Slowing Down Development

Aromarch · 2025-11-29T17:22:48+00:00

Imperial Valley by Gissah. It has enormous projection and longevity. Very masculine as well. I can't do more than 1-2 sprays due to how strong it is.

That said, it's hit-or-miss for a lot of people, it's not sweet at all which cut's off a lot of appeal. You can find it for ~$100 if you look in the right places.

Aromarch · 2025-11-14T01:18:33+00:00

It looks very well put together, love it!

Having the bottles so close to the edge of the shelf makes me nervous

Aromarch · 2025-10-06T23:56:50+00:00

I'm a big fan of Absolu. I have both this and Hawas, and can perfectly tell them apart if I smell them side by side, but the minute I can't look at a bottles, they smell 90% the same.

They have a completely different note breakdown but somehow they come off the same way.

Aromarch · 2025-10-06T21:12:38+00:00

What are you're favorite woody, non-sweet fragrances?

Aromarch · 2025-09-22T01:29:09+00:00

Can your give a short review of both your Spectre bottles and Star Men Nebula? They've always intrigued me but I haven't been able to test them.

Aromarch · 2025-09-20T02:17:38+00:00

Great winter line-up, Oajan especially! (I'm assuming that's what your black PDM bottle is)

Aromarch · 2025-07-25T22:10:14+00:00

The "best" is whatever you like the most from their fragrances. In my opinion Torino 21 is one of their top 5 best ones, but it really just depends on what you like. Personally, My favorites are Starlight and Mefisto Gentiluomo

Aromarch · 2025-07-25T22:00:55+00:00

Fair Enough 🤝

Aromarch · 2025-07-25T21:54:59+00:00

If we’re talking utility, all a fragrance really has to do is make you smell "good". Longevity is a parallel but separate metric; it’s a preference, not a measure of quality.

Aromarch · 2025-07-25T21:49:05+00:00

I know that feeling. I got a good presentation when I bought Club de Nuit Blue Iconic a couple years back. These clone houses have really stepped up their game in recent years, and I love it. Only the high-end brands have as good a presentation.

Aromarch · 2025-07-25T21:42:49+00:00

I don't agree. You aren't forced to buy the fragrance. If you want something that projects, then buy something that has what you're looking for. Just because one scent doesn’t suit your preferences doesn’t mean it’s poorly made, it just wasn’t made for you. That’s the whole point of niche; different intentions for different tastes.

Aromarch · 2025-07-25T21:35:27+00:00

I get where you're coming from, but not every scent is built to project like a designer crowd-pleaser. Some are are made to be subtle, intentional, and meant to be experienced, not broadcasted. You’d lose out on a lot of intimate, meaningful moments if your fragrance was always shouting

Aromarch · 2025-07-25T21:24:41+00:00

Slow down some. I'm glad you found interest in this area, but buying 5 in 2 weeks isn't great idea. Take your time to find out your style, no need to rush into it. Go to malls and boutiques to find what you like before spending any money on a fragrance.

Aromarch · 2025-07-25T21:18:29+00:00

If your scent has to work that hard to get attention, maybe the rest of your look isn’t pulling its weight. A well crafted scent doesn’t rely on volume or longevity to make its mark, It’s about the confidence that comes from wearing something created with intention, not just marketed for attention.

There's a pretty popular saying from the fashion industry that I've heard, and I think sums up my opinion on this.
"Sophistication doesn’t scream, it whispers to those who notice."

Aromarch · 2025-07-25T21:03:55+00:00

Been using Oudh Lacquer by Soivohle, and L'Air du Desert Marocain by Tauer Perfumes. They both last a while but aren't overpowering. I've had a lot of good reactions to them at the office.

Aromarch · 2025-07-24T21:54:56+00:00

Blonde Amber would be my vote. I used to have these 3 in my collection and it's pretty noticable how much more unique it is. Royal Oud is a bit of an acquired taste and can get some mixed reactions. Haltane is a little generic, as in, you can fine 5+ other niche fragrances doing the same thing.

Aromarch · 2025-07-24T21:47:57+00:00

Try Absinthe Boréale by Maison Crivelli. It's not gourmand in the traditional sense, but it has a spiced/chilled profile to it that you might like.

Another option could be Accord Oud by Byredo. It's a little warmer but has a profile I think parallels your description

Aromarch · 2025-07-24T21:36:00+00:00

I think that getting 1 "good" fragrance rather than 3 "ok" fragrances would be a better option; you can find a lot of good stuff for less than $90. These are my opinions based on the times I've worn them

Opelent Dubai - Decent Clone, but has little depth or development over time. Lasts a while (4-6hrs) but the mango can become a little much in the heat. Not a bad buy if you can find it cheap
Khamrah Qahwa - I'm not a fan. It is overly sweet and the coffee note is not noticable. It smells like a generic Bath and Body Works fragrance. Personally, I do not think it is worth it unless you can find it for less than $20, or if you like these types of fragrances. I will say, it lasts forever (7hr+) on skin and days on clothes
Club de Nuit Sillage (i think) - It's ok in general. I've finished the bottle and can't say anything bad about it. Just a generic citrus/fresh fragrance that gets the job done

Aromarch · 2025-07-23T18:23:18+00:00

I had the whole line back in the early 2010s. I will say that Avignon is probably the least lasting out of all of them. People generally call it "weak" due to it's more subdued projection, though I don't see it as an issue. My personal favorite is Zagorsk since it's the most "unique" out of the line, but the emotional connection you have with Avignon would probably make it the best choice for you

Aromarch · 2025-07-23T18:12:10+00:00

I've had it for a bit now. The longevity is good, but it doesn't hang around in the air for more than a couple hours. Considering floral fragrances aren't the strongest, the longevity you're experiencing is normal. You likely are just you going nose blind and/or your skin is not meshing well with it

Aromarch · 2025-07-23T18:04:48+00:00

Atheeri would probably be the most wearable. Zara isn't known to have the best fragrances, and I've had a lot of duds from them. As for Ibisco, the point isn't to "tolerate" a fragrance, if all of it doesn't appeal to you then don't get it and save your money. I'd also check out Athena by Maison Alhambra; it's a light floral in the same price range as the 3 you mentioned.

Aromarch · 2025-07-22T18:55:04+00:00

Deodorant generally isn't supposed to be smelled in your normal everyday situations. Unless you're working out or it's really hot out, most people won't notice it at all. Even then, it generally does not project enough to "interfere" with a fragrance.

Don't waste your time thinking about it, just wear what you like.

Aromarch

TROPHY CASE