The Perfume Library

Vibrant Brown

7.9

Zara · 2020

Fresh · Floral · Fruity

Zara Vibrant Brown is a men's fragrance that pairs a fresh, spicy opening with a powdery floral heart and a leathery, woody base. Longevity is rated good and sillage moderate. Most voters pick autumn and winter, with spring not far behind and summer well back. It suits evenings, nights out and leisure time. It reads masculine, though some also call it modern. It opens with coriander, bergamot, pepper and pear, a fresh, lightly fruity, spicy start. In the heart, osmanthus and iris add a soft, powdery floral note. Vetiver, leather, cashmere wood and sandalwood then settle it into a woody, leathery base. Zara Night pour Homme III and Zara Extreme 6.0 have a close profile.

Apsley

7.5

Truefitt & Hill · 2016

Fresh · Citrus · Green

Truefitt & Hill Apsley is a fresh, citrusy men's fragrance that leans towards spring and summer and suits the office and everyday wear. Apsley wears at a moderate strength with moderate longevity. Most voters pick spring, with fall and summer close behind, while few choose winter. It is recommended mostly for business, daily and leisure wear, with evening and night out further back. It opens with grapefruit, lemon and pepper, bright with a light spiciness. In the heart, vetiver, lavender and jasmine bring a green, airy feel. The base of patchouli, musk and cedarwood dries down woody and slightly resinous. Santa Maria Novella Alba di Seoul and Florame Fraîcheur Boisée have a close profile.

Aura

7.6

Armaf

Fresh · Citrus · Floral

Armaf Aura is a men's fragrance that opens with fresh bergamot, apple and lemon and settles onto sandalwood and vetiver. The top is bergamot, apple, lemon and cardamom, where citrus and fruity sides shine together. The heart brings geranium, violet, pepper, lavender and iris, a floral, green and lightly spicy turn. The base of vetiver, sandalwood, musk and amber leaves a sweet, woody warmth. The overall impression is fresh and aquatic. Longevity and sillage are rated good, and most voters score both highly. It is also seen as strong value for money. It is positioned as a men's fragrance. La Rive Extreme Story and Curve Curve for Men (Cologne) have a close profile.

Monte

7.3

Acqua di Baviera · 2016

Fresh · Citrus · Floral

Acqua di Baviera Monte is a fresh, citrusy and woody men's fragrance that suits spring and summer days, at work or at leisure. It opens with bergamot, aquatic notes and salty notes, a cool, green and watery start. In the heart, lavender and pepper add a light spice, while soil, amber and cedarwood settle the scent onto a dry, woody base. The floral and synthetic touches stay in the background. Longevity and sillage are moderate, so it stays light and clean rather than leaving a heavy trail through the day. Most voters pick spring, fall and summer, and few choose winter. It reads mostly masculine and classic. Al Haramain Étoiles Silver and Victorinox Swiss Army Classic have a close profile.

Le Boisé

7.2

Ginestet · 2003

Fresh · Fruity · Spicy

Ginestet Le Boisé is a fragrance for men that sets a woody, spicy character against a fresh, fruity touch, and it suits fall and daytime wear best. Sandalwood and woody notes form the core, vanilla rounds off the dryness, and a little pepper adds a spicy edge. Among the accords, the fresh and fruity sides come forward while the resinous, earthy and smoky tones stay in the background. Most voters pick fall, followed by winter and spring. It leans towards daily wear and the office, and voters read it as masculine. Longevity is moderate and sillage weak, so it stays close to the skin rather than filling a room. Mazzolari Mazzolari and Arte Profumi Ecclesiæ have a close profile.

Viola

4.9

Kappa · 2011

Fresh · Citrus · Floral

Kappa Viola is a fresh, citrusy women's fragrance that sets green leaves against a floral heart; it has been discontinued. Its longevity and sillage are rated weak, so it stays close to the skin as a light scent. Most voters pick spring and summer, and it leans towards daily wear, followed by leisure and business settings. It opens with bergamot, lemon and mandarin orange alongside violet leaf, galbanum and green leaves, with pepper adding a slight edge. The heart of peach, jasmine, lily of the valley and blackcurrant turns it fruity and sweet. The base of musk, ambergris and patchouli leaves a powdery softness, with an aquatic touch running through. Granado Citrus Brasilis and Calvin Klein CK One (Eau de Toilette) have a close profile.

Purplelips Sensual

7.5

Salvador Dali · 2007

Floral · Fruity · Sweet

Salvador Dali Purplelips Sensual is a sweet, spicy women's fragrance that opens on violet, freesia and blackcurrant and warms into vanilla, cinnamon and amber; it has been discontinued. Pepper, freesia, violet and blackcurrant give it a floral, fruity start. In the heart, opoponax, vanilla and cinnamon bring sweetness together with spice, while patchouli, sandalwood and amber leave a woody, powdery, oriental warmth underneath. Longevity and sillage are rated moderate. Most voters pick fall and winter, and it leans towards evenings and nights out. It reads clearly feminine. Boucheron Initial and Halston Halston Woman have a close profile.

S-ex

6.9

S-Perfume · 2004

Fresh · Floral · Fruity

S-Perfume S-ex is a unisex scent built around jasmine, sandalwood and leather, with a fresh, floral side and a firm woody edge. The notes read as a single whole rather than in layers: bergamot and pepper brighten the jasmine, while patchouli, birch wood and leather give it a woody, animal depth. Nutmeg adds warmth, and the fruity and synthetic accords lend a modern feel. Longevity is moderate and sillage weak, so it stays close to the skin. Most voters pick spring and fall, and leisure and evening wear lead the occasions. Its character splits almost evenly between masculine and feminine. Dior Diorling and Dana Gentry have a close profile.

Bois Velours

7.2

Esteban · 2009

Fresh · Floral · Green

Esteban Bois Velours is a woody, spicy unisex fragrance that most voters place in fall and spring. Both its longevity and its sillage are moderate. Voters link it to business, leisure and daily wear, and it also gets picked for evenings. Most call it masculine, though a fair number find it feminine. It opens with Guinea pepper, nutmeg and pepper for a spicy start. The heart holds leathery notes, patchouli, floral notes and sandalwood, while vetiver, cedar, musk and amber set a woody, sweet base. Fresh and green touches soften the edges. Panouge Absinthe Gaïac and Il Profvmo Touaregh have a close profile.

Heros

7.7

Didier Calvo · 1995

Fresh · Citrus · Green

Didier Calvo Heros is a classic-leaning men's fragrance that sets fresh citrus against a green, woody and smoky edge; it has been discontinued. Most voters pick autumn and winter, spring follows, and summer is rarely chosen. It suits evenings and nights out as well as leisure and office days. Longevity is rated good and sillage moderate, and most voters read it as masculine. Mandarin orange, lemon, orange and bergamot give it a fresh citrus lift. Juniper, sage and artemisia add a green, spicy streak, with pepper sharpening it. Cistus brings a resinous, woody warmth, and a powdery, lightly sweet softness runs alongside. Guerlain Épices Volées / Arsène Lupin Voyou and Acqua di Parma Ginepro di Sardegna have a close profile.

Alchemico

8.0

Mazzolari · 2015

Fresh · Green · Spicy

Mazzolari Alchemico is a green, spicy and smoky unisex scent that opens with pepper, cypress and rose and settles on frankincense and vetiver. It lasts well and projects moderately. Most voters pick autumn and winter, though spring is not far behind. It is worn for leisure, daily use and evenings, and some wear it to the office. Votes lean somewhat masculine, yet it is described as unisex. Those after a close profile could also look at Sammarco Vitrum and Comme des Garçons Series 3: Incense - Kyoto. The opening of pepper and cypress is fresh and green, with rose softening it. In the heart, frankincense adds a resinous, smoky note while geranium keeps the green thread going. Amber and vetiver in the base turn it woody and warm.

Pure Vetiver

6.3

Azzaro · 2000

Fresh · Citrus · Green

Azzaro Pure Vetiver is a fresh, citrusy and green men's fragrance, now discontinued, with a calm character that suits daytime and the office. Longevity and sillage are both rated moderate. Most voters pick spring and summer, and daily wear and business come up most often as the occasions for it. Few choose it for night or evening. The top has cardamom, grapefruit, ginger and pepper, so it opens spicy and bright. In the heart, mugwort, lavender and marine notes keep it green and clean. Vetiver leads the base, giving it an earthy, woody footing. Hermès Terre d'Hermès and L'Artisan Parfumeur Vétiver Écarlate have a close profile.

Vetiver Man

8.4

Duftanker MGO Duftmanufaktur · 2019

Fresh · Citrus · Green

Duftanker MGO Duftmanufaktur Vetiver Man pairs bergamot, lemon and orange with vetiver, tobacco and oakmoss, giving a fresh, green fragrance aimed at men. Longevity is rated strong and sillage good. Most voters pick spring, autumn and summer, and the occasions are spread from daily wear to business and evenings. Voters mostly find it masculine and classic. It opens with three citrus notes: bergamot, lemon and orange. In the heart, nutmeg, pepper and vetiver lead, softened by tonka bean and tobacco. Oakmoss anchors the base. The overall impression is fresh, green and spicy, with an earthy, smoky undertone. Guerlain Vetiver Extreme and Mazzolari Vetiver have a close profile.

Tierra del Fuego

7.9

Real Time

Fresh · Citrus · Synthetic

Real Time Tierra del Fuego is a men's fragrance that sets the fresh citrus of grapefruit and orange against the earthy, woody weight of vetiver, cedar and patchouli; it has been discontinued. It opens with grapefruit and orange, bright and clean. In the heart, pepper and geranium add a spicy, slightly green edge. The base of vetiver, cedar, patchouli and benzoin settles into a woody, earthy ground, with benzoin softening the harder edges. A synthetic note runs through the accords as well. Voters find both longevity and sillage weak, so expect a light scent that stays close to the skin. Spring and summer lead slightly, with autumn not far behind; daily wear, leisure and office are the occasions it suits. It reads masculine. Mazzolari Herion and Terre d'Hermès (Eau de Toilette) have a close profile.

Gai Mattiolo Uomo (Eau de Toilette)

7.7

Gai Mattiolo · 1998

Fresh · Citrus · Aquatic

Eau de Toilette

Gai Mattiolo Uomo Eau de Toilette is a fresh, aquatic and lightly spicy men's fragrance that opens on citrus notes, bergamot and star anise. The top is cool and bright with citrus, neroli and bergamot, while star anise adds a faint sweetness. In the heart, sage, coriander and pepper bring a green, spicy edge, and rose softens it. Sandalwood, gaiac wood and musk settle the scent onto a woody base. Voters rate its longevity and sillage as moderate. It is most often suggested for leisure and daily wear, with sport and business use also getting a share. It suits those who want an easygoing, light masculine scent. Lanvin L'Homme Sport and Curve for Men have a close profile.

Royal Musk

8.1

Al Haramain

Fresh · Floral · Sweet

Al Haramain Royal Musk is a fresh, floral unisex scent built around a powdery, creamy musk. It opens with pepper, ylang-ylang and bergamot, a fresh and lightly spicy start. In the heart, orris root, jasmine and lily of the valley add a floral powderiness, while musk and beeswax in the base soften everything into a sweet, creamy finish. Voters rate its longevity and sillage as good, though the number of votes is small, so that picture is tentative. Its warm, oriental base sits comfortably on both men and women. Tom Ford Musk Pure and L'Erbolario Iris have a close profile.

Love

8.6

Roja Parfums · 2019

Floral · Fruity · Sweet

Roja Parfums Love is a floral, fruity and sweet unisex scent softened by a powdery, creamy feel; it has been discontinued. It opens with mandarin orange and bergamot for a fresh start. In the heart, Grasse jasmine, blackcurrant and peach form a fruity floral picture. The base keeps the sweetness going with vanilla, benzoin and musk, while cedarwood, sandalwood and patchouli add woody depth and pepper a light touch of spice. Longevity is rated good, and so is sillage, though the small number of votes makes these figures only a rough guide. As a unisex scent it sits comfortably on both women and men. Those after a close profile could also look at The Dua Brand My Love and Roja Parfums Britannia.

Epiphany

7.7

House of Matriarch · 2013

Fresh · Floral · Green

House of Matriarch Epiphany is a unisex scent that pairs a green, spicy backbone with a sweet, smoky, resinous warmth, and it leans towards autumn and winter. Oakmoss, lavender and coriander give it a fresh, green frame, pepper adds spice, and lily brings a soft floral touch. Honey and amber sweeten it, while tobacco and oud add a smoky, woody depth. Most voters pick autumn and winter, with spring not far behind; summer is rarely chosen. Leisure and evening wear come up most. Longevity and sillage are rated moderate. Votes for feminine and masculine are close, so it sits comfortably on either side. Lattafa Pride Dream of Haze and Chopard Oud Malaki have a close profile.

Leucò

7.9

Maria Candida Gentile · 2014

Fresh · Floral · Green

Maria Candida Gentile Leucò is a fresh, green-leaning unisex fragrance that carries the warmth of honey and cistus into the floral weight of tuberose absolute and lily. Its longevity and sillage are both moderate. Most voters recommend it for spring and summer, and it leans towards daily, leisure and office wear. Voters read it as more feminine than masculine, though a fair number see it as masculine. It opens with honey and cistus, and the heart of tuberose absolute and lily adds a rich floral body. The base of pepper, beeswax and benzoin softens everything and closes on a lightly spicy warmth. Les Parfums de Rosine Rose d'Argent and Dolce & Gabbana Velvet Pure have a close profile.

Mountain Woody Forest

7.8

Zara · 2022

Fresh · Green · Synthetic

Zara Mountain Woody Forest is a men's fragrance that opens with pepper, Siberian stone pine and nutmeg, then turns woody and resinous with juniper, frankincense and gaiac wood. It starts fresh and green, with the spicy notes following right behind. In the heart, juniper and frankincense add a resinous, faintly smoky air. The base settles on precious woods, leather and gaiac wood, so the scent stays woody and leathery. Longevity and sillage are rated good. Voters lean towards daily and leisure wear, with business and evening also getting votes. Its value for money is rated highly. Pierre Guillaume 11.2 Spicematic and Armand Basi Wild Forest have a close profile.

Tiramisù

7.9

Tuttotondo · 2021

Sweet · Gourmand · Spicy

Tuttotondo Tiramisù is a sweet, gourmand unisex scent that suits autumn and winter days, creamy and powdery enough for relaxed everyday wear. Most voters pick autumn and winter, with leisure and daily wear leading the occasions. Longevity and sillage are rated moderate, and while more voters call it feminine, it reads as unisex too. It opens with pepper and pink pepper adding a light spice to cream and cocoa. Towards the heart, vanilla cream, biscuit and cocoa butter soften the sweetness. The base of cocoa absolute, bourbon vanilla and Siam benzoin leaves a warm, oriental trail. Guerlain Tonka Sarrapia Extrait 75 and Prada Candy (Eau de Parfum) have a close profile.

Waves

7.3

Cerchi Nell'Acqua · 2012

Floral · Sweet · Spicy

Cerchi Nell'Acqua Waves is a sweet, spicy floral unisex scent that suits autumn and winter evenings. Jasmine, iris, violet and orange blossom form a floral base, while cinnamon and pepper add a spicy warmth. Sandalwood and opoponax push the scent towards woody, resinous ground, and ambergris deepens the animal, oriental side. Bergamot and lavender lighten the richness a little. Its longevity is rated very strong and its sillage good. Most voters pick autumn and winter, and evening or a night out. More voters call it feminine than masculine, but a fair share see it as masculine, so it sits comfortably on either. Roja Parfums Amber Aoud and Xerjoff Alexandria II have a close profile.

Agrumi del Mediterraneo

7.2

Gandini · 2019

Fresh · Citrus · Floral

Gandini Agrumi del Mediterraneo is a fresh, citrus-led women's fragrance that sits close to daytime wear, leisure and the office. Grapefruit, bergamot and mandarin orange open bright and citrusy. In the heart, pepper, bamboo and white tea push that freshness in a green, lightly spiced direction. Amber, heliotrope and musk soften the base, while aquatic and floral touches stay in the background. Voters pick it mostly for daily wear, leisure and work, and some also choose it for sport. Its longevity and sillage are rated weak, so it is a light scent for staying close to the skin. Tom Ford Mandarino di Amalfi and Elizabeth Arden Green Tea have a close profile.

Oiseau Rare

7.6

Givenchy · 2020

Fresh · Citrus · Floral

Givenchy Oiseau Rare is a unisex fragrance that sets the bite of pepper and the softness of pittosporum blossom over a woody base. Its longevity is rated good and its sillage moderate, so it leaves a noticeable but not overpowering trail. The number of ratings is small, so these figures are only a rough guide. It sits comfortably in the middle ground between masculine and feminine. It opens fresh and citrusy, with spicy pepper leading the way, and a floral pittosporum blossom comes through in the heart. In the base, Virginia cedar and Paraguayan gaiac wood build a woody frame, while Bourbon vanilla absolute adds a creamy, smooth finish.