Activist

Long before I had a fragrance collection my daughter gifted me this for Christmas. I suspect around 2010, and having owned many Avon and drug store fragrances this was great, sweet spicy and dark, I smelt delicious, yet masculine. I was really pleasantly surprised because I had two previous Body Shop scents, and really did not care for either. This would be my introduction to gourmand type fragrances, it interested me that fragrance could be this good. I sprayed this on today, and noticed for the first time that it reminds me of John Varvato’s Vintage. This might be due to the age of my bottle (which has about 1/4 remaining) but they are strangely similar now that I know a bit more. This lacks the rhubarb, and the depth overall, but they are IMO quite close. Longevity for this was solid for me, and projection as well, getting a respectable 4 hours performance before it gets soft and more a skin scent, for the price this is a solid piece, and probably the best male scent from Body Shop to date. I have looked to see if it is still being sold, the website indicates it exists but no luck actually finding it, even Amazon indicates it exists, but both flip to Arber when you hit a purchase point? I am fortunate enough to have two back up bottles from years back, because I never wanted this to run out, and perhaps sadly it might be done, which I think has become the fate of John Varvato’s Vintage as well. If you can get this at a reasonable price I highly recommend that you do, it really is a hidden gem tucked away in the mall, and even those are getting discontinued. Cheers all, be safe and smell GREAT! PS...Yes, the opening has a brief Root Beer vibe, but this is far deeper than that.

A favourite of one of my sister's and a familiar fragrance visually over the years; you know the one that seems to be in lots of friends and family members' bathrooms and in the store-fronts, but you've never taken the time to actually smell it and drink in the notes, feelings and sensations? I tried 'Activist' today and have to say that the first thing that hit me was the relative quality in terms of price. If you're on a budget and want a decent offering as opposed to some low-price generic fare (as seen in a multitude of drug stores), Activist won't disappoint. The second major thing (apart from the very pleasant effects I experienced) was it's relation to 'Opium Pour Homme' by YSL. I've read other reviewers references to 'Antaeus' by Chanel and their perceptions that the two are similar, if not directly, then in general terms. I have Antaeus and I have to say that the powerhouse characteristics it has are not shared with Activist. Rather, it shares a lineage with Opium PH in terms of its oriental characteristics, richness and body. If you couldn't afford Opium PH, Activist would be a more than adequate lesser alternative. Enjoy!

I used to work at TBS in my early 20s and would mix this oil with Juba, which smells a lot like Calyx by Prescriptives. I now use the cologne, which smells like citrus and woods, with very few middle notes or "meat" in between. The notes here aren't very descriptive; I remember the original notes definitely including hay, several citrus fruits, and perhaps tobacco and sandalwood. It smells like a young callow man trying to smell like his grandfather! It's not refined but is pleasant and has good intentions--quality notes that I don't think are done very thoughtfully. Do I like it? Yes! As a woman that wants to smell different from the mainstream, this suits me when I am wearing leather and/or spending time outside. In fact, I went camping this weekend, and this smelled divine with the wood smoke and sunshine. Another woman spritzed some on too--it smelled natural so blended with the other scents around us. I would definitely advise people to spray (and wait) before buying.

The notes on The Body Shop’s website are different than the ones listed here, but I don’t get those notes on that page. I mostly get what’s listed here on this page. So, I don’t know about the discrepancy, but I get a linear fragrance that is mainly composed of amber, spices, and a wood mixture. I can smell the citrus initially, but they don’t make up a big part of the fragrance. Activist is a very warm fragrance. It seems to be a heavy scent, but it somehow remains lighter than what you might think. The amber gives it a very smooth and velvety feel. The scent itself is very nice. I used to love this when I first purchased this a few years ago. As I'm winding down on what's left in this bottle I'm much less impressed than I was when I first bought it. However, it was only like 20$, so no huge complaints. I wouldn't purchase again, however.

My first bottle was gifted to me by a friend back in 2007 and I had carried it with me on several trips. I recently bought my current bottle and right after a few sprays, I was already trance travelling in flashbacks down memory lane! Moderate longevity lasting 3 to 6 hours, it is very refreshing in terms of Middle Eastern climate - where I reside. Equally great for moderate European climate; not for Winters. Its diffusion radiates within arm length and isn’t heavy for the wearer or surrounding. I personally prefer a few sprays in the evening for a stroll down the street during Springs & Autumns. I think this is a great product by Body Shop, especially when they are not specialized in perfumery. Good value for money if you want a great scent for a low budget – either for yourself or as a gift. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.