Fleur du Riad

Very similar to Ralph Lauren Polo Earth but Polo Earth is better.

This is the first sample I've tried from a sample pack I received. Me: Middle age male, above average frag experience, but not a pro-nose. Always prefer natural and CF frags. First off, the small sample spray bottles have the best spray I've ever experienced. A small thing, but it's always great to have sprayers that work well and give good volume in each spritz. That said, having experimented for years with both companies that offer only naturals, and those that do in part, this is one of those brands that (so far) seems to be able to appeal to the commercial audience, more so than a more niche effort common with naturals-only brands. And in this case, I mean that in a good way. This seems to be fairly linear, with a definite green element, freshy, soapy-clean floral. Has a familiarity, but is not boring, is very neutral and friendly, I'd imagine wearable in a wide range of circumstances without offending anyone at all. Just has a clean, fresh floral vibe with minimal projection, and no headache or nausea; I'm pretty sensitive to commercial frags, the usual department store freshies being sharp, cold, harsh, metallic headaches that make me sick very easily. Biting and offensive, I can barely walk though the fragrance/perfume section of a department store without feeling headachy and ill. This has that fresh element to it, along with a floral component, but that remains a clean soapy unisex. Many layperson's nose would not know this is an all-natural; it can just about pass as more mainstream commercial aromachemicals. In a good way, and without the mentioned attack on my biology associated with the calone/ambroxan bombs. I test on a large paper plate of sorts, in my spare room. I'm not a skin-wearer, I spray on clothes when I wear fragrance. The company does include an insert that there may be staining of clothes due to the ingredients. I will have to test that out. This one has a def color to the spray, but I think might be fine for my dark colored gym shirts, and I'd wear something like this in that kind of environment due to the fresh/soap/floral theme. Projection is very minimal, and I'm about two hours in on longevity. On the latter, I'm one of the rare in the community that does not seek out longevity; I like to get a break from fragrance after 4 to 6 hours...I can always respray if I want!...and so therefore am fine with shorter-lived frags. So far, so good. I look forward to trying the rest of the samples and will report on them.

I have been wanting to sample this indie brand for quite some time and finally, thanks to a fellow fragrance comm lover, got my hands on few short samples. This is my first and I will say I have very mixed emotions about this scent. At first I thought I was going to love it as it comes on strong with a hit of Neroli and Orange Blossom..It last for a good 30 minutes before it drops off the cliff to a gentle white floral. But there is something about it that gives me bathroom spray vibes and thus not something I want to wear on my skin necessarily. It is unusual for something made with pure naturals. It does have great longevity for said natural, about 5 hours on my skin. I love this company's sensibility. It's small business approach, sustainability, ingredient sourcing and TLC that goes into every single bottle. I am excited to sample more.

80's vintage blend... I get the thick powerhouse herbal citrus with overdose neroli, and oakmoss. Orange blossoms, and jasmines are obvious and it's kind of the Russian leather concept. Nice thick, & heavy blend.