A) Jean Rish Bergamot Intense Price: $40 (website- sold out) Purchase Price: $14.29 Company was founded with the belief that luxury should be expressive and accessible, creating fragrances that don’t just smell good — they have something to state. They proudly make their products in the US, locally formulating and sourcing their materials with the idea that fragrances tell a story. They’re designed to be worn, remembered, and loved. It’s luxury rooted in care, precision and authenticity. Fresh Bergamot with hints of Lemon and Mandarin, balanced by Orange Blossom, Lavender, and Rosemary. The scent settles into Patchouli, Cedarwood, and Amber, creating a clean yet powerful fragrance for the modern man. - TOP NOTES – Bergamot, Ginger, Cardamom - MIDDLE NOTES – Orange Blossom, Warm Wood - BASE NOTES – Patchouli, Vanilla bourbon - LONG LASTING – Crafted as an Eau de Parfum (EDP), Jean Rish impresses with a rich scent that lasts up to 6 hours, all wrapped in packaging as stylish as it is timeless. Scent: Bright and citrusy Fragrance Setting: A cool, but warm Summer evening wear. Sillage: 6-7 hrs B) Hopificio Firenze Oriental Wood Price: $47 (website- eBay & Mercari) Purchase Price: $14.29 Created by an Italian fragrance house, the fragrance has been compared to Initio Side Effect and Bvlgari Black. It’s a smoky, velvety concoction of sandalwood, vetiver, and patchouli. I don’t have bottom, heart, or top notes unfortunately. Scent: Warm and woodsy Fragrance Setting: A cool evening wear. Sillage: 5-7 hrs There isn’t much online regarding both of these fragrances, but my experience with them is enjoyable in fragrance and sillage. These were great and solid blond buys, saving roughly $60 for both. Currently enjoying Bergamot Intense as I head out to a friend’s home for some long overdue camaraderie. For your consideration, Jean Rush Bergamot Intense and Hopificio Firenze’s Oriental Wood. As usual, your sillage may vary, fragrance discretion is advised.

Delivering my first lecture to a top-drawer, high-octane summer youth academy warrants nothing less than a top-drawer, high-octane fragrance. Of the 20 full bottles and 20 samples that I brought, none is more top-drawer and high-octane than Eau Sauvage parfum. What chiefly distinguishes this from the equally impressive EDT is the elemi in the base. This accord is resinous and peppery and a bit citrusy without coming off as a citrus itself. It is deep and rich and resinous and refined. It lasts 8-10 hours. No wonder it has a 4.41 rating on Fragrantica.