The Frenchy

I was looking for a bright, clean citrus-cologne fragrance for the hot weather, and The Frenchy fills that niche quite nicely. It's perfectly unisex, and even though most citrus scents don't last very long, this certainly lasts longer than your typical summer splash cologne. It has the fixatives and aromatics that a deeper, more perfumey fragrance has, but the notes are all in the aromatic citrus family. I love the hints of lemon verbena, a very ephemeral note that tends to work best in soaps, where you don't have any reasonable expectation that the fragrance will linger. I haven't tested this on skin yet, but it is very promising on the paper test strip. Update: Gave to my husband, even though I like it quite a lot. He will get more wear from it.

Sometimes you just want to kick back with a classic scent. Like a hug from an old friend that embraces you the same way it always has. There is a certain comfort about such things, and at times, it’s just what we need. Enter The Frenchy, Dua’s take on the legendary G-lain Le Frenchy, a scent that echoes the past, without feeling stuffy or dry. It perfectly situates itself in modern times while keeping a rustic charm about it. The original scent is now called Frenchy Lavande, and the formulation has changed slightly. It's near impossible to find Le Frenchy now, and even when it was still available, it wasn’t an easy task to track a bottle down. I sadly haven’t smelled the original, but I am thankful that Dua put their spin on it so I can see what it’s all about. Le Frenchy starts its refined journey with freshly sliced lemons. The aroma of energizing citrus fills the air, feeling like Nonna slicing them in the kitchen before drizzling them on a cucumber and tomato salad (but without the aroma). The tartness feels authentic, and the lemon note is lifted by a sparkling bergamot, and it just feels so natural. Part of that zest is from lemon verbena, which gives the composition a sunny spring-like feeling. Imagine dancing in a grassy field outside of a lemon grove and that is exactly what is embodied here. It’s a joyous ode to the Mediterranean, revealing the splendid beauty of the ancient region. As the scent progresses, the citrusy verbena lingers, but it is joined with musk and lavender, creating the sweet, slightly floral scent of summer lavender blooms brimming with honeyed nectar. This adds to the picture that The Frenchy is trying to compose – a summertime escape into France’s most swoon-worthy spots. The tart, slightly bitter feeling of lemon petitgrain carries the citrus into the base. It doesn’t become a two-dimensional lavender and green vetiver scent, as the verbena and citrus hang on throughout the life of the scent. The Frenchy is an admirable performer, clinging to skin for around 7ish hours and longer on clothes. This is quite the feat considering it is a “cologne” style scent, which are infamously short-lived. The projection is moderate, but like I said before, “class hums its melody; it doesn’t scream it”. The Frenchy is slightly mature. While it does paint a resemblance to Eau Sauvage, it feels more modern and approachable, but I would still say that it is more suited for people over college age. I personally think it leans a bit masculine, but a woman can certainly pull this off as well. It’s best for the super-hot days of summer, when you need a refreshing scent. Dua’s take on the G-lain is certainly a refined scent. It lacks any manner of flirty playfulness, but it shows both an upscale, classy side while also being a bit playful with jolts of citrus that would work with a polo and shorts, or a sundress. Whereas Ocean of Dua is a wealthy person on the Riviera, The Frenchy is that same person strolling around Provence on a sunny day. As I said before, The Frenchy does resemble Eau Sauvage a bit, but this is blended in a smoother manner. It’s higher quality and it certainly lasts a lot longer. If you love the old cologne style scents, then The Frenchy is a must-try. I love it. 9.5/10. 6/10 for the bottle art because I think it’s a bit gloomy compared to the scent held within.