Boss Alive Eau de Parfum by Hugo Boss

Boss Alive EDP: It has surprised me, even if it’s not revolutionary. The opening is lovely: sweet, fruity, creamy and with vanilla, without that harsh alcohol hit that ruins everything. It feels good from the very first second. On my skin it lasts for hours; I can still smell it at 4 or 5, though softer. In a world of perfumes that die quickly, this is gold. I want to enjoy it and with this I do. It’s not original, but it smells rich, lasts long and makes me feel good. I would buy it again without hesitation.

It’s one of my favourites; I’ve bought it again. It’s sweet and cosy, nothing cloying. I feel elegant when wearing it; it was my signature scent for a long time, but bear in mind: it won’t work if you’re looking to stand out or want strong scents.

I wear it and receive compliments. It has a subtle, elegant sweetness, and as it dries down, it leaves a powdery trail that I adore. It’s my third bottle and my signature scent. I live in Colombia, a tropical country, and the weather is never so hot or cold that I can’t wear it. I’m looking for something like this—powdery but more sensual for evening.

I bought it after trying a sample and I’m a huge fan. It smells of vanilla and sweetness without being cloying. It smells divine, elegant. It’s one of my favourites. That thyme note on my skin gives it a special touch. Pity it doesn’t last long and leaves no trail.

I found it appealing due to its pyramid. I tested it on dry skin and on skin. I always test on skin, but with Alive I had to test on dry skin because on my skin it was unpleasant. On dry skin: sweet, fruity and vanilla opening, waiting for the cinnamon. Plums and blackcurrants fused with apple acidity, then the thyme. It’s not subtle; it seems to have a branch stuck to the nose; the spicy woody note of the grass is noticeable. The base is intense, sweet woody, but ends dry and bitter. On skin: nothing to do with it. It’s a chaotic disaster. Synthetic vanilla and cinnamon like liqueurs that end in a very strong medicinal nuance. That’s all I notice. Although it smells good on dry skin, I won’t buy it due to incompatibility with my skin. Performance is excellent: more than 8 hours on skin and more than 48 on dry skin.

NOT FOR ME. I tried it because the perfumer gave it to me, not by my own decision, and I didn’t like it at all. It’s like a mix of Zara’s Fruity with something woody and cinnamon, but it creates a scent I absolutely do not enjoy.

Fruity, woody cinnamon, and a hint of thyme that sometimes lingers. I wore it to my new job and love it; it makes me feel good and reminds me of my longed-for V/S Versus. I know not everyone likes woods, but outside of work, the criticisms don’t hold water.

It’s Laguna by Salvador Dalí with a different name and bottle. It’s rich, well-vanilled, and a soft gourmand. It’s not heavy, but I wouldn’t wear it in summer; it suits autumn or early spring better. It has good projection: I applied it to my wrist and walking through the centre, I could hear it as if someone was carrying it, it lasts quite a while and is still noticeable even after a shower. Laguna does the same at a lower price and my mum always wore it. It’s lovely but not original.

I wore it today and although it smells nice, its longevity and projection are terrible. It reminds me of ‘Memorie d’una Odeur’ by Gucci, perhaps due to the aromatic shrubs, chamomile, thyme, sandalwood, cedar, and jasmine. Both give me peace.

I have mixed feelings. It’s not original, but I enjoyed the sweet and fruity opening, especially when the cinnamon takes centre stage. An hour later, the overly sweet vanilla regains ground, and in the dry-down it smells like Provencal kitchen spices that last 6 hours. I suppose the thyme doesn’t work on my skin; if I were to use it, only in mild seasons and informal settings. Pleasant: 5/10, Interesting: 6/10, Versatile: 7/10, Original: 7/10.

I love it, it’s sweet, but I don’t find it long-lasting. I bought it blindly and I like it a lot… but on my skin I only notice it at the beginning. It has a different scent, I can’t explain it, but for me it’s good.

Although Alive isn’t a risky gamble, it caught me off guard. At first, it smells of alcohol and is slightly masculine, which put me off, but then it softens into something fruity, sweet and fresh with a metallic and powdery note that didn’t quite convince me. The real change happens later: the apple and alcohol blend into a cider scent with ozony touches, very nostalgic of 90s perfumes. In the heart, it reminds me of Boss Orange, but here the apple and plum take charge, with a touch of sweet cinnamon and spice. The best thing is that it lasts a long time, around eight hours in my case, with a trail for the first four. It’s youthful and carefree, ideal for quiet days or semi-formal gatherings; the name suits it perfectly.

It smells good, although it’s undeniable that it’s nothing innovative. I suppose that, as happens with many fashion brands lately, Boss didn’t want to take a risk. The opening is fruity with vanilla, highlighting a pleasant but generic plum. The dry-down is more interesting: white floral, spiced and woody with character, although it’s not novel and resembles YSL Libre a lot. Anick Menardo has done a good job; it’s a nice perfume, suitable for any day and very long-lasting, but it’s not something I would buy. Rating 6.5/10. Longevity 7.5/10. Sillage 7/10. Value for money 7/10. Versatility 7/10. Packaging 6/10. I wouldn’t buy it.

For me, this fragrance is a real treat. I don’t think it’s quite the masterpiece or the most innovative in history, but it has a special performance and scent, very spicy. The opening is quite fruity and generic, but over time it becomes intense and spicy, with a unisex touch that makes it very interesting. I took a huge risk buying the 80ml blind, but I would do it a thousand times again.

Few reviews for this perfume, but it’s worth highlighting that it’s potent with an effervescent opening that moves to a woody accord with a very pleasant fruity sweetness. It has good performance: three sprays and it lasts all day with considerable sillage. It’s fairly linear, but that woody and sweet scent is intoxicating. The plum is soft, the vanilla too, and the woods are well harmonised. It has no annoying notes; it’s harmonious. It’s perfect for romantic and modern women. It’s not a classic scent; it’s quite avant-garde. Anick Menardo blends the fruity notes with woods very well here; both she and Hugo Boss have done a good job. An ethereal and standout perfume.