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bars13 – :
A fragrance with no identity.
Silly bottle design.
Disastrous name!
klon8888 – :
received mine just now, and yes.. this is not a blindbuy, and im happy for it. @obsessedJoyDjay recommend me this. and im glad he did !
it starts with a fresh lavender – eucal, then the tonka bean starts with slight hint of citrus (maybe from the mandarin oranges), and Musk lighten those up.
Overall :
– Scent : 9 out of 10 (lovely, masculine, sophisticated, yet still “light” and safe.
– Longevity : Moderate. got around 5-6 hours on my skin. 7.5 out of 10
– Projection : moderate. 8 out of 10
– Silage : great scent trail. 8.5 out of 10 !
– Versatility : 9 out of 10. Daytime, night out, dinner, casual, its pretty versatile to wear.
try/buy/pass : Definitely a BUY from me !
Regards
nikolay_vakula – :
Extremely reserved and conservative cousin of Le Male. Balman is like your middle-management moderately right leaning Uncle at Thanksgiving (for the American and Canadian audience) who has had his time in the sun chasing skirt and late night drinks in his younger years and is now more consumed by his retirement and saving balance. This is a grown man’s oriental fougere for the time tested nose that now appreciates the organic qualities of a niche perfume but is financially savy enough to pay discount designer prices for that privilege.
Straight lavender and mandarin off the top, very fresh but yet also rather reserved, especially when the eucalyptus comes in ten minutes later to give off a cooling effect. Very subtle at first, the opposite of Le Male. This one takes time to build character and warm up and seems to have several phases of development. After the top the middle starts off with a heavy dose of cardamom before the freesia settles in and balances it and allows the eucalyptus to impose itself right over the cardamom again. The dry-down is a musky vanilla book-ended by tonka and light sandalwood. It’s nothing exceptionally noteworthy or pressing against the constraints of the industry in an inventive way, but BalMan lasts and lasts and lasts, on my skin I consistently get between 10-14 hours, though sillage is rather moderate and moves into soft and subtle a couple of hours in.
This stuff is designed for the office and evening wear. It won’t get you noticed, but it will present a very professional and safe image that implies maturity and reliability.
Scent: 7.5/10
Longevity: 9/10
Sillage: 6.5/10
Creativity: 6/10
Value: 9.5/10
neymexa – :
a kind of nice scent but not a masterpiece for sure!!!!
t_alexandr_t – :
Highly underrated and under the radar oriental fougere by the consistently reliable, classy and innovative Antoine Maisondieu. Can easily be located online for around $25 and for men 30 and over who have already had their fill of the flashier, more synthetic, commercial orientals on the market; this will be an extremely welcoming and a more professional alternative for office or formal wear. At its essence, BalMan is a more mature and organic version of JPG’s Le Male in which Maisondieu replaces the mint and bergamot of Le Male with a more refreshing eucalyptus note and gives it more of a sour quality by combining it with mandarin orange.
The spice is here with the cardamom and a hint of ginger (though it’s not listed here) but whereas Le Male’s heart gathers steam around a wall of synthetic cinnamon and vanilla, BalMan sticks to a simpler, lighter essence by leaving the heart soft by bringing in the summery, breezy freesia and relying on a much less dominant bass made of vanilla accord balanced with creamy tonka and a light but present sandalwood that allows the eucalyptus, lavender and mandarin to extend its life well into the fading hours of the dry-down. Sillage is solidly reliable and longevity is very good at 6-10 hours on average. Petrus is absolutely correct about the two drawbacks to wearing BalMan. Evolution is indeed rather linear given the softness of the heart and base and given the high reliance on vanilla and tonka that make it somewhat powdery and less woodsy masculine than the pyramid would suggest. Still, this is a great under-worn alternative of surprising versatility that will not disappoint even the most guilt-ridden blind buyer.
vedeol – :
Le Mâle Koala
Senteur 6/10 Ce parfum est original et est immédiatement reconnaissable en dépit de sa ressemblance avec le Mâle de JP Gaultier. Prenez le Mâle, diluez dans de l’eau de cologne de mandarine et baignez le tout dans un solution à l’eucalyptus, vous devriez vous retrouver avec ce parfum. Maintenant, il faut aimer l’eucalyptus, ce qui n’est pas trop mon cas. J’utilise uniquement ce parfum, acheté il y a quelques années de par son prix attractif, lorsque je ne sais pas trop quoi mettre d’autre, par journée de printemps fraîche.
Sillage 1.5/2 On aimerait un sillage un peu plus discret pour ce parfum. A doser.
Longévité 1.5/2 Une longévité moindre serait appréciée pour passer à autre chose en soirée.
Masculinité 0.5/2 Il y a un côté androgyne asexué dans ce parfum qui le rend peu propice à la séduction… Il conviendra d’assurer par ailleurs.
Evolution 1/4 Evolution linéaire et ennuyeuse. L’eucalyptus qui surprend au début finit par lasser puis par devenir presque insupportable.
TOTAL 10.5/20
dav787 – :
Beautiful masculine scent, woodsy, aromatic, my dad used to wear it, a classic amongst French men, it is distinctive, high quality ingredients make it a staple amongst men’ s fragrances!!!
A Plus for men who like stylish and well designed scents, cannot honestly recommend it to a woman though.
Antoine – :
I am another lady who loves to wear Balman. It’s the eucalyptus – I crave to smell it. My husband actually loves it on me too. Neither a “masculine” or “feminine” scent, just a wonderful aromatic. If you are a lady who is not into all the typical sweet flowery womens’ fragrances, this is a superb one to try. Thanks to the lovely weegee for the rec!
Megmy632Bessinepome – :
Coincidentally, today I went to the brother-and sprayed La Male, and that’s it, as it is a superb nose, in this case Antoine Maisondieu, also borrowed the idea of ultra-guarded Francis Kurkdjian, and brought into the world, I would say beautiful, not so feminine version of La Mala, but frankly, I find this fragrant fantasy along the lines of the famous La Mala again but only because in the wake of Balmain has its own story however, very different from that of the aforementioned La Male and so I stand out as Pierre Balmain fragrant gem!See that they have a very similar note, but here cardamom, breaks the sweetness is too strong, even for me who love sweet perfumes, and while he freesia, which usually tends to be very strong, here all the fragrant composition, very calm, and also throws some synthetic notes that La Male has a very small + gives me a gentle scent of violets, which is probably supported, lavender, and sandalwood and tonka him, ‘kill the strong vanilla, as in La Male small, fine and flirts with musk, who is here on a largely restrained, unlike La Male parfum.Exceptionally work in high style, even’m free to say that this is some kind of La Mala in the 21st century, free from stereotypes, which unfortunately (for me), Mr. Jean Paul Gaultier, with its many clones of the La Male, not yet anyway achieve.Any exquisite perfume creations, so similar and yet so different.With this perfume, designer house Pierre Balmain is confirmed, your strength, you normally have with their clothing, and that almost, dresses, sex and half of Hollywood!
asddisel – :
May I point out to the people that are quick to judge “the 20 somethings that need only wear jean paul etc etc” Not all 20 somethings appreciate the airy, aquatic citrus like scents, I like refined masculine scents that make me stand out from the usual crowd, assuming all are alike makes certain people sound bitter, cannot stand when people age categorize a fragrance. You can have a fragrance from the 80s for example and suddenly all those 20 somethings from that era claim it is an older mans scent now but bitch when younger guys go for the generic fragrances of today etc, Well I don’t think so….. My nose will be the judge of what fragrance I wear and not of what someone young or old says is acceptable for me to wear. I find this fragrance very pleasing and have worn it a few times since buying a bottle off ebay. Strongly recommended to anyone into this genre of fragrance.
Fountertore – :
BalMan by the Parisian fashion house of Pierre Balmain is a mind swirling heady fall into the masculine glamour one finds on any street corner in Paris. It speaks boldly without shame of sex and cigarettes and late smoky nights in small jazz clubs behind the Rue Saint Germaine, walking along wet streets before dawn over the bridge under the dying glow of street lamps. You pass Notre Dame walking arm in arm with a lovely woman wearing her vintage 1958 Balmain ball gown.
It is spectacular and stunning in its opening. The eucalyptus comes on strong almost medicinal at first but that passes quickly leaving the lavender and oranges to sing their song. Then very sensually and slowly the freesia floats in like a light kiss on the cheek. And in the long lingering dry down there is a scrumptious blending of the sandalwood and vanilla. It smells almost like crème brûlée.
It is an acquired taste I must admit. It really does come on strong, like un danseur d’apache with a grudge. The first time I wore BalMan I didn’t care for it at all, but I gave it a second chance and let it take me on its journey without resisting the adventurous trip.
Five Gold Stars *****
Afterglow: You know, the Mademoiselle on your arm in that beautiful Balmain gown? Well, she could be wearing BalMan as well and carrying off very well.
eoa68 – :
PERFUME SPECTACULAR!!! I opened it today, what perfume symphony! Very similar to La Male, but not to sweet like La Male, more fashionable, I dare say La Male for 21-th century! I think he succeeded in what is not MR Jean Paul Gautlier, with a number of reincarnations of his own La Male. People, I fell in love with this perfume, after a mighty disappointment that I experienced, this is the revelation for my weary soul! Perfume, is not all that popular, but it does not matter, I was therefore much happier. It is simply inconceivable how one a fragrance can make you happy!!! Thanx MR Balmain for this good luck!!!
tabornet – :
Today i by this wonderful stuff. Highend french designer house for fashion, now and for perfume.Same nose like for Armani Code, but of course, perfume is totally different.The beginning is very strange with citrus and menthol(eucalyptus), than green cerdamon give a midle fresh wave and finally white musk and vanilla, such combination for a precious moments of life. Unbeliev price with body shampoo and after shave balsam, make this perfume my job from dreams.Thnx. a lot Mr. Pierre Balmain!!!
defg – :
What a great fragrance.BalMan is fantastic scent in the way, that is very strong and it is a scent that you will take notice of, if you want or if you don t.For me this is the one of the best colognes far away…really, really good.. and have a great longevity….i m giving 5 from 5stars.
من عاشق کارهای برند بالمین هستم. متاسفانه در جائی که من زندگی میکنم این برند آنچنان که باید و شاید شناخته شده نیست و حتی بهترین و معتبرترین گالری های فروش عطر و ادکلن یا آنرا نمی شناسند و یا محصولی از آنرا ارائه نمی کنند.اولین عطری را که از آن خریدم بالمین د بالمین بود که فروشنده بعنوان یک عطر مردانه بمن معرفی کرد اما چندین سال بعد که من به این سایت مراجعه کردم متوجه شدم که یک عطر زنانه بوده است که البته بنظر من یک عطر کاملا یونیسکس بوده است.
این عطر بالمن پییر بالمین را هم به سختی توانستم پیدا کنم.اگر در مورد خصوصیات آن بخواهم بگویم، خواهم گفت: یک عطر گرم و تلخ که برای ایام سرد سال مناسب است.بوی اوکالیپتوس و هل و وانیل آن یک معجون جالب را بوجود آورده است.ساعتی پس از ماندنش روی پوست یا لباس بوی پرتقال همراه با عطر صندل واقعا شامه نواز است.من که خیلی دوستش دارم و از 10 به آن نمره 9 میدهم
Diss-013 – :
This is sort of a light version of Michael for Men (Kors). The “big problem,” for me, is that while MfM stays true to the pipe tobacco idea, BalMan dries down to a rather generic tonka/woody kind of thing. It’s also a bit “synthetic” for my tastes, but it’s certainly decent. My guess, though, is that a lot of people who buy this will want to go in a different and more focused direction, whether that’s Le Male, Michael for Men, Carlos Santana for Men, or something else. It’s kind of “in the middle of nowhere.” However, if you like the opening but then want a generic and pleasant drydown, this is one to seriously consider.
Kitos – :
I went for this fragrance based on the review of Cassiano.the point about the dry down matching that of Narciso Rodriguez for him.
first of all,I must agree with some here that this fragrance is strong from first spray through to dry down phase.the top notes strangely enough matches that of Morgan de toi,no doubt about that only this is more intense and refined.I put it on for work and for a good ten hours and more I could still smell it on me as if I had had it on me for just an hour.I really wanted to get all the phases of this so had some squirts on the back of my arm and rubbed it on the back of my ears.Man,I wish I hadnt as I was hit from all angles with patchouli,musk and vanilla all day.the weather didnt help much as it was hot so a slight headache was not unusual.the only relief for me being getting home and sadly having a good shower so I could take control of my nostrils
this fragrance should be worn on cold days or evenings out and about and not staying indoors.it will be stiffling without it being cloying.
I do have both Narciso Rodriguez and Encre Noir and sadly couldnt find the similarity in the dry down of both to this one.maybe I washed it off quickly after ten hours so missed it.will try and keep it on for longer but the absence of vetiver makes it hard for me to get encre Noir in this at any phase..
this is a good scent and am never wearing it to work again.the “tossers” at work dont deserve to have the air they breathe enriched with the sweetness and richness of this fragrance.I got this quite cheap minus postage on fragrancex.would have loved to buy another one but am not going to pay almost ten pounds for postage.that’s ridiculous.possibly my last purchase on that site till they come to their senses.
Just to add this fragrance can equally be worn by women.In fact I had to really convince myself this was what is said-for men-before i felt comfortable walking around without raising eyebrows.
I would recommend this highly.You will love it if you dont overspray and can withstand the initial blast.it’s long lasting and you will smell this on you so again be careful where you wear it to or you might cause offence as it will invade other people’s breathing space.Overall this is one of the best fragrances i own and hope not many people go for it even though it’s surprisingly quite cheap.thank God for that!Buy,Try or Pass,please dont Pass but happy sniffing to all
vacula – :
What a great fragrance! I had read several reviews, saying what an unusual scent, and this is. Its overwhelmingly true for those who like it, after the initual punch, the drydown is awesome. It probably isn’t for everyone, but if you like cardamon with a musky base this is the one…. From 1-10 this for me is a true 9. I am going to make sure I some of this when I’m running low.
Immakekew – :
Simply amazing unisex fragrance. I bought it after reading some favorable opinions that it can be easily worn by women and since oriental fougere is one of my favorite categories and I enjoy almost all Balmains there was no need to hesitate any longer when I spotted this little gem online. Oh, what a blast of spicy freshness, the lavender, eucalyptus and the base notes form a lovely and sensual composition! I was wondering what my husband would say (because he rarely compliments my fragrances) and I couldn’t be more happy when he told me that I smell so nice and sensual… Yes, it is good for romantic tete a tete! Balman is invigorating, stimulating, uplifting, crisp, little sweet, good for all seasons! A must have for me, and no, I will not share it with my hubby, this gem is only mine – it is very likeable.
pan v – :
This scent is very pleasant! I consider it a hybrid of the “air” of Jaipur + Narciso for Him.
It is a fragrance that has notes of eucalyptus, lavender and Mandarin, in the output; cardamom and Freesia, in the heart; and a base of musk, tonka bean, sandalwood and a delicious vanilla.
The eucalyptus is very discreet, transmitting a camphoraceous and slightly green aspect, once applied on the skin. The fragrance can be sexy and elegant at the same time, thanks to the nuances of lavender, on top, and vanilla, in the base, which attracts many compliments. The tonka bean is also quite noticeable during the evolution of the scent.
It follows the same fougère style of several fragrances that have this note of lavender, like Le Male, for example. No wonder that many see a certain similarity between them.
It projects very well and has excellent lasting. It is highly recommended for cooler climates or nighttime events.
pitbool5 – :
This is already on my wish list- on some of slovene on-line shops I will buy it for EUR 15 for 50 ml EDT. It is really un-expensive, isn’t it?
I used to adore in past my Mystere and at checking votes like- love, it is Must to have scent.
tyava1 – :
I bought this because weegee reported on Rochas Mysteri that the drydown was very similar. I have not been disappointed, in that this is a very nice scent and the notes, to me are really well blended. Definitely easily worn by a woman.
Nusneesyjen – :
Manly, yes, but I like it too!
I purchased this by accident–one of those rare times when it actually paid to not read between the lines, in this case, the right-side line of the A and the left-side line of the N! I thought that I was buying Balmain’s BALMAIN!
Now in possession of a 3.4oz edt and being a big fan of non-sweet fragrances anyway, I thought that I’d give this one a shot. Seemed like an opportune time: I had just got out of the bath and slathered Borghese’s Tono all over my body. The Borghese body line, fyi, is filled with great things such as rosemary, lavender, horse chestnut, etc. Really a wonderful unisex line, though for reasons truly inscrutable to me, they market only to women!
To return to BALMAN: the rather aggressive eucalyptus and lavender opening may be too much for some women, but after a few minutes they tone down quite a bit, leaving a great clean and crisp unisex scent behind.
I would definitely advise putting this on several minutes before going out the door, especially if it’s hot out… And please be forewarned that the eucalyptus remains dominant through to the end. On the other hand, that’s a virtue as well: highly aromatic BALMAN makes a wonderful treatment scent (along the lines of Clarin’s EAU DYNAMISANTE or Dior’s sadly discontinued EAU SVELTE), which could be comfortably and beneficially worn in a spa setting. The eucalyptus/lavender combination is truly invigorating and imparts a sense of well-being.
I was going to give this to a male friend of mine, but now that I’ve discovered this hidden treasure, we may have to share!!!
utinguats – :
i also bought it online, untested, but i read some opinion here that made me decide to buy, thanks to you guys. as I feel this one similar to lalique ph, so that, comparison both sometime coming..suit for day and night, thank god for its 125ml bottle of edt..
+ opening is so rich, creamy vanilla, lavender, mandarin orange, eucaliptus. bossy scent. LPH has same tone, but better and creamier….
+ drydown is quite similar to LPH..
+sillage and projection is as balance as LPH, enough, not too much.
– longevity last almost half a day, need to re-apply. 28 C open air temp. 36 C body temp. should have been long as LPH, it may because its edt. and the LPH is edp.
go buy..
its 7.5/10
BUYINGCARISOPRODOL – :
A 5 stars elegant, sexy and unique cologne. I do smell some combination of fougere notes, the fruity plum accord and some sweetness related to vanilla, but it is not sugary. Extremely long lasting, with a lovely drydown and “aftertaste”, this is one of the most sensual cologne out here, a more deep version of Armani Code someone may consider. It is also somehow related to Le Male by Gaultier and 212 Sexy, but better than the two. Not to mention that I bought it extremely cheap. Absolutely lovely. Hope they never discountinue it nor reformulate it. It is perfect.
dmitr2312 – :
well,, BalMan is fantastic scent in the way, that is very strong and it s a scent that you will take notice of, if you want or if you don t. simply, it is a puncher,, 😀 for me this is the one of the best colognes far away…really, really good.. and have a great longevity….i m giving 5 from 5stars
rcshurup – :
To leave this for men only would be such a shame as it so lovely. I must insist that BalMan, despite the name, is unisex.
First the disclaimer: I haven’t yet found a Balmain scent I don’t enjoy, with Jolie Madame (a favorite since 1971) and their new Ambre Gris being my “go to” scents when I want to be enveloped in sheer warmth, luxury and seduction. And most of the time I prefer chypres or orientals. That being said, Balman is a hidden treasure!
Oriental fougere – dare I call this a “light incense”? The eucalyptus is so well blended as to be indistinct, so you need not fear of smelling of sore-muscle linament! Nor is the lavender truly evident – a treat for me since I don’t care for lavender, but a possible disappointment if you do like it. The mandarin orange seems to transform both the eucalyptus and the lavender into an understated seductive sweetness that neither creates on its own. I get the cardomom early on, its spice tempered and lightened by the freesia. Basenotes of vanilla, sandalwood, tonka bean and musk create a warmth that’s hinted at in the first spray but not really evident until the dry down, which lasts a full 12 hours on me. I cannot stop sniffing my wrists when I wear it.
The sillage is enough to be noticed but it’s slight and not at all overwhelming. I’ve worn it in 99 degree heat & heavy humidity and felt cooled by the green image it creates.
Women: don’t let the name or category keep you from at least trying this fragrance if you enjoy orientals and chypres and enjoy a bit of green in the mix. You will not be disappointed.
Men: you must be both confident and bold to wear BalMan as you WILL receive compliments. I would turn to follow a man wearing this.
ИриночкаНелюбина – :
I purchased this online, untested, and am delighted to report that it is a new favourite of mine.
Sweet and unusual because of the eucalyptus, but the mix has all my favourite ingredients in it.
Great for office or even romantic wear. Unusual bottle and packaging.
Lasting sillage and quite masculine.
I love it and will definitely be buying some more online.