Beaute d'Orient

I have tried numerous designer fragrances (Dior, Chanel, Guerlain, Versace, etc...) but Beaute d'Orient is one of my all time favorites. It is exotic smelling, almost like a mysterious water pool. Although it's categorized as oriental (which it very much is) I also get an aquatic feel from this scent, maybe because of the pineapple. The bottle is pretty too. In my opinion, most Johan B fragrances are underrated. Not only are they fabulous, they are also extremely inexpensive! You really can't ask for more. Right off the top I think the notes give the wrong impression about this perfume. And, I don't think all the notes are listed above. I can't really describe the opening, but I do get a strong pineapple note and catch whiffs of pepper (though not spicy at all). Drydown is filled with a floral scent but doesn't smell like a bouquet of flowers. More so, it smells like watery nectar mixed with peachy notes. But the peach isn't noticeable until a few minutes after the initial spray. Each note mingles well with the others, and none of them are overpowering or overwhelm the other notes. I don't really make out the cedar, it's very faint. The sandalwood is also faint. However it probably could be sensed with the right nose. All the notes are encompassed in a light musk which lingers for hours, as does the pineapple. Without actually sampling the fragrance it's hard to comprehend the beauty here. It's not sweet at all but the pineapple gives it a bite. It's not a flowery scent, but it is... I will say that the scent doesn't change much once it's applied. The drydown is pretty one dimensional. What you smell is what you get. Very clean scent. Sometimes I can smell the notes better than at other times. It's not a highly potent scent, so it projects best if not applied right after a shower when it will be masked by soaps and hair products. This also makes it a perfect scent for daily wear at the office or close proximity to people. Great for anyone regardless of age. Longevity is moderate depending on the person. On me it lasts a good 6-8 hours, but does become closer to the skin after about 5-6 hours. Major staying power if sprayed on clothing. Sillage is fair. It projects enough that people will smell it but not so much that it becomes offensive. Because of the floral and pineapple notes, many people might prefer to wear this in spring or summer. It does well in fall too. Not really a winter scent. All I can say is test it out.

This was the first fragrance my husband bought for me about 20 years ago when we were dating, so it holds a really special place for me. I've recently been really getting into fragrances and testing many, and I've come back to this one to compare and really think about it. It really is lovely, there's definitely pineapple but not in a sickly sweet tropical cocktail way. It's spicy but fruity and floral and the blend really works. I suppose the notes in it would make it a typical day time scent, and indeed others have said that, but I've always worn it for special occasions - date nights, weddings etc. and I think I always will. That is, until I run out. I've got about a quarter of the bottle left after all these years! The scent doesn't change much as it dries down, it leans more spicy but in an interesting and not at all overpowering way. It won't knock anyone's socks off with it's projection, but it's a sexy, intimate scent that I love wearing and will be really sad to use up as I can't see that it's still available!

I was really impressed by this. I really love the fresh cleanliness of this fragrance. The citrus is nicely balanced and it lends an above average longevity to this scent on my skin. Plus it's relatively inexpensive :) I really like most fragrances by Johan and this was the first of many I've gotten to smell. Hope he keeps up the good work.

I ordered a ton of new samples of different scents I wanted to try. This one is a gem. The fruity peppery goodness dominates. Love it. Love.

This is a nice scent that lasts all of 1 to 2 hrs then it is completely gone. Doesn't even last as a skin scent. I think I will use this as a after bath scent or a room air freshener. Don't buy this expecting any lasting power, it's not there.