Douleur by Bogue

First time with this fragrance and, after reading such divided opinions, I was terrified. But luckily, the experience was more positive than expected, though strange… it’s incredibly so. It’s one of the strangest scents I’ve tried recently. At first, what I notice most is cotton candy, melon, and mint, quite synthetic, with a smoky base. The result? Nothing pretty, but curiously it doesn’t disgust me. It smells to me like an ashtray where, at a party over a year ago, people left mint and strawberry chewing gum. Sounds horrible, right? But there’s a reason for it. This phase lasts an hour and a half. Then, in the heart, a metallic rose appears on the skin. It’s a greenish rose (perhaps with algae?) and much less sweet than the one in Rochas Tocade 2013, where the metallic touch was more subtle. The trail is noticeable without being overwhelming if dosed well, and lasts over 12 hours. I see it for personal use and spring. It’s not wearable in public, nor formal, nor at work. It’s not cheerful, elegant, or welcoming… It’s a scent for a day at home, an interesting olfactory journey. If I want a rose with a metallic twist, I’ll stick with Tocade: less original, but more enjoyable and presentable. Scent 6/10, Longevity 10/10, Sillage 8/10, Value 4/10, Versatility 1/10, Packaging 7/10. Would I buy again? No.

One of the strangest perfumes I’ve tried. At first cotton candy dominates, but as it dries it drops to the background, leaving a very distant sweet touch. Does it smell of algae? Exactly, it brings me to the beach. Melon? Also. Resins? Of course. Rose? Yes. I sense all the notes, but the final blend is so strange I don’t know what it smells like. Do I like it? I don’t know, it doesn’t fit my usual tastes. But it’s not unpleasant; in fact, I’ve loved smelling it all day. The performance is spectacular: I put it on at 7am and at 9pm it still smells clear. Today at work, a couple of Tom Ford White Suede Sorayas disappeared quickly, but this one keeps going, keeps going, and projects. Would I buy it? In the short term no, I have others on my wishlist, but in the long term… I’m adding it to my list of possibilities. Scent 7, Longevity 10, Sillage 9, Value 6, Versatility 5, Originality 10, Overall 8.