Siete Machos by Siete Machos

Look, I’ve always heard the legend of this perfume and thought it would be a surprise, but it smells different to what I expected. It’s not that I dislike it, I just can’t find a real occasion to wear it. In fact, I haven’t worn it for a full day; I only dab it on my hand when checking through my collection for a sniff. Scent 6/10, longevity 6/10 and trail 4/10.

It’s an aromatic and spicy fragrance. From the moment it sprays until it dries, it’s very floral, but not sweet; rather, it’s a powdery, spicy, herbal floral. You can detect yellow flowers, herbal notes and lots of spices throughout, hard to identify, and clove becomes noticeable as it evolves. However, after 30 minutes, there’s too much patchouli. I keep it now for evening wear after a good bath; the floral essence is comforting for rest.

An interesting olfactory experience, a true tradition in Mexico, worthy of inclusion in any perfume collector’s wardrobe.

A shamanic fragrance, for driving away spirits, for a standard spa or a massage parlour denoting floral cleanliness without disenchantment. Smells of essential and body oils. With all due respect, it has tradition in Mexico, but it’s not for personal wear, but for esoteric or relaxing purposes. It’s the typical Mexican folklore fragrance with a sarcastic touch, but it doesn’t smell bad; perhaps due to the price it looks cheap or mundane. It’s the illegitimate son of Essenza by Acqua di Parma, the one that exists but never receives recognition. Like a little bean in the rice, the ugly duckling. But what of it! There are tastes, smells and flavours for everything. This concoction has lived for decades, for a reason.

This fragrance evokes the softness and warmth of certain body oils, leaving a clean and comforting trail. It conveys personal care and freshness, ideal for daily routines or intimate moments. It works brilliantly after a shower to prolong the sensation of clean and hydrated skin. It’s not intrusive or complex, but a subtle companion that enhances hygiene and personal wellbeing.

The truth is, I never knew what to expect; everyone always mocks bad smells, but this is nothing like that! It smells rich, enveloping and is super economical, with a great tradition in Mexico. It deserves to be taken seriously, regardless of the mundane uses people give it…

My grandmother gifted this to me while I helped her clean; she mentioned her grandfather used it as an aftershave. It smells of flowers and cleanliness, lasts forever, and fills the room. However, on my skin it burns too much, probably due to the alcohol in the splash, and becomes unbearable, so I hardly use it. It’s available in many pharmacies, even in a 50ml version with a spray nozzle. I’ve read it smells very similar to Acqua di Parma Colonia Essenza and confirmed it: they aren’t identical twins, but they pass as brothers. That makes you wonder if paying 40 times more is worth it. Is ADP 40 times better? Does it use processes 40 times more expensive? Are the oils 40 times better or less synthetic? Everyone has to reflect on that…

No official notes are listed but as far as I know it’s pure floral: heliotrope neroli jasmine chypre lavender carnation and orange blossom seven in total perhaps with extra Mexican herbs. It dries down clean and powdery timeless and unisex though it leans more towards men for me. It’s versatile not for extreme heat or cold and it doesn’t feel heavy. The original lasts a very long time around 14 hours according to Juan from HM and projects strongly. Be aware that the bottle sold is pure oil; if so dilute it (10ml essence with 30-40ml alcohol) to make it 25-33% and put it in a spray atomiser. It smells like freshly laundered clothes with old detergent very pleasant. It’s suitable for daily wear work interviews or a first date and by esoteric tradition it’s used before meeting new people to attract a partner. No specific outfit is required. In Mexico its esoteric use is huge: seven flowers is a magical number the label has symbols and it’s used to attract clients with water protect places at the entrance call in love with rose and honey or cleanse energies by rubbing it on. The ‘Tarot Místico’ channel and Carlos Rubio have videos on the subject. I confirm it works for cleansing and protection surely it’s psychological or numerology although Urania says the copies don’t work (and they do). In Mexico people prefer the imitations from herbalists due to price. Bottom line: a neat aroma it replaces Prada L’Homme and lasts twice as long for just four dollars plus it comes with powers. It reflects the blend of santería and Catholicism with our native flora.

A classic in Mexico, highly sought after in markets for esotericism and witchcraft, although many people mention it in jest without knowing its scent. The opening is brutal, scandalous, and penetrating. Carnation and heliotrope dominate, with some jasmine and lavender. When it dries, it attenuates and feels talc-like. It isn’t a great wonder nor unpleasant, but don’t abuse it: it has no spray nozzle and if you are too generous, the penetrating trail will give you a headache. Its strong point is the duration; I wish several designer perfumes lasted like this. Nothing like its aroma compared to the grotesque label of the seven male goats; one might imagine it smells of blood, but it doesn’t. I bought it out of curiosity, as many mention it in mockery and few know what it smells like. I don’t regret it, it’s a bargain. Buy the 50ml presentation for the modest price of two dollars. If you like floral aromas, it may interest you; if not, pass.

To me, it’s a scandalous floral at first, with a semi-powdery, talc-like dry-down that is nonetheless pleasant. The famous 1930 Siete Machos is worth the price: it’s economical and delivers what modern perfumery often lacks. Many flowers emerge in a mix that doesn’t let you focus on each one; eventually, you notice iris, lavender and a touch of unisex scent after an hour. The sillage fades after two hours, staying very close to the skin. It’s worth it, but deserves several tries before you accept it without doubt; it may not please you at first, but give it time and appreciate its good taste, as it is worth it.

The dominant note is geranium, followed by heliotrope which gives it a powdery touch; there is a white flower I believe to be gardenia. I don’t recognise the other ingredients, but they are there. It is a more floral than aromatic fragrance, with little resemblance between the scent and its presentation; this is for the whole family. I use it as an aftershave; as it lacks a spray nozzle, the scent lingers on my hands for two hours. Excellent for adding a bit of variety.

I had never heard of this fragrance being used so much for witchcraft, attributed to the fusion of seven ‘male’ flowers. I expected something rare or mysterious, but I only found a moderate powdery aroma, hardly bearable. Only for lovers of the occult and esoterism; I know they use it for such matters.