Le Gemme Empyr

Okay, let’s get the price out of the way first off. Is it overpriced - hell yes. Is it worth the money - no. These Bvlgari’s are very expensive but I guess that also makes them exclusive too. So what about the scent itself? I’d describe this as high-end designer. It reminds me of Tygar in a way. Not that they smell the same, as they really don’t, but they are both fairly simple, mainstream type fragrances but with more quality than your usual designer fragrance. I don’t think the fragrance accords listed above at the time of me writing this review are that accurate. Firstly, I get a blast of orange and ginger, making for a zingy and energising opening. The woody notes are there although there’s not an overdose of sandalwood in the usual way, as the spicy and zesty notes temper this aspect of the fragrance and thus stop it becoming too warm. Benzoin gives a little vanilla warmth and sweetness to the fragrance. There’s a slight powdery hint in the background that makes it feel clean although, fortunately, this element is low key and subtle. The late drydown becomes dryer and woody with a mineralic edge. Think orange, ginger and wood with a mineral sheen, and this is what you predominantly get. One thing to note, there is a slightly weird accord that runs through the fragrance that some have likened to seaweed, meat or even blood. Although that sounds gross, I get why people would say this. It’s more apparent when smelt from the skin than from the sillage or when sprayed on clothes (perhaps it’s a skin chemistry thing and not everyone will smell this) and, to be honest, it is a little unsettling at first. I don’t dislike this aspect but I can’t say I particularly enjoy it either. However, were it not there then it would be a completely different type of scent that we’ve all smelt before, so it does add something new and different. I think this accord will grate on some, whereas others will really enjoy this aspect. I suspect it might be a synthetic that reacts differently depending on the wearer as some people don’t seem to get this at all. I’ve found this fragrance quite hard to describe because it could be seen as a little generic - it has a simplicity about it but not so simple that it’s a one note fragrance, rather the few dominant notes used blend together as one. The best I can compare it to, and this is from memory as I’ve never owned a bottle, is it has similarities to Dior Homme Sport 2017, although they aren’t identical. It also reminds me of MFK Amyris, again not identical but it has similarities from memory. So you’d think after all said and done, I’d give this a miss; overpriced, a bit generic, nothing groundbreaking etc. Except, I really like this. It’s hard not to like this to be honest. Price aside, it’s better than your usual designer fragrance, it smells classy, it’s extremely versatile (all seasons and occasions), it’s not heavy or overpowering but it lasts for ages and has moderate projection. A good quality fragrance that can be used at anytime. This will be a fragrance I wear when I don’t know what to wear, an office friendly scent and a fragrance that will get me compliments, I’m sure. Cost aside, see this for what it is, rather than what it isn’t, and you might just like it too. Although, if cost is a primary factor then there are other, cheaper quality alternatives that do a similar job. I love the Bvlgari bottles though with the gemstone magnetic cap. Overall, it’s a hit for me.

got this baby for half the retail price in discounters ! fck those youtubers influencers that said this scent smells like eggs and fish, i knew bvlgari didnt pay to those influencers for their reviews this is the best fresh ginger scent i smelled. its sexy , astrigent, sparkling ginger ale soda, i fking like it, made my vibrato bottle obsolete that i would sell it ... i tested on my skin in the airport duty store, took an 8 hour flight, 2 hours bus to the hotel, the hotel staff told me i smell amazing, wow 10 hours and they caught some whiffs.... i find it versatile for daily wear, for all seasons and occasions i probably end my search for the best ginger scent here. goodbye tygar and vibrato!

Probably the most slept on and prematurely dismissed fragrance in this line up. Fantastic release. Definitely has that very lightly gingery and citrusy sea mist quality to it when smelled in the air (ie. how its supposed to be smelled, not your nostril stuffed against a tester strip or your skin). As for @Slowpainhauer below who apparently is a world renowned ginger specialist... I am also from the same region and yes ginger does smell like this. What type of ginger are you using? The ginger note in this is accurate, but as if it was splashed with water - which is likely the imagery the perfumer intended (it's literally an ode to the Mediterranean Basin...)

I love this one, it's my favorite one. A fresh and pleasant fragrances that lasts so long on clothes, too! It's just an awesome- long-lasting fresh ginger type of scent. Easy to like, easy to wear. It's a very realistic ginger scent, like this all of the facets of actual ginger, from the whole root to the juiciness of being cut-up. With a base of creamy sandalwood for sure, but the ginger never fades. If you don't like it, I suggest that you might be trying to smell it too closely. Try to catch how it smells in the sillage - like spray it on your jacket and hang it somewhere you often pass by. I think you'll find it near impossible not to like.

Amazing fresh scent and super long lasting. I love everything Jacques Cavallier does. This is up there with Tygar if not better. Orange and ginger is what i get here and it doesn't change. Really appealing and well done. This will easily work all year round but i would definitely wear this in spring/summer mostly. 10/10