sillage is also quite strong. However, I wouldn't wear it at temperatures above 18 degrees, as it gets really strong in warmer temperatures and you notice it disturbingly.

All in all, the Aesop Marrakech is my absolute favorite fragrance and despite the rather high price for 50ml, I will certainly buy another bottle as soon as my bottle is empty.

Alexandria II.... Where should I start?
I am always a bit skeptical about fragrances that are hyped. Alexandria II was no different, but the scent pyramid really appealed to me and I decided to give the perfume a chance.
And what can I say? I was immediately in love!
This opening is so convincing with the apple, the cinnamon and the lavender (which Mmn is very underrated anyway).
The cinnamon and apple note decreases a little as it progresses but is still perceptible, while warm woody notes come to the fore, which are really fantastic!
Everything is rounded off by a perfect vanilla note that is not too intrusive and of course my favorite: oud!
For me, Alexandria II is one of the best oriental fragrances and, in my opinion, more than lives up to all the hype!