Today, I went back to work after an extended Thanksgiving break. How do I feel about this? Let’s just say that if I smoked, I would have been reaching for a cigarette. Instead, I’ll share a few mini reviews of some tobacco fragrances. Their cool, laidback vibe was just what I needed today.
Bell’Antonio, Hilde Soliani. I wanted Bell’Antonio to smell of coffee and tobacco, as advertised. It doesn’t, but the fruity pipe tobacco that predominates is a-ok, too. Bell’Antonio is chewy, rather than smoky. There is also an occasional waft of raisins. Yes, raisins! Bell’Antonio is billed as a masculine, but I thoroughly agree with Marina’s assessment on Perfume Smellin’ Things that it is a “masculine fragrance created to be worn by women.”
Tobacco Vanille, Tom Ford. I recognize that Tobacco Vanille is a tobacco fragrance. The first time I tried it, I was actually a little overwhelmed by the tobacco, which is also on the pipe tobacco end of the spectrum. But over time, I started to experience Tobacco Vanille as a scrumptious rum cake. Gourmand, boozy, spicy, and one of the most delectable vanilla notes I know.
M’Eau Joe No. 3, Opus Oils. I greatly anticipated this new release from Opus Oils, because Perfumer Kedra Hart uses tobacco notes in such a subtle way in some of her other fragrances. In her blends, tobacco comes across as fresh and “pure.” This is how the note is treated in M’Eau Joe, too. Although the scent is rather complex, I smell tobacco plant (with hay and herbal facets) and cigarette smoke. It’s ashier, crisper, drier, and more raw than the other two scents. Whiskey and tobacco, the basis of M’Eau Joe, could have been cliche central. But it isn’t. More like this scene in Almost Famous, less like a Guns ‘N Roses video.
For another review of Hilde Soliani Bell’Antonio, see the link above. For another review of Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille, see Olfactoria’s Travels. For another review of M’Eau Joe No. 3, see Perfume Posse.
And now, for a random giveaway. I’ve got a set of Six Scents samples that can be yours. Trompe L’oeil, M, #087, Ascent, Can’t Smell Fear, and Beau Bow. To enter, comment on this post. Available only for U.S. readers. Sorry! Blame the USPS.
Sample of Bell’Antonio is my own acquisition. Thanks to Undina for providing me with my first Tobacco Vanille sample, and thanks to Kedra Hart for my sample of M’Eau Joe No. 3. As always, reviews are not compensated, and my opinions are honest and my own. Information on my review policies is on the Media & Disclosure page.
