Iris Empire

Ok so this is usually compared to DHI, and it being my favorite fragrance i had to try it. I was considering this fragrance for my wedding day, i thought it would be a more complex and rich DHI. I have to say i'm a bit disappointed. This is by no means a bad fragrance. In fact, it is amazing to be fair. BUT This is sweeter than DHI, it is less deep and even feels a bit more artificial (bearing in mind we are comparing high tier fragrances and none of them smell artificial). Since it lacks the depth of the DHI leather it is much more femenine. To me DHI is a "leans masculine" fragrance, while this is completely unisex, you do feel a soft chocolate background like you would feel in the likes of "Sacred" by Louis Cardin. This is more gourmand than DHI. The opening of Iris Empire is a bit spicier than DHI. They are not so similar when smelled side by side, they could be considered as in the same family, like Dior Homme Original, but this is farther to DHI than the likes of VUI, Gentleman EDP and even Bleu Noir Parfum. This could be a hybrid of the opening of YSL La Nuit De L'Homme, and the mid and drydown of Dior Homme Original, Louis Cardin and a little bit of DHI. Sad to say, this didn't meet my expectations, DHI still reigns supreme. (And my favorite of the CH Private Line is still Mystery Tobacco)

Spoiler alert - I love this! As someone who isn't the biggest fan of either iris or leather, Iris Empire was the fragrance from the confidential line that I was least interested in and therefore, the last one I got. In the opening, I get a very strong leather, iris and something bitter, it's almost like a punch in the nose and my least favorite part. But a few minutes after it's been on my skin, the leather and iris recedes into a more supporting role and the chocolate comes to the forefront - it is the most mouth watering chocolate note! I get hints of cinnamon too and in the dry down, it reminds me of a freshly baked chocolate croissant. I feel like I am at a patisserie enveloped by the the smell of chocolate croissants baking all around me. On me, this one leans gourmand with chocolate being the star of the show. Performance is good with about 6hrs longevity, moderate to good sillage and projection. Iris empire definitely took me by surprise and I am delighted I decided to take the risk by getting a bottle. It is one of my top favorites from the line and I highly recommend getting your nose on this! PS: I have Dior Homme Intense which is another iris/leather that I love and while the two share some notes, I think, IE and DHI are very different!

This is freaking incredible. It's the second best iris dominant scent I've ever smelled. Dior Homme Intense is still #1 for me. IMO, it's almost as if they took Nightfall Patchouli, toned down the patchouli and cinnamon, added heavy doses of iris & dark chocolate and a bit of leather. It smells incredibly classy & elegant. Definitely more of a nice date night or party/event fragrance than an everyday. Smells nothing like Dior Homme Intense and Valentino Uomo Intense. It does have similarities to Armani Privē Cuir Zerzura. The iris & leather combo with underlying sweetness is prominent in both. PSA - In the USA, the retail price of these EDPs is around $265. You will see some discounters charging more than retail. Don't overpay from a discounter.

I was expecting Dior lipstick iris, but that is not here. It smells nothing like Dior Homme, but it still has some dryness to it. The iris is buttery and creamy, supported by violet, benzoin and olibanum producing sweetness. I was surprised how sweet this fragrance is, there is a lollipop that reminds me of this. In the dry down there is a fleeting resinous and almost dry like incense to it. This is an easy unisex, but unique fragrance to wear and people will like it. I enjoy the combination of notes I listed, but I want it to be more masculine with leather and a bit more incense. Finally there is something about the iris which is the main focal point of this fragrance, combining with the violet that lets the quality of the fragrance down.

I absolutely love this frag, but it leans a little feminine and I cannot justify buying a full bottle. I own a decant of this, and wear it around the house, or to bed as I find it to be very relaxing and comforting to wear. I would have a hard time picking an occasion to wear something like this... perhaps date night. This is a very well blended and complex fragrance, that is just beautiful in all stages of the life of this frag. The performance is amazing, as it should be for the price they're asking for it. I have many Iris frags, but they tend to be more masculine than this one. I would highly encourage anyone looking at this frag to sample it first before dropping $200 on it. Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (9/10)