Ineverwas
Reviews
Filter & sort
Ineverwas
It Will Kill You Soflty
Of all Dior's Poisons, Hypnotic is certainly the one that most literally captures the idea of poison: the sweet, unmistakable scent of almonds is actually given by the cyanide that these seeds harbour in small doses. So basically, Hypnotic Poison does smell like cyanide poison and it's both deliciously hypnotic and subliminally fatal.
The union of vanilla and almond is creamy and luscious and envelops you in a snug cocoon for the whole day, drawing compliments at every step. The coconut adds a touch of exoticism, while the tuberose provides a subtile rubbery feel that’s rather sexual in nature.
HP’s sharpest weapons are mostly hidden, but none the less effective. Underneath the fluffy cloud of playful vanillic sweetness lurk the carnal sensuality of the tuberose, the dangerous menace of the cyanide traces, the juicy darkness of the plum, the oriental mystery of the sandalwood.
So although it may appear to be merely another sweet perfume, there’s substantial depth and complexity to the formula. Clearly a lot of thought went into this perfume, rendering it a conceptual masterpiece, a both beautiful and meaningful creation.
Unfortunately there have been reformulations along the years that have altered the original perfection of HP. I had the opportunity to test both the original formula and 2 of its subsequent reformulations. Up to 2012, the smell was kept more or less intact, with primarily the lasting power and projection being weakened. I cannot speak though for the latest reformulation, which I hear is a more dramatic alteration.
If you are lucky enough to find it, buy the original version, or at least one that is produced before 2013.
The union of vanilla and almond is creamy and luscious and envelops you in a snug cocoon for the whole day, drawing compliments at every step. The coconut adds a touch of exoticism, while the tuberose provides a subtile rubbery feel that’s rather sexual in nature.
HP’s sharpest weapons are mostly hidden, but none the less effective. Underneath the fluffy cloud of playful vanillic sweetness lurk the carnal sensuality of the tuberose, the dangerous menace of the cyanide traces, the juicy darkness of the plum, the oriental mystery of the sandalwood.
So although it may appear to be merely another sweet perfume, there’s substantial depth and complexity to the formula. Clearly a lot of thought went into this perfume, rendering it a conceptual masterpiece, a both beautiful and meaningful creation.
Unfortunately there have been reformulations along the years that have altered the original perfection of HP. I had the opportunity to test both the original formula and 2 of its subsequent reformulations. Up to 2012, the smell was kept more or less intact, with primarily the lasting power and projection being weakened. I cannot speak though for the latest reformulation, which I hear is a more dramatic alteration.
If you are lucky enough to find it, buy the original version, or at least one that is produced before 2013.
Saturnine beauty
I find Tubereuse 3 Animale quite difficult to review. I have owned it for 2 years and still haven't decided whether I love it or just like it - but one thing is for sure: it's a unique and intriguing concoction.
Surprisingly, I don't smell a lot of tuberose in it. It's so well-blended with the tobacco, plum and immortelle that it's rather difficult to tell apart. The whole perfume smells solidly oriental and not much floral to my nose. You can only tell the tuberose by the rounded, sweet and rubbery feel it lends to the whole.
Contrary to the name, there are little to no animalic notes to be experienced in T3A, although it does have a sort of vintage, lived-in feel to it that makes it smell somehow... human if you wish. But not animalic in the typical 'dirty' sense of the word.
I decided to buy it because I fell in love with that real, lived-in quality that it has. We had our ups and downs along the years and I eventually discovered that I love it best on cold, rainy and bleak days because of its melancholy and wistful air. The tobacco and plum give it a thick, syrupy darkness that closes in the tuberose, creating an almost smothering, airless effect. T3A is rather moody, but fascinating and even attractive in its lack of cheer.
A saturnine beauty and strong presence. Possibly unisex, but more feminine than not.
Huge sillage and lasting power.
Surprisingly, I don't smell a lot of tuberose in it. It's so well-blended with the tobacco, plum and immortelle that it's rather difficult to tell apart. The whole perfume smells solidly oriental and not much floral to my nose. You can only tell the tuberose by the rounded, sweet and rubbery feel it lends to the whole.
Contrary to the name, there are little to no animalic notes to be experienced in T3A, although it does have a sort of vintage, lived-in feel to it that makes it smell somehow... human if you wish. But not animalic in the typical 'dirty' sense of the word.
I decided to buy it because I fell in love with that real, lived-in quality that it has. We had our ups and downs along the years and I eventually discovered that I love it best on cold, rainy and bleak days because of its melancholy and wistful air. The tobacco and plum give it a thick, syrupy darkness that closes in the tuberose, creating an almost smothering, airless effect. T3A is rather moody, but fascinating and even attractive in its lack of cheer.
A saturnine beauty and strong presence. Possibly unisex, but more feminine than not.
Huge sillage and lasting power.
2 Comments
Naughty Peppery Vanilla
A very special and unique spiced-up vanilla. The red pepper and carrot notes give it a naughty piquant feel with an oddly attractive touch of vegetal pungency.
Like the seductive Salome, who served as inspiration for this perfume, Seven Veils conveys a certain self-confident playfulness which is loaded with sex-appeal. It's not your typical sweet creamy vanilla. It's peppery, it's mischievous and quite lively. In fact to my nose there's more orchid in there than plain vanilla - it's more floral than dessert.
Seven Veils wears nicely in all seasons but the super hot summer days and it's a fabulous companion for everyday wear. It will perk you up and make your eyes sparkle.
Longevity is great - 12h+ on me - with pleasant, noticeable sillage all throughout.
Like the seductive Salome, who served as inspiration for this perfume, Seven Veils conveys a certain self-confident playfulness which is loaded with sex-appeal. It's not your typical sweet creamy vanilla. It's peppery, it's mischievous and quite lively. In fact to my nose there's more orchid in there than plain vanilla - it's more floral than dessert.
Seven Veils wears nicely in all seasons but the super hot summer days and it's a fabulous companion for everyday wear. It will perk you up and make your eyes sparkle.
Longevity is great - 12h+ on me - with pleasant, noticeable sillage all throughout.
1 Comment
Serenity Now
Review for the EDT in round bottle.
Well, to be honest, I was a bit worried that there will be too much cedar and not enough sandalwood in the EDT version. But I can happily confirm that it's not the case! Tam Dao EDT is a beautiful sandalwood-centric perfume that's completely unisex.
It reminds me so much of the sandalwood fan my mother used to have, it's almost the same smell, only the real wood was a bit sweeter and muted, while Tam Dao has quite an airy, spacious and solemn feel to it. Like a Buddhist meditation to find inner peace. Which is interesting because I do feel calmer and more meditative than usual when I wear this scent, so the suggestion works.
The sandalwood is not milky or creamy, in fact it feels a bit raw and dry, as if freshly cut - but I do not get the dusty, wood shavings impression from it either which is what allows me to enjoy it completely. Behind the sandalwood, cypress and rosewood are great in their supporting roles, maintaining the exclusive woodiness and adding complexity and interplay. The cedar is also there among the crowd, but not a contender for the dominant note. It adds a touch of masculinity and keeps everything dry and airy.
Overall, a true woody perfume and a wonderful way to relax and think more profoundly about the meaning of life. :)
Sillage and longevity are moderate. A reapplication might be needed after 6 hours.
Well, to be honest, I was a bit worried that there will be too much cedar and not enough sandalwood in the EDT version. But I can happily confirm that it's not the case! Tam Dao EDT is a beautiful sandalwood-centric perfume that's completely unisex.
It reminds me so much of the sandalwood fan my mother used to have, it's almost the same smell, only the real wood was a bit sweeter and muted, while Tam Dao has quite an airy, spacious and solemn feel to it. Like a Buddhist meditation to find inner peace. Which is interesting because I do feel calmer and more meditative than usual when I wear this scent, so the suggestion works.
The sandalwood is not milky or creamy, in fact it feels a bit raw and dry, as if freshly cut - but I do not get the dusty, wood shavings impression from it either which is what allows me to enjoy it completely. Behind the sandalwood, cypress and rosewood are great in their supporting roles, maintaining the exclusive woodiness and adding complexity and interplay. The cedar is also there among the crowd, but not a contender for the dominant note. It adds a touch of masculinity and keeps everything dry and airy.
Overall, a true woody perfume and a wonderful way to relax and think more profoundly about the meaning of life. :)
Sillage and longevity are moderate. A reapplication might be needed after 6 hours.
Intense Rose, that is
A truly beautiful perfume, but unfortunately also a victim of its uninspired naming.
Coffee smell lovers will probably be disappointed by Intense Cafe - the coffee note here is very discreet and very well-blended into the scent. It's all but imperceptible really.
However, I will judge this perfume based on how it smells and not what it's called. As a rose scent, it's glorious. The rose note is lush, rich, velvety and sweet, almost slipping into gourmand territory while still retaining its freshness. The creamy soft vanilla in which it's dipped gives it a clear feminine bent. Also, despite not being listed in the notes, Intense Cafe has quite an apparent oud note that confers some darkness and Oriental depth.
But what I love most about this scent is how alive it feels when worn on skin and how satisfying it proves as the day goes by. There's wet red roses for floral lovers, there's oud, amber and musk for oriental lovers, there's a sugary vanilla sweetness for the gourmands - it's really foolproof as far as I'm concerned. Needless to say, longevity and projection are both just perfect. I could never imagine regretting my choice for the day or wanting to change my perfume midday as it happened to me with other scents.
A versatile and satisfying rose.
Coffee smell lovers will probably be disappointed by Intense Cafe - the coffee note here is very discreet and very well-blended into the scent. It's all but imperceptible really.
However, I will judge this perfume based on how it smells and not what it's called. As a rose scent, it's glorious. The rose note is lush, rich, velvety and sweet, almost slipping into gourmand territory while still retaining its freshness. The creamy soft vanilla in which it's dipped gives it a clear feminine bent. Also, despite not being listed in the notes, Intense Cafe has quite an apparent oud note that confers some darkness and Oriental depth.
But what I love most about this scent is how alive it feels when worn on skin and how satisfying it proves as the day goes by. There's wet red roses for floral lovers, there's oud, amber and musk for oriental lovers, there's a sugary vanilla sweetness for the gourmands - it's really foolproof as far as I'm concerned. Needless to say, longevity and projection are both just perfect. I could never imagine regretting my choice for the day or wanting to change my perfume midday as it happened to me with other scents.
A versatile and satisfying rose.
1 Comment
