Selection

CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM [brief analysis] When alms are excessive, poor people become cautious. In this industry, I have become used to finding some precious but cheap gems. Rubbish scents for a few euros or expensive perfumes that are far from worthy of their price are also common. In this case, I had been flooded with cautious optimism. I had the feeling that there was reason to expect a good result, even if I didn't expect complete success. "Selection" by Jacques Battini cost me 12 euros (+ shipping) from a web supplier. In return, I received a well-packaged 100ml bottle. After the comments I had read and heard about this fragrance, it seemed like a good deal. I'm even glad that I didn't just order a decant to try it out. Anyway, the decanter would cost me almost 12 Euros as well 🙂 Although I am still wary of this transaction, I consider the fragrance to be at least on par (or better) than most of Zara's well-praised and cheap offerings. As far as value for money is concerned, it reminds me of some Morabito flasks which are also very good and cheap... but not as cheap as this Jacques Battini. I want to give it some more use time to confirm I don't get a rash. In the meantime, here's a quick comment on a perfume that reminds me of A*Men but also leans towards Encre Noir. Lovers of those two perfumes may have high expectations, or at least, a good amount of curiosity. However, I also take the view that Selection is not intended to be a clone of any well-known fragrance. It has a glimmer of a synthetic nuance, but nothing bothersome. It surprised me right from the first sniff because it is very intense, quite spicy, and presented me with unexpected wet tobacco associations. At the opening it is fruity with sweet and ripe grapefruit, For this fruity start, I noticed that splashes of cinnamon mixed with cardamom and analysed coriander are also present. This aroma turns into an orange peel accord, which makes it (just a bit) fresh. At the same time, my nose is pushed into darker nuances by a perceptible rose note reinforced by cedarwood and vanilla sweetness. The presence of vetiver (Haiti variety?) is also noted. Thanks to the base vetiver note, this fragrance can also be worn in warm weather. On cold days we can appreciate its sweetness, the strong spices and a seductive dark background reminiscent of tobacco, caramelized sugar and brandy accords. The aromas that I highlight? 1) A strong patchouli; 2) Medium-strength notes of cedar, orange peel and cardamom; 3) Weaker vetiver, tobacco, musk, vanilla and rose notes. For an easy-to-reach, woody, spicy and inexpensive perfume, I can hardly suggest a better one. It will undeniably capture a lot of attention, besides making you comfortable. The bottle is traditional, but for the price it cost me, I also find it more than acceptable. Music: Alice Cooper - "Billion Dollar Babies"

One of the strongest surprise I ever had! I bought it from DM in Bulgaria (in vacation), because I didn't find it in my country. It's so strong, intensive and beautiful smelling! It's also cheap, making it to enter in my "best buy" list. It smells like Mugler's A-Men, but sincerelly I prefer Selection... its dry down it's much better.