Jovan Frankincense and Myrrh Cologne Concentrate

A long-lost gem and FINALLY in my hands after literally years of chasing it around the web and the world. Yippee! And what a beauty it is. Legendary status verified. Even smelling from a half-used, probably much-faded half-bottle with a leaky old sprayer, it's a vintage powerhouse, with a massive billowing waft of PERFUMEY PERFUMENESS bursting (well OK more like dribbling) from the atomiser; a big-hair big-impact cloud of confident, even arrogant sweet-woody-fruit-resin ambience to knock 'em dead. 'Tis the season to be frank & myrrh, and as I stalked the Jovan everywhere, wondering if it would ever be mine, I had pictured something a little different, more studiedly "oriental", maybe spicier, less femme and more 'authentic Mideast' than this. I love both frankincense and myrrh in their organic forms, burn both at home, and always used to think of Czech& Speake's Frankincense and Myrrh cologne as the original smell of Christmas - and wanted ever more of that effect, but without the C&S's slightly bothersome lavender edge. Now, the Jovan is not that creature; its proportion of the noble resins themselves is probably a little lower, with the other (probably cheaper) aldehydes, raspberry, rosewood and carnation doing a lot more of the heavy lifting. It's much sweeter, less zingy, arguably more girly than the C & S and undeniably (in my relic-of-the-past sample at least) less long-lasting. HOWEVER - that veer from the expected path goes in a gorgeous, mellow direction thanks to the rosewood, and a respray gives delightful surprises as the resins somehow redouble themselves and surge forward if you dare to spend those precious drops on a second coating. Yes, it's gorgeous. Is it everything I expected or hoped for? No. But maybe it's something better. The fake-gold tracery on the mini bottle and the faux-Persian miniature images on the box are enchanting. An absolute treasure. Nothing else I've bought this year - even much more expensive things I'd actually tested - has brought me as much pleasure as bagging this unicorn. And no, it's not jus the thrill of long-delayed gratification. If you ever see it, anywhere, just buy. Perhaps not worth the stratospheric "rarity" prices that some demand for it, but to unearth a forgotten trove of this in a neglected store somewhere would be an archaeological coup to make Howard Carter cry with envy.

Here is another fantastic relic of the 1970s, and while I don't know the exact year of discontinuation, I feel it's likely this did not survive the decade. Hailing from a time when not only returning to nature and honoring the earth had come into vogue, but one where devotion and spirituality, especially that of the non-western kind, had become popular, Frankincense and Myrrh Cologne Concentrate is a fascinating product of its zeitgeist. While one can argue that the illustrations on its box may be considered tokens of orientalism and exoticism, one can't deny their earnest charm—once again, presentism is something I choose to avoid. The scent itself actually somewhat delivers on its promise, frankly more than I had expected. While there is a shock wave of aldehydes and cinnamon to start, reminding me of how Tabu or Youth Dew opens, it settles into more of a deconstruction of these time-tested themes—after all, the so-called precious resins are meant to be the principal protagonists. What stands out in the heart is a geranium, and this reminds me of incense cones from Blackbird I used to own called Ai, that featured geranium paired with olibanum. Soon thereafter, the geranium softens into a receded rosiness while the myrrh is more forward, and here, its cola-bittersweetness is where this is most reminiscent to Tabu/Youth Dew, yet as it dries further, there is much more of a pine-smoky frankincense to the base, and lots of musk: after all, this is from Jovan. A rare treat and also a lovely piece to add to my curated museum of scent, this is by no means essential, but if you happen upon for a good price, by all means, spring for it. Namaste!

I've been lurking here for years .... YEARS trying to find something to fulfill my Jovan Frankincense and Myrrh void. In the early 80's, I saw some at a drug store high on top of shelves collecting dust. The owner had forgotten about them. I bought them all. Since then, I've paid for many "fragrance recreations" yeah no. Not even close. Frankincense & Myrrh was spicey and warm, yet so fresh, at the same time. My 90's & 2000's loves; D&G Feminine, VW Boudoir & Prada L'eau Ambree all discontinued. The search continues ....

My prize possession in my collection. When I wear it I am instantly transported back to 1977 which is when I first purchased the tiny beautifully decorated golden bottle. Many years passed and I often thought about the scent but it was nowhere to be found. A lucky find from a seniors centre rummage sale was my saving grace. A large bottle of the fragrance and a small bottle still in the original box. I gave much more than was asked and was happy to do so. Such good memories of a wonderful day.

I found this in a rummage sale a couple of years ago, not knowing anything about it. I had no idea how hard to find this is! I have everything : the box, the booklet, the gold tie and the perfume of course. This is the definition of "you-have-to-give-the-perfume-a-chance-to-develop-on-your-skin-and-evaluate-after-30-minutes". I'm used to Opium, Coco, Aromatic elixir, those types of scents but this is on another level. It starts out as one of the strongest incense and myrrh I've ever smelled in my life and I may have vomited a bit in my mouth when I applied it. But then, it softens quite a bit and becomes fantastic, with fruits and spices and it's just beautiful! One of a kind and quite stunning, but you really have to give it some time.