Description
The warm, golden-yellow colored bottle carries a sun in its middle, indicating that this is a fragrance dedicated to beach, laying the clothes aside and giving up to the sun rays. Near New York, about 90 km away from the center of the city, there is the Fire Island where the New Yorkers spend their weekends enjoying beaches and vacation. Dedicated to the sun, this perfume warms us with sweet spicy cardamom and ozone. The heart is made of fresh sweet neroli and white musk, and the base is formed of musk, leather, honey, sensual tuberose and patchouli. Michael Almairac is the creator of this oriental unisex perfume. It has been on the market since 2006 and it is available in 50 and 100 ml bottles.
The nose behind this fragrance is Michel Almairac.
Ilmir – :
I’m not a fan of the Bond No. 9 brand; I think that their fragrances are ridiculously overpriced and not very original, and some of them are downright nasty. Fire Island is the only scent from this line that is sort of likeable to me, but I would never consider buying it, simply because it’s not worth the money. The opening is dominated by a fresh, almost childish tuberose, sort of similar to Gucci Bloom. As the scent develops into an orangeyish patchouli, it begins to resemble my beloved FM Noir Epices, only watered down and trivialised. If you’ve got extra cash to splash, do not bother with this second-rate juice and get Noir Epices instead.
dyw667speagoessenda – :
I do love Fire Island – this blazing, perfect suntan-lotion-in-the-sun, sun-on-the-sand, sea-breeze-in-your-hair fragrance. It could easily win an award for being the most evocative -and- wearable of the many “beachy” scents now on the market. It’s very elegant and appealing… every time I think of it, I get the mental picture of a tall, tanned, elegant young woman, a cascade of dark brown hair, a long, sleek black dress with a high slit, standing in front of a beach bar with the gorgeous turquoise coastline stretching for miles out behind her. It’s certainly equally well suited to being on a towel in the sand as going to an orchestral concert. If by chance you happened to be attending a formal event on a warm, breezy night under the stars at the beach, and wear this – well, I think you may nearly reach heaven.
If there is one singular element that makes Fire Island stand out the most, it would be how it seemingly radiates a natural heat, a poignant impression of summer sun on skin, and does so very beautifully. The aroma of Fire Island itself is narcotic near-perfection; the sillage good, and the longevity very good. It’s clearly a quality fragrance and I think it effectively communicates that to both its wearer and close passerby. Having just added a decant of Fire Island to another order on a whim, though, I have to admit I was surprised when, months later, I heard the price of a full bottle. If Fire Island is THE scent for you, then certainly, it’s worth it. It may be a catch in particular if you like beachy without coconut or other tropical fruits.
That all said, there are many fragrances out there that capture moments of a seaside summer, from a sunny stroll on the boardwalk (Replica Beach Walk) to flowering white bushes (Kate Spade Live Colorfully) to dancing in the surf (Paco Rabanne Olympéa). Fire Island captures one facet of the beach and it does so admirably, but there are many, many more…
leolube – :
Although I’ve never actually been to Fire Island (I wish!); when I smell this I am immediately reminded of Euro sunscreens such as Ambre Solei: the association is undeniable.
Growing up in Australia, we were always exposed to every type of sunscreen protection there was to offer, and Fire Island smells almost exactly like an expensive European sunscreen. There’s nothing tropical here; no coconut or Tiare Flower, just the sense of a really lovely sunscreen.
For me, this almost has too much tuberose, but thankfully, once it dries down, I’m left with very realistic representation of sun kissed skin and body lotion.
Despite the above this is a wonderful fragrance, and for me, quite a departure from Bond No 9’s usual fruity, patchouli/amber/oud scents. This reminds me more of what L’Artisan Parfumeur used to be about; quirky fragrances that absolutely reminded you of a particular place or thing.
I really love this because of the association with my youth and growing up in Sydney. Its very tenacious though and lasts for ages; so if you want to be transported back to the beach, be prepared to stay for a while. 2 thumbs up and 5 stars!
dan02631 – :
I tried this from a sample and am so intrigued! At first I was VERY baffled by the name and description as a beach fragrance. All I got for the first hour, and even beyond (I lost track of time) was tuberose! A couple hours later I sniffed the crook of my arm where this was sprayed and lo and behold it transformed into a lovely sand covered/sun drenched skin scent with the white florals faintly in the background. Love it.
Romanov070286 – :
I originally got this for myself, I was on a beach/vacation fragrance kick for a little while when I purchased this. I definitely get the classic sunscreen they were going for but it leans slightly feminine for me with the tuberose. With that said I absolutely love it on my girlfriend.
stribog21 – :
I love this one! I used to own it and need to repurchase. Maybe after my bottle of Tom Ford Soleil Blanc is gone. That is my go-to beach scent right now.
Fire Island was one of the first Bond 9 perfumes that I tried. I wore it to the Harbor in Baltimore and I feel like this scent was perfect for that environment. This has a sunscreen/skin smell which I find very pleasant on a hot day at the beach. It smells like a sandy harbor. I love it.
I’m surprised by all the floral notes because that’s not what I get from it. But like most Bond 9 its very well blended.
It has good lasting power which is also super important to me. Bond 9 just might be my fav perfume house.
It’s definitely unisex. A man could definitely wear this on a summer day and it would smell amazing.
kuka – :
I see now why so many you-tube reviewers said this was polarizing.
This fragrance is composed well and does give as sense of a volcano or rising heat on a beach, but for me the quality of the ingredients is designer or even poor.
This fragrance for me has a sense of red clay or damp Chile powder and it is very unpleasant for me and strong component of the fragrance for 2 to 4 hours. The dry down is fairly pleasant, but is not worth the price or obnoxious first half of the fragrance.
This is a long lasting fragrance and if this works for you, i bet it is a lovely fragrance. Do not blind buy this , buy a sample !
evanescence – :
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous.
It fights for the top spot in my all-time perfume list, along with Montale’s Aoud Lagoon and JPG’s Fleur Du Male. As you can see, I have a thing for beachy unisex florals, so you can take this with a grain of salt. But if your tastes are similar to mine, then this is gonna be fantastic for you!
This is a summery, beachy floral that’s fairly soft, gentle and watery, and yet surprisingly resilient and long-lasting. It doesn’t blast through the room and smack you in the face like the other two perfumes I mentioned, but it’s definitely surprisingly ‘there’ for such an airy, watery scent. It also lasts about 10-12 hours on clothes and even 3 hours on my skin (which is a fragrance black hole that sucks up everything immediately). It really has an ‘oceanic’ vibe in it, like you can smell the sea breeze…it’s not just sand, sun and sunscreen lotion. Dreamy and transporting.
ZacharyqQW – :
Elnett Hairspray.
КОСТЯрик – :
I have no idea why someone thought this smells at all like herrods royal rose. NO WAY. Royal rose is indeed a rose bomb and I don’t mean that in a complimentary way. This fragrance however is so beautiful. Reminds me of summers relaxing at the beach wearing Bain de Soleil. Can’t get any better than this. This is one of my favorite bond fragrances. It make me feel so clean and fresh. And it calms me because when I close my eyes I picture myself at the beach. This is a must buy. It’s an amazing mood lifter. If
You’re feeling down I find this to be great aromatherapy for depression.
maslichenko ira – :
A tonne of reviewers have said that this is all about that Sun-Tan Lotion vibe, but I respectfully disagree slightly, because it offers us quite a bit more than just that…. I find it to be an offering featuring more prominently the notes of Neroli and white musk……. While it may not be the sun-tan vibe I’m getting unlike so many others, I’m still nevertheless left with a feeling of being transported to Wasaga beach just relaxing and observing others doing their thing.
The Neroli is really really well done here and not screechy or over-the-top like a couple of other Bond No 9 offerings. As a side point- if you really really wanna be blown away- just layer this in double proportion with Daniel Josier’s Tubereuse {Golden Tubereuse}……. [For every 2 sprays of F.I, use 1 spray of D.J’s T]………. Reflecting now, this does have very subtle DNA connections to Sun By Jil Sander [WOMEN], but SUN is far far more of the sun-tan Lotion vibe……
Do yourselves a favour, throw this little gem on, and take all your friends and those around you on a comforting afternoon by the seaside…….
Sharif – :
A wonderful perfume evoking summer, coconut-less sun tan lotion and careless days on the beach. If anyone is looking for a more affordable alternative they should try She Wood Golden Light Wood.
balan2110 – :
I absolutely adore Fire Island. Reminds me of a rich woman on a beach vacation. Smells like sunscreen, tuberose, and hint of white musk. Just beautiful. I layer it with Tahitian Monoi oil body lotion and spray this over the top and it seems to last an entire day, probably around 12 hours at least, possibly more.
Мишаня :) – :
This is so generic for me. A light sweet white floral with a bit of musk. I don’t get cardamon.
uvv409speagoessenda – :
Not getting all the notes and florals but definitely worth every penny because it takes me to the beach even on a cold dreadful wintery day like today.
It’s definitely light and soft
Yes I did just pay a bunch of money to smell like sunblock but….the big BUT is… it smells like sunblock AFTER it’s been in the sun.
I just wish it were a tiny bit saltier then I would literally live and bathe in this scent.
It’s a happy scent filled with light and beach.
ashot gasparyan – :
Neroli, breezy jasmine, cardamom, a creamy tuberose, some ozone (like salty air by the sea) and a white musk accord.
Beautifully done, beach inspired scent. Wears incredibly well in the heat of summer and longevity is fantastic; put it on in the morning and the remnants will waft up to greet your nose into the evening hours.
My favorite offering from Bond, by a long shot.
RiNaTик – :
A happy tuberose scent! very bright and sunny! this is very potent by the way! clean tuberose I really don’t remember any suntan oil with this scent, but this reminds me of some powerhouse white floral scent my mother used to wear when I was a child! very feminine and uplifting!
Again, Thank you Gypsy Parfumist for the lovely decant!
kamikadze – :
it has a better dry down then a opening but it’s nothing to write home about
i do get the relation to sun screen as many others have said but its done really nicely and a trained nose should be able to tell it’s a perfume
so if you’re looking for something off the beaten path for summer give this a go
all and all this isn’t for me i’m sticking to coney island
on to the next
lidoLoalo – :
A BLAST of White Florals and Sunscreen.
This is not for everyone… but it does instantly transport me to a memory of landing in Tahiti, getting the white flowers from the Hotel lobby and as I was walking to my room I passed a family on their way to the beach covered in tanning oils and sunscreen – concierge still holding the flowers showing us to the room, at that moment… this is the smell that I recall.
Owerinvenry – :
I’ve generally been kinda harsh in my criticism of Bond fragrances – I find that most of them are uninspired and overpriced. They tend to be quite assertive and long lasting, but that reflects the use of strong chemical fixatives more so than quality ingredients.
All that said, I really like Fire Island. It seems to be one of the few Bonds in which the final product actually matches the underlying concept. This fragrance really does resemble the scent of high-end sunscreen, but it is so subtle and charming that you can’t help but smile.
Who wants to smell like sunscreen, right? It’s true that Fire Island isn’t all that versatile, but it works very well in the warmer months of the year. It’s a very floral scent, being almost at the meeting point between a creamy tuberose and a breezy jasmine. Despite its floral nature, it can be worn by a man as easily as a woman. A little dash of cardamom keeps things interesting, though this isn’t among the most nuanced fragrances around.
A disclaimer – I snagged a small bottle of this at an excellent price, so my opinion may be slightly jaded. At retail price, Fire Island is a hard sell – its value is just too limited. But at the right price, this can be a great summer scent that evokes the feel of a classy beach resort…..without the fear of sunburn.
oleg12 – :
It’s interesting to read all the reviews. I get a heavy dose of tuberose, and it’s amazing. I can’t see many gentlemen falling for this one, but it’s very nice. I get the comparison to beach and tan lotion, but do not disregard this scent Bc of those comparisons. It’s all tuberose on me and very appealing.
Vladimir Tsvitinsky – :
This was my first cologne out of the bond series I was anticipating for something far more ‘unique’ despite all the other colognes I have ever worn. Although I, myself love this cologne.. You could easily save yourself the money and go buy a bottle of coppertone. IMO. To a certain aspect I feel it’s a little too floral to be something masculine enough for a guy to wear. Though like I said, I do love it! I get a sense of calmness wearing this, like a nice day at the beach.
alex777 – :
I smell tons of roses. Then it gets a bit more spicy, like carnations. I think this is what smells a bit of sunscreen. Then it lingers on a fresh note that smells like really general white hand soap. It’s pleasant but I don’t know that it is special enough on me for a big bottle.
alexww – :
inside an air conditioned tube train this wonderful scent brings everybody to the seaside …all has been said..this is one great scent…all the haters out there can always spend their money on anything else!
this is a winner!
vqf747Bessinepome – :
People reviewing this clearly never been to the beach or know what suntan lotion smells like, this is just a synthethic floral, terrible fragrance smells nothing like the beach or suntan lotion. But hey you go keep listening to those fools like mymyickers and every other dumbass on the youtube that know nothing about fragrances.
Diimazz – :
Nothing in the first 3 hours but hairspray and I’m gagging it’s so strong. Gently turns to neroli with a buttered toast veil. Like wearing gaultier classique at breakfast. Where’s the sun warmed bodies? Dunno
Morozovich – :
Yes, it does smell Coppertone-y and that’s amazing. It is very comfortable to wear, very flowery, long lasting but not overpowering. Unisex, no doubt. Perfect for summer, but it is winter and I’m wearing it anyway. Brings back good memories! 🙂
severanin – :
Could anyone, please, answer if Fire Island reminds him/her of suntan lotion Ambre Solaire from the 90s? Thank you!
GVV-81 – :
Fire Island by Bond no 9 has an implicit goal: to emulate a memory of euro-sun tan lotion. It succeeds. It’s funny that this scent memory can be generalized. Fire Island doesn’t smell like any particular brand of sun tan lotion, but on smelling it, I instantly recognized the qualities that make up the lotion notion.
For those too young to remember the days of fostering skin cancer skin cancer by laying in the sun and baking, Fire Island is a creamy, musky sweet floral of no particular consequence. But for us old folks, Fire Island is the second-hand smoke of the perfume industry. Aaahhhh, the good-old, bad-old days.
An interesting scent, full of allusions and triggers from a smart perfumer, Michael
Almairac.
from scenthurdle.com
Messv258JeomiWogkig – :
You could probably save money by taking a bath in coppertone and sitting on the beach all day. However if you don’t have the luxury of being able to do that, just buy this and for the day you can pretend you have been doing that all day. Certainly something that will put a smile on your face!
pavel89 – :
Keeps me wanting to sniff.
A lovely watery and very fresh scent. (there has to be ozone in this)
I had no idea it had patchouli in it when I first smelled it and tried it out. It is very very mild because – I cannot distinguish it as a patchouli fragrance. I probably would not have purchased this if it smelled like a “patchouli” scent.
As far as the Suntan lotion debate – To me I do not smell Fire Island and think it smells of sunscreen/suntan lotion (Coppertone brand or Ban de Soleil)- no, not at all.
What I do smell – is aquatic, summery, beachy fresh and is something lightly floral about it. I think maybe tuberose, or neroli? (I am sniffing on me — as I write this) It is very well blended.
As for smelling like Bobby Brown Beach – yes it does – and it is almost identical. However, that said, in a side by side Bobby Brown vs Fire Island test off — Bobby Brown is the loser, as it is lost on Fire Island. Fire Island is stronger, longer lasting and all around smells better. Test for yourself and you will see.
Edit – I have been wearing for 3 days straight now – and it has gotten 3 compliments – 1 each day by different people. Each different person was shocked that it was perfume – and all three had the same comment, “you smell very nice and fresh.”
Glad I purchased!
Juinegesiny – :
It’s great summertime fragrance. Very strong neroli mixed with white floral note – to me it smells like jasmine. I agree that wearing this fragrance you can feel like on vacation (laying on the beach and sunbathing after swimming in the sea). The association with sun lotion is correct. It’s very happy/positive fragrance, but due to the strong jasmine note I think It’s more feminine.
feodorich – :
HEAVEN!!!!! I WANT THIS. Suntan lotionesque but more tuberose and sand and sun and ocean in a lovely bottle
stkks – :
I normally like these types of beachy/fresh/clean scents, but this came off as synthetic & harsh. The fragrance takes a turn for the worst after the somewhat pleasant opening. I just didn’t find this blended very well… or maybe it’s the note composition that just isn’t for me to be fair.
If you like this fragrance or are looking for a better alternative for this similar type of scent, try Irene Neuwirth Barneys New York exclusive (see fragrance for review).
kuzmina – :
I normally like these types of beachy/fresh/clean scents, but this came off as synthetic & harsh. The fragrance takes a turn for the worst after the somewhat pleasant opening. I just didn’t find this blended very well… or maybe it’s the note composition that just isn’t for me to be fair.
If you like this fragrance or are looking for a better alternative for this similar type of scent, try Irene Neuwirth Barneys New York exclusive (see fragrance for review).
lerusya – :
I normally like these types of beachy/fresh/clean scents, but this came off as synthetic & harsh. The fragrance takes a turn for the worst after the somewhat pleasant opening. I just didn’t find this blended very well… or maybe it’s the note composition that just isn’t for me to be fair.
If you like this fragrance or are looking for a better alternative for this similar type of scent, try Irene Neuwirth Barneys New York exclusive (see fragrance for review).
ehgtlfie – :
I just got my sample of this juice in and really wanted to love this. I do get the suntan lotion that everyone is talking about. However; I get more of a chemical smell that smells similar to the stuff my grandmother use to perm her hair with. So to me, it smells like my grandmother slathering on suntan lotion. 🙁 I REALLY wanted to get this one too! 🙁
3670966 – :
I like this scent. Good one for men or women. It made me feel as though I’m on a beach that’s for sure. Good lasting power and I wore this in 30 degree weather. Nice change up from the norm.
alexkassa – :
Upon first spray I’m getting the sun block that everyone’s talking about and then towards the middle of the dry down its very floral. It kind of makes me feel like I’m in Hawaii on the beach and that I’m wandering around the island smelling exotic flowers. Then when it dries down for some strange reason it smells like spicey pineapples on my skin, which is strange because the fruit isn’t even listed in the notes. I can’t see anyone wearing this for any season besides summer. Overall its a casual and fun scent for those hot and steamy days.
shamid88 – :
wore it to work on a hot sticky night. It smells like sun block, copper tone brand, I mean just like it, its slightly sweet. It permeates nicely. As i got to working and sweating a little bit, it smelled like sweet cinnamon buns. Very appetizing. After the dry down it smelled more floral ? i guess or like a chemical slew of sweet tinges and cream. It was okay. i gave it to my sister, but i am yet to smell her wearing it.
aleks66 – :
Ok, so I am not sure if I like this one or not. Wore it to work and someone said it was too strong. One of the guys said it smelled just like sunscreen but I think the cardamon is really vibrant on this fragrance. I didn’t receive any compliments on it but no complaints either. I am glad I just ordered a bon bon and not a whole bottle. The longevity and sillage were pretty good but I think I like BB Beach better. When summer hits I might try it again.
PANCHIK – :
Okay. I am not as experienced and educated as some of you parfumistas,,but here is my review about Fire Island.
Thanks to the helpful Nordstrom lady, I got some samples including this one. Fire Island initially reminds me of “Dune”..the drydown is definitely very similar to Lilly Pulitzer-Beach (the blue bottle).
Overall,I think it is not bad. But, I do not like/love it enough to pay for its ridiculously high price. 🙂
Oh, I forgot to mention that when I smell my wrist after 5 hours or so, it totally smells like Zara Rose which is like Narciso Rodriguez. Interesting..
ALEXEY777 – :
I tested this today with my husband and we both LOVE it. Again, this is probably an association thing, we both spent a great deal of time at the beach as children, slathered in Coppertone. I was instantly transported to that rather rocky beach on Long Island Sound where we went almost every day each summer. Throw in some seagulls screeching in the background and and a good humor man and I would have been there. As previously stated, this is not Coppertone out of the bottle, but the whole beach, the ozonic smell of the sea. It instantly lifted my spirits, as we are having almost record rainfall here in the Southeast for weeks. The sillage was rather close to the skin, and the longevity was not as long as a lot of other Bond No. 9 fragrances, which was a little disappointing. Maybe I’ll layer it with Coppertone!
89607200487 – :
A beautiful floral fragrance. Reminds me of summer time. It smells identical to sun block lotion, and that’s fine with me. Longevity is great, projection is moderate. It is unique. I liked it. Try it.
tasha.19 – :
I just got a bon bon sample of fire island in the mail and to me it smells nothing like the beach or suntan lotion at all. It just smells like a feminine white floral citrus scent. Maybe the beach smells different in the usa than it does in australia. Im glad i didnt blind buy a full bottle!
ababnxsnvms – :
I buy very few of these Bond fragrances because they are so expensive, but on eBay, there is always someone who has grown tired of their 3.3 ounce bottle and is willing to part with it for $75.
That’s how I got Fire Island.
It tends to smell just like any “beach smells” fragrance, but the quality of the ingredients puts it over the top. The “fresh air accord” or ozone as some of you call it, is usually achieved with a combo of white flowers. They look for what will go straight up your nose to your brain. They don’t use a lot, but it seems to work.
I’m not a big fan of the ones that are JUST OZONE and do not include the Coppertone Suntan lotion accord. This one has that, it’s not overly sweet and you will get compliments wherever you go.
radon4 – :
At first spritz, the very beach-y suntan lotion scent instantly puts a smile on your face. It starts exactly like how you want a beach type fragrance to be. I just wish it stayed that way. As it warms, while remaining fairly linear, it takes on this really synthetic floral note that has a bitterness to it. It matures the fragrance in a manner that takes away the sweet, creamy element much to my dismay. Too bad, I really wanted to love it.
sinalenik – :
Fire Island smells like suntan lotion, but not like suntan lotion straight from the bottle. It has this brilliant quality where it smells like suntan lotion that’s heated up by the sun and absorbed into your skin, which I find to be pretty impressive. As a pale, freckled woman who gets queasy when she hears the words “cruise” or “tanning”, I am so far from being a beach babe… in other words, this is a nice fragrance but I won’t be getting a bottle.
pashka_vul – :
Just received a ‘bon bon’ sample of Fire Island today.Upon unwraping the packaging, its smell immediately struck me, and I thought ‘this is it!’ Having looked everywhere for a beach scent (my reviews say it all!) I figured I found what I’ve been searching for: the rich, high society sister of the low key, nature lover At the beach 1966 and Bobbi Brown’s girl next door Beach. I dabbed it on and waited for the teletransportation to the beach to start. It opens as a bold floral, thankfully without jasmine, and almost after that the cardamom kicks in. It gave me the impression of a scent that’s just about to turn aquatic, but never really does. The base notes are unisex and the cardamom is still present at the drydown. It did have a beachy effect on me, but not what I was hoping for. But then again, the smell of summer very much depends on where you spent your summers, and I never did spent mine in the US… I should have listened to Elena Vosnaki from the Perfume Shrine when she said that the smell of sunscreen and the beach is a cultural thing, and very different between Europe and the US. Apparently Europeans used Piz Buin, Ambre Solaire and Nivea whereas Americans preferred Coppertone, and the smell is very different between all of these! Hence my search for the bottled mediterranean summer scent is still on…
Deddi – :
I used a sample to dab this on, not spray. I immediately loved it and decided to re dab so that I could get a really good sense of all the notes! First impression was of sun tan lotion with a slight whiff of the incense that they used to burn in Izumi’s on 86th street in NYC. After a half hour the impression has softened, but the heart is still there. I would definitely wear this at the end of winter when I am ready for summer to be here. Very work friendly if worn lightly. A less expensive alternative for me might be Jennifer Aniston.
abercromfitchxvq – :
This stuff is bomb, chics dig this stuff.Smells like the bathroom when your girlfriend just finished getting ready to go out. Got makeup, chic perfume, flowers, femine kind of opening. just stick with it, The dry down is nice!!! Its a nice tan oil scent that smells like you walked off the beach. This girl i was talking to from florida was like , you smell like being home at the beach. Great summer guy fragrance for someone who doesnt care what people think, just gotta be confident when you rock this stuff and the girls will love it.
mell99 – :
love this scent. reminds me of when i lived in San Diego.
Mesoh554Unlogrere – :
There’s something in this scent that makes me feel sick and nauseous. It smells like a faint perfumed yogurt that’s turned sour. It wafts up now and then and it’s a sickly smell. I thought it may be a hormone thing, but after a few trial and errors, it’s not. For a beach type scent I like BB Beach, Privet Bloom or Aqua Motu. Thumbs down for Fire Island.
Sheff7321 – :
Reminds me of Paul Sebastian’s “Design”.
pro100vanya – :
Scent 7/10
Projection 6/10
Longevity 4/10
Value 2/10
Overall 19/40
Nice scent, but not worth the money. Only lasts 4-5 hours on my skin. “At The Beach 1966” by CB I Hate Perfume is a better beach fragrance at half the price.
Wassallela – :
this smells NOTHING like any of the “smells like”… above. very clean, watery, but not sterile like Bobby Brown’s empty beach. fresh and beachy without any fruity libations! excellent.
Dimazzz – :
Although many reviews claim that this one smells like suntan lotion, I found it to be a nice fragrance focused on the neroli and musk notes. It does bring to my mind the image of beaches and people playing beach volley, but not as vivid as I expected it to be.
AZARON7 – :
So very disappointed! I thought it was going to be strong & lovely and take me away to the summer! Very bland, smells a little like Bain de Soliel, as I remember BdS being more buttery & sweet, and I used the stuff. Not very long lasting, smells like a faint flowery toilet water.
atj – :
Bloody horrible-smells like soap and washing machine detergent.
Andr123 – :
It smells like a nice, creamy, and expensive sun tan lotion with a trace of something like tuberose or jasmine, which I am not sure. it’s definitely not something I would invest $$$ into even though the bottle is actually one of the nicest. Let’s try Hampton next?
nicvoz – :
The notes in this are blended well but the predominant note that lingers andddd lingers is cardamon, which is a very odd loud note in a beachy fragrance. I was expecting to adore this and I actually am giving my large sample away!! As much as I seek out things to appreciate about ‘interesting’ fragrances, I cannot do that with this one!!! I might even call it a stinker!!!!
ok – the bottle still rocks though!!!!
msp – :
Bond no 9 FIRE ISLAND is a different sort of oriental perfume. To start with, there is no vanilla or incense. The composition does have a strong and decisive development trajectory which leads from a thick ambery opening to a clean soapy-musk drydown, with neroli as a dominant floral note to my nose. There is a spiciness here, but it is complex. This is not a perceptibly cardamom-rich frag. Nor is this composition sweet–the honey is blended in so as to camouflage itself.
I know of no fragrance which bears any resemblance to FIRE ISLAND. But is it, as some have suggested, essentially the same fragrance as that used to scent Bain de soleil? I recall having used a few tubes of that glistening orange substance back in the twentieth century, before mass SPF hysteria arrived on the scene, but I am not sure that it smelled exactly like this edp. I will say that the texture seems similar to me: viscous, warm and sensual. If FIRE ISLAND does indeed smell exactly like Bain de soleil, then perhaps I should buy some of that gooey substance again!
Because of its strength and sillage, FIRE ISLAND seems best suited for walks on the beach in cooler weather, wearing sweaters and scarves to minimize the suffocation potential of this rich elixir. For some reason, FIRE ISLAND reminds me of when I went to Mallorca for Christmas a few years back. It was very odd: everyone was speaking German and wearing earmuffs at the beach!
хонда – :
This smells somewhat unpleasant on me. I am testing the “bon bons”. It smells rather like comet sink cleanser. Definitely no go!
pbx772JeomiWogkig – :
This also reminds me of Bain de Soleil. It conjured an image of the beach at first whiff but I like that it is not in the typical “tropical beachy scent” way. It’s also interesting because it is a spicier fragrance, but seems most appropriate for warm weather.
MoxySkikatito – :
This is defiantly a womens scent NOT a man’s scent. It is very similar to Bonds West Side scent. Very floral and a little more interesting than West Side. It is not for me, being a man.
maximus2200 – :
Fire Island is strangely comforting to me. At first it’s almost so strong it gives me a headache, but not quite, and I like it so I can’t bring myself to wash it off. After a bit it tones down.
Indeed it makes you think of beaches but not in the tropical/fruity/floral way. In the way a beach really smells if surrounded by palm trees, maybe some Hala, but a lush green backdrop. Peaceful and muggy, just enough of a breeze, sitting in the shade, low waves crashing on a sandy shore gently broken by rocks.
This is my first Bond perfume, now I have to search out the others!
pauntewshunse – :
Oh, it’s wonderful! It does remind me of white sandy beaches, and basking in the sun! It’s bright and sexy, an