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.

This is a "spa fragrance," and reminds me of something one would smell like after having an incredibly relaxing, yet invigorating massage and treatment at a high end club. Simply fantastic. Note to the wise: you only need one spray of this. It is very powerful and almost comes off like a whiskey, but let it settle down a bit and it will last all day long.

I really wish Aveda didn’t discontinue this one. I freaking love this scent and I’m all out now. I really want to find something similar to replace it now.

For anyone missing this check out Tom Ford Beau De Jour. IMO (and according to wife and daughter) they smell exactly the same.

I came across this again and although I sampled this a long time ago, I revisited it and I have to admit it is very aromatic and does remind me of an expensive spa treatment using the best pure natural oils. I sprayed this on early afternoon and it still smells strongly on my skin a good 8 hours later. It has wafted around all day long reminding me it is still there right through to drinks and a evening meal with friends. A few comments that night were that I smelled spicy, fresh and very clean smelling. I am very happy with this purchase. August 2020 - I sadly discovered this has been discontinued at Aveda but I have managed to find a back up bottle online.

I have this fragrance and honestly it is my only fragrance now. I do use some essential oils, but I sold over $2k worth of regular fragrances because of the harsh chemicals, the toxicity, and cloying headache I began to get from them. I was also diagnosed with chemical poisoning due to use fo many chemicals in products for body, hair, and fragrance primarily. This stuff is earthy, spicy, and simply good. It is not like a synthetic "FIERCE-BOMB-POUR HOMME". It's simple, green, and balanced. If you are going for a scent that will make you stand out, this might do it. I also use this as a Beard spray.

LIKE: Pure-formance is an incredibly relaxing spa-type scent good for 4 season-wear, herbal and all natural smelling. Puristic, clean presentation, excellent sprayer. DISLIKE: On skin it opens with a strange sour smell unlike other aveda products for about 1 hour. Longevity is only about 4~5 hours, even on fabric. Although many reviewers praised the potency. The 2014 reform is probably fact. Buy again? No, not with my current impressions, but I will give it more skin time and see if it grows on me. As alternative I enjoy Guerlains Vetiver more.

I am surprised at this fragrance's sillage. It wears well all day. I am really impressed. I was somewhat reluctant to purchase it but am absolutely pleased I did now. I feel I am wearing a fragrance with integrity and some level of honesty - if that makes sense??? It feels real and earthy. I was greeted with wafts of lavander and vetiver all day. The citrus notes are there but I don't think they're what you smell - I suppose they balance the wood of the vetiver. Love love love it.

Basically the smell of NIVEA skin cream with added ginger and massage oil. Smells REALLY clean and sharp. Sterile is a good way to put it. I personally like a clean sharp gentlemen's scent. However this quiets down rather quickly (within 20 minutes). What you are left with is the Nivea cream smell more than anything else. Nice try and worth a sniff for the first 20 minutes. Clean freaks will love it...then you know the deal...like everything else these days it fails to please.

Smells exactly like cheap Lemongrass essential oil, to me. It has an astringent, medicinal quality to it that reminds me of Novocain. The lavender and mint notes are there, but they give it a gross, plush kind of accord. Vetiver and citruses used together can either be glorious or demonic...and this one is demonic. It smells like an old bottle of peroxide.

I bought this fragrance just based on the notes on Aveda's website and it is now my absolute favorite cologne for my husband! He just smells so yummy when he wears it!!!! I highly recommend it if you are on the fence about buying.

I don't like it. It's cloying and smells astringent and clinical, like you're in a dentist's office and about to suffer some pain.

Some of you use the word "cheap" like your gonna throw up in your mouth! Lol.