As a person known for giving unsolicited advice, it shouldn’t surprise you that I love to give perfume suggestions. It makes me feel like I put all of this sniffing to use. So instead of my usual “You know what you should do?”, I can say “You should try…” and it’s completely socially acceptable (if they ask). One of the perfumes that I recommend to younger masculine types just getting started in perfume (or looking for something to wear daily) is Penhaligon’s Endymion. I feel it’s easily approachable but not as boring as other mainstream offerings.
Endymion opens up aromatic and masculine with citrus and lavender. With time, I get a spicy vetiver and then the fragrance dives into a warm coffee-leather with a very faint smokiness. With the fresh, aromatic opening, I didn’t expect this. Endymion remains masculine, turning more animalic, musky, and woody but never does it smell dirty. It becomes warmer. It dries down to something cuddly and cozy. I’m actually surprised by the direction of the dry down; it’s really good.
Endymion reminds me of “A*Men lite” with a side of “JPG Le Male lite”.
Notes listed include bergamot, mandarin, lavender, sage geranium, coffee, vetiver, nutmeg, black pepper, cardamom, musk, leather, sandalwood, incense, frankincense, and myrhh. Launch date 2003.
Give Endymion a try if you are looking for a not-so-popular masculine that smells good. Or if you like perfumes like Jean Paul Gualtier Le Male, Bond No. 9 New Haarlem, Vince Camuto Man, Givenchy Play Intense for Men and/or Rochas Man. Endymion does smell more masculine to me. I don’t feel exactly comfortable wearing it but I love to smell it.
For a cologne, Endymion has above average projection and longevity. However, if you think of this as an EDT or EDP it has below average projection and longevity. It lasts for about 3-5 hours and that’s with me applying a generous amount. But, honestly, I’ve wore Penhaligon’s labeled “EDP” that lasted on my skin for less than 3 hours.
The 1.7 oz bottle retails for $80 at Beautyhabit and Penhaligon’s (UK).
Victoria’s Final EauPINION – A good daily masculine – aromatic with a cozy dry-down. It’s not one that I’ll wear but I recommend it because it’s good and it’s under $100.
Want more reviews? Try…
Basenotes – Member reviews
Fragrantica – Member reviews
Endymion Cologne is a great perfume and a lovely lavender too. Thank you for reminding me about it 🙂
Lucas recently posted..Alchemy simplified, Dsquared2 Potion for Men
It needs more love 🙂
This one sounds very promising. I may have to sample this one.
Sillage isn’t so hot but it is labeled as a “cologne”. I’ve actually heard a few varying experiences with longevity. Some say it’s great, others complain. But, try it!
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Aw, this was a very good post. Spending some
time and actual effort to make a good article…
but what can I say… I hesitate a lot and don’t manage to get nearly anything done.
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