The Perfume Library

Afrika-Olifant

7.2

Nishane · 2014

Spicy · Woody · Oriental

Nishane Afrika-Olifant is a dense, animalic and smoky unisex scent that suits fall and winter evenings. It opens with myrrh, labdanum, frankincense and ambergris, giving a resinous, spicy start. In the heart, civet, oud, castoreum and leather take over, and the scent turns woody, earthy and leathery. In the base, muscone and thibetone settle it into a warm softness that sits close to the skin. Voters rate its longevity as strong and its sillage as good; most pick fall and winter, and evenings or nights out. Though unisex, most voters read it as masculine. It is a less common choice for summer heat or the office. Areej Le Doré Oud Zhen and L'Artisan Parfumeur Al Oudh have a close profile.

Ameer Al Oudh

7.3

Lattafa

Sweet · Spicy · Woody

Lattafa Ameer Al Oudh is a sweet, spicy and woody unisex scent built around saffron, myrrh and sandalwood, best suited to fall and winter evenings. Saffron, raspberry and myrrh open it, while sandalwood, jasmine and lilac sit in the heart alongside woody notes. The base of vanilla, cedarwood, ambergris and musk leaves it sweet, resinous and slightly smoky, with an animal edge in the accords. Longevity is rated strong and sillage good. Most voters pick fall and winter, and it leans towards night-out and evening wear. It reads more masculine than feminine, though it is unisex. Penhaligon's As Sawira and Swiss Arabian Shaghaf Oud Aswad have a close profile.

Explosive / Provocation (Eau de Toilette)

7.3

Aigner · 1986

Floral · Sweet · Spicy

Eau de Toilette

Aigner Explosive / Provocation Eau de Toilette is a floral, woody chypre that leans towards autumn and winter evenings and nights out; it has been discontinued. The top opens with bergamot, aldehydes and coriander, and the heart builds a floral body from rose, lily of the valley, geranium and iris. The base lays down an earthy floor of vetiver, patchouli and moss, which ambergris and sandalwood sweeten into a powdery warmth. Spicy and animal touches give it a firm edge. Longevity and sillage are rated strong, and most voters pick autumn and winter, for evenings and nights out. Voters read it mostly as feminine and classic, which suits fans of chypres. Its profile is close to Genny Genny and Lanvin Arpège.

Eau Vitaminée

7.3

Biotherm · 1997

Fresh · Citrus · Floral

Biotherm Eau Vitaminée is a fresh, light women's fragrance that pairs the bright citrus of orange, yuzu and grapefruit with white lily, freesia and jasmine. Both longevity and sillage are rated weak, so it stays close to the skin and may need refreshing through the day. Most voters recommend summer and spring, and leisure, daily wear and the office are the occasions named most. It reads as feminine, with a modern feel. Citrus leads at the start, with a green, fruity freshness. Toward the heart, white lily, freesia and jasmine add a soft floral note while the sweetness stays in the background. Ambergris and patchouli anchor the base lightly. Karl Paris 21 Rue Saint-Guillaume and Un Zest de Rose have a close profile.

Invictus Aqua (2018)

7.2

Rabanne · 2018

Fresh · Citrus · Floral

Rabanne Invictus Aqua is a fresh, citrusy men's fragrance that leans towards spring and summer days. Grapefruit and violet leaf keep it light and bright, while marine notes add an aquatic coolness. Brazilian rosewood, woods and ambergris settle this into a soft, slightly sweet, woody base. Floral and fruity touches stay in the background. Longevity is rated good and sillage moderate. Most voters pick summer and spring, with leisure, daily wear and sport leading the occasions. It reads masculine and modern. Rabanne Invictus Aqua (2016) and Rabanne Invictus (Eau de Toilette) have a close profile.

Tales from Zanzibar

8.6

Memoirs of a Perfume Collector · 2021

Fresh · Citrus · Green

Memoirs of a Perfume Collector Tales from Zanzibar is a unisex scent that pairs a fresh, citrusy fruitiness with a creamy sweetness, and it suits spring and summer days best. It opens bright and cooling with mint, red mandarin orange, lime and pink pepper. In the heart, coconut, blackcurrant and guava build a sweet, creamy fruit accord. The base of candied fruits, ambergris, musk and oud settles it onto a soft, woody ground. Longevity is rated strong and sillage good. Most voters pick summer and spring; it leans towards leisure and daily wear, and can carry into the evening. Masculine and modern votes run close, with a fair share calling it feminine. Mes Bisous Passion Island and Molinard Figue have a close profile.

Emperor Extrait (Extrait)

8.6

Parfums Vintage · 2018

Fresh · Citrus · Fruity

Extrait de Parfum

Parfums Vintage Emperor Extrait (Extrait de Parfum) is a unisex scent that pairs a fresh, citrusy opening with a sweet, smoky base. Juniper berry, apple and pineapple give the top a fruity freshness, while bergamot, rose and jasmine in the heart soften it with a floral touch. The base of musk, vanilla, birch, ambergris and patchouli settles that sweetness onto a woody, smoky ground. Longevity is rated strong and sillage good. Most voters pick summer and spring, with autumn close behind, and daily wear, leisure and business settings lead the occasions. It mostly reads as masculine. Parfums Vintage Emperor (Eau de Parfum) and Emperor Maximus Extrait have a close profile.

Patchouli Paris

7.8

Guerlain · 2024

Floral · Sweet · Spicy

Guerlain Patchouli Paris is a floral, sweet unisex scent built around patchouli and iris, settling into a powdery, creamy finish of vanilla and musk. It opens with a bright flash of aldehydes, then iris and patchouli take over. The earthy patchouli is softened by the powdery side of the iris, while spicy and woody touches stay in the background. The base of musk, vanilla and ambergris sweetens the scent and closes it with a creamy warmth. Longevity is rated strong and sillage good. Most voters pick fall and winter, and it leans towards evenings and nights out, though it is worn at leisure too. Feminine and masculine votes sit close together, so it doesn't lean firmly to either side. Armani Privé Iris Céladon and Burberry Amber Heath have a close profile.

Every Storm a Serenade (2015)

7.0

Imaginary Authors · 2015

Fresh · Aquatic · Green

Imaginary Authors Every Storm a Serenade is a fresh, aquatic and green unisex scent that sets sea air against a woody backbone; it has been discontinued. Danish spruce and eucalyptus give the scent a cool, green frame. Sea mist and calone carry the aquatic side, while vetiver and ambergris add a woody, earthy and slightly spicy depth. The overall impression is a clean, synthetic freshness over a dry woodiness. Longevity is rated good and sillage moderate. Most voters pick spring, fall and summer, and it is used mostly for leisure and daily wear. It leans masculine but reads as unisex. Zara Coastal Salty Forest and Beaufort Cape Wrath have a close profile.

Sex and The Sea Neroli (Extrait de Parfum)

7.3

Francesca Bianchi · 2019

Fresh · Citrus · Floral

Extrait de Parfum

Francesca Bianchi Sex and The Sea Neroli Extrait de Parfum is a unisex scent that suits spring and summer days as well as evenings out, pairing fresh citrus with sweet resin. Longevity and sillage are both rated strong. Most voters pick spring and summer, with autumn not far behind, and it is worn mostly for leisure, evenings and nights out. More voters call it feminine, though a fair share see it as masculine. Neroli, bergamot and petitgrain bring the freshness; rose, iris and mimosa add a soft floral touch. Honey, vanilla, benzoin and coconut sweeten it and make it creamy, while sandalwood and labdanum form a woody, resinous base. Civet adds a faint animal warmth.

Cinnabar (1978) (Eau de Parfum)

7.9

Estēe Lauder · 1978

Floral · Sweet · Spicy

Estēe Lauder Cinnabar is a spicy, resinous and sweet women's fragrance that suits autumn and winter evenings; it has been discontinued. Longevity is rated very strong and sillage strong. Most voters pick winter and fall, and evening and night out are the favoured occasions. It reads mostly feminine, with a share calling it classic. It opens with spices, orange, bergamot and peach lifted by aldehydes. The heart sets cinnamon and clove against the floral sweetness of ylang-ylang, jasmine and rose. The base of frankincense, benzoin, vanilla and patchouli leaves a resinous, woody, powdery and smoky warmth.

Censored Élixir / Hard Candy Élixir

8.8

Aaron Terence Hughes · 2023

Fresh · Fruity · Sweet

Aaron Terence Hughes Censored Élixir / Hard Candy Élixir is a unisex scent that sets fresh citrus against a sugary, gourmand sweetness; it has been discontinued. Most voters pick fall and winter, with spring not far behind. It is chosen most for nights out and evenings. Longevity is rated very strong and sillage strong, and votes for masculine and modern character outweigh the rest. Lavender, mint, mandarin orange, lemon and orange open it on a fresh note. In the heart, honey, tonka bean, vanilla and strawberry sweeten it. The base of sandalwood, patchouli and white musk adds a woody, creamy footing. Aaron Terence Hughes Hard Candy and Kayos have a close profile.

Irissime

7.6

Jacques Fath · 2009

Fresh · Floral · Sweet

Jacques Fath Irissime is a fresh, powdery floral built around iris and rose, with a creamy, lightly sweet finish; it is made for women and has been discontinued. It opens with bergamot, pink pepper and wisteria, then moves into a heart of May rose, iris and jasmine. Ambergris, musk and cedarwood settle underneath, softening the flowers and leaving a woody, creamy base. Longevity is good and sillage moderate, so it stays fairly close to the skin. Most voters pick spring, followed by fall and summer, and lean towards daily wear, leisure and the office. Most voters find it feminine. Birkholz Velvet Orchid and Naomi Jon Taboo have a close profile.

Azure

8.3

Maison Alhambra

Fresh · Citrus · Aquatic

Maison Alhambra Azure is a unisex scent that blends mandarin orange, bergamot and orange into a fresh, aquatic and lightly sweet whole, suited to warm days and everyday wear. Its longevity and sillage are moderate, so it stays close rather than filling a room. Most voters pick summer and spring, and it fits daytime, leisure, sport and office wear alike. Voters split evenly between masculine and modern, with feminine votes trailing behind. The top notes of mandarin orange and bergamot give a bright citrus opening, and orange in the heart rounds it out with a fruity softness. In the base, ginger and ambergris keep it faintly spiced while holding on to the sweet, aquatic feel. Scentiments Green Mandarin and French Avenue Pinnace Oryn have a close profile.

Ambre d'Alexandrie

8.1

Boucheron · 2017

Fruity · Sweet · Gourmand

Boucheron Ambre d'Alexandrie is a sweet, gourmand and resinous scent with a warm, smoky amber feel, worn by men and women alike. Its longevity is rated strong and its sillage good. Most voters pick fall and winter, while summer is rarely chosen. It is mostly linked to evenings and nights out, with leisure and daily wear also getting votes. Feminine and masculine votes sit close together, so it reads open to both. It opens with bergamot and shisha vapor. In the heart, cistus and vanilla turn the fruity sweetness creamy and soft. The base of benzoin and ambergris carries the resinous, spicy and smoky mood through. Penhaligon's Legacy of Petra and Penhaligon's Kensington Amber have a close profile.

Eau d'Arômes

7.4

Giorgio Armani · 2014

Fresh · Citrus · Floral

Giorgio Armani Eau d'Arômes is a fresh men's fragrance led by citrus and spice, with a green, woody edge; it has been discontinued. Bergamot and mandarin orange give it a bright, clean start. Cardamom, ginger and chili sharpen that with a warm spiciness, while sage adds a green note. Patchouli, vetiver and ambergris settle it onto a woody, lightly sweet base. Longevity and sillage are both moderate. Most voters pick spring and summer, with autumn not far behind and winter chosen least. It leans towards daily wear, leisure and the office, and most voters call it masculine. Sospiro Vibrato and Sisley Eau de Sisley 3 have a close profile.

Roma Imperiale

8.1

Profumi del Forte · 2008

Fresh · Floral · Sweet

Profumi del Forte Roma Imperiale opens fresh but settles into a sweet, floral body with spicy and woody touches; it is a unisex scent that has been discontinued. It lasts well and projects moderately. Voters lean towards spring first and autumn second, and their picks for daily wear through to evening are spread fairly evenly. More than half of voters read it as feminine, while the rest call it classic or modern. The top notes of neroli, bergamot and mandarin orange give a fresh opening, with cinnamon and coriander seed adding spice. In the heart, jasmine, tuberose and rose form a floral core. The base of vanilla, sandalwood and oakmoss sweetens the scent and leaves it powdery and woody.

Iris de Nuit

7.3

Heeley

Fresh · Floral · Green

Heeley Iris de Nuit is a unisex fragrance built around Italian iris absolute, violet and carrot seed, with a fresh, green, powdery character. Longevity and sillage are both moderate. Most voters pick spring and fall, then summer, and daily wear, leisure and business are the most common settings. Many voters read it as feminine, though it is sold as unisex. Ambrette and angelica seed open with a spicy, green touch. In the heart, iris and violet bring a powdery softness, while carrot seed gives that floral side a dry, earthy edge. White cedar and ambergris settle into a woody base. Fragonard Belle de Paris and Puig Agua Lavanda Iris have a close profile.

Super Nova

7.7

Gritti · 2024

Fresh · Aquatic · Green

Gritti Super Nova is a unisex scent with a fresh, aquatic and green character, given an edge by synthetic and spicy touches. It opens with green pepper, mineral notes and artemisia; ozone, oud and gun powder sit in the heart. Cashmeran, ambergris and metallic notes form the base. The accords read cool and clean, but the woody, spicy side keeps it from being a plain fresh scent. Longevity is rated strong and sillage good. Most voters pick spring and summer, and leisure, daily wear and the office get the most votes. On character, masculine and modern lead. Jaguar Pace and The Fragrance Engineers Oud Breeze have a close profile.

Oud (2020)

8.9

Aaron Terence Hughes · 2020

Floral · Fruity · Sweet

Aaron Terence Hughes Oud is a unisex fragrance with a sweet, smoky and resinous character, built around oud with rose and spice touches, and it suits evenings in the colder months. Its longevity is rated very strong and its sillage strong. Most voters pick winter and fall; night outs and evenings lead, while summer and the office sit far behind. Voters lean towards calling it masculine, with a share also finding it classic. It opens with rose and orange, then amber, raspberry and date sweeten the heart. In the base, Burmese and Thai oud join vanilla, sandalwood, benzoin and patchouli into a woody, resinous, smoky texture. Fruity and floral tones soften the sweetness.

Cowboy Grass

7.6

D.S. & Durga · 2008

Fresh · Green · Spicy

D.S. & Durga Cowboy Grass is a green, earthy and lightly smoky men's fragrance built around grass, vetiver and sagebrush. It opens fresh with bergamot, rosewood and wild thyme; in the heart, rose otto, sagebrush, basil and clary sage push that greenness in a spicy direction. Vetiver, ambergris, benzoin and grass form the base, settling into a woody, resinous warmth. Longevity is good and sillage moderate. Most voters pick spring and fall, with summer close behind and winter well back. It leans towards leisure, daily wear and the office, and most voters read it as masculine. Etro Vetiver and Le Labo Vetiver 46 have a close profile.

Curaçao Bay

7.3

Jacques Fath · 2016

Fresh · Citrus · Floral

Jacques Fath Curaçao Bay is a unisex fresh citrus fragrance built around petitgrain, orange, lemon and tangerine. Most voters pick summer and spring; it leans towards leisure and daily wear, and also suits the office. Its longevity and sillage are rated good. Feminine and masculine votes are almost level, so it sits evenly between the two. Bolgherello Acqua Vignolina and Zara Lisboa have a close profile. Green notes add coolness to the citrus top. The heart brings blackcurrant, marine notes and frangipani, where the fruity, aquatic and floral sides come through. In the base, woody notes, white musk and ambergris sweeten it slightly and dry it down creamy and soft.

Nero Oudh

7.9

Tiziana Terenzi · 2019

Floral · Spicy · Woody

Tiziana Terenzi Nero Oudh is a smoky, spicy and woody unisex scent that rounds Indian oud with patchouli, sandalwood and vanilla. Longevity and sillage are both rated strong. Most voters pick autumn and winter, and it leans towards evenings and nights out. Voters call it more masculine than feminine, though it is unisex. It opens with ylang-ylang, Italian saffron and cypriol forming a spicy floral start, softened by Bulgarian rose absolute and magnolia. In the heart, Cuban cedar and gaiac wood add a woody, earthy base. In the base, Indian oud, patchouli and sandalwood come forward, while vanilla and musk leave a sweet, resinous warmth.

Lothair

8.0

Penhaligon's · 2014

Fresh · Floral · Green

Penhaligon's Lothair is a fresh, green unisex scent that opens on cardamom, grapefruit and fig leaf and carries lavender and black tea at its heart. The opening brings a spicy, citrusy freshness from cardamom, grapefruit, bergamot and fig leaf. Lavender, magnolia and black tea take over in the heart, where the floral and fougère sides become clearer. The base of musk, cedar and vanilla leaves a woody, powdery and faintly creamy trail. Longevity is rated good and sillage moderate. Most voters recommend spring and fall, and it wears comfortably for daily use, leisure and the office. The largest share of voters calls it masculine, though a fair number find it feminine. Marc Gebauer Killer Instinct and Parfums MDCI Invasion Barbare have a close profile.