I just finished my third experience with my first sample from HappyLand Studio and I’m trying to lean into this house with open mind. I dove into it on recommendation from one of my brothers, wanting to give fougère / barbershop-style scents a fair shot because I’m used to fresh, clean fragrances. I figured maybe I’d get something clean but a little more soapy, hopefully not too powdery, spice or leather, some musk, maybe not exactly me, but worth the exploration. What I get from Barbershop Extreme is a clean soapiness with floral notes, woven together with spice and a little leather. It is extremely aromatic and will likely introduce you. There’s is a weight to it right from the go that requires some confidence to carry off. It’s not delicate. It lands more refined and classic than soft soap. This is one that will last and last on your skin, and on your clothes, for days. On a really positive note, I will say that its transformative character is most impressive, giving all of the elements their chance to shine, and as a skin scent settles nicely. It's just going to take a while to get there. The right kind of a guy could pull this off with a Henley and boots look, while another might head right into a more formal office setting, both of whom would have just had a fresh haircut and a shave or a beard trim. Guy in the suit, be careful. In the elevator it could choke people out.

At the end of a rough day, UPS showed up at my door about five minutes after I got home. Wish all deliveries were timed that well. My bottle of Austin showed up. Really like the presentation City Rhythm does.

One man’s junk is this man’s treasure today. I’m wrapping up a job and as I’m leaving the superintendent’s office I see this cardboard box with frags in it collecting dust so I ask him about it. He told me one of the residents at the property sadly passed away then he ended up receiving these bottles. Lucky for me he’s a simple 2-3 bottle kind of guy as it is and after taking the two bottles he did like he gave these all to me 🤯. Granted these are all used some more substantially than others but hey, the Layton and double black was enough of a win for me alone. All the others are just a bonus. Og Nautica, tumi awaken, polo double black, Layton, JV XX artisan, BLV pour Homme, and Henry rose sheep’s clothing. At first sniff none of them seem to be spoiled either. It’s a good day to be a fraghead.

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Today I tried my decant of Tom Ford Noir Extreme,. It’s accords were woody and sweet from the very first spray and stayed that way throughout the wear. At the opening, warm sweetness immediately dominated, with just a subtle hint of spice in the background. In the mid the scent softened slightly, but the woody sweet character stayed consistent. I think the combination of vanilla and amber kept it feeling smooth and rich without shifting dramatically. By the base, the woodiness and warmth really settled in softly and this is where you would decide if it's richness is just right or a little too much. For me it was the latter, a little too gourmand. This fragranced lasted for several hours with projection that was moderate, and as a skin scent, several hours more. Noticeable without being overpowering, it will appeal to young and old alike, but leans more towards sophistication than casual, and will definitely do for date night. I'll be giving this one away.