Aveda Men Pure-formance Aroma Spray

Aveda did something extravagant here: they created a beautiful and versatile masculine fragrance out of only natural and organic materials, with masterful complexity and an enduring beefiness to boot. Though fragrantica say's "orange" and/or "lemon" notes, it is actually a combination of kunzea and plai oils. Kunzea has a bright astringent quality, not dissimilar to tea tree oil (why people think "spa" when they smell it). Plai, on the other hand, is more like ginger and provides a pleasant tarty-zing to the composition. The combination of the two in the opening provides the wearer with a blast of astringent-zestiness, as invigorating as it is grounding. The lavender remains in the background, but isn't the star player. This does not smell like Beau de Jour, which is all creamy lavender and coumarin on a base of clean patchouli. In the drydown, this becomes something entirely different as it morphs into a natural, smokey, and herbaceous vetiver. This type of development - an arch in the story of the scent - is a powerful demonstration of the expertise of the perfumer. All of the best perfumes share this quality: evolution. A shame it's discontinued. A real work of art. I'll enjoy it bittersweetly.

This was my favorite scent of all time. I still have an unopened one bubble-wrapped in my bathroom. I have a second one that I use only on the most special occasions. Given that it's discontinued, I've put a lot of effort into replicating it, so I'm going to provide some tips based on what I've learned, for those who are in a similar situation. First is Fragrance Revival. They recreate discontinued fragrances. While not perfect, their version of PureFormance (called Grounded Essence, I think?) is like 80% of the way there. I've ordered it a few times. My second suggestion is Salt & Stone either the Santal & Vetiver or Bergamot & Hinoki (or both). They're light body mists that allegedly have skin-friendly ingredients but they're very spa-like, crisp, and clean. The combination of the first and second is the closest replication I've found to this original. In my opinion, this should've been marketed as an androgynous fragrance.

This was my signature from 2013-15 (before I really got into fragrance) and it brings back good memories living in California. It's an aromatic masculine type of fragrance that's got some zing and zest due to the fresh citrus and ginger. It evolves on the skin and becomes even more aromatic and musky with leather, smoky vetiver, and even cardamom(?). I remember thinking it was pretty versatile, although it's not a really formal or nighttime type of scent. But season-wise you could rock it year-round. I can see what people mean when they say it smells of essential oils or a spa. That's what I liked about it though - it ain't for someone who's looking for a highly sophisticated blend of French-style perfumery. It combines invigorating freshness with a richness, a fulness. I like it but it's discontinued; I'd still pick up a bottle if I found a good deal, just to see if it's as good as I remember.

Unlike the review below, I don’t find this to smell like Beau De Jour. If anything it’s closer to Bois Marocain which opens with citrus but also has a distinct resinous quality. Still I think this is its own scent profile, which is in the same vein as other Aveda products. I really enjoy this fragrance, but I rarely choose it as something I wear out of the house. Instead, this is great for putting on fresh out of the shower when I know I’m going to be lounging and want to feel relaxed. It definitely gives off a spa vibe.

A very good all season fragrance, very wearable and unisex in my opinion. Came across with it while looking the mens section in an Aveda store. Instantly liked it and bought it. Fresh/spicy, clean scent. It's like the mix of natural oils used in expensive spas, very aromatic, natural, zen type fragrance; makes you feel clean and relaxed. My nose smells every note in the description: vetiver, lavender, orange, lemon and mint. Has moderate sillage and longevity. Can make a very good signature scent.