Dalmajen

Out of all the fragrances in this special series, I was attracted to Cruel Gardenia the most. I adore the fragrance of Gardenia flowers, and the other notes appealed as well.
As soon as I sprayed it, it triggered a long lost memory. I know this scent from somewhere, but a long time ago. I racked my brain trying to pin it down, but it was always out of my reach. The opening is a lovely soft cloud, not heavy or jarring, just a rose tinted softness. Then along comes violet, yes, I agree with Sherapop, there appears to be violets in the bouquet. I must say, the Gardenia is not at all prominent, and, I was really expecting more. In fact, there is more Neroli and Ylang-Ylang than a very faint Gardenia. This is definitely a skin scent. For the price, it should radiate proudly, so others may experience the beauty of the composition! This is how it reacts on my skin, stays close, and has a very low projection). The dry down is very pleasant. A very soft vanilla, with a well behaved sandalwood. The funny thing is, when I sniff it from the sprayer, it appears a lot stronger, than it is when sprayed on the skin. Mind you, I do prefer stronger fragrances, as have perfume eating skin, so this would probably come across perfect for those you don't like heavy hitters.
At one point, I even thought it was similar to White Shoulders, without the Aldehydes! But the White Shoulders of about 40 years ago). It may come to light, one time when I'm not concentrating on where I have smelled something so similar.
Now the cruel part...As much as I adore this fragrance, even though it isn't as Gardenia laden as I would have hoped), is the longevity! It fades far too quickly, and just as you are really in heaven, it leaves you! A brief encounter with a lovely floral cloud that gives you a passionate hug, then flees into the night....

I didn't think twice about purchasing this latest Alien version. In fact, I bought it blind, as I knew I would love it, when I read the notes. I realized it was An EDT, but knowing the strength of the original Alien, and how rich and long lasting the Essence Absolue is, I just assumed this would have a decent longevity.

The notes are so harmonious, and they blend together so beautifully! The Tiara flower is the shining star in this fragrance. It has such a tropical feel to it, and matches so perfectly with the Neroli, tea, and orange blossom top notes. So fresh, but not ultra citrusy. A perfect fragrance for hot and sticky days. I would wear this all year round, with no qualms at all! But alas..the downside. It just doesn't last. Not even two hours. This may not be the problem for everyone, but for fragrance absorbing skin, it is so very fleeting! I was heartbroken when I realized how quickly it faded, but love it so much, I just have to re-apply often. This may be a plus for lovers of light and soft fragrances. This does not resemble the original Alien, as the Tiara flower is softer than the jasmine used InThe original Alien. The dry down is so lovely. A gorgeous soft heliotrope , with the most delicate of ambers. I am still thrilled to own this beauty, and still have high hopes for a better performance in the hotter months to come. But for the time being I will spray generous amounts, and re-apply as needed!

This is the time of year that makes us think of lovely floral or crisp fragrances. I have been thinking about trying some assorted floral choices for a few weeks now, and luckily for me, I received a generous sample of this very admirable perfume. How nice to have a floral, without an overdose of synthetic smelling berries ruling the whole palette! This has a nicely put together bouquet of Peony, lily- of- the- valley, Gardenia,and a sprinkle of rose and very light jasmine. It lists black currant and pink berries, but quite honestly I think there is only a tiny trace in there! I like the way the other flowers balance out the Gardenia, as it is so fresh and appealing, not overbearing, or intoxicating. The dry down is just as elegant and feminine as the rest of the fragrant journey, even though I haven't really heard of pink patchouli! I suppose this is just a thinner, or lighter version of patch, as they don't need to make it the star player in this fragrance, as I have noticed in many of the fruity floral scents these days. The cedar and musk are just there, not pushy or overdone at all. This fragrance, in my opinion), is a terrific choice for Spring and summer. It isn't over sweet, or cloying. It is very feminine and appealing. The only drawbacks are, the price, which is very high, and the Longevity. I found it faded very quickly, but this could have to do with skin type etc. Do test it first, as nothing is more disappointing than paying for a fleeting beauty!

Mellow Yellow..
This is the second fragrance in the Armani Prive line that I have had the pleasure of getting acquainted with. The notes appealed to my spicy love list, so I decided to order a decent decant so I could enjoy the experience. I have already enjoyed Myrrhe in a few of my fragrances, so that wasn't a great surprise, as far as knowing what to expect. Mind you, sometimes a well known note can turn on you, but, in this case, thankfully, it didn't. It plays it part just right. I would venture to say, perfection. No overdone medicinal note, just a fresh, and well balanced, smooth Myrrhe. This is the opening..fresh and ready to impress. I get the Myrrhe straight away in the opening. Then I detect the peppery addition. It is not overwhelming to my nose, but can't guarantee what someone would think, who doesn't like spicy fragrances. After about thirty minuets or so, the lovely mellow yellow saffron appears, with the base notes. What a delicious mixture! I am completely enchanted by this fragrance! It is a perfect melody...not too loud, but just right, from the beginning to the very end. The only thing that was a bit sad for me, was the longevity. But, this is a very individual thing. This may last longer on some, hopefully, but on me, was too fleeting. But for me, this is my lovely, relaxing, and elegant Mellow Yellow!

Harsh, to the bitter end.
I'm happy that I received a sample of this strange named fragrance. I have to admit, it was very difficult wearing this the whole day! I wanted to see how it developed, and if it got any better...But, in the end, I was happy to scrub it off, as I just couldn't get used to the overwhelming bitterness of it! The opening had a touch of bergamot, but was quickly overcome with the crack of a large leather whip, surrounded by immortelle and a cold steely touch of iris. I didn't pick up any cinnomon, which is a shame, as it would have added a bit of warmth to the picture. Perhaps the moss made it so bitter, hard to say, but the fragrance is so very dry! Dry and a very unpleasant type of green. I felt very uncomfortable wearing it, as it has an almost sad vibe to it. It is by far, a more masculine scent. This may be attractive to those who like rather dry, green, leathery scents. I just couldn't get past the harsh, bitter side of it. P.S. this review was posted in the German reviews, for some unknown reason, so had to copy paste it here.