Forever Love

Same deal as Roja 1819, I ended up finding a great deal on Forever Love and decided to go "against" my decant experience. MY REVIEW FROM A BOTTLE: Different from Sedley, this is no minty/ambroxan focused fragrance. Rather an astringent citrus blast that perseveres through the life of this great wearing fruity fragrance. Orange smell for sure, but in no way redundant with, for example, Aqua de Dora and Afternoon Swim - the latter being a much more aquatic orange fruit smell. This isn't the easiest citrus to wear, but definitely appeals to me. An easy grab for warmer weather but, really a fall daily wear. Strong enough to push through the day while fresh enough for an office wear for example at a more relaxed setting. Ended up paying ~$110 for full bottle, so the cost-benefit was awesome. My experience was elevated from the actual bottle, and unlike the person below me, I don't find unimaginative, nor anyway too sweet ("rotten mango?") I'm yet to try a miss from the company, from fresh to heavy. Worth the sample if you're looking for something like this. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MY REVIEW FROM A DECANT: Performance on me was around the 6h mark in longevity and projection is okay for a clean scent like this. Very fresh, clean, even somewhat soapy with light fruits that will give you a perfumed scent bubble for sufficient time (considering the scent profile). Smells very much like Sedley to me with more fruits and has about the same performance. It's quite redundant to own both, but rather a beautiful presentation for both. This reminds me slightly of Aqua de Dora in the far opening but not redundant - tired of comparisons with Tygar and its DNA - this nor ADD smell like Tygar. This would definitely be a better pickup for around $100 but finding it for $140 is not too bad either - very easy-going and a great overall three-season fragrance. I would lever pull this one out during winter nor during the night to be honest. Just know you're getting a fragrance that will perfume you without being intrusive. This won't get you any attention from afar.

Now this is nice. A fruity, uplifting fragrance with a lovely amber backbone. I was worried it might be too sweet and although it does carry a sweetness to it, I don’t find it too much, probably because it’s so well blended. The tangerine and grapefruit up top really pop in quite a photorealistic way which balances the sweetness with a certain sharpness. As it dries, its complexity shines with a melding of slightly tropical and warm notes, all held together by the amber that adds depth and structure. Unisex leaning slightly masculine. It’s wonderfully done and I can see why it gets such high ratings. It’s likened below to several different fragrances and I can see why. Its complexity lends itself to elements of those mentioned whilst not being exactly like any of them. If you want to imagine what it’s really like, I’d say it’s a more complex and fruity version of Afternoon Swim (I’m saying certain elements of this remind me of that fragrance, not that they are the exactly the same before I’m shot down). Certainly in the same ball park. This is going to be great in the summer when I go to Mykonos. I think it’s really classy which is a surprise as I was worried it might be too much, too sickly or too brash. Performance is decent too. With great staying power and a nice amount of projection. Excellent work and a rare blind buy success.

It's finally summer. It's 30 degrees outside. I put on a T-shirt and sit outside an ice cream parlor. In front of me on the table is a large sundae with delicious mango and melon ice cream. There are also some fresh melon pieces on the ice cream as a topping. I've ordered a glass of water with a few slices of lemon floating in it. I take a big sip and am immediately refreshed by this lovely citrusy taste. I lean back and look around. Next to me is a beautiful, lush meadow of flowers with all kinds of different blossoms shining brightly in the sun. A smile is on my lips. I enjoy this beautiful moment and close my eyes. The sun is shining on my face. This is perfect, I think to myself... But unfortunately, beautiful moments are fleeting. I quickly finish my glass of water and eat the lemon slices. There's not much left of my sundae either. A few remnants of melted melon ice cream still cover the bottom of the cup. A dark cloud slowly creeps in front of the sun and I feel the urge to leave. When the bill arrives, I have to swallow. Quite expensive for such a short pleasure.

Performance on me was around the 6h mark in longevity and projection is okay for a clean scent like this. Very fresh, clean, even somewhat soapy with light fruits that will give you a perfumed scent bubble for sufficient time (considering the scent profile). Smells very much like Sedley to me with more fruits and has about the same performance. It's quite redundant to own both, but rather a beautiful presentation for both. This reminds me slightly of Aqua de Dora in the far opening but not redundant - tired of comparisons with Tygar and its DNA - this nor ADD smell like Tygar. This would definitely be a better pickup for around $100 but finding it for $140 is not too bad either - very easy-going and a great overall three-season fragrance. I would lever pull this one out during winter nor during the night to be honest. Just know you're getting a fragrance that will perfume you without being intrusive. This won't get you any attention from afar.

So far the best fruity perfume I have come across, considering that I usually don't like this family. This one is not "chemical", doesn't resemble shower gel, shampoo, chewing gum or dessert. Not girly, not childish, just calmly positive, soft, but juicy and rich. Nectary-sweet, but not cloying. Some other Pana Dora perfumes have sharp modern synthetic amber/woody base, but not here, fortunately. The melon note here is wonderful, very natural, does not turn into shower gel, as often happens with others. I also clearly notice geranium, it works so well, grounds and adds "nobility", so to speak. The combination of fruits with fougere notes gives a very pleasant iridescent duochrome effect. Personally, I find it works better on skin. The buttery texture of the mango blends into the skin, creating a very nice creamy effect. But on paper or fabric, it can be a bit dry. Perfectly unisex. Very pleasant and safe, but with a twist.