HiM by Hanae Mori

Found it by chance during an afternoon test at Juliá in Valencia while looking for something suitable for this heat. It competes with the greats from Montale or Mancera, smells like a niche fragrance, and has a very reasonable price. It doesn’t remind me of Spicebomb; I’ve never liked that line. It has a strong, unique personality. It’s a well-tasted spiced wood: opens with violet, bergamot, and mandarin, with cardamom and black pepper standing out. In the heart, cinnamon and fig with a natural touch of tonka bean. The base is cedar and teak, which add elegance, closed out by amber, balsam fir, and musk. For me, it’s excellent and rich in notes, even though it’s from 2012. It lasts well, smells expensive and natural, works in the heat, during the day, and perhaps at night. It’s not easy to find, but here it was the exception. Lola is a professional who knows her stuff; I’m happy to have it and it’s already generated many compliments in under 24 hours. It suits me perfectly and puts me in a good mood; I couldn’t ask for more. NOTE: When I bought it, it was reasonably priced, but now it’s expensive; with discounts, it’s around 80 euros, so be careful.

Hanae Mori Him is a woody-spicy fragrance, perhaps little known, but its scent is truly good. At first, you note citrus combined with herbs, violet and an amber touch. It reminds me a bit of fragrances with fruit and cinnamon like 1 Million Prive. After 30 minutes, the fruits disappear and the woods and spices stand out, making it warmer without being heavy; now it reminds me more of Spicebomb. I’ve read it resembles Gucci Pour Homme II, but I haven’t tried it to confirm. I like it; it has versatility, although its best use is in temperate climates, serving for formal or casual situations. Average longevity of 8 to 10 hours with average projection. I recommend it if you like Spicebomb or 1 Million Prive, as it is much cheaper. Thanks to my friend @arp for the sample.

Very similar to Gucci Pour Homme II: a lemon opening, fine woods and fascinating violet leaves. It’s an exquisite essence for any hour or occasion, not intrusive, ideal for men who want to enjoy their balsamic and sweet scent feeling secure. Longevity and trail are medium-low at a very accessible price. Highly recommended if you like Gucci II.

I couldn’t detect the individual notes, so I’ll describe the fragrance itself. It’s somewhat acidic and slightly sweet, like that drink sold here called ‘Be Light’ in Jamaica flavour (very poor, by the way). There’s an Old Spice deodorant that smells the same; when using them, I feel like I’m drinking that minty, artificial, sweet and acidic beverage. Initially I felt acidity, which dropped after an hour and became creamy. Unlike others, I didn’t feel it was woody or spicy; I know fig leaf scent well and didn’t note it. If I had to isolate notes, it would be cinnamon, perhaps tangerine and some tonka bean. It doesn’t feel very generic, but I’ve smelled others with a similar likeness. What I didn’t like was that great resemblance to that cheap drink, which makes me feel it’s a cheap and common fragrance, nothing memorable, just another one of the bunch. It lasted about 10 hours: 5 of medium trail and 5 low, although in the last 5 hours it sometimes gained strength. For intermediate climates, neither very cold nor much heat, ages 25 and up. I don’t usually rate, but if I had to score it, I’d give it 5/10; it doesn’t deserve more.

‘HIM’ is definitely sweeter and woodier than the ‘HM Hanae Mori for men’. Much longer-lasting and less fresh. It’s an exuberant fragrance with personality; I don’t find it suitable for 20-year-olds.