Cafe

It's 3 weeks before Christmas, and my Mom is unpacking our decorations. There are boxes of lights, boxes of ribbons, bows and paper, a big box for the wreath we have hung on our door for as long as I can remember, and then the box of candles-both electric and wax-that we deck the halls with each year. I open the lid to the box of candles and there it is: the smell of Christmas to me. Bayberry, pine, spruce, cinnamon and cloves. That smell can only mean one thing-well, it did before I tried this fragrance! I've been wearing Cafe by Cafe now for 4 days straight. I wanted to get the best impression of it that I could so I made it the only bottle I took with me for a long weekend trip. It is safe to say, I have found a new favorite frag for my Top Ten list. This is the EDT I am reviewing, and with that being stated, I will tell you the longevity of this EDT is fairly good (upwards of 10 hours on me so far) but the sillage is nothing to write home about. I can catch wafts of it as I am moving around but otherwise it's pretty close to my skin. Hubby says he can smell it from about 6" and his sniffer isn't very sensitive. However, I had to get him VERY close for him to even pick up on it. It's not a head turner. The bottle is Dollar Store chic, indeed. It isn't impressive, but the spray works great on it so far and it's a FINE mist, which I always appreciate more than a targeted stream. Maximum coverage with that atomizer. When I first applied it all I could think of was Wassail. It's this incredible spiced wine drink served at the holidays full of every conceivable kind of spice. My cousin makes a wine-free version at Christmas and this is almost exactly what that initial mist called to mind. Then after about 10 minutes the wonderful carnation/patchouli notes began to warm on my skin and this frag really opened up and started to shine. It's a sweet smell, but not sugary or jammy. This has NO fruit to it. It's a calming, comforting smell that I expect from this type of Oriental frag. I absolutely LOVE the spices in this. That's what I tend to go for, though. If you don't want to have someone tell you that you smell warm and homey, then don't wear this. For all it's comforting overtones, it's also very opulent to me. This is a rich frag-not cheap smelling, in my opinion. I think if the formulation had a tad more carnation in it then it would almost be cheapy. My bottle had just the right blend and with that powdery soft patchouli blending with it, it's still very "foreign" and a bit mystical. There is a touch of incense to this as well that I also love. I highly recommend this wallet-friendly frag to those of you who love a warm, rich, but not over the top frag on those chilly winter days. I would probably wear this in warm weather, too, but only at night. Not a warm-weather, daytime wear for me. LOVE the Cafe by Cafe!!! Great value, excellent scent!

An incredibly inexpensive copy of YSL Opium 1977 version. I remember vaguely when this stuff came out, but I was already in the throes of YSL Opium and what did I want with a scent that was described as a cheap version of Opium. It was the go-go 1970's; yes, YSL Opium was expensive but there was lots of it around and you didn't worry about there not being any of it around when your little bottle was empty. What a difference 43 years can make. At least 5 major recessions later and yes, there's lots of 1977 Opium around, but at much higher prices proportionately and who knows where the prior owners have been keeping their little bottles. (Oh, it's such a pretty bottle, I think I'll put it here in this window.) In the meantime, Cafe Parfums of France keeps cranking these bottles out. (Maybe they aren't; maybe they're all remainders. I dunno.) It doesn't replace YSL Opium 1977 version, but it's a really good scent and it makes you feel like for once you've gotten a good deal somewhere. I mean gosh, this stuff is going on eBay for less than $15 for a 3.3 oz bottle. The bottle itself is tacky, and the plastic sprayer, cap and upper bottle cover are of the cheapest and probably most brittle plastic I've ever seen on a perfume bottle. I'm already wondering how I'll fix it when the whole thing breaks into 20 plastic shards in my hands. But right now it's great. Woodsy and dark rosy and lots of patchouli, but not quite as redolent as YSL. It has better manners. Doesn't last quite as long, maybe 4 hours unless you've doused your clothing along the way. Great stuff. And thank you to whoever either reviewed this in the last 10 days or wrote an article about it. I saw whatever it was, and bought a bottle on your recommendation. Otherwise, I'd still have forgotten all about it.

This a review for Café by Café Parfum/Cofinluxe, Parfum de Toilette, still containing Oakmoss and Treemoss in the ingredients list. (I know there are no other versions but I always like to make it clear.) What a lovely and warm spicy fragrance! And so underrated! I agree with many reviewers that it does bear a resemblance to YSL Opium, however I dare to say (and I am expecting stones my way) that Café is even better than Opium. It is spicy with an earthy hint of patchouli, but the rose gives Café a sweet soapiness that makes it a lot less aggressive to the nose than Opium. It also smells less dated to me, although I believe this is because Café did not define an age, like Opium did. One interesting thing about Café (and I found this to be true to many other Café Parfum fragrances I own) is that it is not a layered scent. What I mean is that, at the dry down, you don't smell many different scents unfolding on the skin - the smell remains the same from almost the first spray. This is not necessarily bad. Café is an uncomplicated fragrance - what you smell is what you get - and this is precisely why it is one of my favourite perfumes for daily wear. The bottle is not very imaginative, but I like its vintage minimalism. It suits the scent. The 30ml one is perfect to carry in your purse or bag. Café is a softcore Oriental perfume, for those who enjoy showing their spice off but don't necessarily feel like knocking passers-by out. It is warm but soft, intimate. It can be worn during the summer without fear (I have even worn it at the beach). Granted, the longevity is not its greatest strength, but it's cheap so you will not feel too guilty about reapplying it.

A couple of hours ago, I received the delivery of this fantastic bottle of perfume that cost a whopping 8 Euros. I had already tagged this fragrance as potentially curious and was quite keen to at least try it out. Given its low cost, it was easier (and cheaper) to order a new full bottle, than to keep me going on adventures with decanters. Today, although I was inclined to try a women's perfume with a strong osmanthus note, out of mere curiosity, I decided to go ahead with this also feminine fragrance as a SOTD. Right from the start it appears as an amazing scent (for the price) of rather spicy resins, which dry out acquiring soapy and powdery facets. In other words, it starts unisex and then leans towards a more feminine hue. This is a truly surprising and rather underrated gem. In reality, it is a perfume with a scent reasonably suggestive of being a lighter flanker of YSL Opium's feminine version. Perhaps it is a little too gentle to fully replace Opium, but it is certainly easier to wear and makes it possible to use an "Opium-like" scent in an office environment. It also reminds me slightly of Chanel Coco, which I reach for even quite often. So it seems like an irrefutable "two-for-one" deal, albeit in a poor bottle worthy of hiding. Performance is quite average and that is surprising too. With such a low price I expected a longevity of 2~3 hours. But I can assure all of you that it lasts more than 6 hours with 3 sprays and projects over an arm's length. If I would have to rate it globally right now, I am comfortable suggesting an 8.0 out of 10.0. Music: Norah Jones - "Don't Know Why"

I recently bought this because of the overwhelming amount of votes, as very similar to the good old Opium (1977 version). It is completely true. This is the early Opium I used to buy and loved to bits. I even have to vintage versions at home (keep them like treasures) and I tested all tree of them together, and there is no noticible difference. The dry-out is a little softer in "Café" and the longivity is a little shorter on skin. On clothes however it last days and still smells amazing. I am extremely happy to have found this, since Opium is now but a mere shadow of its former self. I have known Opium ever since its introduction, and loved it as simply the best scent ever made. I feel I can therefore speak with some weight, when I compare "Café" to Opium. Opium scent does not only hold memories of youth and passions to me, it also holds the memory of a time when parfumes were done right. If you miss the vintage Opium and hate the new terrible versions and their harshness, "Cafe" is for you. Meeting with this wonderfull scent again (allthough under another name) brought tears to my eyes. It is that good!

Here's a mean trick to play on a perfume snob: decant some of this darling and send it on with no explanation. I predict you will receive a call about the Nuit de Noel you sent them: is it EDT? It must be vintage since the top has gotten a bit sharp, etc. I am baffled that more people aren't loving this juice. It's rich, clever and well made. The ingredients seem to be top-notch and there's just enough itch when it goes on for me to believe that it's one of the last true oak moss scents standing. The interaction of the rosemary and vetiver is amazing. There's also something creating a lovely incense that isn't called out in the notes or the ingredients. The cinnamon and citrus sparkle. This stuff is constantly on deep clearance. Do yourself a favor and pick some up. If the utterly hideous bottle embarrasses you too much get a pretty crystal bottle on eBay and decant. If embarrassed by the brand look vague and say "something French". Sillage: 3-4 feet Duration: 4 hours and counting Fabulosity: La Vie en Rose Price to value ratio: the diamond as big as the Ritz 10/10

Primeiro perfume onde a saída com limão realmente me cativa, me dá aquela sensação de chá de limão bem quente e confortável, com especiarias. Ele vai fechando cada vez mais incensado, exotérico (casa exotérica como muitos falaram aqui), me imagino usando argolas douradas nas orelhas bem exageradas, com uma camisa de tecido esvoaçante com uma certa transparência de mangas longas, bem bruxa, bem cigana e mística num clima ameno, combina muito com o pessoal de humanas bem "vibes", certamente um perfume para quem pode carregar (com poucas borrifadas, claro). Saída: Limette e verbena. Coração: Artemísia e Rosa. Fundo: Patchouli, incenso, musgo de carvalho e alecrim. Obs.: Sobre essa embalagem horrível (rs), eu arranquei a parte marrom de plástico e ficou bem mais bonitinho o perfume, vou fazer isso com todos que eu comprar. Em breve posto no Fragram como ele ficou. ↓ https://www.fragrantica.com/fragram/fp/238581

Stop the world- the rumours are true- this is the best likeness of the original Opium you'll find anywhere. I'm amazed (through years of trying to find an affordable original bottle) nobody told me this sooner. Ignore the pyramid- I think the top notes are misleading- just thinking extremely soapy aldehyde bomb with spice and sandalwood, and if you know the original Opium, this is that. There is, of course, a minor difference: the drydown lacks depth and quite the addictive quality of original Opium. But look, for £8 on Notino, this is such an incredible steal, and people will *think* you're wearing Opium. (I was slightly confused as something called "Café Café"- the fruity one in a different bottle- exists and the one I bought was in a slightly different colour bottle than those I've seen, and not listed as "Cofinluxe"- but be assured, it's the same thing. Opium fans- just go for it.)

To be honest, I originally saw the bottle and thought it would be some kind of coffee-like scent, especially with a name like "Cafe" and coffee beans on the bottle. I was a little dismayed that it completely, did not smell like coffee but also over joyed at what it DID end up smelling like. a mildly spicy incense-y dream. A bit heavy but it's absolutely delicious. The spices are definitely prominent and while there is no incense, it definitely smells like there should be. It's intense and gives me the feeling of something a littler darker, a little more sacred. Definitely a colder scent but it's lovely. Lasting time would range between 7-8 on clothes, and even then it's still there, just very faint. A friend commented that it was quite a "womanly" scent.

I woke and the second thing in my mind ( The first thing was giving thanks to God for another day ) was that I just crave Cafe . So I spray liberally and I love it. It's almost spring here and being that this is the Caribbean U might think that it is not apropiate for hot weather. But as they say it is sister of Opium but lighter perfect fot hot weather. It wont suffocate you it is just perfect . It is cheap (mine cost $10 for a3.04 oz ) but it smellls so expensive. I realy love it . My most sincere critic is my son and he loves it he says it is diffrent to most of the perfumes out there. This for me is a keeper. vintage Opium is incredible, but so expensive. It may be cheap but just give it a try. You may be surprise!!!

Simply wonderful, a classic. For those who grew up in the 80s and 90s and are super used to aromatics, you will love it. I think that perfumes nowadays are too sweet, they all have vanilla, pink pepper, peony...it all smells the same. This one remained unique and bold, different and striking. Simplesmente maravilhoso, um clássico. Pra quem cresceu nos anos 80 e 90 e está super acostumado com os aromáticos, vai amar. Eu acho que os perfumes de hoje em dia são doces demais, todos tem baunilha, pimenta rosa, peônia...fica tudo o mesmo cheiro. Esse aqui se manteve único e ousado, diferente e marcante.

This absolutely does not smell like Opium or Cinnabar. I have every vintage oriental known to man and woman and also a nose. I can't believe none of the reviewers are talking about how this is an inexpensive but not cheap-smelling dupe for Chanel Coco. I actually like it more. I am not a Chanel fan. It goes on like a vintage chypre or aldehyde then warms up and lasts a nice long time. This is one of the best blind buy inexpensive fumes I have bought. A winner. I sprayed the heck out of myself because usually the cheap perfumes don't last or project. Whew. This one is a walking cloud of Chanel.

This is one of the few blind buys I've ever made. I wanted to try it because of the glowing reviews it's received here. It does not disappoint! Cafe opens with coffee, chocolate, and cinnamon. It is hot, rich, creamy, and exotic -- like a cinnamon mocha. Next to arrive are roses: big, silky red roses. Cafe looses some of it's heat in the drydown. It turns soft, a bit powdery, a bit vanilla. Although it is a "hot" oriental it is not overwhelming and would be perfect for summer. How this luxurious scent can be so inexpensive and relatively unknown is beyond me. A must have.

his is a good copy of a spicy Opium sh fragrance. Not sure why its called cafe, as there is nothing coffee about it, Bottle is kind of cheap looking, but the fragrance itself is worth the purchase. Strange, as an Opium copy I would have expected cinnamon and the like - but that isn't listed in the notes.Carnation and citrus is listed, and I don;t detect that. It makes me wonder if the listed notes are even correct? anyhow good silage and ok longevity, but may require a few more than just one or two sprays. Nice for fall/winter. Not overpowering. Happy with my purchase.

Warm delicious chai latte! I bought this blind after reading the notes in it and the reviews and I got it for a great price so I figured if I hated it I would not be out alot of money. I can see wearing this perfume in the fall and winter and over the holidays. Warm and cozy with just the right amount of spice to make it interesting and comfy cozy but inoffensive. It kind of reminds me of a cross between Giorgio red and Opium only more subtle. YUM!!!!!!!!

Oh yeah, Opium and Cafe Cafe are much alike. I have Opium on one hand and Cafe Cafe on the other and the opening is very similar. Lots of spice. But Opium is rounder where Cafe Cafe is more sharp when it comes to the drydown. Sillage is great on both but Opium stays on longer. Someone said "Opium light" and I can agree to that. If you can't buy Opium, try this one. It is really wonderful and with a very nice price for a big bottle.

This fragrance is better than I expected. Sure i read all the great reviews and I see it listed often as an unsung hero. This was a blind buy for me and I knew I would love it but, who knew I would really love it a lot? It's very spicy, warm, and smooth. I should have bought this one sooner especially since it's so inexpensive. I like this way better than many of my pricier perfumes. Thank you everyone for suggesting it, I love it!

Lillybee has one of the BEST noses on this site! After reading her review here I bought this one blind and love it!! Very warm, spicy, and comforting. I don't really get a real coffee note, although, I am somehat reminded of light cappuccino. This is very creamy, woody and just a little spicey. Perfect for a summer's eve or any winter day or night. What a deal, too! I can't believe this is so shamefully cheap!!!

As I am almost done with the bottle of Opium I purchased in late '80s, I have been looking for something similar, and from the reviews on here I thought this would be a good choice. In side-by-side testing it is very much like Opium, with a spicy warm opening that softens to something a little creamier after about 10 minutes on the skin. A nice substitute and the price is just a fraction of the cost.

This is one of the best vintage hidden gems out there! It’s a soapy take on YSL Opium —and not your regular soapy but something sparkling which only aldehydes produces. In fact, although aldehydes aren’t listed, Cafe smells like a blend of YSL’s Opuim and EL’s White Linen. I own both and when layered they smell like Cafe. So this is a vintage double duty, a true bang for your buck.