Top Notes
Black pepper
Lavender
Heart Notes
Tolu balm
Iris pallida
Base Notes
Patchouli
Vanilla
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Notes01/19/2022
Elysium
590 Reviews
Elysium
4
Ataraxia, A Katastematic Pleasure
In Epicurean philosophy, katastematic pleasure is the pleasure experienced when one is in a state of freedom from need or desire, as opposed to kinetic pleasure, which one feels while performing a rewarding activity. The absence of pain, apony, and the lack of mental disorders, ataraxia, are two of the katastematic pleasures and are often seen as the focal points of Epicurus. Furthermore, epicurean means, among other things, a person devoted to sensual enjoyment, especially that derived from refined food and drink. Can we apply the exact definition to perfume? If so, I'm epicurean as Gentleman Givenchy Eau de Parfum mentally induces me to sensual pleasure.
First, the cologne is not linear, and I can experience a transition between the spicy, dusty and balsamic phases. Far from being too sweet, it appears spicier and more powdery. Gentleman EDP oozes as dark and mysterious as the colour of the bottle, with some earthy undertones as it blends with the chemistry of my skin. Perfumers have created a perfectly refined fragrance, with some niche trends using the currently trendy note of iris. However, as a lover of iris and vanilla, I was intrigued by the simplified olfactory pyramid of this new flanker.
An explosion of oriental warm and spicy tones characterizes the opening. I get the sparkling pepper, slightly alcoholic, which pinches the nostrils and plays with the delicacy of the aromatic lavender, creating contrasting notes. While the violescent lavender isn't too overwhelming, relatively subdued indeed, I can pick up a hint of vanilla early from the base notes. Hence, the opening is somewhat edgy with spices and aromatic herbs, a sweet burst of vanilla and iris with peppery facets. That explosion of spiciness is simply a prelude, which gives way to the accord of the heart, the true protagonist of the fragrance.
We wait a few minutes, and then the magic appears. As the pepper takes a step back, the warmth of the tolu balm ignites the heart note of the iris, which emerges in all its fullness and delicacy with a manly touch. The dark, dry and deep resin shows undertones of cinnamon and vanilla. Also, the way they used iris here doesn't translate into lipstick or baby talcum vibe, like other designer fragrances. I get something waxy and nutty, reminiscent of chestnut flour cake. It could be the blend of iris and tolu balm, which provides dry mossiness comparable to ambrette seeds. The dustiness of the heart feels very sensual, and I love the way tolu, vanilla and iris come together to create a sweet balsamic sensation.
Finally, the base transforms into something on the darker side, with more resinous and balsamic undertones. The sweetness decreases as the fragrance stabilizes. All the peppery edges are gone at this point. I get all the sweetness of the vanilla and the earthiness of the warm balsamic patchouli, which makes it very intriguing. In addition, the trail that comes out of the skin has a soft creaminess. I swear, I'd say there's sandalwood in here that makes everything so creamy. A very pleasant and well-balanced dry-down.
From the start, I've observed that Gentleman EDP is deliberately creepy and addictive. Very addicting. I can quickly wear it in the office, especially in the cold months, as it is harmless and elegant. Still, I find it much more suitable for evening and night appointments, in autumn or winter. The sillage is moderate and certainly didn't disappoint, and the longevity is outstanding and projects over the arm after many hours. I cannot deny that Gentleman EDP has a delicious and welcoming smell on the skin. Try this one if you are looking for a warm and delicious resinous powdery scent.
I base the review on a decant I have owned since 2021.
-Elysium
First, the cologne is not linear, and I can experience a transition between the spicy, dusty and balsamic phases. Far from being too sweet, it appears spicier and more powdery. Gentleman EDP oozes as dark and mysterious as the colour of the bottle, with some earthy undertones as it blends with the chemistry of my skin. Perfumers have created a perfectly refined fragrance, with some niche trends using the currently trendy note of iris. However, as a lover of iris and vanilla, I was intrigued by the simplified olfactory pyramid of this new flanker.
An explosion of oriental warm and spicy tones characterizes the opening. I get the sparkling pepper, slightly alcoholic, which pinches the nostrils and plays with the delicacy of the aromatic lavender, creating contrasting notes. While the violescent lavender isn't too overwhelming, relatively subdued indeed, I can pick up a hint of vanilla early from the base notes. Hence, the opening is somewhat edgy with spices and aromatic herbs, a sweet burst of vanilla and iris with peppery facets. That explosion of spiciness is simply a prelude, which gives way to the accord of the heart, the true protagonist of the fragrance.
We wait a few minutes, and then the magic appears. As the pepper takes a step back, the warmth of the tolu balm ignites the heart note of the iris, which emerges in all its fullness and delicacy with a manly touch. The dark, dry and deep resin shows undertones of cinnamon and vanilla. Also, the way they used iris here doesn't translate into lipstick or baby talcum vibe, like other designer fragrances. I get something waxy and nutty, reminiscent of chestnut flour cake. It could be the blend of iris and tolu balm, which provides dry mossiness comparable to ambrette seeds. The dustiness of the heart feels very sensual, and I love the way tolu, vanilla and iris come together to create a sweet balsamic sensation.
Finally, the base transforms into something on the darker side, with more resinous and balsamic undertones. The sweetness decreases as the fragrance stabilizes. All the peppery edges are gone at this point. I get all the sweetness of the vanilla and the earthiness of the warm balsamic patchouli, which makes it very intriguing. In addition, the trail that comes out of the skin has a soft creaminess. I swear, I'd say there's sandalwood in here that makes everything so creamy. A very pleasant and well-balanced dry-down.
From the start, I've observed that Gentleman EDP is deliberately creepy and addictive. Very addicting. I can quickly wear it in the office, especially in the cold months, as it is harmless and elegant. Still, I find it much more suitable for evening and night appointments, in autumn or winter. The sillage is moderate and certainly didn't disappoint, and the longevity is outstanding and projects over the arm after many hours. I cannot deny that Gentleman EDP has a delicious and welcoming smell on the skin. Try this one if you are looking for a warm and delicious resinous powdery scent.
I base the review on a decant I have owned since 2021.
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