PHỞ-GERE

Third up, we have PHO-GERE! Once again: I've decided to review these without looking at the scent notes first, and will look after typing everything up to see how accurate my nose is (or isn't). I tried this on paper first, as I was impatient to get my nose on all the samples I'd ordered--on the strip I had a giant grin on my face whilst being overwhelmingly disappointed. This scent profile is SO UNBELIEVABLY right up my alley--neroli, orange blossom, citruses, etc etc (favourite scent notes of mine!). I'm not saying they're 1:1 by any means but it brought to mind fragrances like Neroli Portofino and other fragrances in that general sphere (Neroli Oranger, Fleur d'Oranger, and so on). No savouriness to be found. If you told me this was comprised of mandarin, petitgrain, orange blossom, neroli, I wouldn't question it. But the disappointment comes when I realize it isn't unique... at all. Where's the savouriness?!? On skin however...! It does give off somewhat of a similar vibe, but there's additional layers that give me the experience I was hoping for. I don't know, maybe it's just the power of suggestion but I feel like it had an underlaying... starchiness? Like pasta water. Big blast of lemongrass, some aquatic freshness, a vaguely savoury aspect. I feel like there's lavender in here??? Maybe I'm tripping. Anyway this doesn't project at all unfortunately but it does at least stick around for about 4 hours, which doesn't sound great but that kind of longevity is very, very typical for this scent profile... 4-5 hours is the very best you're going to get, so it actually has great longevity with that context in mind! (Neroli Portofino lasts 30 minutes btw. I'm not being hyperbolic.) ...Oud? CIVET??? WHAT??? Okay clearly I'm getting the basil BIG TIME on this one, as well as I'm guessing the soybean for that "pasta water" vibe. The freshness is probably thanks to the anise (it often reads minty to my nose). Y'all I'm so stumped I had to go to the website to see what's actually in this (I love that this brand is transparent about what goes in it beyond the "scent impressions"). LAVENDER IS IN THERE!!! I am vindicated! As well as cilantro which is where I was getting the soapy orange blossom vibe from. Lemon, lime, tea, wasabi (another tick in the savoury column). ANYWAY... so this was an interesting journey for sure! I'll use my sample more, but a travel size is certainly being considered right now. It's everything I love with a niche twist!

The fragrance notes from the website list: Top: Bean Sprouts, Basil, and Herbs Heart: Saigon Cinnamon, Star Anise, and Spices Base: Vietnamese Oud, Galangal, Civet First spray is insanely green in the best way possible. It really captures the scent of traditional pho garnishes. The scent calms quickly, with the dry down shifting to an almost feminine fougere, but still wholly unisex. Great stuff!

I have never wanted to take a bath in something more

Clean, bright, citrus-y opening. Less straightforwardly soapy in the opening, more on the side of medicinal in the vein of some kind of uber-fresh lemon surface cleaner. The scent is fresh from top to bottom, but that bright zing of freshness pretty quickly lets up a little. There’s a herbal and old-fashioned energy in the beginning, as is a trend with offerings from d.grayi. Something almost rubbery about it at that phase. The basil is subtly present in the opening, giving it a touch of soft greenery. Gorgeous drydown. I’m obsessed with d.grayi’s dry downs, they truly feel like a reward. I was iffy on this scent until that point. Like a couple of their other ones, their final resting place is softly musky and sexy. The opening is not fully my vibe, but it’s still so good, and I’m really into this.

I got a sample of this fragrance and the jasmine rice one; I expected to enjoy the jasmine rice fragrance more, but pho-gere was simply phenomenal. It is so fresh and herby and tastefully androgynous, I adore it. The opening features a strong earthy note of washed bean sprouts, followed by Thai basil, then some freshly squeezed lime. The aromatic spice and musky part is really only noticeable upon drydown, but it’s super rewarding. I will agree with a previous user who said that d.grayi’s drydowns are lovely and worth the wait. Anyways this scent feels like getting served pho by a very handsome waiter/waitress or an unc that loves wearing a classic cologne. I’ll be wearing this occasionally

The main accords on this are very off in my opinion, this is VERY green. Animalics and musks are far in the background to the pho herbs and spices. With that said this a pleasant perfume, it is very reminiscent of a bowl of pho.

interesting, but this does not smell like pho to me and like pointed in a previous comment, rather like a citrusy cleaning product.... however i do enjoy the soybean accord, i think it redeems this perfume and takes it from something generic and not that exciting into weirdly savoury floor cleaner ? if you’re into clean citrus scent maybe this is for you, mais non merci pas pour moi.