Essencial Masculino

There is much to be said about this scent, which was released in 1995, in Eau de Parfum concentration, putting the male fragrances of Natura on the same level of the international fragrances that Brazilians wanted, but could only get by paying exorbitant prices or ordering with friends and relatives. Seems like it was yesterday, but the 80's and 90's still suffered from the lack of globalization, which brought so many benefits since the 2000 years. Essencial Masculino is classified as sensual-woody but can navigate through other categories, such as aromatic, fougère and chypre. It has notes of black pepper from Madagascar, bergamot, lavender, galbanum, nutmeg from Indonesia, Juniper, grapefruit and a hint of basil, in the output. Sage, geranium, and patchouli rule the heart, which also counts with notes of Rosemary and Jasmine. Oak Moss, sandalwood and Cedar form the most intense accords of the base, which still has nuances of musk, amber, fir, and myrrh. I had the chance to meet the vintage version (the term applies since it was launched 20 years ago), which was a little different from this one. Formerly, the fragrance was more aromatic, from the moment it touched the skin. Then, became more vibrant and woodier, without being too green or too forest. In this current version, I feel much more citrus output, with more of the nuances of bergamot and grapefruit. It takes a while for that evolution happens and the scent that was familiar to me arises again. But when it comes, it is a mixture of nostalgia and joy. On my skin, Essencial Masculino follows the woody-aromatic style that transmits elegance, is versatile for our climate (Brazil) and has very good projection, with excellent durability. It’s a great choice for everyday use and a professional environment, whatever it is. It is currently labeled as deo-parfum, which is our equivalent for Eau de Parfum, within the new rules of nomenclature for Brazilian fragrances. With respect to the bottle, the version that I'm reviewing is different from the picture above, which is part of the current visual identity, with brown lid and straight finishing, with silver applications over the lid bringing the Natura brand. But this scent went through two changes of image at least. When it was released, it had a blue lid with diagonal cut at the top and silver finishing at the base of the lid. Then, the lid kept the same but happened to be brown, like in the picture above. For those not familiar with this scent, when it was released in 1995, it was considered a Brazilian version of Cacharel Pour Homme (1981). The latter I haven't met, but I know of other that maintained the same fame and which is among one of my favorites, in addition to being released in the same year (1995): Quartz Pour Homme. Although the Kaiak line is the most famous within the male universe of the brand, the Essencial line is considered the most top among consumers. It also grew, gaining some flankers, like Essencial Intenso, Essencial Exclusivo and Essential Estilo. To finish, a quote from the video, which I love: "Only the essential remains in memory".

This is a light fragrance that probably can be worn anytime. It starts off citrusy, then goes into spice and wood. Overall, it has kind of a soapy vibe I really like. Though the projection and sillage is fairly weak, I love this fragrance. Can spray a lot of it without overdoing it. It appears this is no longer produced and is becoming hard to find. I may buy a second bottle and save it as there may be a point this is no longer on the market at all. RATINGS: Art/Design 9/10 (original bottle/box) Cost/Quality 8/10 Sillage 3/10 Odor Life 4/10 Buy again? - 10/10 Recommend: 10//10 Overall Love/Like/Dislike? 10/10* FINAL SCORE: 7.71 = B = Moderately Superior ----- Rating Scale: A = High Distinction! = 9.5-10 A- = Distinct! = 9-9.4 B+ = Very Superior = 8-8.9 B = Moderately Superior = 7-7.9 B- = Superior = 6-6.9 C+ = High Average = 5-5.9 C = Average = 4-4.9 C- = Low Average = 3-3.9 D+ = Poor = 2-2.9 D = Very Poor = 1-1.9 F = Fail! = 0-1.9 * Love = 10 <--> Dislike = 0

#1150 in my "Tour de Fragrance" If you blended Guy Laroche "Drakkar Noir", "Drakkar Intense" and "Drakkar Essence" you'd pretty much have this, but not as powdery as Drakkar Noir, and the myrrh is a definite improvement. 100% "masculino." Okay for business or sport, and another Natura blind buy I'm very happy with. I've always regretted there being no EDP of Drakkar Noir. "Intense", though a very likeable EDP, didn't deliver that, and the "Essence" is a PDM "Sedley" wannabe that isn't, with mediocre performance, even for an EDT. But this juice flat out works. Can't stop sniffing it! Fresh, spicy, woody, manly. Car pool, elevator, small space safe. I think very versatile, and reasonably priced on PureBrasil.com at $40.

This is really a great fragrance. More designers should take the cue and go back and revisit this genre. It smells natural, classic, interesting, and composed without being dated or stuffy. It opens with very bright bergamot and grapefruit and then it starts the excellently crafted interplay between the herbs/flowers (sage, rosemary, patchouli, lavender, and geranium), the really nice woods and well-placed spices. Never bitter or sweet, just perfect. It is never banal, never "deodorantey". Moderate projection and great lasting power. It shows real craftsmanship. Masculine poise and elegance in a bottle. A HUGE thumbs up from me.

One of the best fragrances to start in the woody perfume world. Great smell: aromatic, woody, spice, light citrous and some sweet to balance the fragrance. Get a "barbershop" vibe. Even it smells 90, it still so good and atemporal. I don't recommend this in very hot days. Great option for office and air conditioner places, very versatile and works well with any type of clothes and occasion. Awesome option for a cheap price.