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Uomo has long been a favorite of mine. I would describe it as a classic masculine citrus cologne with added depth and vibrancy via the use of bold spices and a warm, comfortable musk that sits in the base. The citrus notes are exceptionally crisp and natural, and open the fragrance on a lively, spirited note. However, there is much more to Uomo, as Villoresi has added a copious amount of aromatic spices to the mix, creating a robust herbal concoction marked by thyme, sage, lavender, and bay leaf. The spices combined in this mix works very well. They are never muddled. Each note stands on its own, yet as a whole they manage to avoid the "spice cabinet" trap by combining in an effortless harmony, creating a sum that is greater than its individual parts. Uomo is anchored in the base by a light, earthy vetiver and a sensual, masculine musk. The musk sits close to the skin and has a warm, soothing glow. I've been been quite enamored with Uomo for some time, and believe my continued interest in it a testament to its quality. I consider Uomo a more sophisticated alternative to Terre d'Hermes and a more interesting alternative to the many traditional citrus colognes that are out there which although nice, can seem redundant after a while. Uomo is very versatile, as it works great in the spring and summer due to the citrus notes, and well in the fall and winter due to the notes in the mid and base. Projection and longevity are about average.

Highly recommended.

This is a very good fragrance that I would put up against any other designer aquatic on the market! Acqua Essenziale opens with an aromatic top of mint, lemon leaf, rosemary, and lavender. It's an accord that smells sweet, fresh, and clean in a modern, "I just got out of the shower and used some sporty body wash" kind of way. There's an oceanic aspect to it as well, but it comes across as more of an abstract ideal of the mind than any real, natural smell you may find near the sea. Seabreezes are typically not as sweet or clean as that which is presented here...no problem for me. It's well composed, and while you can pick up on a slight synthetic quality up close, for the most part Essenziale is smooth and watery without that annoying scratchiness that seems to be a trademark of cheaper aquatics. It produces a very pleasant sillage that although familiar to some degree, is done the right way. To elaborate, I'm most impressed by the texture of Essenziale--the light, airy, watery quality that aptly matches its scent, while diffusing gently around its subject. Acqua di Gio possesses this quality as well--where the smell and texture sit perfectly together, and take the fragrance to a higher level beyond the norm. There have been a lot of comparisons made between Bleu de Chanel and Acqua Essenziale, and I agree that they smell quite similar. However, I think Essenziale is perhaps the superior fragrance due in part to this often taken for granted element of texture. What I mean is that it seems to possess the appropriate consistency for its smell, whereas Bleu can seem at times too heavy or chunky for its own good. Therefore, the performance of Acqua Essenziale is quite effective. It works well in warmer temperatures without every becoming cloying or irritating, and doesn't fall apart as some fragrances can in the heat. Essenziale is linear for the most part, its dry down a nondescript fade into a typical white, musky-woody base. I'm okay with this because for about 4 or 5 hours I get the very pleasant, excellently composed sillage described above, and I have no desire for it to change. Projection is just right. Longevity could be better, but it's adequate.

I would give Essenziale a solid 80--85 out of 100. If you're tired of the whole aquatic genre, that's understandable. However, if you're looking for a designer aquatic you can pick up at the mall or online for a decent price, this is a very good option to consider. And if you're a fan of this style of fragrance, this one's definitely worth adding to your wardrobe.

This an excellent oriental that is easy to wear and keeps away from the typical pitfalls of so many in its genre. At no points is it heavy, overbearing, or excessively powdery. While it exudes a classy, quiet sophistication, 1899 is ultimately an amiable composition that avoids encumbering itself with an unnecessary sense of formality or ostentation.

It opens with a deftly balanced accord of juniper, cinnamon, pepper, vanilla and iris. The juniper is sweet and airy and sort of hovers over the top of the other notes. The iris, of the plasticky, lipstick variety found in Dior Homme, plays the background and provides a solid compliment to the spiciness of the cinnamon and pepper. The first couple of hours are sweet, airy, lively, spicy, and even aromatic. There is nothing dense or plodding about 1899, nothing oppressive or dull. It is enlivened with a particular light vibrance owed to the skill of its perfumer, Gerald Ghislain. It's a great way to start things off, and the quality of this composition is evident right from the start.

The opening accord persists for some time, and as the middle stages develop, a soft vetiver emerges and the vanilla moves more toward the front of the composition. The vetiver adds depth and serves to temper some of the sweetness of the base notes (vanilla, amber). This is where the fragrance finally rests, in a comforting accord of vanilla, amber, iris and vetiver. A day-time comfort scent; lively and sweet; cozy, but not sleepy.

This has quickly become one of my favorite oriental fragrances. I find it so easy to wear at pretty much any time of the day. A lot of times, I find that rather than wearing orientals, orientals have a tendency to wear you if you're not careful. They can become oppressive, their opulence intrusive and overshadowing. That's never the case with 1899, and if you've been put off by orientals for the reason I just described, but like the idea of their basic structure and notes, this could be a great choice for you.

Longevity is very good, as I typically get anywhere from 8 to 10 hours. Projection is perfect, with about an arms length of radiance for the first 5 hours. Regarding gender, I would classify this as a masculine scent, leaning toward unisex.

In relation to Spicebomb, the sweetness of the opening accord is quite similar, and I understand why the comparisons have been made. I'll admit, it's the first thing that came to mind when I tried 1899. And both feature prominent cinnamon notes in their heart. But that's where the comparison ends. 1899 is altogether lighter, livelier, and stays on the side of florals and woods, whereas Spicebomb moves toward tobacco and leather. It also more sophisticated and well-composed than Spicebomb (which I've owned, and liked), in my opinion. They are really not that much alike in the end.

To summarize, 1899 Hemingway is a great offering from Histoires de Parfums that can be worn easily during the day or night. It features an excellent structure and balance of notes and may be the perfect fragrance for someone who likes their orientals on the lighter, more approachable side versus the denser, more formal.

Fantastic!

One thing I'll give The Cobra and the Canary credit for is that when you smell it, you'll be able to detect most of the notes listed in its pyramid immediately. A very clear hay note and leather note sit right up front. Leather is one note I usually have trouble identifying, but I find the leather in this very true-to-life. it's not the leather of an expensive, designer jacket or pair of shoes, but something a little more rugged and worn. Next to it sits the hay, dry and aromatic, summer in a barn. Keeping in tune with the hay note, comes the tobacco--also dry, leafy, and fresh--the tobacco of unsmoked cigars and plantations, not pipes. These 3 notes work well together, and while they don't necessarily offer contrast or interplay, they create a certain warm, pastoral atmosphere that's comfortable and without disturbance. There's also a mineralic edge to the entire composition, which suits it fine, and stays in line with the drier, natural quality of the fragrance.

I smell The Cobra and the Canary and I envision a barn in the summer, on a farm where tobacco's grown, with maybe some mountains in the background, or a stream passing through (this accounts for the leather, hay, tobacco and minerals). Reading about it, I see the perfumer envisioned a young man driving a Shelby Cobra (the leather and mineral...asphalt) smoking a cigarette, after picking up his friend from the family farm (the hay). Either story fits, and what you imagine when you smell this could be something entirely different. But you will pick up on the 4 main notes listed in the pyramid. They're distinct and presented well, if not a little obviously.

I enjoyed this one and found it a pleasant, easy-going wear. Imaginary Authors succeeded in creating a very relaxed, personable fragrance. I'd have no problem throwing it on and heading out the door for an evening with friends. Thumbs up.

P.S. For a darker, more challenging take on hay and tobacco, you may want to look toward Sova by Slumberhouse. And for a more complex, chic, and modern take on hay and leather, there's Cuir Pleine Fleur by James Heeley. All 3 are great options and it will really come down to what you're looking for at the moment.

Falling Into the Sea opens with a big litchi note--juicy and robust. If you've never smelled litchi before, it kind of falls somewhere between pear, apricot, and peach. The litchi is backed by exotic flowers along the lines of mimose and lotus. As a result, this fragrance has a very tropical feel, and perhaps to call it a "tropical aquatic" is most appropriate. While I never detect a specific "sand" note, there is definitely a salty, beach-like quality that emerges about 20 minutes in to complete the picture. What you're left with is something of a fantastical impression of a tropical beach--a place close to one's imagination though somewhat displaced from reality. This works because for the most part the ingredients used in Falling Into the Sea feel natural enough to permit such an imaginative leap--your impression isn't jarred by harsh synthetics or scratchy aroma chemicals that remind you immediately that what you're smelling is fake. Yes, the notes are somewhat fantastical, but they are not so much chemical. In turn, the ingredients allow space for your mind to wander.To that extent, I think this fragrance is a success. As the fragrance hits the one hour mark, the litchi subsides to a degree and the florals become more apparent.

Although labeled as unisex, I'm more inclined to consider this a feminine fragrance. The exotic florals and big litchi note just seem better suited for a woman to wear. Though I don't mind smelling it on my arm at the moment, I probably wouldn't feel completely comfortable wearing this out in public. However, for women, I think this is a viable option in this category and definitely worth exploring. Projection is quite powerful and longevity is solid.