Welcome back, ladies & gentlemen. It's my birthday eve of August 30th & will be past my birthday when this is published and one thing I love wholeheartedly is fragrances, soaps, deodorants & hygiene essentials in general but today, I'm making my fragrance list for the year of 2023. This was comprised on quality, compliments and versatility as 1 currently own every fragrance mentioned in this list.
- Initio Magnetic Blend 7
My rating: 10/10
Initio Magnetic Blend 7 is hands down the best from this company even over Oud for Greatness & Absolute Aphrodisiac. This is one of the best date night fragrances. Initio Magnetic Blend 7 is a perfume that focuses on the note of musk and is known for its pheromonic power. It is described as a sweet white musk and is often referred to as a "magic wand in a bottle". The fragrance is designed to be a fixative for other scents, enhancing their longevity, but it can also be worn on its own and is considered beautiful. Magnetic Blend 7 is said to evoke self-confidence and desire, drawing inspiration from the pheromonic power of musk. It is described as a mysterious fragrance that leaves the wearer in a state of pure ecstasy. The scent is known for its skin-on-skin heat and body-to-body tension. Overall, Magnetic Blend 7 is a musk-based perfume that is both alluring and captivating.
- Tom Ford Noir Anthracite
My rating: 8.5/10
Out of the Tom Ford Noir collection, this is easily the most versatile and Sahara Noir, (which is unfortunately now discontinued) is the best. This is an elite fragrance. If you are into dark & smoky smells, this is up your alley. It is a flanker of Tom Ford's bestseller "Noir" and is described as a film noir fragrance. The scent is a woody fougere with a focus on smoky, peppery woods. The top notes of the fragrance are Sichuan Pepper, Ginger, and Bergamot, while the middle notes are Spices, Galbanum, and Jasmine. The base notes include Ebony, Cedar, Birch, Leather, Sandalwood, Patchouli, and Amberwood.
- Parfums De Marly Althair
My rating: 10/10
Got my hands on it early. This is a new fragrance, I've owned it for 4 days and a quarter of it is already gone. This gives off Yankee Candle, Midwestern Autumn & October Hikes with your lover while drinking a hot chocolate. The scent is a vanilla fragrance with the texture of a musky citrus fragrance. It is a singular, contrasted new trail that honors the woody-vanilla-amber fragrance family. The fragrance is considered to be a popular release from the house. Parfums De Marly Althair is a perfect olfactory discovery for those who enjoy warm and amber fragrances.
- Amouage Vanilla Barka
My rating: 9.5/10
Very dominant, easily in that starting 5 of Amouage fragrances. Rose Incense, Royal Tobacco, Homage, Interlude Black Iris & this one. The only stopping this from being 1 is there's no floral duality. If remade, Amouage should consider Jasmine or Ylang-Ylang blended in with the Vanilla note. The fragrance features a sweet and decadent vanilla absolute that melts into a voluptuous stream of tonka bean lit up by flashes of crystalline frankincense with a dash of saffron & orange.
- Tom Ford Black Orchid
My rating: 10/10
The best dark floral fragrance I ever smelled, this is the best blended floral fragrance I have ever had. It's so intriguing. A must have. The fragrance features a sweet and decadent vanilla absolute that melts into a voluptuous stream of tonka bean lit up by flashes of crystalline frankincense.
- Demeter Royal Apricot
My rating: 7.25/10
This is the one of the lowest ranked fragrance on my list but what makes this special enough for consideration is the opening note which is a 10 & the warmth of the dry-down which I would say is a 8.5 but in between which will be most of the time the fragrance is on, it's light & bitter. Preferably good to layer with and apply upon a strong base than just wearing it. So the middle scent is a 3.5 & the versatility is a 7. So if you mathematically calculate the average, you get 7.25.
- Matiere Premiere Cologne Cedrat
My rating: 8/10
Not much to be said, perfect blend of fresh & citrus.
- Clive Christian Jump Up and Kiss Me: Hedonistic
My rating: 10/10
With brands like Clive Christian & Montale, they are note-centric. Getting as much in is the goal and the reason, this is a 10. Top notes are Black Cherry, Mate, Mandarin Orange, Bergamot, Clary Sage, Violet Leaf, Grapefruit, Lemon and Neroli; middle notes are Tobacco, Papyrus, Jasmine and Orris; base notes are Tonka Bean, Amber, Leather, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Cashmere Wood, Labdanum, Musk, Patchouli, Moss and Vetiver.
- Acqua Di Parma Zafferano
My rating: 8/10
A masterful metaphor of the traditional
Venetian terrazzo’s compositional technique, where radiant stones and precious marbles are skilfully merged to create a surprising
experience of harmonious beauty and
connoisseur luxury.
- Maison Francis Kurkdjian: Aqua Vitae Cologne Forte
My rating: 10/10
Mandarin from Italy gives bright freshness to the bergamot, leading to a luminous, citrusy and sunny floral scent. Vibrating in unison in a halo of warm light, Aqua Vitae Cologne forte is a pampering eau de parfum whose trail is saturated with sun and sensual musks boosted by sandalwood from India.
- Gentlemen Only Absolute by Givenchy
My rating: 8/10
A sensual warm vanilla & cinnamon mixed with bergamot as a base. This is a smooth fragrance and has the perfect name.
- Kayali Pistachio Gelato 33
My rating: 9/10
This IS SEXY. This gives me that beautiful girl you just want to dig out so bad type of vibe. This is that Canadian Girl or Valley Girl type of sexy. This is that Vanessa Morgan-Rihanna-Erica Paige-Camille Hyde level sexy. Yum Pistachio Gelato | 33 Eau de Parfum Intense is a delicious explosion of irresistible and edible notes including pistachio, voluptuous whipped cream, roasted hazelnut, sweet rum, fluffy marshmallow, and fizzy cotton candy. A truly yummy fragrance that charms with an unforgettably intense, gourmand scent trail that will have you smelling good enough to eat.
- Kayali Sweet Diamond Pink Pepper 25
My rating: 10/10
This is Rihanna's Red Lipstick & Cockiness level erotic. Shit! Fellas, the smell of a woman wearing this is an instant erection. Not to get carried away, Sweet Diamond Pink Pepper | 25 is an electric, floral, woody creation. With its luxurious, modern metallic finish the unique bottle epitomizes the vibrant and flirtatious juice inside. The scent of Sweet Diamond Pink Pepper | 25 combines the spiciness of pink pepper and saffron with sweet Bulgarian Rose and Royal Lily florals for a perfect balance. Deepened with Sandalwood and Golden Amber and intriguingly heightened with sparkling bergamot, this scent is perfect for those who expect a little more from the unexpected. The number 25 indicates the 25 rounds of formula modifications that went into creating the perfect balance of flirtatious and sweet.
- Louis Vuitton Les Sables Roses
My rating: 10/10
A timeless fragrance trail of rose and oud wood to taste the infinite desert
The desert possesses a singular magic that captivates travelers. At dawn, the sun’s first rays blend the dunes and the sky, night and day, and the earth and clouds into a majestic pink. Fascinated by the harmony that springs from contrasts, the Master Perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud has composed a hot and cold perfume playing with two exceptional qualities of rose and oud. Its simple, limpid script underscores the natural beauty and richness of two of perfumery’s most legendary ingredients. The freshness of rose and the woody depths of oud exalt one another, borne aloft by a warm swirl of ambergris.
- YSL M7 Oud Absolu
My rating: 7.5/10
La Collection M7 Oud Absolu by Yves Saint Laurent is a Amber Woody fragrance for men. La Collection M7 Oud Absolu was launched in 2011. Top note is Mandarin Orange; middle note is Patchouli; base notes are Agarwood (Oud), Myrhh and French labdanum.
- Bravanariz Casa Cuervo
My rating: 8/10
The warmth of the horses in the cold morning, raising in its wake the scent of chamomile in the meadows. The leather of saddles, chaps and saddles of the saddle. The animal intensity of cattle and rockrose, the austere elegance of oak moss and lavender. And those cigars and pipes loaded with marine and exotic tobaccos, smoked by the fire, when the script of life is written after a day's work in the Extremadura fields. Casa Cuervo contains some of the best moments spent with my family, sharing my father's dreams and passions.
- L'Artisan L'Eau D'Ambre Extreme
My rating: 9/10
L’Eau d’Ambre Extrême is a more complex and intense rendition of the original, L’Eau d’Ambre. Master perfumer Jean-Claude Ellena has created a fragrance with amber as the main theme. Cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon and mace are unmistakably oriental and reminiscent of an exotic Eastern spice market. The powdery vanilla and floral notes enhance the amber accord, creating a mysterious and dreamy fragrance. It is the most voluptuous of elixirs.
- Kilian Smoking Hot
My rating: 10/10
The fragrance opens with forbidden fruit: a round Apple Hookah flavour blends with warm Cinnamon Bark essence. In a slow burn, notes of fire-cured Kentucky Tobacco absolute emerge. Harmonized with Oakmoss, this resonant Tobacco absolute leads into a Bourbon Vanilla, with balsamic tonalities. Also known as a Pure Jungle essence™ Bourbon Vanilla, it is of the highest quality Vanilla available, especially intense, and textured. When crossed with Orcanox™, a powerful sensuality comes full circle.
- Amouage Interlude Black Iris
My rating: 9.5/10
From the moment this decadent elixir lays itself on the skin you know it is a fragrance that is here to impress. The opening exudes the daring attributes of the original but it is immediately evident that it has been ever so slightly tweaked to provide the wearer with an exciting new experience. Although Bergamot is present there are no apparent citrus tones, like a spark before the ignition it has almost been used as an injection of energy before it delves into more intricate depths. A quick flurry of herb-like freshness bursts on the scene before dissipating rapidly, revealing an instantaneous profusion of sharp resinous spices that wrestle with the senses. Strange though it may seem, an extinguished campfire immediately comes to mind, its faint glowing embers oscillating in the darkness. Charred logs dampened with rain release nuances of burnt liquorice, scorched wood and pine-like aromas as it drifts through towering dense forest. This may be a tad dismaying to the interlude novices out there, but once you allow yourself to let go and enjoy its masterfulness, it definitely is an olfactory journey worth hanging on for.
- Bond No. 9 Central Park South
My rating: 10/10
Once again, sexy & sultry. Floral, spicy & gourmand. When you need a fragrance that makes you smell fresh and confident, Central Park South is the one to go with. The beauty of Jasmine and Tuberose mingle with a dash of Pepper and woods, which makes the blend mature and self assured. It does smell like spring, but also has this certain air of elegance and luxury. The perfect spring blend.
- Jo Malone Tuberose Angelica Cologne Intense
My rating: 9/10
Jo Malone Tuberose Angelica Cologne Intense is the latest addition to the brand’s Cologne Instense portfolio which are the deeper, decadent fragrances that represent real luxury to me. I am already a huge fan of the Saffron Cologne Intense – it is deep and dark and heady. Tuberose Angelica is slightly lighter due to the floral element but the tuberose is powerfully intense and super sensual. It is a serious, very grown up, yet sexy floral. The top note of Angelica gives it a green and spicy freshness whilst the amber base notes further draw out the sensuality of the tuberose, making it soft and warming.
My rating: 8/10
I love this. Affordable, underrated, overhated and an overall beast of a fragrance. This is elite. Easily the best everyday fragrance, barbershop fragrance and gym fragrances out there. Goes best with Tom Ford Grey Vetiver & Molecule 01.
- The Harmonist Hypnotizing Fire
My rating: 10/10
Hypnotizing Fire is a seductive fragrance that nurtures the wearer like a gentle flame. The mellow sensuality of Madagascan Vanilla and Benzoin is enriched by the subtle notes Bulgarian Rose, Indonesian Patchouli and Pimento Berries harvested under the Jamaican sun. Warm and glowing, it’s an enchanting Yin scent that revives and restores.
- DS&Durga Leatherize
My rating: 8/10
This is a modern transparent leather that can instantly augment another perfume. Over rose, orange blossom, ylang, and other flowers, it’s as if the petals turn to rawhide. Patchouli, incense and ambers are obvious friends. The next fume in our arsenal for playing around with your perfume.
- Emporio Armani Stronger with You Oud
My rating: 8.5/10
Paying tribute to the mythical ingredients of the Orient, STRONGER WITH YOU OUD’s Fougère Oriental Woody scent heightens the sensuality of the STRONGER WITH YOU olfactory signature with powerful oud, one of the most precious ingredients in perfumery. The captivating oud note complements the fragrance’s notes of mysterious lavender and alluring vanilla.
- Emporio Armani Stronger with You Leather
My rating: 10/10
A very manly masculine assertative scent which you can never go wrong with notes like Leather which is the self-explanatory heart note.
- Emporio Armani Stronger with You Amber
My rating: 8/10
The 3rd of the SWY series. A smooth and balsamic fragrance accord with the sensuality of Amber. A beast.
- Slumberhouse Pear & Olive
My rating: 10/10
Beautiful fragrance. Perfect sillage, dry down and scent with notes of pear, grape, chamomile, olive & cognac.
- Coach Wild Rose
My rating: 10/10
Sex in a bottle. Sex in a bottle. Sex in a bottle. I love this. This is a masterpiece, fresh out of the shower for the ladies.
- Mancera Tonka Cola
My rating: 8.25/10
As you guys can see, it's hard to just give out the illustrious 10. Hard to do but Mancera & Montale are too good to be that underground and I'm tired of it as I've said on previous fragrance blogs. Mancera has launched a new fragrance for men and women called Tonka Cola. This scent combines the vibrant and energizing flavors of the kola nut with the rich and luxurious taste of tonka beans. The top notes of Sicilian bergamot, nutmeg, cinnamon, and black cherry provide a burst of citrus and spice, while the heart notes of fizzy cola, Indonesian patchouli, and orange flowers create a lively and alluring aroma.
- Coach Open Road
My rating: 7.5/10
Manly and citrus dominant but pleasant and clean like linen. The scent opens with a delectably fresh blend of red apple and lemon for an instant citrus twist. An energising dose of Sichuan pepper follows herbal lavender and herbaceous clary sage for a taste of the outdoors on an American road trip.
- Eccentric Molecules Molecule 03
My rating: 10/10
Despite Molecule 01 getting all the credit for it's Iso E Super Compound, this in my eyes is far superior. It's vetiver potent with a supporting mix of tea, iris, lime & ginger. This goes great with Cartier Declaration, Initio Oud for Greatness, Initio Atomic Rose, Amouage Rose Incense, Tom Ford Italian Cypress, BDK Gris Charnel, Mizensir Eau De Gingembre, Creed Royal Water, PDM Pegasus, Creed Green Irish Water, Davidoff Cool Water Intense, Spicebomb Extreme, Gucci Bloom, Azzaro Wild Mint, Clive Christian X or Kilian Pearl Oud.
- Royal Crown Aeternum
My rating: 7.5/10
Perfectly blended and decent dry down. Its Top notes are Bergamot, Juniper Berries & White Melon. Mid notes are Aquatic notes, Iris & White Flowers and Base notes are Gurjum Balsam, Honey, Musk & Sandalwood.
- Thomas Kosmala No. 10 Désir du Coeur
My rating: 8.5/10
Floral paradise in a bottle. A guy by the name of Dylan sold me a few bottles & samples at Dillard's in Nashville. I love it. This also was a gift from my wife when we exceeded $15M in sales. I love this. It's an unisex amber woody fragrance. The combination of captives and molecules creates a unique and distinguishable scent specific to the individual.
- Cartier Declaration EDT
My rating: 10/10
It's important to specify as there are various flankers of Declaration such as with stronger with you but the EDT is the best by far. All have a woody base but it's the spicy undertone that elevates this one above the rest.
- Montage Chocolate Greedy
My rating: 9/10
Gourmand fragrances aren't the best deal in the fragrance community excluding vanilla which is a swiss army knife of a note. Can be gourmand, floral & spicy. The sillage is questionable but the dry down is spectacular. This is a beast from an incredible fragrance house in Montale.
- Boadicea the Victorious Carbon Sapphire
My rating: 10/10
Anything lower than a 10 for this is nonsense. This is in the class with Creed Royal Oud, Vodka on the Rocks by Kilian, Chanel 1957, Nishane Hundred Silent Ways, Nishane Fan Your Flames, Mugler A*Men Kryptomint, Mancera Deep Forest or Initio Magnetic Blend 7, that is the "perfectly blended, perfectly formulated". No weakness jumper. If this was a baseball player, it'd be a 2-way player. Can hit like Frank Thomas with a swing like Gary Sheffield, timing like Tony Gwynn, leadership of Derek Jeter, longevity of Miguel Cabrera, chemistry of Shane Victorino, dominance of Barry Bonds, consistency of David Ortiz with Rickey Henderson speed, Griffey Jr. fielding & Tim Anderson confidence and pitch with the speed of Aroldis Chapman, power of Randy Johnson, durability of Nolan Ryan, leadership of Pedro Martinez & clutch abilities of Mariano Rivera. That's utter worldly.
- Blackcliff Mr. Pink
My rating: 9/10
Creative Director Tomilson Bynoe weaves his own narrative regarding how Pink came to be masculine, involving the ancients and days of yore in which he envisions man and nature coexisting peacefully. In such times smoke existed without fire, milk was not white, and the ‘blood’ of wood was colored pink. One of the rites of passage involved the retrieval of such blood, which represents manna fallen from the last existing tree – and as a result, the completion of transition from adolescence to full manhood.
A clarion call of yuzu and bergamot usher in this unusual mystical gourmand fragrance burnished with the saffron-glazed, smoke-infused layers of butter, candied notes and toasted vanilla which constitute Mr. Pink’s heart. Its soul is deeply resinous and contemplative, laden with precious resin, sacred sandalwood and oakmoss for a polished finish.
- Lanvin Avant Garde
My rating: 8/10
Over a decade old and rare to acquire but far from outdated, great for clubbing. A must find.
My rating: 9/10
Released in 2023, Grey Vetiver Parfum elicits the essence of debonair masculinity, merging sustainably sourced vetiver with warm orange flower and rich spices. A bolder iteration of the original scent, GREY VETIVER PARFUM is inspired by Tom Ford's impeccable tailoring and styling. A trio of sustainably sourced, sunlit vetivers exudes intense radiance - as fresh orange blossom gives way to saffron, the world's most expensive spice, adding a nuanced luster. "If you go into our stores, grey is the color of the packaging, our carpets, and our walls; in a sense it's the Tom Ford color. The idea was to convey a cool, silvery, very refined vetiver." -TOM FORD. Grey Vetiver Parfum is packaged in a silver-toned flacon with fluted detailing.
- Guerlain Habit Rouge
My rating: 8/10
Habit Rouge Eau de Parfum reveals the intense and sensual signature of woody and leather notes. Created in 1965, Habit Rouge was the first amber fragrance for men in perfumery. From the moment of its launch, this tribute to Guerlain's passion for the dressage of horses created an element of surprise with its scents of sensual and bold vanilla. An amber that is by turns citrusy, warm and accented with vanilla, it expresses the genius of contrast and well-mastered emotions. Habit Rouge embraces a dandy man who dares everything. He combines sophistication and refinement . He lives his life fervently and distinguishes himself with a trail of extreme sensuality with it's modern geometry and mastery of form, Habit Rouge has an eternally elegant French appeal.
- Fragrance Du Bois Lovers
My rating: 10/10
Crafted for lovers like yours truly, this aromatic aphrodisiac reflects the unadulterated bliss of romantic interludes and shared pleasure. Passion fruit penetrates the pause, colluding with juicy plum and fiery ginger before acclimatising into an intimate clinch of jasmine and saffron. Classic rose caresses the skin, leaving the faintest fragrant trace of its fragile petals behind. Temperatures soar as cashmeran woods and milky sandalwood envelop in their embrace. Reassuringly sensual, gratifyingly decadent - a softly seductive and potent warm woody fragrance that settles on the skin like the golden glow of new unions.
- Jo Malone Velvet Rose & Oud
My rating: 9/10
Smooth. Seductive. Darkest Damask rose. Rich and textural, wrapped with smoky oud wood. Spiked with clove, decadent with praline. Magnetic.
- Chanel 1957
My rating: 10/10
My casual fragrance. The MVP. Royal Oud may be the GOAT but this is the MVP. Good for anything at any moment. Romantic, clubbing, professional, athletic, smooth etc. You name it, 1957 is it.
- Amouage Rose Incense
My rating: 10/10
My go-to travel fragrance. Coach Wild Rose may be the ladies sex in a bottle. Rose Incense is the fellas sex in a bottle. This is the His & Her fragrance. Shabazz Farrakhan University is not responsible for any children made from the release of these 2.
- Le Labo Mousse De Chene 30
My rating: 9/10
My go-to fragrance for family events. Cinnamon, pimento bay oil, and pink pepper spice it up to create timeless elegance that is reassuring yet surprising, tense, and addictive.
- Bond No. 9 Lafayette Street
My rating: 9/10
My go-to pre-game fragrance. Bond No. 9’s been headquartered right around the corner from Lafayette Street. This once unsung thoroughfare cuts a swath through Downtown’s most iconic neighborhoods, including Little Italy, Soho and Chinatown, it’s in serious revival mode today. The scent is a smooth ultra-male oriental fougere and layers perfectly with Acqua Di Gio Profumo or Tom Ford Black Orchid.
- Gucci: The Alchemists' Garden, A Midnight Stroll
My rating: 9/10
My go-to relax fragrance. Epitomized by a jaguar, A Midnight Stroll is an homage to the allure of nighttime. With its combination of aromatic incense and intense, smoky cade wood, the solitary jaguar moves under the cloak of darkness, as fresh cypress channels this expression of vitality.
- Mugler A*Men Kryptomint
My rating: 10/10
This is my go-to gym fragrance fresh out of the shower. It's vastly reminiscent of Ultra Zest by Thierry Mugler as far as the dry down but remove the citrusy smell to it and add in a minty smell. The reviewers online say it has a Wrigley like spearmint smell to it, but I would say more like wintermint, if you've ever had gum from 5, Orbit or Extra. Very very great smelling.
- Mind Games Grand Master
My rating: 10/10
My go-to business fragrance. Grand Master strikes swiftly as the softness transforms into unmatched strength. Opening notes of exquisite florals soar willfully while rich and energizing coffee notes, mingle with the spicy seduction of incense, myrrh, and dark wood. The flawless harmony of power and tenderness astonish the senses, awakening the knowledge of our own divine potential.
- Maison Francis Kurkdjian Gentle Fluidity Silver
My rating: 10/10
My go-to date night fragrance. In Gentle fluidity Silver Maison Francis Kurkdjian, nutmeg and amber woods dominate to release a vibrant and comfortable trail. The essence of juniper berries, reveals an ultra-fresh and aromatic high note like a gin fizz balanced with dry spicy notes and balmy nutmeg notes. Alternatively soft and enveloping, powerful and dry facets of amber wood appear in the background. The aromatic woody Gentle fluidity Silver eau de parfum is benevolent and free, deeply moving.
- Nishane Hundred Silent Ways
My rating: 10/10
My go-to fragrance for weddings, anniversaries and formal gatherings. One of the perfectly blended fragrances on Earth. Tuberose. Vetiver. Vanilla. Jasmine. Sandalwood. What a mix!
My rating: 10/10
Last but certainly not least. My go-to clubbing fragrance. Pulling out the Creed, Bond No. 9 Dubai and Clive Christian isn't always essential considering those are the best of the best ones but this fragrance is elite, bold and spicy with tones of pineapple, ginger & coffee.