Pleasures For Men by Estée Lauder

Last week I bought a batch from 2005 and today I wore it to go out on the street (I live in Acapulco) and what a delight. At least this batch is potent; the fragrance is noticeable. It’s a delight 😍.

There are moments in a man’s life when you don’t know what to do, like when you’re given flowers in public. At first I thought this scent would be the same, but it has hidden flowers that don’t make it look like a bouquet. Citrus, fresh and fruity notes appear quickly, keeping it masculine. Then come spicy touches, especially coriander, with bitter oakmoss and warm woods. Everything is very balanced, airy and transparent, like a sky-air accord. There’s a slight musk that clings and lasts quite a while, well-coordinated and a delight for the nose. Nothing stands out; every ingredient is integrated. It reminds me of a D&G Pour Homme with an added ozonic-aquatic part. No need to spend a fortune; there are excellent aromas with a modest outlay that have nothing to envy the expensive ones. Approved.

A very good fragrance, not mass-produced, but with little longevity.

Years ago, while rummaging through my father’s wardrobe, he gifted me a pristine bottle of Pleasures. Upon first spraying, the initial impression is deceptive: it seems pleasant enough, but then it turns into a genuine torment. It clings to the skin like a chain, utterly unpleasant. It’s neither sweet nor fresh; it simply smells like floor cleaner misapplied on an old bus. Not only did I notice it, but everyone asked if I’d bathed in the product. Conversations quickly shifted from ‘Have you put on perfume?’ to confirming I smelled terrible. One evening, a close aunt told me, ‘Please stop using that; it smells awful.’ I explained I’d return it as it didn’t suit my skin and that I hated smelling like a dirty bus terminal. Ten years later, that vile bottle remains, still wrapped in its plastic, waiting for a brave soul to give it another chance.

A rich, fresh, herbal, sweet fragrance with woody notes. It reminds me of Davidoff’s Cool Water; checking English reviews, I found the same opinion. I recommend it for daily wear in any season. Do not overapply.