Tsar

40 reseñas

Mostrando las más recientes primero.

• beto_ruiz

  May 9, 2015

  

  Tsar is a fragrance I love; it has several characteristics I like: it’s woody, green, floral, aromatic, and slightly spicy. For me, its aroma is very pleasant; it makes me think of being in a wooded area or in the countryside. The base is very classic in many fragrances; at least I can distinguish the leather, patchouli, oakmoss, cedar, vetiver, and slightly musky. The trail and longevity are moderate; I didn’t feel it heavy or intrusive at all. I think it can be used in any season and by anyone who likes fragrances with green or herbal notes. It feels like the style of Paco Rabanne Pour Homme and Carlo Corinto Classic, but a bit fresher. The ingredients smell of very good quality, which makes the fragrance feel distinguished, and it can be obtained at a fairly accessible price. I recommend at least trying it.

• Burnett

  November 26, 2015

  

  A distinguished and masculine perfume. 100% eighties, I felt green notes, pine, and patchouli… I recommend it for men aged 50 and over.

• alanale

  March 26, 2016

  

  It was one of my favourites, very long-lasting and with a rich aroma. In my opinion, there was a slight drop in quality when the bottle changed; the previous one was entirely green, now it’s transparent. Nevertheless, I think it’s a lotion that doesn’t bore and should be present in every man’s collection; ladies like the fresh aroma and it gives you a plus of cleanliness and freshness. Be careful not to overuse it because it can become a bit misguided; it’s not necessary as it impregnates quite well.

• don k

  April 18, 2016

  

  First of all, I should mention that I own the older brother, POUR HOMME, more for family memory than for taste, although I don’t dislike it. TSar arrived a few days ago; after testing it, there’s no doubt it’s a descendant of POUR HOMME; there’s a very similar base, but TSAR is more wearable, greener, has a smaller trail, and surely will have less love/hate effect than Pour Homme. I insist, there is a base, especially at the start, that smells similar. It’s a very pleasant fragrance to my taste; I feel it’s classic but not old-fashioned, and I find no resemblance to LOEWE ESSENCE (which I also own). Without a doubt, I’m not regretting the purchase; the price-product ratio is excellent. Scent 7/10, versatility 7/10, trail 7/10, longevity 7/10.

• juancar677

  April 27, 2016

  

  I bought this Tsar by Van Cleef & Arpels the day before yesterday and I’m in the testing phase. It must be said that the vintage edition is no longer available in perfumeries; now it’s reformulated. It comes in a box with an abstract green and black design, gold lettering, and a black bottle just like the Pour Homme, but this one offers translucency where you can see a nice intense green. It’s a perfume from the old school, from ’89, but very classic in concept. Its longevity is a bit disappointing, especially if you’re used to its older brother and similar scents; I also don’t place it in specific seasons or time slots, perhaps due to that issue. It could be for intermediate seasons, preferably autumnal. The trail in the opening and middle is good, although in the dry down it feels light. It’s nice within a line similar to Equipage by Hermes (but without so many spices), just as Pour Homme has similarities with Bel Ami from the same house, although Van Cleef’s is more complex and beautiful to me. Basically, it’s leather with greens, just as Priethcallas summarised Pour Homme as leather with roses. They don’t resemble each other at all; the only thing is that the ’70s one has green notes at the beginning but little else; they are works by two perfumers in different eras. I detect the vetiver clearly; it reminds me of Encre Noir and Guerlain’s. It can be found at a good price in certain shops (this reformulated version) for around 39 euros, while others charge 72. It remains a great perfume compared to the current market and recent novelties. It will never surpass its older brother, but it has very beautiful moments and is semi-formal. It’s a pity the longevity wasn’t more impressive, but everything is a matter of finding the right moment and place to shine in its splendour.

• MANOLETE

  May 23, 2016

  

  You’re absolutely right, Juancar6777; I agree with everything you wrote. This jewel of perfumery is a masterpiece; it feels classic but in no way obsolete or out of place. I hope they never discontinue it.

• juancar677

  May 25, 2016

  

  I’ve tested this fragrance several times and I think it’s very good; Van Cleef & Arpels’ perfumery is very exclusive and high quality. It has three battle-tested pieces in the men’s range: from the classic Pour Homme, through this Tsar, to the modern Midnight in Paris. It offers more versatility than its brothers (which are more nocturnal), it’s more wearable, although at dusk it unfolds its airy notes beautifully. It’s timeless, ideal for autumn-winter but no problem in spring. It works well in enclosed spaces and outdoors it performs brilliantly. Its notes are well-assembled, forming a harmonious, elegant, and balanced ensemble. The green notes stand out alongside good leather. The price-quality ratio is excellent, and the current presentation is too. It’s one of the fragrances that has given me the most compliments; it draws a lot of attention, although its dry down is composed. I thought Pour Homme was very good, but this Tsar is not inferior; they just express different feelings. Tsar, although classic, is more modern; its world is a natural, mysterious green forest, whereas Pour Homme is dark-based with beautiful notes. Tsar is very good and pleasantly surprising. I recommend testing it if possible.

• carlomagno40

  May 28, 2016

  

  A very good perfume and above all, very masculine. It’s one of those scents that stands out from the norm; you don’t smell it as much as the commercial EDTs. I love its opening, and although the trail fades significantly after 4-5 hours, I highly recommend it.

• drakecito

  June 16, 2016

  

  I only know the current version; the bottle is different from the photo, but I have one from 3-4 years ago that I liked quite a bit. It’s a well-made perfume; notes like pine and leather sound aggressive on paper, but here they are soft and relaxing. Basically, it’s a green aromatic with greens, lavender, geranium, a spicy touch, and soft vetiver. The pine isn’t overpowering, and I don’t recall smelling the leather. Perhaps it’s not the pinnacle of quality, but I found it well-blended and very pleasant. The trail was discreet and the longevity wasn’t particularly long, but it wasn’t bad.

• jesus ramon corona sauced

  November 2, 2016

  

  I bought the 5ml version, and it’s a perfume with a lot of personality that makes you stand out. The first thing I smell is green notes blended with soft lavender, giving a rich and refined character, before moving to a woody scent with a subtle but masterful hint of cinnamon. The opening lasts 10 to 15 minutes, then the woody and mossy notes continue for another two hours, and the dry down reaches three hours with moss, leather, and a touch of sweetness. Its trail is impressive; it announces your arrival before you even step on stage. It gave me a déjà vu with my YSL Jazz. I have the original formula; I’m not sure if the reformulated one smells the same, but if you see it in the pearlescent green bottle, don’t hesitate and buy it. It’s very dynamic, youthful, and fresh.

• jimblue

  November 25, 2016

  

  A blast of Tsar by Van Cleef is like stepping into the ‘other side’ of perfumery… Back to the 80s with all its power, complexity, and voluptuousness… A fragrance that brings together the deepest woods of the forest, with oak moss, vibrant and fresh green notes, and incredible spices that show themselves cheerfully: tarragon, rosemary, coriander, cinnamon… It also offers citrus and the most beautiful flowers that smell magnificently… And the dry down, with leather, sandalwood, tonka bean, and the brilliant patchouli… What more can be said? Another paradigm… Almost the opposite of today’s diluted perfumery industry… A deeply green and woody perfume, of mature cut (that’s relative), for cold climates, with excellent fixation, development, and projection…

• juancar677

  January 27, 2017

  

  Tsar might resemble YSL’s Jazz, Lomani, or Halston and so many others that touch (more or less) the green world. But I would say Tsar has a more distinct personality (despite its reformulation); it doesn’t possess enormous longevity but does have a correct trail. It feels classic yet very pleasant, especially in enclosed spaces, and I repeat that for me the key to its success lies in possessing a tremendous personality; moreover, it’s one of those perfumes that is also sexy.

• juanu_8

  February 1, 2017

  

  A classic fragrance but with a quite pleasant touch. Its notes blend together from the moment of application. I’d say its longevity is high. Ideal for men who love nature and elegance.

• entredicho

  February 2, 2017

  

  Surely they reformulated it because it doesn’t have a huge trail, but it’s true that the personality and charisma it radiates are very special. I’m thrilled to wear it, even if I have to over-apply it several times a day to feel it with intensity. The closest comparison for me is with Lomani and Jazz at the opening, and with the discontinued Boston by Puig in the dry down. A wonderful essence and a beautiful design and bottle colour.

• entredicho

  February 13, 2017

  

  A beautiful fragrance I had been longing to own for years, and finally it has become possible. Every scent needs its time to be worn, a determination, a consensus with oneself. It’s always better not to rush with important fragrances, and this one, dear friends, is such for me. I fully agree with Azuriiita that this liquid is tender, relaxing, and masculine. It’s clear, wonderful, and sits in a place that some will reach after patient attempts to know it well (as I have). It’s neither sweet nor dry, nor does it lack both qualities; not cloying nor intrusive; it doesn’t have an excessive trail, but it projects a very special aura. It is suggestive, mysterious without pretensions of being so, simple yet complex like a mature woman… I guess it was a fragrance created with dedication and care, as one can feel when wearing it dissolved like a balm of elegance and gentleness in their DNA. Prietcallas says it reminds one of YSL’s Jazz, and it’s very true, although the first déjà vu that came to me was Lomani Pour Homme, a fragrance created two years before this Tsar. I’m sure that in some way, this Van Cleef could have been inspired to a certain extent by Lomani and Jazz, the latter created a year before Tsar. And I believe all three, just like so many others, could have had the emblematic Pour Homme by Paco Rabanne as an inspirational base, to which they owe so much. Oh, and the wonderful Quorum from 1981 also has something to do with all this… Edit: It’s very curious that back in 1989, the Boton cologne by Puig hit the market, whose scent (more or less linear) is identical to the dry down of Tsar… Coincidence?

• Bofifa

  February 16, 2017

  

  Back in the early 90s, my father had a bottle of this Tsar that I couldn’t resist using whenever I got the chance. I still vividly remember its scent, as no other fragrance has ever captured that dense, deep, forest-like green cloud of personal maturity and elegance so well. It’s one of my favourites; I wear it quite a lot from autumn through to spring, and I must say I don’t recall many differences from the original, not even in longevity and projection. I always feel very welcomed by the burst of coriander and pine upon spraying, and the dry down, woody and resinous, is a genuine delight, a true masterpiece. For those who haven’t tried it, imagine a Quorum by Puig with a stronger emphasis on green notes. More or less. Regarding longevity and projection, I’m convinced there are no significant differences from the original: we tend to think all 80s fragrances were brutal, but that’s not the case; moreover, by the late 80s, monstrous projection wasn’t sought after anymore, but something more subtle and fresh. In fact, during my school days, back around 93-94, given my modest allowance, I couldn’t afford to buy Tsar for myself (it was MUCH more expensive than it is now), so I used the cheap clone of that era, Camel Eau de Toilette, which I felt was identical to. Curiously, I managed to buy a bottle of this Camel recently (discontinued years ago), and yes, there are differences, albeit slight: in Camel, there’s more abundance of woods. But it still doesn’t reach the power of the current Tsar. On my skin, which suffers from frank issues with longevity and projection, I can wear Tsar in the morning, where it will project well for its good four or five hours; afterwards it stays a bit closer to the skin, but you can still smell it even by night. Tsar wasn’t a monster in its time, nor is it now. But it is certainly above average. If you’re fans of this type of perfume, don’t hesitate for a second (this recommendation applies to the admirable Camel too; buy it if you see it, but don’t pay a ridiculous amount as it is nothing more than a clone). Note: 10/10.

• MIQUELEMG

  February 27, 2017

  

  I share the same opinion on the reformulation: the scent remains good, but it has lost about 50% of its trail and longevity.

• juancar677

  March 15, 2017

  

  I would have loved to try the vintage edition. For me, it’s a great perfume, as I mentioned in previous reviews, but I feel it lacks a bit more longevity to be my absolute favourite. I adore Van Cleef & Arpels and prefer their Pour Homme by a country mile.

• juancar677

  March 19, 2017

  

  Thanks, Tony. Yes, that’s the reformulation I bought back in April 2016. Actually, I do like it, except for the fact that it clings to the skin and fades before an hour is up. I’ll follow your advice to apply it more generously, and of course, if I spot the vintage edition, I’ll buy it. Many thanks, mate.

• jerry drake

  May 18, 2017

  

  Hello Bofifa. I’ve read several of your reviews and I must say you have a rare ability to capture the essence of any perfume you try… it’s almost as if one can smell it just by reading. Thank you for your contribution; I’ll be trying the Tsar myself too.

• juancar677

  June 29, 2017

  

  After a year of buying Tsar (reformulated version), I have perceived that temperate and hot seasons enhance this beautiful fragrance, at least in the Mediterranean city where I live. I seriously thought last winter that it would be ideal, but I was wrong. Now, in full summer (5th July) and at noon hours, I notice its scent more and better. Although its pyramid is correct on my pH, green and floral notes remain dominant, very well assembled. Sincerely, I think it is more for the day, although I have never tried it at night. I find the review by Tami Franco and her theory of Aristotle’s arithmetic mean very interesting, where she says it is possible to use Tsar in the heat. It is a very apt and beautiful fragrance, one of those no longer made today, and yet it does not feel classic; it is totally usable. Van Cleef & Arpels Pour Homme does seem nocturnal and for cold times. Two sides of the same French brand with two very good perfumes that, in recent creations, have seemed of inferior quality. These are very good from the house: each in its corresponding time gives sufficient performance and play. I would say they are two jewels that, for the moment, survive in the current men’s fragrance market.

• Mike83

  August 13, 2017

  

  The ‘Tsar of Russia’ is a classic, mysterious, and dark scent that explores other facets of the green notes already seen in Loewe Essenza, Polo Green, Carlo Corinto, and Paco Rabanne Pour Homme. In the most recent version, I perceived the opening as herbal, slightly chemical, like artificial fresh mint (clorets). This sensation lasts no more than 10 or 15 minutes and disappears to give way to the floral notes and rosemary. Here, the fragrance evokes a frozen landscape with a foresty pine breeze. Gradually, it leans towards the floral without losing the mint/rosemary/lavanda combination as the presentation. The projection becomes denser (as the mint decays to a minimum to maintain freshness) until it reaches the darkness of leather and woody notes, without feeling dry or earthy. This is the climax: a dark, theatrical, melancholic, Machiavellian, authoritative, and sinister vibe. After Antaeus and Armani Code Special Blend, I had not smelled anything that brought me those sensations. The sillage starts heavy and decays to moderate, lasting five hours before disappearing at skin level. More suitable for the last days of summer (with the first rains), autumn, and winter. I see no romantic connotations; rather, it is for personal enjoyment, work, and among friends, day and evening. Highly recommended. Greetings.

• Juanpasiones

  September 24, 2017

  

  I write this review of Van Cleef & Arpels Tsar out of consideration for Fragantica users who, after reading the excellent references above, want to buy it. As José José, one of the best exponents of 20th-century Mexican bohemian music, sang: ‘The past is the past.’ Tsar was simply a great perfume, and what once was, will never be again. The bottle of the new generation is made of shiny dark green glass, like in the online sales advertisements. I ordered it via Amazon.com; I don’t know if I was sold a pirated copy or if the new batches are truly poor in longevity and sillage. I managed to try it on a friend with the creamy green bottle speckled with darker shadows; his sillage and longevity were much greater. I have never tried the content of the ribbed bottle with the brown cap. The scent is good, the opening very green, intoxicating with memories, retro, foresty, and festive. But it all ends in the blink of an eye. I use it as an aftershave. ‘And what did you do with the love you swore to me… and you killed the hope that was in me,’ as Mario de Jesús says.

• Fortinental

  October 15, 2017

  

  Very good green fragrance with non-dense pine notes. It is formal and very versatile for any temperature, perfect in winter and summer. The first thing I feel is a foresty and green opening, then it becomes slightly soapy with the lavender. In the mid-phase, I note spices like cinnamon and an undeclared note: incense. I detect a great similarity to YSL Jazz, but to the classic, not the collection version which is disappointing.

• Pepe Antonio 1960

  August 9, 2019

  

  I don’t know what this perfume would have been like years ago, but its scent is splendid and green as mentioned, and many notes from the description are noticeable. It smells sweet and green with leather and pine nuances, but it’s a pity it lasts so little; I wonder if before reformulation it had better longevity. I found it by chance in a perfumery in Granada and, guided by reviews, bought it blindly for 40 euros; I have no regrets. The perfume on my skin comes and goes, but it comforts me with that wonderful greenness. What a shame it is for such a short time.

• Josesan

  October 2, 2019

  

  VAN CLEEF & ARPELS is a French brand famous for jewellery. It was founded when Estelle Arpels, 19 and the daughter of a stone merchant, married Alfred Van Cleef, 24, the son of a Dutch cutter, in 1895. They joined relatives, including their uncle Salomon and brothers, opening their first shop at 22 Place Vendôme, the heart of Parisian luxury, where they remain one of the greats alongside Damiani, Boucheron, Chaumet, etc. Their first perfume was FIRST, a feminine scent from 1976 by Jean-Claude Ellena, an accessible branch for middle budgets compared to their jewellery, except for the ‘Collection Extraordinaire’. Sourcing from Monaco and the Emperor of Iran, their history is linked to royalty, so TSAR was a tribute to the last Tsar, Nicholas II. The TSAR I know is the vintage with the ribbed bottle, though there are also versions in opaque green bottles. Unfortunately, it has been discontinued, just like VAN CLEEF POUR HOMME and MIDNIGHT IN PARIS, three masculine jewels. Now they cost a fortune online, whereas before they were bargain finds. TSAR is not a fougère despite being the era’s masculine signature, but rather a soft, delicate, and totally unisex aromatic floral-herbal. Its opening and development are soft, sweet, balanced, innocent, and tender, as if we were talking about a fairy or a little creature from the Van Cleef jewellery universe. The aromatic accord unites contained citrus notes like neroli and bergamot with sweet, candid aromatic herbs. Sweetening notes like tonka bean, sandalwood, and amber stand out. There is also an evanescent floral component of lily of the valley, rose, and jasmine, not feminine, but almost adolescent. I clearly perceive ginger, a sweetish, spicy, powdery spice, like the BLVs from Bulgari that captivate me, although NOTTE and EDP FEMME are no longer available. It doesn’t have much sillage or moderate longevity; neither the vintage performs much. But it enchants platonically, dreaming of a summer night among fairies, magic, forests, potions, Puck, Oberon, and Titania.

• jerry drake

  September 7, 2020

  

  The vintage version of Tsar is like a siren enchanting the senses with timeless magic. I adore fresh 80s openings, fougère-chypre style, and Tsar does not disappoint: it is a declaration of deep masculinity without complications. It opens with citrusy lavender, a bit daring and bitter due to the artemisia and neroli. It leaves a humid forest aura that becomes more relaxed and dry. The heart is what sets it apart: juniper, carnation, jasmine, lily of the valley, iris, and rose. A unique and well-executed balance. The base is chypre, but not overpowering; it is respectful. Tonka and amber keep the leather, moss, and patchouli in their place, preventing them from veering into the dark side. Can a precious stone smell like an emerald? If it could, it would be vintage Tsar: exquisite, precious, and worthy of any classic collection.

• Kobyeray

  July 21, 2021

  

  One of those vintage treasures I recently acquired, which makes me wonder where commercial perfumery is heading, almost completely forgetting aromas like this. It smells like a handsome, serious gentleman who knows what he wants and has no time for playing the fool. Green, soapy, white flowers with a warm touch… it conveys security. Tom Selleck would wear this. I love it.

• Violeta12345

  September 2, 2022

  

  Hello. This perfume was discontinued years ago, and I still can’t find anything quite like it; some mention YSL Jazz, but that’s not on the market either. Could you tell me which current fragrances are similar? Thank you.

• Davik81

  September 21, 2022

  

  @Violeta12345 – DUA Fragrances have the inspiration. Greetings.

• egarza12

  September 24, 2022

  

  I took the Jade bottle. I keep it alongside the Balenciaga, the Jazz in its black and white packaging, and the Salvador Dalí one with the lock, all in the safe.

• Violeta12345

  September 26, 2022

  

  Many thanks, Davik81. I try to place an order but I can’t see an option for Spain. Do you ship from other countries?

• HarrisonTomFord

  February 1, 2023

  

  Does anyone know if Dua’s inspiration is worth it? I can’t find the fragrance at a decent price; it seems there are only speculators around.

• Gentil vagabond

  March 17, 2023

  

  Since 1995, I believe the bottle has changed; it was a scent that defined an era and which nobody has managed to replicate; when perfumery was art, this fragrance screamed confidence and distinction.

• eric1939

  September 8, 2023

  

  I tried this back in 2012 and my colleagues couldn’t stop complaining about the pine note, and they were right; it is a Silvestre pine, but with class.

• Alberto Brarda

  March 24, 2024

  

  It reminds me of Jacques Bogart Signature.

• TheXgameX

  August 27, 2024

  

  I fell in love with just a few miniatures. It has a fresh, green, and sober opening, woody, with well-crafted and balanced rosemary and pine, making it less sharp, rounder, and more natural than its contemporaries. As it dries, oakmoss gradually enters, maintaining the green profile until the end. The downside is that it contains Lyral and Lilial, a toxic cocktail. I’m still looking for alternatives because neither Jaguar for Men nor Pasha de Cartier (fortunately) come close. Dua’s Emperor’s Elixir does come close, but it’s ruined by an exaggerated amber that makes it too warm to be a decent inspiration. I’ll keep updating as I try more. Update (Montana Black): No, it’s more like Pasha than Tsar. Update (Horizonte Oboticario): Nothing alike; it doesn’t resemble it at all. I don’t know who thought it was similar to Tsar, but they were quite wrong.

• Charles25

  January 12, 2025

  

  One of the best fougères, a spectacular aroma, forest-like, very green and fresh. Pine, neroli, bergamot, cedar, patchouli, musk, and vetiver stand out; the other notes are in smaller proportions. Its elegance is immense, overflowing with masculinity. The intensity is excellent, lasting 8 to 10 hours on skin and days on clothes. It was my signature throughout university; my classmates lived in love with this scent. In my country, it stopped being imported in the early 2000s, so I had to change my perfume.

• Ansite

  March 18, 2025

  

  It feels like stepping into a forest. A wonderful green, though not for everyone’s taste. It’s quite tricky to find. There’s a Jaguar (green bottle) that reminds me of this classic Tsar; they’re similar, although Tsar is of better quality. Tsar is… Tsar. And Jaguar is lower quality.

• Pabloquinte

  March 21, 2025

  

  I tried it; it’s a classic gentleman’s fragrance, nothing for the young. Its Achilles’ heel is performance and projection.