Rare Gold

I can sympathize with a number of the first reviews that mention this is a very strong, more mature fragrance... because when this first goes on- it is STRONG STUFF!!! Strong enough to give even the most hearty fragrance wearers a slight headache... so this is one that I would recommend spraying once, then dabbing on the wrists and neck... 4 squirts of this could be TOXIC!!! After the initial dry down (about 30 minutes to an hour), this becomes quite nice... if not completely enchanting and totally mesmerizing. I hate to be catty here, but I've seen a lot of reviews that seem to knock some of fragrances with depth and substance, if they have more depth than the typical bubble-gum variety sweet essences that are so prominent in stores like Victoria's Secret and The Body Shop. Some reviews toss the term "mature" about as if they were slamming these fragrances because they are designed to be worn by women, and not merely "girls"... this seems to taint the reviews of fragrances which may fit best on a more mature woman. Yes. There is definitely a level of sophistication and elegance that comes about when you are no longer drawn to bubble gum sweet smelling cotton candy-ish fragrances. Sometimes this comes with women reaching a certain age, then again- it can just be the level of class and sophistication of the woman herself. Imagine Hollywood casting an ingenue in the role fit for a QUEEN! Hey, there are women who can wear fragrances of depth - and those that should not even try! Let's face it - there is a huge difference in the woman that can take on the role of a true QUEEN-- and the one that can merely play the role of the Princess (this is not to say that the Princess will grow into the QUEEN in time, but for now... choose wisely. Only a QUEEN should wear certain fragrances with depth). Fragrance is much the same way. Sometimes your age, stage, level of refinement - or lack- thereof may dictate which clothing you wear... and which type of fragrance range you should wear. This is neither "right"- "wrong"... "good"-"bad"-- but simply a basic FACT! Off my soap box... Back to Rare Gold: This fragrance is ageless and timeless, but if I were having to choose a certain age group that would feel comfortable wearing this - it would be someone who is above the age of 32, someone who has a level of sophistication. It is in the range with a lot of the fragrances that were popular during the mid-80's, where it lasts longer and has a more "mature" fragrance, than a lot of the bubble gum/candy-ish fragrances that smell almost "cheap"... lining the major store retail walls these days. This is more in the range with classic, elegant, and sophisticated fragrances that require that a woman be mature enough to wear the fragrance, and not be worn by it. This is for the woman who knows where she is going, and is not afraid to take the steps necessary to get there. Wall flowers, need not apply. This is one of those perfumes that really grows on you. I first discovered this after trying Avon's Rare Pearls, which was something that I had smelled on a woman that I was passing in a hallway - and just had to ask her "what are you wearing?" because it smelled so good on her. I'm kind of a fragrance snob, in many ways-- and I was shocked that this was an Avon fragrance and not an upper end department or boutique store brand. The reason that I say this, the blend of fragrances is very sophisticated and wears really well... unlike most drug store variety fragrances. Whoever created Rare Pearls and Rare Gold - really has a "gifted nose" and have blended two fabulous fragrances. When I bought Rare Pearls and began wearing it -- I received a ton of compliments, I was so impressed with the fragrance that I read reviews for Rare Gold - and ordered it based on what customers were saying. A number commented that Rare Gold was very similar to Rare Pearls, but a bit "more business". It is one of the fragrances that scores the highest in my "morning after skin test" - where you wake up and smell your arm - and it is a HEAVENLY fragrance! It must be one of the best fragrances with my individual body chemistry, because the smell that I wake up to in the morning, is really fabulously sexy, clean, uplifting, and really HOT!!! The price point is one of the best features of this fragrance, but if I did not know that this was an Avon fragrance, I would have thought that it was a very high end designer department store brand. It is unusual - you won't have 20 people telling you that they know the name of your fragrance. Rare Gold is something that you don't smell every day. A number of people have asked what I am wearing - so this proves that it must be THAT good with my chemistry! ------------- Rare Gold is in the exact range of one of my favorite perfumes, First. If you like Rare Gold - do me a favor and try First. Rare Gold seems to bit a slight bit more spicy and has a cinnamon/apricot type base to it, where as First seems to have a slightly stronger earthy, woodsy, and slight floral scent.

Rare Gold is one of those fragrances that really draws compliments. I know that I've said this BEFORE, however - if you are quibbling about whether or not to try this, DO! I'm surprised by this - It opens with a strength that you'd expect from the major fragrance houses of the 1980's. However, by the first hour of wear - this has carmelized into the skin - and becomes irresistible! The body lotion and shower gel are definitely worth trying. Does it get better than this? If so -- let me know! I love this - if you know of anything similar - personal message me, for now -- this is IT! I get so many compliments - consecutively on this! -------------- I'm delighted to have found Elizabeth Taylor's Emeralds and Diamonds - which people said smells similar to Rare Gold. In a side by side comparison with "Rare Gold" by Avon - they are similar, in the same exact chord as one another and it would take an expert nose to tell these two apart. It would take a side by side comparison to tell these two apart. Elizabeth Taylor's Emerald and Diamonds first minutes of spray is slightly lighter with more noticeable air-ness in the spray. For this reason, Emerald and Diamonds appears like the younger sister to Rare Gold. Rare Gold is more concentrated and smells more like the oils of this essence, it is stronger and doesn't have the air-y aldehyde "Ozonic" lift that happens with Emerald and Diamonds. About a half hour into the wear of this, the peach type notes in Rare Gold begin to emerge. This is heavenly on the skin. This is when the chemical interchange happens where the fragrance begins to dance on the skin. Elizabeth Taylor's Emerald and Diamonds wears lighter, it is less syrupy (less oil) than Rare Gold. I detect the notes of carnation and tuberose more in the blend with Emerald and Diamonds - which gives a slight lilt to the fragrance, more of an up-beat lift. Rare Gold is more refined, well blended -- which makes it appear more serious, business-like...it comes across more mature. Rare Gold smells expensive, cultured, it smells like old money. Both smell so similar that they could be used interchangeably as a signature. I really LOVE both! (It is exciting to find another fragrance that I love as much as Rare Gold because this is one of the most complimented fragrances that I've ever worn, with my particular chemistry). Rare Gold wins the horse race for longevity - this is one that I can still smell on my skin even 12-15 hours after spraying. The thing that I really love about it is the way that it caramelizes with my skin during the final stage of the dry down. The most gorgeous musk is the final phase of this, which is really one of my very favorite notes. This is amazing! I can't begin to tell you all of the compliments that I've had with this fragrance. And yes, the people come up to me with starlit eyes! This is magical on! Love it! It really DOES SOMETHING with my chemistry! LOVE IT! Emerald and Diamonds lasts 6-8 hours on the skin, it fades more quickly...but there is a youthful vibe to E&D which would make this a great choice for more casual outings, lunches, doing things outdoors. I wouldn't object to this as an office/business fragrance because the silage is not completely overwhelming. In the final dry down - Rare Gold ends on a sexy musk peachy smell that draws the compliments and would be a better romantic date-night choice. I don't know yet how people respond to Emerald and Diamonds, but it ends on a note that is more floral tuberose/gardenia with a somewhat oceanic type expansive smell...again, another reason why I would wear this for more casual occasions...more outdoorsy and casual. Both would be a great duo for a signature. They both are similar enough to create their own "brand" - but different enough to serve two separate purposes. Emerald and Diamonds, more casual wear -- Rare Gold - more formal/business wear. Both could be worn to the office/for business events. ------------- Rare Gold is a favorite, it has been from the start -- I love Rare Pearls too! Both are unique - so different from each other! Both have had a ton of compliments!

Rare Gold - I have quite a story with Rare Gold. I first found this perfume around the same time that I tried Rare Pearls - and I love both perfumes, for different reasons. I wore this a lot several years ago - and then I decided to cycle back through some of my other perfumes and then Rare Gold sat at the back of my drawer for awhile. I was reaching for some of Avon's newer fragrances this past 3 years. However, on a whim - I decided to wear this fragrance again this week. The compliments start pouring in! This is AMAZING! What's more? It lasts on my skin - HOURS! Yes, I've smelled this still on my skin a good 10 -15 hours after first spraying it! This just goes to show that you really have to try fragrances and find something that melds with your own chemistry. This perfume formula actually caramelizes with my chemistry... so at the end of the day, this has a gorgeous musky scent that is simply irresistible! I LOVE it! I get compliments on the other fragrances too - But this is one that lit my boyfriends eyes up. Ok - That did it for me! I've always been a fan of Rare Gold -- but seeing his response, I'll definitely move this to the front of the fragrance drawer! ---------- Rare Gold is a good blend with Attraction - by Avon, also. Sometimes I start the day with Attraction, then when that one begins to need a refresh - I will spray on Rare Gold for evening, late-afternoon. This combination is also an Attention Magnet! LOL... The compliments pour in! Can it be that easy? Yes - the right blend of fragrance notes can accomplish A LOT! ----------------- Just to back this up -- I have been wearing Rare Gold a lot this past couple of months - and I have never had a perfume that receives THIS MANY COMPLIMENTS! Wow! It smells similar to Southern Style Peach Tea - it smells Peachy and there are notes in this that remind me of tea. I love this one - and most especially, I love the star-struck look in the eyes of the people who have complimented me. THEY LOVE THIS ONE! This is a Winner -- Truly RARE GOLD! --------- I perceive this perfume to be more of a fall/winter/evening type perfume - although this wears very well on cooler spring days. I think this is a bit heavy for the hottest days in summer, unless you are primarily in an air-conditioned building or in a climate where the evenings are cooler. This is a perfect evening wear perfume. This receives so many compliments that I find it hard to wear anything else... I love trying and sampling new perfumes, but this is one that I return to - time and time again. I've tried a lot of more expensive perfumes, but for some reason - this perfume is one of the best with my chemistry. This perfume is moderately and reasonably priced - however, the quality reads that this is a high end perfume. The compliments are like no other perfume that I have worn - with the exception of Beautiful by Estee Lauder. I find people leaning in - just to smell this one. Yes, they LOVE it! ; )

NO-OOOOOO-Body does AMBER quite like Avon !!! The amber, musk, vanilla accord seems to accentuate so very many of the greatest Avon fragrances. This fragrance reminds me of all that is so great about Avon. The word "cheap" or ANY derogatory word ever uttered Avon ought to shatter & crumble in the presence of this great creation. If some noses are not akin to this treasure, then I would chalk it up to an unschooled/knowledgeable olfactory center or wearer. I doubt this is a fragrance for immature noses or women. It is far too complex & "old school" to appeal but to the utmost discriminating women. For this is one amber, musk, vanilla accord that Avon built an empire on. No one does amber blended with all types of other base accords quite like Avon. It seems Avon took the amber accord of Tabu & made it tasteful & Ladylike---acceptable to all---that drank in this accord. But these women were WOMEN that dared to walk out into this world smelling this good. Usually things like this were hidden for the boudoir & not the office or church. But this golden juice is so very good, who could not fall for it's ylang-ylang opening, laced with peaches so ripe they are bursting forth onto a bed of smouldering amber? Each and every note unveils itself as only Avon does. But the big thing that strikes me again about Avon---when they do a vanilla note, in the faintest hint of the base---that is when Avon does it the best. The vanilla accord is the last holdout & when it unveils it is anything but that came from handling a rolling pin. This is not dime-store vanilla. It is vanilla for one like me that is NOT usually favorable to vanilla. I hate that vanilla-extract note in Beyoncé & other celeb frags. But the amber/sandalwood accord that leads to the vanilla draw in the nose very close. And it comes across as very feminine & hypnotic rather than the knock-you-out celeb frags of today. You must wait for that delicious vanilla accord. And THIS is that what smites & draws in closer with the most delicious vanilla accord which is only detectable with snoot planted on skin. The blend of amber & vanilla to peek amongst all the wood anchoring the ylang-ylang that Anais Anais promised, seems like a too-huge order to fill. But Bare Gold teaches Anais-Anais Cacharel a lesson on some legevity---which Anais Anais never delivered. So if you want ylang-ylang to deliver more, reach for Rare Gold. This is an utmost classic---much like the great movies & other things I can experiencce & collect. I want to experience the best while I can. And this one is in my top 10. A lesson on how to do amber!!!! Get it while you can.

Being the southern USA girl I am, I confess to loving everything big, gorgeous, rich and long-lasting. Although I am a Frag Freak and love scents from all categories, I tend toward the whopper spicy orientals in cooler weather, cool chypre fruity/florals in the warm season. What bayou girl can resist oak moss for goodness sake? It's "home". Mossy oak trees and magnolias. We are born and raised with strong smells all around us. Spicy food, almost suffocating yet heavenly, super heady florals and the smell of wood and earth is everywhere. This is why.. I ADORE Rare Gold. Sans wood and moss I don't get much of here, this is the smell of southern summer flowers in full bloom. Their scents are captured right in this bottle and it is pure luxe. Yes, it is sweet, juicy, big and bloomy, and that is exactly what I love about it. I detect honeysuckle, carnation and gardenia very clearly in this one along with the occasional hint of roses. Only gardenia is listed as one I detect but the others are wrapped in a floral aldehyde blend. They are definitely there and I know this without making the stuff, therefore my intro. The peach is not a stand-out peach to me. I have to "listen" for it but it is certainly there and well it should be. Avon has outdone themselves with Rare Gold. It smells deliciously expensive for the price, which... to my dismay continues to climb at the "discontinued" price since my initial discovery. The overall composure is a perfect blend more than very well executed. It is sweet. Use care when spraying and that can be easily tamed. The slightest spritz on each wrist will last all day and keep drying down to even more fabulous. I find nothing too sharp, nor sour wilting flowers as sweet florals tend to go on me. It's jez' absolutely dee-VINE-lee gawjuz, Darlin'. Furthermore, as dressy and rich as it smells, I feel perfectly at home wearing it with jeans or yoga pants. When is it ever a bad time to smell incredible? Got me grinnin' like a mule eatin' briars. ;) I do not suspect this will be a fragrance anyone would find highly unique or unusual. This is pure classic magic and overwhelmingly beautiful IF, and only if you love sweet florals, which I usually steer far away from due to my skin chemistry, but Rare Gold has done what no other could do so far... after all these years - *sings to the nanny nanny boo boo tune* "I can wear a flo-ral, I can wear a flo-ral* And I a-yum lovin' it, yum-mee, yum-mee, yuhhhm-mee Lucky, lucky me-ee!" (Damn, this stuff smells good.:)