gecko

I thought I would really love this one based on the notes, but much as I've tried I can't get into it. I'm a big floral fan, but the magnolia/jasmine hit at first is way too sweet. That backs off after 10 minutes or so and then boozy vanilla/tabacco becomes more prominent. There's an undertone of something dirty, maybe the moss? It does accurately give you the idea of a run down brothel in the south that's a bit mildewed and smoky, the smell of sweat and sex in the background, that girls are wearing a strong perfume to compensate for. For execution I give it a 4.5/5 but my enjoyment rates a 2.5/5.

In the vial I get vanilla and green tea with a squirt of pine. As it dries the musk moves to the front with a top note of sweet vanilla and a touch of lemon. It's funny how skin chemistry works because on me this isn't masculine at all. In fact, it borders on too girly and foody for my taste. After it settles down it gets more warm and skin-like, with that hint of something naughty. I thought it had less than average throw and 3-4 hours before it went playdough on me. I am a light applier though. My husband likes it and I think Dorian will get better with age, so I'm keeping it. I give it 3.5 out of 5.

Wet: This is electric ozone over sweet florals. Drydown: The salty aquatic notes come to the fore. Dry: The salty tang fades, leaving me with a lush wet floral. It's so well blended that I struggle to pick out individual flowers but I think I smell lilac and lily of the valley. It's sweet but the wetness keeps it from overpowering. This is what I wished Cool Water would be! For a Leo, the water scents play nice on me! I'm a big floral girl anyway. 4/5

I got this as a frimp from the Lab which was really sweet! Too bad it didn't work for me. On the drydown I got gardenia, spice, baby powder, and burnt rubber. I guess dragon's blood and I don't get along.