This hasn't been the best of weeks as far as fragrance sampling goes, and not for lack of trying. The two new-to-me scents that I tested ended up being horrible scrubbers, of the kind that still linger even after you actually scrubbed yourself silly, and their memory is enough to make me shudder. We all know that fragrance is all about body chemistry and that there's a skin for every scent. I'm just not sure that I want to meet the skin that can make those two work.
Heeley- Spirit of the Tiger
The problem begins with the inspiration for this scent, the Chinese pain relief ointment Tiger Balm, which is more or less like Bengay. Do you want to smell like Bengay? Didn't think so. What made the noses and minds at Heeley think that this was a wonderful idea? Your guess is as good as mine.
The fragrance starts with sharp mint oil that is soon joined by camphor, to give you that medicinal touch. And if that wasn't enough, there's nothing warm and spicy in the clove note. I love clove when it's either in a gourmand gingerbread-like blend or accompanies carnation, but here it smells exactly like my late grandfather's dentistry clinic. A perfume that makes me think of the drill and of backache is definitely not a good thing.
Profumum- Fumidus
There's no nice way to say this: I hate this one. The listed notes sound quite lovely: Essence of distilled scotch, vetiver root and birch bark. The reality is that this is liquid smoke. The babble on the website says something about castles and owning a forest. The only forest here is a forest fire, and it stinks to high heaven. It was very persistent and took some work to scrub. A trace of really bad bbq remained for a while.
I think I'm going to be wearing some sweet and feminine stuff in the next few days.
HeHe, we must have gone to the same sample shop! I didn't hate Spirit of the Tiger but it's not something I would wear. I was a gymnast and dancer when younger and my daughter is a serious dancer so I'm really used to the smell of Tiger Balm, but I don't consider it an enhancement like I would perfume.
ReplyDeleteHowever, Fumidus.....that one didn't even make it to my skin. The little cap only came off far enough to allow the stench to seep out. Not even enough for me to pick out any notes, I just got a paint-like smell. Euwww.
Just thinking about these two makes me want to go pull out a girly floral smell right now!
Yikes to both!
ReplyDeleteI don't blame you...
ReplyDeleteI do not have a Tiger Balm fetish- it reminds me of migraines, and pulled muscles-
Not my most lyrical memories, lol.
Hi, well I'm back to say I got my hands on a hot little sample of said Tiger - and I like it!! I like the clove very much and the way the mint lends a cooling effect. I am surprised, I didn't expect to like it. My review is coming tomorrow. :O)
ReplyDeleteGail- I should have been as wise as you and not let that awful mess near my skin. It was the vilest of all vile.
ReplyDeleteChaya- There's nothing lyrical about ether one. In my book, that's disqualifies them as perfumes.
Victoria- The nose is a funny little thing, is it. I'm glad that it worked for you.
I didn't find Spirit of the Tiger Balm disgusting, I just thought "Why?"
ReplyDeleteAs for Fumidus, that's a funny little creature... It certainly isn't pretty or pleasant! I do think it's rather interesting though, as a conceptual fragrance. It certainly is original! I'd rather have Fumidus than some pink and girlie berry scent any day!