Sun Java Intense

I feel compelled to write my first review here on what is one of my cheapest purchases (not that I own anything niche quality), but strangely most satisfying so far. This perfume was a blind buy and my first from the offerings of Franck Olivier. I had no idea what to expect when I opened this, but it was without a doubt love at first spray. Others have commented on the notes that accompany this fragrance accurately, but I have to take this somewhere else. It is such a nostalgic scent for me, that takes me back to my childhood. I let others in my household smell this and they agreed that it was a pleasantly familiar smell. This is what perfumery is about, taking you somewhere through the power of scent. For the price, Sun Java Intense is a no brainer. A safe, versatile blind buy with great performance and the potential to be one of your favourites, even in a sizeable collection.

Now this is a budget fragrance done correctly! Fresh fruity (albeit slightly synthetic) opening, with some green notes playing support, mids give way to rose, pepper, and light incense, beautiful rich base notes: golden amber, tobacco and creamy cedar goodness. Well above average longevity, this frag seems to be one of the most versatile that I have tried in recent memory. I can see this being just as suitable in a polo shirt on an August afternoon as a button down and tie at dinner in October or November. Maybe avoid the extreme cold. Unisex leaning masculine. Very comforting scent, I far prefer this to Nikos Sculpture which I see it being compared to. 8.75/10

To me this is a hidden gem as not many frag heads have or use Franck Olivier colognes. This is one of those that is extremely versatile all season any place. On my skin it has good performance 7+ hours and projects 2-3 hours at an arms length or more. It starts out similar to Eros, but that is it. The pepper and tobacco make it a little more towards the mature audience but younger guys can surely rock this due to the sweetness but it’s not over done. I would recommend it as a blind buy, as you can see from this page it is not well known, you will have something similar but also different. I always get compliments when I wear this.

This is the safest blind buy in my collection. Not because it has no depth or complexity - but because it's good for all seasons, all situations, and all genders. BIG minty citrus opening. I love it - very invigorating and not at all sharp or nauseating. These linger surprisingly longer than expected as the pepper, woods, and tobacco emerge to give this fragrance wonderful depth. Excellent sillage and longevity. This should be hyped much more by online reviewers.

Spent some more time with this since my initial review, I've also picked up a bottle of YSL l'Homme Ultime in between. This definitely seems like it shares strong similarities with l'Homme Ultime. The ginger note is not present, but the citrus, and rose, and cedar are very similar. I wouldn't call this a clone, but definitely a cousin.