5th Avenue Royale

Well I'm glad I blind-bought this based on favorable reviews and the bargain price! Today is my first day fully wearing it and I really am enjoying it. I'm surprised because when it first arrived, I sprayed it on a test strip and really did not like it on paper. It wasn't total hate but it was very far from a like. So I kind of avoided it for a couple of months figuring I'd made a mistake. But this morning I bit the bullet and went for it, and it feels much more balanced and nuanced on my skin than on paper. I had a similar experience with Mont Blanc Signature - didn't love it at all on the test strip, but once I actually wore it I fell for it. Some scents are lovely on the test strip and some just ... aren't. I wonder if this is a reason 5th Avenue Royale is at such a bargain-basement price? Either way, I'm going to remind myself in the future not to write off a fragrance until I've given it an actual test drive. The notes sounded perfect for me when I ordered it, and it turns out they are! :) Today is Halloween and this scent is fitting the vibe perfectly. (For context, here's me in a nutshell: 51 / kinda new at this, only really ever had one bottle of perfume at a time all my previous life / not really looking at "niche" - would be nice but that's not my budget / don't really care about prestige, but I do enjoy a sense of nostalgia.) One more thing on a separate note - I ordered a tester bottle of this without the cap. It's a pretty bottle but I have to admit it's a bit of a let-down without the cap! I didn't think I would care about it, especially for a blind buy, but it turns out that I do. This one in particular, the cap really compliments the bottle and so I'll try to find a replacement cap. But I might not be so quick to jump on a tester bottle next time - that's just me, but I'm figuring out the visual of the bottles is part of my enjoyment in collecting, maybe more so than I thought.

This is bloody gorgeous! I bought this largely because of cocolover56's review. First burst on spraying is a rich, chocolatey, alcoholic raspberry. There's no cocoa or chocolate listed in the notes, so this is probably coming from patchouli, which often takes on a chocolate nuance to my nose. As 5th Avenue Royale dries down, a lovely smooth suede becomes more prominent - and then, I swear I can smell almost creamy woods. If pressed, I'd say this is sandalwood or... oud. Now, I know that there may be people who won't test this because I've mentioned oud - but I urge you to try it. This isn't a dirty, barnyard or medicinal oud, which is why I have also referred to sandalwood. After writing this, I checked online for other note listings, and on parfumo.net I have found this, which I think is far more accurate: Top: Raspberry liqueur, Italian bergamot, orange blossom Heart: Patchouli, Atlas cedar Orpur®, Cypriol Base: Amber, oud, suede, musk 5th Avenue Royale is an outstanding perfume and incredible value for money. Sillage is moderate as is longevity. ETA: This definitely reminds me of something - I think it may be a 4160 Tuesdays perfume, but it's dancing just out of reach at the moment. I'll edit when (if) it comes to me. Ed. 14/2/18 I'm still struggling to place where I've smelled something similar to this. I have L'Artisan Parfumeur Noir Exquise spritzed on my right and 5th Ave. Royale on my left, and there are similarities (so I've uploaded L'APNE to the list above), but that's still not QUITE right. I hate when this happens, but I'm damned if I'll give up until I work it out!

I’m not the least embarrassed to admit this was a “YouTube Made Me Buy It”-style blind purchase. I’m usually into floral and/or aquatic Spring/Summer scents, so I’ve been looking for safe buys to expand my Fall/Winter collection. I was skeptical about this one because I find the original 5th Avenue to be dated and boring. This one, however, has turned out to be the blind buy success story we all dream about. Although oud is not listed in the notes, scrolling through the “Reminds me of” list, it looks like it’s being compared to a lot of oud fragrances. Either way, this fragrance definitely leans oriental on my skin. The booziness and the leather note work really well together, making a perfect “sexy” fragrance for the colder months. Then, there’s a sweetness I’m guessing is from the raspberry. The patchouli may be what is lending it a woodsy tone, but it’s not an earthy/green patchouli. It’s the warmer variety. I could also swear there’s some amber in here, but what do I know? Anyway, this fragrance is absolutely gorgeous and woefully (thankfully?) underpriced. I think the fact it’s a 5th Avenue flanker is the only reason they aren’t selling it for $150 or higher. This fragrance easily gives Montale, Mancera, Swiss Arabian, and Lataffa a run for their money.

Oh wow! 5th Avenue took a quick left turn and I love it! It's dark, leathery, woody capped off with some sweet berries. This is a fragrance I feel slips through the cracks because people who gravitate to 5th Ave may not like these darker woody types, and those that love this genre wouldn't turn to EA or specifically 5th Avenue to find it. Certainly a hidden gem that deserves far more attention. It's a woody leather for beginners, good for those who don't want to dive too deep into these accords. This is for someone who wants to give off bad b$%ch vibes without alienating anyone. For me it's a perfect balance of leather/wood and floral/fruit. A very light white suede certainly is front and centre, cedar is prominent, as is the raspberry and patchouli. But it's the mildest, end user friendly of each note. Cedar is light and airy, patchouli is the warm sweet kind that is almost gourmand, the resins add a warm syrupy feel. Definitely do not get too intimidated by the notes. Projection is moderate which I am fine with, I don't like leaving significant trails. Lasts fairly long on my skin, around 5-6 hours before it becomes a light skin scent.

A complete and utter leather overdose, encspsulated in a beautiful bottle. The design and colour both brilliantly reflect the content. Royale is rather heavy concoction of leather and patchouli. Upon initial application, leather note took my breath away, quite literally :-) Raspberry liqueur is completely dominated by the above mentioned and is barely detectable at the beginning. This stands in opposition to the fragrance pyramid as the head note of raspberry can be mostly enjoyed at the dry down stage, not before. The silage is great and lasting power decent. Royale, to me, is a sister to a long gone and, missed, NEONATURA COCCOON. I have missed this fragrance dearly since it was discontinued and Royale brought its spirit back to me. This gem can make a fabulous signature scent despite its simplistic composition. It follows the good old saying that more often than not, the less is more.

It's a Valentine Day (and a Payday!) and I decided to buy me something nice :) Found this fragrance in local Marshalls. Never heard of it before (Have the original 5th Avenue and love it!). Thanks to Fragrantica all the information about pretty much any perfume is at the finger tips! After reading the notes (couldn't believe - only 5!) I decided that for the price I will buy it and if I don't like it - not a big loss... I think I like it though. It's unique. I have nothing like this in my collection. It's dark and intriguing. I don't smell the raspberry... And the bottle is simply an art! Even if you don't like the fragrance, the bottle will look great on your dresser! Edit 02/17: Nope, too much leather to my taste. Returned... Edit 11/10: Couldn’t stop thinking about this fragrance. Repurchased. Love. Sometimes I think I’m bipolar or something...

This fragrance just may be my most exceptional cheap thrill purchase ever! I discovered it for 19.99 at Rexall drugs and looked up the info on Fragrantica on my phone. After reading a few reviews I knew it was coming with me. I’m so grateful for all the other reviewers comments because this perfume exceeded my expectations- it is stunning! It opens with a deep and dark raspberry note that is supported by the leather accord. The raspberry liqueur note almost comes across a bit rosey on my skin which is just fine with me. It doesn’t change too much as it dries down, I just notice that the patchouli warms it up a bit. In all I can honestly say that I’m loving it and I know it will be worn extensively during the cooler seasons. If you see it I highly recommend that you grab it!

After wondering what a woman at work was wearing for the past week, I finally asked her yesterday. This gorgeous smell wafting from her office was so alluring and I was sick of trying to guess, is it a Narciso Rodriguez? Is it a Lovely flanker? It has that soft warm skinscent that draws me in. Powdery soft, slightly sweet but also a little...oudy? Well, she came in today with a tester spray full of this for me to try! I get (not listed) oud, musk, orange and liquer notes, definitely. Suede, yes but not super leathery to my nose and a soft flower that I can’t place yet. Raspberry is there too but not in an overtly sweet manner. This could so easily be worn by a man, definitely not just for the ladies and its sillage is incredible, soft and lasting.

Great and very enjoyable review, Stinky Tinky! Someone mentioned 5th Avenue Royale in a review about a different fragrance and what they said about it (can’t remember) made me look it up. I loved the notes listed for it and with the reviews below, I made a blind buy. There’s no licorice to me, but I do get oud. The woods smell like pencil shavings at first, but settle down soon. Love the leather, really pretty patchouli, and the sweetness. This is very sexy, rich and beautiful - I love it! Edit: Longevity is not very good. I may expect too much, but it’s surprising when a scent with so much character doesn’t last. It’s so lovely and I wish it lingered longer.

This is a 5th Avenue flanker that truly stands out from the rest. The black bottle beautifully reflects the character of the fragrance. It opens with noticeable alcoholic accords, from which a juicy raspberry gradually emerges. As patchouli quickly joins the composition, these notes create an almost chocolate-like impression, somewhat reminiscent of liquor-filled pralines from a box of fine chocolates. The base is an enveloping blend of patchouli and smooth leather—warm and comforting. The fragrance is bold yet balanced, feminine and elegant. It has real potential to be a statement scent. Beautiful. I'm sad that it's discontinued.

This is definitely a unisex fragrance, but that's what I love about it. Every woman should have at least one unisex (masculine) fragrance in their collection. I've reviewed two male fragrances that are in my collection. I said it in those reviews and I'm going to say in this review "there is something sexy about a woman who smells masculine" sometimes. The suede and atlas cedar definitely gives this a masculine feel. I think this is great to just spray on your t-shirt and lounge around or just to run errands. If your body chemistry can pull this off then I say spray away. It will surely make some heads turn.

This is great. I never had any Elizabeth Arden fragrances before because I always thought that the brand was .. well... a bit daggy. This fragrance changed all that. I first smelled it at an airport, either Doha or Dubai and thought it was a Middle East exclusive as it seemed like an oud rose combination (I see others mentioned this as well, although these notes are not listed). I didn't buy it then, then I cursed myself a few weeks later as I couldn't stop thinking about it. Fast forward six months and I actually found it at my local chemist, for only A$39. Of course I bought it then... :-)

I was so glad to finally get hold of a bottle of this, the notes really intrigued me. Very different from the original release, this one is much darker, more intense and slightly woody. I didn't get too much of the leather, but definitely got a burst of dark berries. I'd suggest this is a little more masculine, even down to the bottle. Very much a unisex fragrance. Longevity is average, I wish it lasted longer, sadly I got a maximum of three hours. The price of this one has definitely soared, and I can understand why, it's just more interesting than several of the flankers.

With leather, I learned to be a little more careful. Combined with anything too sweet, like licorice, I get a pork pot or broth, yak. In this scent, the focus of my nose is on dark wood notes and sweet liquor. Suede seems to support and soften the scent and is not too dominant. Overall, the performance is pleasant, not aggressive, sophisticated, close to the skin, but leaves a small trail behind . Some reviewer compared this to Nina Ricci Rose Absolue and I think they have a similar vibe, even though there is no rose here. Great scent. Incredible in its price range!

I will come back to this again and again. The more I have learned about fragrances, the more I appreciate this beautiful scent. The performance of this has been suspected and criticized, but every time I use this gem I just must surprise by it's stylish veil. This is neither heavy nor accressive , but are those scents that remain pleasantly floating in the room as you leave. Here wood and sweetness are in place and this is not a shame alongside even more expensive scents. My strong recommendation.

First try: this is not what I expected!(I don't know what I expected truthfully). But, this is unexpectedly delightful. I have, and love, Agent Provocateur Fatale Intense which is like spicy chilli chocolate with a hint of leather, this is the leather suede base note to the max with all that other frou frou stripped away. I was shocked, and then shocked by how much I like it. The initial spray is a bit of a wild ride, I look forward to having more detailed thoughts as I wear it.

I think this will be one of those really Love or really dislike scents. I am one who really loves this. Smells to me like a cropped leather jacket the morning after it was worn by someone during a romantic evening out. Slightly sweet and so sexy. Yes there’s leather/ suede but not a leather shop. Think of soft leather and deep kisses. I love this scent. I don’t think I have anything like it. And for what it cost me it is beyond my expectations. 10$ for 2.5 !

Also, the bottle and box are very pretty. The bottle is black and gold with embossed flower pattern. This pattern is in the black box in gold and bronze like colours which turn green when the light hits them just right. Pretty gothic ______ Ok, I love this. LOVE this. One spray lasts ages and it smells like the feel of velvet, heavy and enveloping, warm to the touch. I'm very impressed but other people seem weirded out by it, the lack of florals is divisive.

Crikey, the notes for this one have really been updated! This seems more accurate now than before - thank you. Over all, a lovely oooziness of a rum/liqueur poured over fresh and ripe raspberries, patchouli and leather. A grown-up's fragrance, unisex and not a scent which you choose as it chooses its wearers instead. Full of confidence, this is splendidly done, especially considering the bargain price. Highly recommended.

This is a great fragrance! It has niche quality. TheAmandaMarie actually talks about this fragrance awhile back. I thought I try it since it’s price was 12.00. Why not?! The opening is a little harsh but as it dries down it smells really good and the Sillage is decent and the longevity is decent. Even though I buy niche fragrances and love love them. Designer will always be my number #1❤️