photo by Steven©
We return with part 2 of our top ten most complimented perfumes and once again this list includes fragrances from designer, luxury, niche and artisan brands that we think fly under the radar. It is co-curated and in no particular order. These fragrances don’t require you to overspray but rest assured people come up to us and ask what is that perfume that you are wearing because you smell so great (see part 1 here).
Xerjoff Nio (2009): If you have never smelt vintage Guerlain Imperiale cologne then Xerjoff Nio, from 2009 is the next best thing (at least for me).
It reminds me of the song “Classic” from the MKTO Band “Thinking I was born in the wrong time, One of a kind, living in a world gone plastic, Baby you’re so classic,”
Nio is absolutely one of my favorites because it is neither masculine nor feminine and has a quality difficult to find in a citrus fragrance: it lasts, even in the heat. The bergamot in Nio is exquisite and curls around jasmine and spices until the drydown of vetiver and woods. I own many Xerjoff fragrances and this is one of my most complimented perfumes from their brand (along with Richwood and Lira Casamorati)-Notes: Tunisian neroli, Calabrian bergamot, jasmine, cardamom, nutmeg, pink pepper, green leaves, cedar, gaiac wood, Haitian vetiver, Indian patchouli, amber.-Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief
Tom Ford Costa Azzurra Parfum (Yann Vasnier) 2021: Originally in the Private Blend offerings, Costa Azzura Parfum is now in the signature collection, and has been reworked by superstar perfumer Yann Vasnier. It is a true aquatic fragrance, in the sense it has seaweed, facets of salt spray and driftwood. There are citrus and fougere qualities as well as a hint of amber. I prefer it to the original. I know Yann since 2009 and he always brings his signature polish to fragrances. Here is a quote from our young perfumer series “I remember when big designer brands were launching daring fragrances. I miss these days; I hope they will come back. The future is bright although these wonderful times have past; I still am the most excited just after the briefing, when I start my ideas, bold, strong, hopeful, before days and months and sometimes years of polishing all the rough edges away…”-Michelyn and Steven
Rogue Perfumery Derviche II (Manuel Cross) 2021: Expect the unexpected from Manuel Cross and this would take Michelyn’s top spot. Derviche II is the 2021 follow up to 2018 Derviche, (an amber laden ode to Emeraude by Coty). Derviche II is one of my most complimented perfumes and uses many of the same materials but in totally different proportions. It is an amber, woody incense masterpiece laden with dried fruit and to my nose a fine quality oud hums in the background. The bright sparkling citrus introduction adds freshness and keeps it from being overwhelming or cloyingly sweet- Editor Karl Topham featured it in a standalone review and Steven had it in his top ten 2021 list of best fragrances. When three perfume aficionados agree it among one of their most complimented perfumes, that truly speaks volumes. Notes: Citrus, Mediterranean Herbs, Incense, Agar Wood, Sugared Fruits, Amber, Vanilla, Musk.-Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief
Ramon Monegal Atractone (Ramone Monegal) 2022: Aptly named, this new fragrance from Ramon Monegal attracts compliments, either on its own or layered with other perfumes. There is a sultry quality to this gorgeous musky floral. Red hot at the top, the jasmine is carnal and indolic, the sweetness of kiss is hinted at with the red lipstick vibe from raspberry but wait there is an ocean breeze moving in until the “my skin but better dry down” of a mélange of musk. In the words of Sr. Editor Nicoleta Tomsa, Imagine a flower that dreamt it was human.
A note from the perfumer “… In my years as a perfumer, I’ve learnt that scents exist to identify and communicate values. This olfactory language is communicated unconsciously through the olfactory image the scent evokes. When I wear Attractone Musk it’s the law of attraction, desire and a connection with life that is communicated via myself.” -Ramon Monegal/ Notes: Top: Ozonic, Aldehydes, Baies rose, Cumin, Cashmeran; Heart: Jasmine, Lily of the valley, Lilac, Cyclamen; Base: Sandalwood, Musk cocktail, Amber, Raspberry-Michelyn and Steven
Parfums de Marly Darley (Francis Deleamont) 2009: With popular Parfums de Marly fragrances like Delina, Herod, and Layton, Darley is often overlooked and was one of the Houses first offerings 13 years ago!! I find Darley to lean more masculine with realistic smelling lavender and mint, accents of cinnamon and mint. The vibrant opening is complemented by the sweet sensation of cinnamon and tonka bean. The power of this fragrance will get you noticed, and the complexity will keep you coming back for more. Top Notes: Mint, Lemon; Heart Notes, Lavender, Cinnamon; Base Notes: Patchouli, Amber-Steven and Michelyn
10 Most Complimented Perfumes that fly under the radar YouTube review by Steven
For our Part Two10 Most Complimented Perfumes That Fly Under the Radar Giveaway
Thanks to the generosity of Ramon Monegal, we have a 50 ml bottle for one registered reader in the EU, USA and UK. You must register or your entry will not count.
Thanks to Manuel Cross, we have a draw for a 50 ml bottle of Rogue Perfumery Derviche II for one registered reader in the EU, UK & USA.
Many thanks to Parfums de Marly for a 120 ml bottle of Darley in the USA and Canada ONLY
Parfums de Marly Darley, Rogue Perfumery Derviche II and Ramon Monegal Atractone photo by Steven©
Thanks to each of the above three brands, we have a reader’s choice ONLY for one of the three ABOVE to a registered ÇaFleureBon reader and Redolessence subscriber. YOU MUST REGISTER and leave a comment on this site with your choice should you win, what you thought of BOTH MICHELYN’S WRITTEN AND STEVEN’S VIDEO reviews of Most Complimented Perfumes and where do you live. COUNTRY RESTRICTIONS APPLY. If you want your comment to count twice, please follow us on our Instagram page @cafleurebonoffical. Draw closes 9/05/2022 but will be announced within 2 weeks after.
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