Liu Jo Milano

Mmh, delicious gourmand goodness! Many scents with a hazelnut note have a dry, almost woodsy kind of nuttiness that I find a bit boring. Here, hazelnuts, almonds, cacao and vanilla create a sweet, smooth, creamy, nutella-esque blend that I love. It's what I always hope for when I read 'hazelnut' in a notes list. Juicy mandarin orange and a soft touch of powdered orange blossom add some fresh air on top of the warm base. The opening has a bit of a spikey green note for a few minutes due to the patchouli in this, but after that's gone, I don't smell a lot of patch anymore. This is definitely not as patchy as Angel Muse, so if you like the creamy hazelnut note, but not the Angel patch, Liu Jo Milano might be a good alternative. This one also reminds me a bit of Just Cavalli Gold, a discontinued favorite of mine. They all have those lovely, sweet nougat vibes, but otherwise they're different enough that I could justify owning all three. Anyways, this is perfect for days and nights in the colder seasons. It's rich and gourmandish, but not overwhelmingly so. The price is right and the brand seems to be a bit overlooked. I tried only one other fragrance by Liu Jo (Lovely Me) which didn't impress me at all, so this was a pleasant surprise.

Oh this one is alluring! It opens fresh and and a bit zesty with the mandarin, then during the dry-down the hazelnut comes forward and it just becomes so addictive! I was trying to imagine how the cacao and orange blossom would work together since orange blossom is kind of delicate and cacao can be a bit strong depending on dosage, but the cacao in here is actually kinda subtle; it's more in the background supporting all the other notes, which I actually appreciate. It's definitely not like the cacao in Hugo Boss Private Accord (that one is a lot stronger). This scent is not that sweet in the beginning, but as it dries down the vanilla peeks through and it's a light soft sweetness. I actually don't really get the patchouli which is good because I dislike patchouli. This perfume is certainly unique, fresh, a bit mysterious and just gorgeous and I love it. I actually blind bought this, but I knew it would be a safe blind buy, because I tried some of Liu Jo's scents before and I liked those too. I actually think this brand is quite underrated and I don't see many people talk about it, but they actually make really beautiful perfumes. Definitely excited to see what Liu Jo will come out with in the future!

This is a lovely, nutty, creamy gourmand, similar to Angel Muse but not as sophisticated and a bit softer. My first try with this fragrance didn't click for me, as I admit it opens with a bit of an alcohol smell, but after a few more wears it has grown on me completely. I love this perfume. The almond opening sets the tone for this gourmand dream with the ever so slight hint of orange, which I get more as the fruit and not the blossom. The hazel nut and cocoa accord comes in strong and stays throughout which I love as it is exactly what I hoped for with this scent. Nothing here is overpowering or too sweet and as it settles into the base notes of vanilla and tonka the hazel nut lingers on. The patchouli is mild for me and enjoyable. Overall this is exactly what I wanted from a gourmand blind buy. I find it beautifully blended with a richness that doesn't overwhelm. If you're a Mugler or gourmand fan this could go on your "must try" list. I never do this but I'm thinking of getting a back up - it's that good.

This is a gorgeous scent. It is similar to Angel but much better. Smoother and without that annoying tea balsamic vibe of Angel. You get a fesheshing citrus wave in the first minutes and after it is wonderful combination of nuttiness and Tonka bean. Sadly, performances are terrible. The sillage is very potent (at least 2 meters) in the first hour/hour and half and then it becomes a skin scent. Duration is fine, 4-6 hours is skin, very persistent in clothes but impossible to feel because too close to the skin.

This is a more delicate take on Angel Muse, which is now discontinued. So if you are looking for a dupe with less in the face patchouli, give this perfume a try. I have Angel Muse, but I also use Liu Jo a lot. It is more wearable, gentle, cozy and nuttier than Angel Muse. The bottle is nice and can fit a purse even in the bigger size. The price for this quality is a steal. This perfume ticks all the boxes. Blind buy worthy.