Oesel

I first wrote a review of Oesel on Basenotes shortly after the line launched and I said it then and I still maintain the same viewpoint (and with Henri's review below, I see that I'm not the only one): Oesel is basically a Fleur du Male copy. It's marginally "more natural" smelling, and it has a bit less cedar and the florals have been reduced slightly, but all in all it's close enough to Fleur du Male that it's not worth the price difference. I actually prefer FdM as I feel it has more character, even if it does come across as a bit more synthetic. If you almost love FdM but find yourself annoyed by a particular chemical in it or feel that it might be a perfect scent if only the balance was adjusted ever so slightly, do check out Oesel as it may be just what you are looking for. Those who simply do not like the odor profile of FdM can skip Oesel entirely. This is not the only Xerjoff that smells very similar to another, pre-existing scent. Mefisto too smells quite similar to Creed's Silver Mountain Water. To a lesser extent, Dhajala calls to mind Angel for Women, XXY is rather similar to Daim Blonde, and Modoc is not miles away from Tam Dao.

ALERT: The review for this frag is expertly covered by SculptureOfSoul (Below) 1. Extremely close to FDM (Fleur Du Male) By Francis Kurkdjian (Parfumier) 2. Considering the stunning similarity, it would make ZERO SENSE to buy the two unless it's just given to you with no options in advance..... 3. Only the most distinguished of noses can pick up the minor nuances between the two: the cedar, the florals, the slightly synthetic undertone to FDM... Which is altogether expected, because one thing is FOR A CERTAINTY when it comes to Xerjoff: quality raw materials, focussed on natural ingredients versus cheaper synthetics, coupled with superb blending... 4. For the money and what you get, I too prefer Fleur Du Mal..... *Why some men would stay away: the floral note may be a bit too much for some and those who are not very confident, bold or comfortable in their own skin, should just STAY CLEAR!!! *In addition, the white bottle, with that rather robust looking gentleman may be just too much for some and images of that buff Sailor in the Village People

This perfume is quite different. And you bet it has to be! It costs a fortune! I bought it because I am Italiana and I think it is just what I need. I preferred it over Bond n.9 Chinatown and Boadicea the Victorious Intense because the sales lady said this lasts longer. I love it. It's like smelling a classy flower, one that doesn't want to bother. It doesn't make me feel like a cemetery bunch of flowers, like white floral perfumes usually do and it is not as sweet as Boadiacea Intense, which is gorgeous but a little sickening after a while I think. Great choice. I'll edit the review with lasting power and sillage later on. EDIT one week later: this perfume is like a drug for me now. The more I use it, the more I LOVE IT. Genius creation. I love Italy. LASTING POWER ON CLOTHES 10/10-on skin 8/10. SILLAGE 5/10 meaning very strong for the first hour or so, but then it fades even though you can smell whiffs for about 6 to 8 hours after application.

The opening was rather harsh but it settled to an interesting neroli, petit grain and mimosa combo on me. This would be perfect to wear on a hot sticky day. Like we have many of those in the UK! Oesel balances in the middle so unisex. I'm glad the petit grain eases off quite a bit. I can find it too jarring. Now I can detect the nicotiana, white flowers and jasmine being able to surface. They are faintly backed with the amber and cedar. I think the rose and Amber bring some sweetness out more in the scent. This is my favourite stage. Such a change from the opening and well worth waiting for. I've got admit for the price point I would have hoped this lovely hung around a lot longer.

This is one of the reasons why I enjoy fragrance so much. You can smell something one day and have a completely different reaction on a different day. That's what makes it so fun! I did not like this the first time I tried it. It was too much of the white flowers for me. Didn't try it for almost a year. I thought i would give it one more try and what a difference! It's beautiful. It smells similar to Uden and wake up world just a little bit softer. It seems to open during the colder months. At least on my skin. Give it a shot.