Category Archives: Fragrance Reviews

The Animal In Me – Review: Dior La Collection Privée Leather Oud

Posted on June 14, 2012 by Olfactoria

There are not many perfumes less in character for me than Leather Oud. And although I’m very often wrong with predicting what I like and what I hate, I was not wrong here. But I don’t hate Leather Oud, not … Continue reading →

Posted in Dior, Dior La Collection Privée, Fragrance Reviews, Leather, Woods | Tagged , , , , , , | 33 Comments

Surrogate Spring – Review: Chanel Les Exclusifs Gardénia

Posted on June 13, 2012 by Olfactoria

I once wrote a damning mini-review about Chanel’s Gardénia and now I’m here to eat my words and apologize to Gardénia and all who love it, as well as to Jacques Polge (he will be so excited 😉 ). Spring is … Continue reading →

Posted in Chanel, Floral, Fragrance Reviews, Jasmine, Les Exclusifs de Chanel, Tuberose | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 37 Comments

The Dangers Of Gold-Plated Vanilla – Review: Guerlain Metallica

Posted on June 12, 2012 by Olfactoria

I did not go looking for Metallica. I studiously avoided it actually, since I think not much good can come from seeking out a discontinued Guerlain. But, as fate wills it, a decant arrived on my doorstep courtesy of the beautiful Asali and … Continue reading →

Posted in Carnation, Floral, Fragrance Reviews, Gourmand, Guerlain, Jasmine, Oriental, Powdery, Spicy, Vanilla, Woods | Tagged , , , , , , , | 48 Comments

What Karl Wears – Review: Chanel Les Exclusifs Eau de Cologne

Posted on June 7, 2012 by Olfactoria

If there is one perfume in the Les Exclusifs line up that truly requires that big and beautiful 200ml (6.8 fl.oz) bottle, it is Eau de Cologne. It was made to use lavishly and this is just what you want … Continue reading →

Posted in Chanel, Citrus, Cologne, Fragrance Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , | 44 Comments

Something Old And Something New – Review: Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Pamplelune And Lys Soleia

Posted on June 6, 2012 by Olfactoria

The Aqua Allegoria line of Guerlain is more (but unfortunately sometimes less) than a collection of starter scents. Intended for summer wear, Aqua Allegoria features light and sprightly perfumes, some are in the permanent line, some fade out after a season, depending … Continue reading →

Posted in Aquatic, Citrus, Cologne, Floral, Fragrance Reviews, Fruity, Gourmand, Guerlain, Lily, Oriental, Spicy, Tuberose, Vanilla, Ylang Ylang | Tagged , , , , , , | 63 Comments

An Unofficial Rose – Review: Dior La Collection Privée Ambre Nuit Revisited

Posted on June 5, 2012 by Olfactoria

The great Iris Murdoch would hopefully forgive me for appropriating her book title (she herself lent it from Rupert Brooke’s poem “The Old Vicarage, Grantchester”) for my review, but I find it so wonderfully fitting, I started re-reading this Shakespearean comedy of errors … Continue reading →

Posted in Amber, Dior, Dior La Collection Privée, Floral, Fragrance Reviews, Oriental, Patchouli, Rose, Woods | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 36 Comments

Subliminal Influence – Review: Roja Parfums Danger Eau de Parfum

Posted on May 31, 2012 by Olfactoria

Danger – is this a dangerous perfume, you ask? It is. Unfortunately not in smell, it is actually a cosy and comforting, soft, if tenacious, powdery floral-oriental that is a safe as they come. The danger her lies in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Floral, Fragrance Reviews, Gourmand, Iris, Oriental, Roja Dove, Roja Parfums, Rose, Vanilla, Violet | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 55 Comments

A Good Friend – Review: Dior La Collection Privée Patchouli Impérial

Posted on May 30, 2012 by Olfactoria

My third Dior La Collection Privée bottle that I unexpectedly encountered at London Heathrow airport and that I gave myself for my birthday, has the pride of the place right now. Flanked by its sisters Mitzah and New Look 1947, … Continue reading →

Posted in Dior, Dior La Collection Privée, Fragrance Reviews, Oriental, Patchouli, Rose, Spicy, Woods | Tagged , , , , , , | 38 Comments

My Preciousss – Review: Guerlain Mon Precieux Nectar

Posted on May 29, 2012 by Olfactoria

Mon Precieux Nectar has a very luxurious past. Once released in a limited edition of only 35 bottles (albeit one litre extrait fountains made of baccarat crystal) it has been the coveted object of collectors everywhere, but only a few … Continue reading →

Posted in Amber, Floral, Fragrance Reviews, Gourmand, Guerlain, Heliotrope, Iris, Jasmine, Orange Blossom, Oriental, Vanilla | Tagged , , , , , , | 39 Comments

Jack Bauer And Trinity – Review: Mona di Orio Cuir

Posted on May 24, 2012 by Olfactoria

Of all the Mona di Orio perfumes in the Les Nombres d’Or line, Cuir is probably the most difficult one to wear, even to come to terms with. Not one to be put off by an initial olfactory shock, I … Continue reading →

Posted in Fragrance Reviews, Leather, Mona di Orio | Tagged , , , , , , | 36 Comments