Invasion Barbare

I bought a huge sample pack in January 2020 (about 30 samples) and Invasion Barbare was one of those. At the time I would take the samples, dab them on a piece of paper, and smell them. The ones I enjoyed immediately I would set aside and label it. The ones that I was on the fence about I would keep the sample on the table and the ones I just didn't like I would set off to another side. Invasion Barbare was immediately put into the "liked" category. After smelling all 30 samples (my nose was absolutely shot after this), I had 6 that were in the "liked" pile. I won't reveal what the others were since I eventually went on to buy them as well. Invasion Barbare was the first one that I bought a full bottle of and I do not regret that decision. I've owned it for almost 2 years and here are the notes that I have from my testing. Smell: First sniff is a huge blast of Violet leaf, Lavendar, and the slightest touch of Bergamot to keep it bright. The cardamom then comes into play as the bergamot quickly dissipates, leaving me with the impression of being in the barber shop with my dad while I was a kid. Invasion Barbare reminds me of that smell of shaving cream that I could still smell as my dad carried me out of the barber shop. It does try to go powdery on me quickly (especially on clothes) but that doesn't ruin the experience. I have researched this scent a long time before deciding to sample and, ultimately, purchase it. I've heard the comparisons to Rive Gauche by YSL and Le Male by JPG on YouTube when Invasion Barbare was being hyped up by the big name reviewers. I've never smelled Rive Gauche so I can't comment on that but I have smelled Le Male (used to own it actually). Maybe for an instance, if you are grasping at straws, you can make that connection. I've put them side by side and I got that vibe for maybe a split second and then Invasion Barbare evolved while Le Male stayed the same. If you enjoy your Fougeres, then I think this is right up your alley. Rating: 10/10 Projection: Invasion Barbare is no slouch. It's got some push to it. It fills the room quickly and I can wave my arm several feet away, still able to smell it easily. After the 6 hour mark, it starts to subside very slowly but it never became a skin scent on me. I've awakened the next morning on multiple occasions to find that I can still smell it by barely putting my arm in front of my nose. I've had to shower this one off every time so I can wear something else. It just sticks. With the next section, Price, you'll be glad this performs so well. I'd say easily 6 hours with EXCELLENT projection and the remaining 6+ hours, it becomes a 3 foot scent bubble. Rating: 10/10 Price: It only comes in one size at 75 mL. $250 for 75 mL ($3.33 per mL). There is also an option for $375 for 75 mL ($5 per mL). The price difference is if you want the decorative "bust" on top of the bottle or if you're content with just a cap. The bust will cost you an extra $125 so that's up to you. With all of this being said, it's not on the super high end ($4 + per mL) but it's not the best value for money either at roughly $3 per mL so I'd say it's middle of the road. What should matter is if you enjoy the smell. You will get your money's worth definitely with the performance. I own the version without the bust because I wasn't going to justify spending an extra $125 for a decorative piece. Maybe if you're a collector? Rating: 7/10 Versatility: I've worn this in heat, cold, rain, windy, snow, you name it. It performs exceptionally well during cold months (seasonally appropriate at this time). It does very well in the warmer months but you have to back off on the number of sprays. I only go 2 sprays with this one regardless so going 1 spray in the warmer months is fine for me. I've worn it on a date and was told I smelled "mature." At work, I was told that they could definitely smell me but it did get me a few dirty looks because apparently, not everybody loves the smell of Lavender. I highly recommend this be limited to special occasions or a date (if you're willing to risk it). With the price point, I wouldn't wear it casually. This is definitely signature scent worthy. I have considered making this my signature scent on multiple occasions but I don't wear it that often so I couldn't justify it. Rating: 6/10 Final Rating: 8.3/10. I highly recommend you to try it. If you don't like "barbershop" fragrances (I say that loosely), then I would steer clear of this one. If you are Fougere lover and you haven't smelled this, I highly recommend you to pick it up and give it a try. For me, it was a buy at first sniff.

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication" -Leonardo da Vinci Invasion Barbare definitely does not reinvent the wheel or break new ground in the fragrance world. That being said what IB does is just represent a high quality fragrance to the fullest. The opening is a rich powdery bomb of herbs, spices, sweetness and a bit of citrus. For me the powdery element of this scent is beautifully executed (accentuated by a lovely cardamom note), this powdery aura lingers and blends with every passing note all the way to the dry down. Sweetness is a strong dimension to this scent and it is held up perfectly with a good dose of vanilla. The vanilla note of IB is so rich and strong but not at all cloying. This vanilla note also forms the backbone of this fragrance, it's sweetness remains throughout a wearing. Another key note is the lavender. Now this isn't Caron Pour Un Homme's lavender. IB's lavender feels drier but earthy and very medicinal. The lavender note in IB is ramped up a bit with the presence of the thyme and ginger. I always feel like this fragrance is a real tribute to something that was made in an apothecary (rough, raw and slightly medicinal). These rough edges are all eventually smoothed out by the iris, which gives a nice floral green feel. At the heart of this scent is a strong base of musk, patchouli and grapefruit. This trio forms a rich slightly earthy, sweet, woody freshness as well as gives off a (slightly ever so slightly) animalic finish. This scent projects very well for me and has great longevity I get 8-10 hours sometimes longer. Invasion Barbare is perfect for fall and spring where temperatures stay relatively cool. This fragrance is the perfect day fragrance and can be used in any setting. I prefer wearing this when I can start my day a bit later and take my time. This scent invites you to slow down and take in your surroundings with calm and patience. A nice polo and slacks with a light blazer works perfectly with this scent. Invasion Barbare is class and french style in a bottle. IB is an homage to a retro style given a slight high quality modern twist. Think barbershop scent ramped up to the utmost quality and sophistication. Now, I know IB is greatly overpriced and doesn't create anything new, but for me it is simple; I love fougeres and after smelling Invasion Barbare for the first time I was smitten and it became a must have (sans bust for me). I liken purchasing this perfume to one who is making a purchase to add to their record collection. Yes you may have all of your favorite band's studio albums but if you're a fanatic like I am/was you would also pursue all the B-sides and out of print singles, even if it is packaged with some songs you may already have (fully ignoring the price). It basically comes down to pure indulgence and a real appreciation of what you like or love. I love this scent and its' contribution to the fougere genre. Yes I may have picked up the greatest hits vol. 3, but I love every track on it!

When Gaius Julius Caesar crossed the rubicon in 49BCE he was sporting a new hairdo, clean-shaved and his S.O.T.D was none other than M.D.C.I’s Invasion Barbare! I’ve heard some fellow frag reviewers rank this in the top 2 or 3 in the citrus DNA type and I couldn’t agree more!!! Monsieur Claude Marchal has quite the dynamic little shoppe here: Simple, Classic, elegant French perfumery. Back to the basics in “Perfumery 101”! MDCI’s I.B is a dominant, barbershop-style Fragrance, something really strong & masculine, while at the same time being very elegant & sensual- something an iconic man like Caesar would be sporting. For me, it’s more of an Orientale Fougère counterpointed with that beautiful lavender note in the mid. The Grapefruit and bergamot off the top is not in the way of a burst or that freshly squeezed blast, but it’s more in the way of the actual fruit being peeled back and allowed to dry after about 30 minutes. The white thyme thereafter is a very nice complement & balance as it gives it that herbaceous, hot & penetrating vibe, almost aroma therapeutical..... I do get a powdery vibe as well and I’m tempted to say this is the result of the violet note.... The base consists of a warm vanilla with facets of leather.... In doing my research, I’ve learned that Vanilla is a note Monsieur Marchal truly loves and I am very impressed by the way it’s utilized here and how it rounds-out the composition....... CONCLUSION: This masterpiece is brilliantly created, classy and elegant! The notes are seamlessly woven together: Top quality ingredients and superb quality of raw materials with no compromise despite the costs involved... Lastly, renowned perfume critic Mr. Turin once gave this fragrance a PERFECT 5/5.... Hmmmmmm..., uuuuhhhmmmm......?!?! I wouldn’t go THAT FAR despite giving it such a stellar review. I’d actually give it a 4.5-4.7/5.... The only thing that holds it back, causing the overall fragrance to fall just short of that Nadia Elena Comăneci standard is the usage of spices in the concoction. The spices needed to jump and spring off the skin.... Stephanie Bakouche, as fabulous as her work was here in this creation, she could have taken a page out of the DNA of Eau De Sauvage Extreme [the 1984 O.G Classic], by implementing basil, rosemary, coriander & bay leaf to the extent that parfumeur did making them much more prominent and amped-up in the blending with that Bergamot/Lemon opening...... Nevertheless, MDCI’s Invasion Barbare still belongs in that “MASTERPIECE” category! It’s that holy grail [Haute] Niche Citrus that every elegant gent just has to has to splurge on to incorporate in their collection. In my case, I threw on the Bust and opted for the Silk Road Presentation to add luxury.... In the ENTIRE M.D.C.I portfolio, as elegant and as supreme as Invasion Barbare might be, there’s actually one other fragrance that I think is even more superlative.... That fragrance...?!?!?

Invasion Barbare is not an invasion; it is a slow, aristocratic possession. This fragrance is like the shadow of an 18th-century nobleman in a candlelit hall, announcing its presence with a ribbon of scent long before it is ever seen. Imagine this scent as athree-act trance: · Act I: The Morning Mist of Secret Gardens The lavender and spices do not arrive like an army, but rather like a silver-toned mist creeping through the cypress trees of a formal European garden. This mist is cool, yet carries a whisper of hidden warmth. · Act II: The Dance of the Flower-Spirit Phantoms The jasmine and floral notes emerge like ethereal maidens dancing in the moonlight. Their dance is not heavy or tangible, but leaves behind a trail of silken grandeur and a delicate, haunting allure that is impossible to shake. · Act III: The Haunting on Skin The base of woods and musk does not simply "settle"; it becomes a passage through time on your skin. Here, time seems to stall, and the fragrance transforms into a part of your very essence, as if it had always been there—a benevolent, elegant ghost in your personal atmosphere. Performance: Its sillage is not a declaration,but a "ripple of subtle seduction." An invisible circle of influence that gently expands, captivating anyone within its sphere without ever revealing its source. Verdict: Invasion Barbare is an Impressionist painting,rendered not with brushstrokes, but with molecules. It is for the individual who prefers to be a lingering legend, rather than a mere witness. A masterpiece of haunting sophistication ####################### "Invasion Barbare" یک حمله نیست؛ یک تسلط خزنده‌ی اشرافی است. این عطر، همچون سایه‌ی یک شبح نجیب‌زاده در تالارهای قرن هجدهم است که پیش از آن که دیده شود، حضور خود را با نواری از رایحه اعلام می‌کند. این عطر را یک خلسه‌ی سه‌پرده‌ای در نظر بگیرید: · پرده‌ی اول: مه صبحگاهی باغ‌های اسرارآمیز اسطوخودوس و ادویه‌ها، نه چون سپاه، بلکه همانند مهی نقره‌فام از میان درختان سرو یک باغ فرمال اروپایی می‌خزند. این مه، هم خنک است و هم حامل زمزمه‌ای از گرمای پنهان. · پرده‌ی دوم: رقص اشباح گل‌سرده یاس و یاسمن، همچون دوشیزگان ارواح در مهتاب، شروع به رقص می‌کنند. رقص آن‌ها سنگین و ملموس نیست، بلکه ردپایی از شکوه ابریشمین و وسوسه‌ای لطیف بر جا می‌گذارد که محو کردنش غیرممکن است. · پرده‌ی سوم: تونل زمان پوست‌دی پایه‌ی چوب و مشک، یک گذرگاه فرازمینی می‌سازد. اینجا، زمان متوقف می‌شود و رایحه به بخشی از وجود شما تبدیل می‌گردد، گویی همیشه آنجا بوده است. عملکرد پخش این عطر را می‌توان به"حلقه‌ی نامرئی اغوا" تشبیه کرد. حلقه‌ای که به آرامی گسترش می‌یابد و هر کس را در دایره‌ی نفوذ خود اسیر می‌کند، بدون آن که منبعش آشکار گردد. جمع‌بندی "Invasion Barbare" یک تابلوی امپرسیونیستی است که با مولکول‌ها کشیده شده است. این عطر برای کسی است که ترجیح می‌دهد یک افسانه باشد، نه یک شاهد.

MDCI takes artisan, small batch perfume to the highest level. Their consistently excellent creations are masterfully-composed, creative yet wearable, and made with materials of the highest quality. The bottles too are beautiful, simple and Greek bust versions alike. This house is the epitome of classic, French haute parfumerie. I first came across Invasion Barbare (and MDCI as a house) in Luca Turin's original perfume guide where it received a five-star review - the introduction to my education on (and obsession with) the world of perfume. As a woman, feminine and unisex scents are naturally of more interest to me than masculines, but I have a healthy appreciation for good perfume in general, and of course like to research for gifting and recommendation purposes. IB is a top-notch fougère, well-rounded and high-quality throughout. Fougères can be prone to harshness, but IB is somehow velvety, while retaining the freshness and aromatic spiciness that comes with this territory. It has predictable citric freshness up top, closely followed by a bold, aromatic lavender note. The spices develop, with cardamom becoming most prominent on my skin - a note I am growing to love, thanks to its bittersweet peppery aroma. I'm not sure that I get thyme in particular, but there is a savoury herbal-spicy accord that brings the aromatic side of IB to life. As it develops, it softens, with violet coming to the fore, presenting more as a beautiful, smooth green note than a powdery floral. The spices become more sweet as it progresses, with soft ginger becoming evident here. The vanilla follows, becoming quite dominant, briefly reminding me of Guerlain's legendary Jicky alongside the lavender. It is dry yet smooth, adding a balsamic quality to the base that ties it all together. It becomes musky as it fades, with a pinch of patchouli punctuating the base with its earthiness. The soft spices linger. Another point to note is its performance - sillage is strong and longevity is long-lasting - it lingers for hours on my skin, unlike any other fougère I can think of. It is versatile - it is a year-round daytime scent in my opinion. A beautifully-balanced, deeply satisfying masculine scent, IB is a modern fougère with a nod to the classics. With no oakmoss, woody notes or tonka bean, not to mention its relative sweetness for a masculine, IB is a slightly unusual riff on a classic without sacrificing its wearability or masculinity. It is utterly addictive throughout. Truly one of the best masculines I have ever tried, IB is worth its expensive price point. IB is in a league of its own - sheer elegance and class. 5/5.

I'm back! I'd written a first review just below, based on a brand new full bottle, and had a chance to go back to the original formulation, thanks to a mini that Ric had from about 2013. What a difference. The original Invasion Barbare is truly beast mode and totally barbershop, as many reviewers have observed. The lavender and ginger is massive up-front and the whole thing has at least twice the concentration of the newest formulation. In several ways, I was saddened. I hate when fragrances get watered down, nibbled by accountant moths, as Luca Turin is fond of saying. And yet. Wearing the new version of IB on one hand and the "vintage" on the other, I do find that I'm more drawn to the new version. It doesn't have the strength, not at all, but I actually find it more beautiful because, without the gigantic barbershop vibe and more of that haunting ambergris/orris creaminess in the forefront, it transcends the genre, exactly my impression of it below before I had the chance to directly compare the two. I don't want to sound corny, but it smells delicious. It may be less powerful, but it smells just as luxurious and high-end, maybe even more so because of its originality. It really is one of a kind. I'd rather smell the newest version on a man, plain and simple. And, while the original is too traditionally masculine for my skin, as a woman I would love to have my own bottle of the more unisex modern iteration of IB.

I love Invasion Barbare! My opinion on it: a sweet fougère. Modern fougère. Nothing "classic" here. It doesn`t resemble anything oldschool (either scent or blend or profile). It`s modern. It`s a "nowadays" scent, fair and square. I love it to the point of getting a backup. And I just received a brand new bottle, the current in 75 ml. First things first, let me compare it with my older bottle, in 60 ml, because enjoying it doesn't matter, right? Let's feed the troll and make ourselves miserable just mourning the good old days. And... they are the same. Top notes on the new one are a little brighter, but I believe they are gonna “settle”. Heart and base: the same. Drydown: virtually the same, the older has a hay-like aspect missing on the newer one, probably because there’s no tree moss anymore - at least, it’s not listed anymore. Still very potent - this is a "one spray only" type of perfume! And, yes, I'm talking about the current. Reformulations may be a concern. But not in this case. I can tell it empirically. Still a 10/10 PS.: IMHO, Invasion Barbare is not a barbershop scent, despite of what the name might suggest. Barbershop, imo, is something like Azzaro Pour Homme, Rive Gauche, Paco Rabanne Pour Homme, Zino, Drakkar Noir or Beau de Jour. But I might be growing old and this perception is something generational. PS.: IMHO (again), 1725 isn’t even remotely similar to Invasion Barbare.

I've known Invasion Barbare for years and years, having worked in a niche perfume shop and wrapping up bottles of it for countless customers. It was one of my favourite masculines, but because MDCI makes lots of good fragrances for women and I was focussing on those for my personal use, IB never really registered as something I'd considered wearing myself. Until yesterday. I bought Ric a bottle for Christmas, and he wore it last night. Classic barbershop?! Not this bottle. It is rich, elegant, completely unisex, no barbershop vibes that I could detect (and I love a good barbershop fragrance). So that's why I'm taking a moment to write. It smells amazing on Ric. But. I think a woman could easily pull it off. I think it totally transcends the strictly masculine genre. Instead of a sharp lavender and spices taking centre stage, to my nose it's all about the fresh violet leaf, creamy musk and lightly sweet, smoky vanilla. Very intimate, very human. If I didn't know any better, I'd say this was an ambergris-centric composition. It's got that same blurred, velvety, skin-scent vibe which lifts off the skin in a dense cloud. Performance isn't beast mode. It's too subtle for that. Which for women is a good thing. But the most important point of all is this: what makes Invasion Barbare such an exceptional fragrance for men is that it smells so incredibly good to a woman's nose.

Quality of the former days... I love fragrance since my youth (about 8 years old as far as I remember). If I can affirm one thing, this is it : fragrance quality has strongly decreased during the passed years. Due to IFRA regulations and cost saving, we are forced to appreciate synthetical scents that have no relief, no soul, poor evolution... even the longevity has become really poor on the last recent 10 years (except for rare exceptions). As for instance, several current reformulated fragance would be astonishing if they have retrieved their original formula: fahreinheit of Dior, Pour un Homme of Caron, Eau Sauvage of Dior, and so on... Today, they are simply spiritless and rather made common, in order to please to most people. Concerning Invasion Barbare, this is simply the quality any fragrance should have, this is the beauty of former days. It smells classic but in a magnificient way. It projects, it lasts for hours and hours and even after 12h+ it does not smell weird like a panting synthetical base. Invasion Barbare is a masterpiece, maybe only due to the fact MDCI has proposed a classical scent with the quality of former perfumes. This is a high rate for me ! Nevertheless, the price is also highly rated... That is why, it is not a bang for the buck, but only a masterpiece !

I am deeply in love with this one. I have an older bottle (pre-2010) so I can't speak to anything regarding reformulation. If you manage to pick up an older bottle, you will have a masterpiece on your hands. This was my introduction to not-fully-traditional fougeres. I know there's some discussion on barbershop v fougeres, but I use them interchangeably--be mad if you like. The violet leaf provides a brusque intro, complete with some of that petrol character. Behind it is a strong and musky "masculine" fragrance with enough lavender to back it up. Ginger in the opening to add a bit of spice and depth. Patchouli in the base to keep it earthy and green. Perceptible but not powerful vanilla to keep it from going off the rails. My bottle is getting low. If the reformulation sample I'm ordering is close enough to the original, I'm definitely buying another bottle at full retail to show Parfums MDCI some much-earned love. Also, I rated this as unisex. It definitely leans more traditionally "masculine", but I think this fragrance can be worn easily by a person of any gender identity who enjoys the smell. It's intoxicating and complex and deserves to be worn.

I should probably preface this by saying that I am a sucker for barbershop fragrances. This is a classic barbershop fougere in every way. It opens with bergamot, lavender, and a touch of powder. There are no rough edges and there isn't one note that stands out over the rest. The entire composition is blended together seamlessly. As it starts to settle, the bergamot dials back a bit but never goes away completely. The spices and musk start to move to the forefront of the composition but again, nothing stands out dramatically over everything else. As the fragrance transitions to the dry down, all the key players of the composition are still present. Personally, I don't pick up on the vanilla. On my skin, this lasts about 8-10 hours with average projection. This can be worn during spring, summer, or fall and given the bright facets of the fragrance, it leans more toward daytime use over nighttime. Overall, it's a clean, powdery, smooth fragrance that is a perfect representation of a barbershop fragrance. It's a must-try if you enjoy this style of fragrance.

So I sampled this one on a trip to Paris, and I really enjoyed it. When I saw the price tag I was kinda shocked at how expensive it was, so I left the shop and continued my day. As my day went on, I kept coming back to this one, as I had sprayed it on my wrist. The development was just so damn good, and I could not stop smelling it. Still I had this thought in the back of my mind saying "It's not worth it". A couple of weeks later, back home, I realized that I could not stop thinking about this one. I sampled a few similar fragrances - 1725 by Histoires de Parfums and Sartorial by Penhaligons, but none of these scratched my itch the same way. So, unfortunately, I had to pull the trigger on this one. Is it overpriced? See, that's the thing - is it overpriced if I can't stop thinking about it? The value proposition of this fragrance changed a ridiculous amount over a short period of time for my part. This is the perfect fougere, in my opinion. I have not smelled anything that comes close, and I genuinely tried. 10/10 - Good lord, what a fragrance.

A 5 out of 5 star fragrance according to critic Luca Turin. And a 5 out of 5 according to JmThms. A unique "barbershop" Fougere. Something throws a little curve at a straightforward Fougere, and I think that has to do with the violet, and maybe also the ginger, note. But I just don't see how this reminds anyone of Dior Farenheit, despite shared lavender and violet notes. And I don't think Farenheit is an Aromatic Fougere as Fragrantica lists it. That intense gasoline accord created by the violet/chamomile combo is enough to differentiate Farenheit from Invasion Barbare. The leather further differentiates them. Invasion Barbare is an aromatic fougere with among the best aromatics bouquet in the genre. It has really nicely balanced aromatics with the violet, cardamom, ginger and thyme. Blended with the subdued vanilla is really nice. Just everything crafted perfectly. I think the "powdery" accord should probably be listed higher on the list on this page. The longevity is not the 'eternal' rating for me. It performs well enough though.

This is a great fragrance, it is very strong in terms of longevity. 12 hours + easy. If you are not a fan of lavender or mature vibe fragrances, I would look elsewhere. This stuff does smell very refined and masculine. The notes have been very well balanced and seem natural. Keep in mind fellas, this was created by a female in search of creating the worlds most sexy and appealing scent that every woman would dream of a man smelling. I personally would have like to see a little more wood and spice used, but the more I wear it the more I like it. My only beef with the fragrance is its price point. For 75 ml I would pay $175 tops, but the $250 just pushes me away. I would buy a used flanker for a good price so if you're reading this and are willing, send me a DM. Thanks My goodness.....this stuff is AMAZING !!!! I get something new each time I wear it. It smells of extreme high quality. I will gladly buy a full bottle from the scent bar once this decant is done. 2 sprays and I'm set! Beastmode everything

I purchased a sample of Invasion Barbare awhile back, but I did not review it. I am fixing that today. Let me start by saying that I am not normally a clean and fresh fragrance type of guy. I prefer darker and heavier scents. But I have to admit that Invasion Barbare is an extremely well made clean and fresh scent. A beautiful lavender and herbal. The ultimate barbershop fragrance IMO. I wore this scent on Saturday. Saturday was chore day for me. So my plan was to use my "Captain Scruffy" look, scraggly beard, jeans, t-shirt and hoody. But the moment I put Invasion Barbare on my skin Captain Scruffy went out the window. I shaved and put on a trendy casual outfit before heading out to do my chores. So IB is a trendy casual to formal scent on my skin. I get Moderate project with great longevity with IB. While IB is market to men I can see a woman wearing this one and I would love to smell it on a woman. Bottom line: This one is worth a sample, regardless of your age, sex and taste in fragrances.

Seeing Sartorial in This perfume reminds me of... it's not hard to image like an English gentleman VS a barbarian from different dimension. S is civilized in the soapy clean lavender while Invasion Barbare's is primitive and outspoken in the uncultured wilderness. From opening to drydown IB is faithful to lavender strong, it doesn't remind me of any gourmands, but is that kind of scent makes you wonder why you get acquainted in this time of space, it's not like anything you're living with. His sillage is unreserved, her longevity is unrepentant, the tassel in RED means this is MEN EDP, this is IMPORANT for the very expensive sculpture one it would be a male. Basically, for MDCI you just need to pay this extra money for two times, one for the male and one another for female, the third one looks the same as either of them. Sillage strong longevity everlasting, remember not to reason with the barbarian, why you meet it's complicated and his/her fougere will just OVERPOWERS you, relentlessly.

Invasion Barbare is a beautifully executed take on the classic barbershop style, clean, refined, and effortlessly elegant. Right from the opening, you get a fresh burst of citrus and aromatic herbs, quickly followed by a smooth lavender that feels timeless without being old-fashioned. There’s a polished, soapy quality that immediately gives that freshly groomed, well-put-together feel. As it develops, the fragrance settles into a refined blend of woods and light musk, keeping everything clean and balanced. Nothing feels harsh or overly sharp, just smooth, controlled, and very well blended. What stands out most is how composed it feels. It has a classic character, but it’s modernized in a way that makes it easy to wear today. It’s the kind of fragrance that gives off quiet confidence rather than trying to stand out. This is a perfect choice for someone who appreciates traditional masculine scents done with a high level of refinement. Scent: 9/10 Longevity: 8/10 Projection: 6.5/10

I have no idea what ingredients are creating the effect but I have to agree with others who think there's something... fishy about the claims that this is just an exceptionally well done modern fougere. That particular f-word seems a tad vulgar as a descriptor here so I will steal another from a now deleted comment on Luca Turin's substack and say that there seems to be a "bilge accord" hiding in plain view in Invasion Barbare. Think well-traveled hulls of wooden corsair ships coming ashore with handsome barbarians to sack your peasant village. What did you think barbarian invasion meant? Vibes, papers, essays? The barbarian bilge accord interpolates so smoothly with the typical barber shop fougere elements and pushes things only jussst far enough to prompt a double take, it's totally genius. In addition to the brilliant perfumery on full display I get great performance out of a brand new bottle so kindly ignore reformulation scare-mongering here. Brilliant work.

Fern spicy structure and classic style to vintage, appreciating it contained some originality, all combined with an excellent composition reflects roughly this good MDCI fragrance. There is a base of classic fern bergamot, lavender and patchouli and a very soft oak moss, all this is wrapped in spices where cardamom provides that voluptuous and point almost smoky and violet leaf a herbal touch dark green, atalcado and nebulous, but without ever being gloomy, it seizes this fern effect Invasion Barbare and develops a somewhat warm aroma with smoke surround effect and nothing burdensome. The drying of sweet vanilla and soft musk combined with the high quality of the essences enriches the mixture providing a high quality scent very persuasive and appealing. The best thing is the excellent result of all this mixed with a perfect balance between the 3 phases of development. If you like high quality ferns, this is one of them. Rating: 8

The lavender / violet leaf opening certainly bears a striking similarity to the Sartorial by Penhaligon that I also own (although Sartorial layers on a 'Hot Steam Iron' metallic accord too) Within the first hour I get the herbal thyme creeping in and then eventually a dry-powdered soft musky vanilla base. It's been on my hit list for YEARS, and I'm miffed I didn't get it back in the day (somewhere around 2009), because I'm very sure this would've been a more, potent, experience. Yet here we are, and I finally got around to purchasing a bottle. And I do adore it, truly. I just find the performance a fairly underwhelming. *** Update 4 months this later. The sillage and longevity have certainly improved. At the moment I find it an acceptable 5-6 hr duration with a nice sillage. That's maturation for ya ( yup, it IS a thing.... ) *** But the composition.... Rounded and smooth, reserved yet refined. Beautiful.