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Gorgeous aroma, long lasting, only a small application needed
"Aramis" is a classic and sophisticated fragrance for the refined gentleman, and is equally appropriate for business or formal occasions. It is not suitable for teenage boys, nor would it be a good 21st birthday gift. It is aimed at the more mature, experienced and self-assured man. Picture in your mind a successful businessman such as Peter Jones, from Dragon`s Den, at a high-powered meeting, or an international movie star like George Clooney at a film premier with a glamorous woman by his side, or a fictional hero like James Bond, as played by Pierce Brosnan, at the roulette table. This is the "Aramis" image.
"Aramis" Eau de Toilette (EDT) is to be found at the fragrance counters of major department stores such as Debenhams, House of Fraser, John Lewis and Harrods. It can also be purchased online from discount perfume through Essential mall.
As well as the EDT spray, the Aramis Classic range also includes such items as Aftershave, Aftershave Balm, Pre-Electric Shave Lotion, Direct Moisturising Cream, Invigorating Body Shampoo, 24 Hour Antiperspirant Spray, 24 Hour Deodorant Stock, Soap in a case.
=== Packaging ===
The box is simple yet stylish, made from glossed card in a smooth tan colour with mottling in darker browns. It brings to mind a fine polished wood veneer marked with signs of natural variation and age such as might be used on the interior of a classic car. On the reverse is a list of ingredients and a warning that the product is flammable until dry.
The bottle is a traditional rectangular shape made of thick clear glass, with a simple gold coloured cylindrical cap covering the spray nozzle. The design is solid, uncomplicated, classic, and very masculine.
The font of both the box and the bottle display a dark brown lozenge shape, bordered with gold, bearing the word "a r a m i s" in lowercase gold lettering.
=== How scents are described (skip if you wish) ===
Most readers will be familiar with the definitions for the relative strengths of perfumery products and, from strongest to weakest, these are `Eau de Perfam`, `Eau de Toilette`, `Eau de Cologne`, and finally aftershaves, body sprays and splashes.
Perhaps a little less familiar is the `note` terminology used to describe scents. A `note` is an individual aroma that is reminiscent of, but not necessarily made from, a familiar smelling substance such as vanilla, sandalwood, honey, or bergamot. `Notes` are grouped into various `families`, so, for example, flowery aromas are generically known as `Floral`, aromas such as sandalwood, cedar, and patchouli are generically known as `Woody`, and aromas such as honey, tobacco, wood tars, and leathers are generically known as `Leather`.
Just as musical notes played together can make an agreeable sound or be jarring, so a blend of aromatic `notes` can beautiful or repulsive.
If wearing a fragrance the detectable `note` combinations vary over time. When the scent is first opened and applied the aromas detected are referred to as the `top notes`, as these evaporate away the next combination of aromas that become apparent is referred to as the `middle notes`, and finally, after around 30 minutes, these fade away too and you are able to distinguish the final and lasting combination of aromas referred to as the `base notes`.
=== Smell and Longevity ===
The EDT natural spray is quite powerful and should be applied sparingly.
The initial `top notes` contain the fresh warm citrus essences of bergamot oil and have an uplifting effect. These give way to the heavier and comforting `middle notes` that include sage and clove. Later the deeply soothing rich `base notes` emerge and these are sweet, woody, smoky and earthy with a mix of sandalwood, patchouli oil, vetiver and tree moss.
There is something very seductive and addictive in this fragrance. Its aroma is captivating and makes me breathe in deeply; I even involuntarily close my eyes. Then, slowly exhaling, I experience a pleasurable sense of reassurance flow through me. It is very special.
"Aramis" EDT spray has exceptional staying power and a light application lasts fairly undiminished for 4 to 6 hours. It even lingers beautifully on shirts placed in the laundry basket.
=== Price Guide ===
In departmental stores "Aramis" EDT spray retails close to £39 for 110 ml and £29 for 60 ml, and the assistants often throw in small samples/gifts from the same range. However, if you search the online discount perfume sites you can pay a little as £27 for 110 ml and £24 for 60 ml.
=== Verdict ===
A quality fragrance targeted at the cultivated man. It is authoritative, yet not over-powering, and is perhaps best suited to business, special occasions and evenings. Not excessively expensive and a small application gives long lasting results so it is value for money. The alluring fragrance and sophisticated image make this a superb present for the man in your life.
Additional Information
The Estée Launder Company, an American firm founded in 1946, at first produced quality cosmetics and scents for women, and these could be purchased from prestigious stores in New York such as Saks on Fifth Avenue. Their first fragrance for men, the classic "Aramis", was created by perfumer Bernard Chant and initially launched in New York during 1964, and the following year in the UK, exclusively at Harrods, London.
Nowadays, the "Aramis" brand comprises a range of fragrances and grooming products for men and even scents for women.
Reviewed By: Tim Grover
On Dated: 03/14/2007
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