Scentrack
Larry
Heard – Missing You
Reflection is one of the Holy Grails of
fragrance community. There are many reviewers out there who labeled this
Amouage as a masterpiece. I got my bottle from Dubai in 2013, and I was
overwhelmed then, but today I look Reflection for Men in a slightly different
way.
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| Source: Fragrantica |
What I like the most about the Reflection
is a magnificent opening. Strong shot of piercing neroli. So substantial like a
3D wave, accompanied by a tangy, peppery note that evolves in mild chili and a
touch of white flowers. In the background is an herbal note of rosemary that
reminds me of my childhood by the sea. This rosemary is not strong, but a crucial
note that saves Reflection from dullness. Unfortunately, as the composition progresses,
it gradually loses the excitement of unexpected. A very dim, synthetic note of
rose and something similar to cumin usher the flowery heart in the focus. The
note of powdery and pallid iris, complemented with white flowers takes the
game. The combo is not bad, but a little bit monotone, shrunken and more
synthetic. The composition evolves eventually in more synthetic and thin base. Overly
washed sandalwood, signs of Eastern amber in ppb concentration, cedar with just
a touch of Iso E Super like a school wooden crayons. Like the olfactory pyramid
is constructed upside down.
From my description one could conclude, I
consider Reflection for Men as a bad fragrance. Don’t get me wrong Reflection is a good
fragrance, but not great. In fact, it is not even a fragrance to me, but more
like a deconstructed pleasant smell. The people around me absolutely love
Reflection. I guess the clean, white vibe with darker micro-amber touch is what
most people like. The same funny effect, but on a minor scale I sense in
another Lucas Sieuzac’s fragrance – Givenchy Play. They possibly share some
part of constructional trick.
Finally, I wear Reflection on a white
shirt, but somehow my surrounding enjoys more than me.
Longevity / Projection
Solid (6-8 hours) /Average
Suggested wearing
Daily / Formal / Spring, autumn and summer
nights (white shirt recommended)
Alternatives
Jean Paul Gaultier Fleur de Male –
similar, but cheaper white bouquet
MFK APOM pour Homme – orange flower bomb
Givenchy Play – just a sharing a small
perfumer’s touch
Pros
Beautiful white vibe
Great neroli/spicy introduction
Big compliment getter (women really like
it)
Cons
Synthetic characteristics of heart and
base
Not overly defined fragrance structure
Too powdery iris for some
Rating
8/10
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