JF9 Green by JAFRA

Lot 2013, a 15th birthday gift. Old-school aroma, like a green barbershop soap from my grandfather’s shop. It doesn’t stick with me: at 27, it smells slightly faecal and mossy, which doesn’t suit me, but if not for that, it would be excellent. Classic and decent for the price. Ideal for those over 50, cold/temperate evenings, or for bedtime. $15. If your nose can handle that dirty nuance, it’s a perfect option.

It’s my father’s signature scent; he’s had over 100 bottles since 2000 and never tried another. I didn’t like it before, finding it repugnant, but now I love it because it smells like him. It brings back memories of waking up early to shave with his green JF9 and heading off to work. A scent full of memories.

A good option for everyday wear. That citrus and spicy opening works well.

Jafra scents often have a poor opening due to lack of oxygen at my altitude (2,500m). Upon opening, they smell synthetic and don’t last long, but after letting them breathe for a couple of months, they improved tremendously. If it helps you, blessings.

I’ve just added Jafra to my collection and it’s a keeper: a super citrusy and herbal opening where you can clearly detect lemon and absinthe, a lovely aromatic note. The heart is spicy, with earthy base notes of woods, incense, and a touch of amber. It’s the Jafra version of the classics from the 70s and 80s, reminding me of Carlo Corinto Classica (its citrus, woody, and herbal facets), Paco Rabanne Pour Homme (similar citrus opening to the reformulated version, dry earthy and musky drying down, though it lacks that sweet and soft touch), Halston Z14 (for that blend of citrus, herbs, wood, and spices), and above all, Quorum by Antonio Puig. The latter is very similar to JF9 Green but deeper, heavier, and more animalic; a bit cheaper and, in my opinion, better quality. However, if you’re looking for something classic and easy to wear, JF9 doesn’t disappoint. It’s a bit more synthetic than Quorum but smells better than almost any other Jafra fragrance. Since it’s not as animalic or heavy, it wins on versatility and works well in spring and warm autumns; in cold climates, Quorum is superior thanks to its moss and tobacco/leather base. JF9 works well day and night, including versatility. Anyway, both cost less than $20, so on a tight budget you could own both. They say Halston is now a watery lemonade, Paco seems discontinued and is rising in price (better to buy it now), and Quorum remains on the shelves ignored by the younger generation. They aren’t bad scents; they might seem very old-fashioned, but old is new again. If you don’t want something as aggressive as Quorum but are seeking a sensory delight and a comforting scent for the women around you (the older sales assistant who sold it to me said it was the best of the JF9s, though I suspect it was personal taste and nostalgia), Jafra is highly recommended. Well done and applause to the house. Blessings.

The closest thing to a nordic soap I’ve tried.