Imari (Original) 1985

Finally, a day cool enough to wear my Imari again. I forget how much I do love this fragrance until I put it on and let it settle and develop; a sniff from the bottle does not do it justice. This fragrance does have a masculine vibe—which I love. It also comes across as a more “mature” scent, also just fine by me (I’m in my 30’s, for what that’s worth). As I revisit this fragrance, I realize that it in many ways exemplifies my favorite notes. Galbanum—I only recently realized that this is a common denominator in some of my favorite fragrances, and part of what gives that warm, strong, masculine sense. Bergamot—another favorite, another slightly masculine note; herbal-y, rich yet crisp. Sandalwood—almost a guarantee that I will adore a fragrance, this also gives warmth and depth. Musk—not a ‘white musk’ here, but also not a dirty or overly complex musk, either; well balanced. Yes, there is cedar here, but thankfully not too much....and yes, there is that strong, pinchy chemical note of aldehydes, but I’m OK with it here and don’t find it too overwhelming and think it provides balance. Amber—yes, I sense it’s there...but blended so well with the other warm notes, and not typical; this is not a vanilla-centric amber, but a spicy, earthy, golden amber. Orris root....not strong in this composition, not to my nose...but like the style of amber, I think the orris is giving an earthiness. The lily and tuberose...the vanilla and ylang-ylang....my nose doesn’t pick these notes up at all, unless to say they are there keeping the overall composition from being a completely masculine scent. I love how Imari develops on my skin. I love that it is complex yet well integrated; it is warm, rich and opulent without relying heavily on vanillic-amber. It is somehow spicy, without any spice-notes (it seems that cloves , ginger and cinnamon should be listed as notes...but they are not). It is somehow smoky, like hardwood or mesquite burning in the corner of a cozy room—but not overpowering, not tobacco-like, and without a true incense note. Imari is like a deep, dark, red Rioja—smoky, well oaked, rich, mature, smooth and multidimensional, with each sip, each sniff, bringing a new sensory gift.

I remember the mysterious red bottle my mother owned, & I was not allowed to play with! What a pretty bottle, curvy like a woman, daring in red. I think the scent is a good match as well. Rich, deep, and voluptuous, Imari is one of those classics that will give you a distinct halo, and the quality of this perfume is not lost. I believe I have purchased a vintage set. It smells exactly as I recall on my mother, & it is indeed very strong! Luckily for me, the galabdanum that's present in many chypres, greens & orientals gets along with my skin famously, so this rich composition sings for me! Please note, dear reader, That I am in the midst of a binge through the house of Amouage, so it is obvious to all that i love robust perfumes! just a personal preferance. This is my comfort "Oriental." When Amouage is too complex, or the AG Orientaistes Collection too heavy, this is the perfect scent to reach for, and it is reached for often! It brings to mind an oriental/green composition for me. Resins, smoke, a leather hint perhaps.. fiercly green galabdanum in a massive dose & beautiful Sandalwood give this perfume a sexy bottom! I would advise fellow resinous, exotic, and sensuous perfume lovers to fall into this huge success from the Avon line. I've heard the reformulation is lighter, more powdery & delicate, which I could definitely see suiting some. Ill stick with the old powerhouse that competes with Opium & Samsara thanks! And she does indeed hold her own. Here is Cinderella! Nobody knew this hidden beauty was coming to the ball! And oh, no.. The bitch wore RED!

So, l have had a hate-love (yes, in that order) relationship with Imari. About 10ish years ago, l was gifted a 1oz bottle (dated 2002) of Imari. When l first smelled it, l HATED this fragrance so much; it just smelled so masculine, harsh and l thought it just smelled like men’s deodorant from the 80’s 😖. I moved out of my parents’ house, and this fragrance literally sat on my dressing table, forgotten and abandoned for 10 years. I happened to visit, the other day, and came across Imari, again. I’ve recently renewed my love for Avon scents and own Far Away, Far Away Sensual Embrace, Candid, Sweet Honesty, Odyssey, Night Magic, Timeless, Rare Pearls, Rare Gold, Soft Peony Musk, the new version of Topaze, Haiku, and Imari Blossom, so l was curious about Imari. I took the lid off and smelled and l was still instantly reminded of harsh 80’s deo...BUT! ...l got up my curiosity and courage, sprayed some on my skin, and O. M. G!!!! This scent instantly changed into this feminine spicy, yet soapy and clean-turns-powdery (I also weirdly smell a little coconut *shrug* ) aroma that l absolutely couldn’t stop smelling! I then sprayed it all over my body, went to bed and slept like a bebby! I have absolutely no idea if my body chemistry changed, or if my olfactory senses have matured and changed to appreciate more complex fragrances, but I’m totally head-over-heels in love with Imari! I started loving Youth Dew, also, so l wonder if that opened my mind up to the possibility of loving Imari, too... 🤔

Vintage face powder, Elnette Hairpsray, Cigar smoke and spicy Incense in the best possible way. Wonderfully cheap and suprisingly sexy for a cheap cologne. This is really one of the few Avon scents that works with my chemistry. Layer with the body powder or skin softener for best effect it really enhances the powdery vintage feeling of this fragrance. For some reason this is a man magnet despite it's cheap as chips price tag and bad reputation; everytime I wear it I get compliments from men about the exotic smell. I first found this when I was 15 and I was in love with it. This even comes in a body spray which smells very true to the perfume and will only set you back a couple of dollars! I love this, it's very grounding for me to wear and makes me feel comforted and serene and I can wear it summer or winter without a headache unlike anything else I own. It's my go to whenever I cannot decide to wear, great for casual or work days and I even wear it to bed when relaxing. The icing on the cake is how easy this is for me to buy and how affordable it is. I am pretty sure that a lot of people know me from this scent, it may not be my most favourite or the most gorgeous scent I own but it has travelled the years with me and is still sitting in my perfume drawer 15 years on.

I love this perfume and think it is one of Avon's best. The newer version is softer than the original but the fragrance is still pretty much the same as the original, in fact, I prefer the modern version over the original which was much heavier and mature smelling. I wouldn't compare this to Chanel No. 5 as it is more woodsy than Chanel No. 5. CN5 is more of a floral. Also, the dry down of Imari is reminiscent of dried flowers pressed between the pages of old dusty books in an attic. This "old" smell is not offensive, it is elegant and comforting, at least to me. It reminds me of my Mom who wore this in the 80's when she sold Avon. I loved the way my Mom smelled when she wore this perfume. It was her signature fragrance for several years until she discovered Tresor. I really like Imari, but I'm not sure if I could wear it as my signature because It was my Mom's. I think it's one of those perfumes that you associate with the memory of someone who wore it because it has been around for about 30 years