Pleasures For Men by Estée Lauder

Years ago, rummaging through my father’s wardrobe, he gifted me a small selection of fragrances, including an immaculate bottle of Pleasures. The first impression is deceptive: it seems pleasant at first, but then it turns into a torment. It’s a sticky chain clinging to the skin, utterly unpleasant. It isn’t particularly sweet or fresh, but rather a common smell, like floor cleaner wrongly applied on a dilapidated bus (in Mexico, we call this ‘fabulous’). Not only did I notice it; everyone asked if I’d bathed with floor cleaner. The conversation went from ‘Did you put on perfume?’ to confirming I smelled bad. A close aunt even said, ‘Please, don’t use that perfume, it smells terrible.’ I returned it to my father, saying I didn’t like it, it didn’t suit my skin type, and I hated smelling like a poorly cleaned bus terminal. Today, almost ten years later, it’s still there, that small horrid bottle, still in its cellophane, waiting for a brave soul to try it again.

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.

Excellent citrus fragrance. It’s not Cool Water; this has less sweetness and feels fresher than marine. Ideal for the gym, after the beach or pool. If you need a citrus scent that lasts at least five hours on the skin for outdoor activities, this is the choice. Very pleasant, doesn’t smell like cleaner, although it has that clean soapy facet. Fresh and light. It gives me the sensation of neroli, even though it’s not declared.

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 😍.

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

A rich and very soft fragrance.