Melange Of Spice: Sheseido Basala / Basara
When I first got into fragrances, I cannot tell you how much I despised the 'big masculines'. Anything that was not sweet or fresh would immediately be sectioned the 'do not try' section. I remember recoiling in utter disgust when I took a whiff of Aramis. The exact same was for Paco Rabanne Pour Homme. 'Yuck!' I thought! Fortunately, my nose grew wiser. It practiced day and night (mostly day), taking on the most challenging aromas. It conquered Wild Deer Musks with hydrogen bomb potency and ... Read Full Story
The Golden Question : How Many Sprays?
Almost everyone who invests in a fragrance itches to know how many sprays are ideal. To be honest, there is no right or wrong answer. However, in the myriad of confusion, there are better answers than others. Let's begin with a personal anecdote.Today I was once again confused about what fragrance to wear to work. After much contemplation, I reached out for Paul Smith London. This is a powerful puncher with Ice Age longevity and serious projection. Stupidly, I figured that since the scent is ... Read Full Story
Total Eclipse Of The Heart: Prada Infusion D'Homme
As I sit, mellowing to Pachelbel's Canon, I reflect on how prestigious that Prada label is. It's both ubiquitous and elusive. You recognise the name but the truth is they only have two male fragrances out. This is a house that prides itself on quality. The two male releases reflect that strongly. My love affair with Prada Infusion D'Homme began last year around August I believe. Maybe it was later but my memory fails me at times. I was in Debenhams Guildford spraying away and I s... Read Full Story
Making Huge Waves: L'Eau D'Issey
Issey Miyake's Titan of a fragrance has been around for quite some time. It's quite astonishing to imagine that for 15 years or nearly, we have had L'Eau D'Issey around for so long. I remember when I first got into fragrance, I'd walk into Boots and spray away happily. I was discovering new scents and I always frowned or coughed when I smelt true classics. But alas, my nose was young and undeveloped and it needed time. Givenchy's Gentlemen, Aramis and Chanel's Ant... Read Full Story
Givenchy Pi: Wonderfully Sweet, Painfully Discreet!
Pi has been eluding me for quite some time. It was always on my wish list but then I'd hear about something a lot more exciting and buy that instead. So it's been a long time coming! I first discovered Pi when a kind basenoter sent me a sample of the stuff. I anxiously sprayed it on and I instantly sneezed. The sharp citrusy top notes exploded into my nostrils triggering the reflex. I didn't really know what to think and I half forgot it was there. And as is usual with these sort ... Read Full Story
Underrated Summer Magic: CerrutiSi
A few days ago, my wonderful girlfriend surprised me with a few fragrance samples as I drove her to work. Some were of aftershave balms and some were of men's fragrances. Initially I did not care for them. None of the samples were of fragrances I was dying to try or wishing to buy. I neutrally sniffed away and shrugged them off with indifference. I was very grateful to her though, for she had given me a few names to eliminate/ignore in case someone falsely raved about their greatness in t... Read Full Story
Fragrance of The Day: Sergio Tacchini
Today I received a package. In it was a fragrance I got for pennies on Ebay. At £11 (including p+p) for 100ml EDT plus 150ml Deodorant, this was unusually cheap. The fragrance was Sergio Tacchini by Sergio Tacchini. It's one of the lesser known fragrances and will guarantee individuality.This is a fresh woody-citrus with class. Combined with the deodorant, you get a refreshing subtle smell which goes for hours upon hours. It's light and subtle and will keep you smelling fresh. This wi... Read Full Story
The Elusive Musk: Kiehl's Original Musk Blend
It was on Tuesday when I received the package. Inside were two bottles of hard to find scents which I had ordered from the other side of the pond. One of them was Kiehl's Original Musk Blend EDT. Classed as unisex, it lies on the masculine side of the spectrum, though I find that when the top notes evaporate, it can definitely turn feminine.The official product description is as follows; 'This modern version of our classic signature scent is based on the unique blend that is Kiehl'... Read Full Story
Back To The 80's: Yves Saint Laurent Pour Homme Haute Concentration EDT
Hi everyone. I will waste no time in posting my first review. Today I am reviewing one of my favorite citrus scents of all time; Yves Saint Laurent Pour Homme Haute Concentration EDT. I will first go through my experience with the scent and then review it after. If you wish to read the review only, feel free to exercise your index finger and scroll down, the review is just below!I bought this scent by accident a few months ago. I was still a rookie in the world of fragrance (I probably still ... Read Full Story
Introduction
Greetings to the world near and beyond. I go by the name of Critic and for now that may be the most important thing you will need to know. 'Spritzes' is my blog created for those seeking guidance on fragrance. I will address important issues like wearability, longevity and value for money. I myself am an enthusiast of fragrance and own a sizable collection of fragrances (30+ bottles and growing.. eek!). I will snap delightful photographs and review scents on a daily basis. One a day t... Read Full Story