3 AM by Sean John

Rich indeed. I used to buy this 2-3 years ago for £20 but now that it’s discontinued and sells online for over £100 it’s simply not worth the price anymore.

A peculiar aroma; neither do I love nor hate it. I’m not an expert but the opening smells good perhaps the bergamot and cardamom blend gives a tonic water sensation something effervescent. It lasts about 5 hours on skin and projects a 2. I don’t recall the exact price but it wasn’t expensive. It hasn’t earned me compliments; I use it occasionally. It’s not striking but smells good; not one of my favourites but certainly good. The bottle is pretty and the spray is excellent. It’s not bad just there are better options.

A very pleasant fresh and clean aroma though slightly bitter reminiscent of Yves Rocher Natura. You can wear it anywhere but its performance is poor; it lacks strength in longevity and projection. It only lasts a few hours with a weak trail. Nevertheless I recommend buying it.

A massive surprise! 3 AM is from the Sean John (Puff Daddy) collection and, according to the grapevine, is already discontinued. The bottle is a blatant copy of Dior Homme Cologne, but with a red atomiser instead of white. While the DHC version is smooth and rectangular, the 3 AM has relief with overlapping rectangles. I love how the red breaks with that clean presentation; it reminds me of something Japanese, a zen balance. Many say the atomiser is one of the best and they’re right: it mists beautifully and is a joy to use. If the fragrance weren’t up to the packaging’s standard, it would be an innocuous addition, but it is. That said, this EDT is one of my favourites. I find comfort in immersing myself in it. It opens citrusy but nothing strident, a perfect balance between lemon and orange with a slightly spicy touch. Then comes the heart: a rough, green fig leaf scent with the soft bitterness of geranium. And then comes the best part: emerging alongside all that is a velvety tonic water with that effervescent citrus. As it dries, it combines with a soft leather that makes it increasingly silky, something charming. I admit I didn’t expect something so delicate coming from rap, which I associated with rough testosterone; this is pure restraint and sophistication. I still have to shake off those prejudices. 3 AM is an incredibly delicate tonic water scent, ideal for those days that stretch out and the weather improves.

A summer fragrance that radiates freshness and elegance. Its projection and longevity are weak; I’d like more but it gives the impression of a clean and elegant person. Suitable for late afternoon or evening at the beach in summer. You need to apply more than 6 sprays to enjoy it. Given the price and the aroma it’s worth it.

A very pleasant citrus with a green touch. The leather note goes unnoticed, but I think it gives a sexy, nocturnal aura. To understand it, imagine a gin tonic in the late afternoon on a terrace near the sea. I don’t feel it as very fresh, but rather energetic. The bottle is excellent, with a top-notch atomiser. For the price, it’s a bargain.

A very special perfume ideal for a date. My nephew Dyland Ovalle recommended it and I’m 100% in agreement. It smells very good clean and fresh with a soft trail and moderate longevity. It’s light sweet and exquisite in the opening good in the dry down. Excellent value for money; compared to high-end scents it has great quality. I’ve received compliments. It’s all-rounder suitable for any occasion except the gym. In the opening you feel the fresh perceptible tonic water; as it dries down it softens but remains fresh light sweet and with a floral note. It’s subtle but perceptible; you need to be close to feel it. I’ve received compliments from ladies who say they like it. In summary for dates and intimate relationships it performs best. I give it 8.5 out of 10 overall but 10 out of 10 for its essence and subtlety.

Top pick for this summer; with this, you can forget about things like Aqua di Gio, 212, or Cool Water for a while.