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кент74 – :
Um dos melhores que já senti. Um incenso que emerge de notas cítricas. Cheiro sofisticado. Virilidade na medida certa.
sjjoker – :
Looking at Givenchy’s current masculines, it’s hard to believe that the same house gave us Insensé (fr. “insane”), one of the most creative and acclaimed perfumes of all time. Hell, I don’t even particularly like how Insensé smells, but I can easily see why it is considered one of the best masculines ever made.
People often describe it as “medieval”, which is spot-on: A truly other-worldly concoction, constructed from modern synthetics, but following a recipe handed down from King Arthur’s times. You could spend hours marvelling at how the alchemist shifted the boundaries of fougère and chypre, combining familiar elements into something unique and unsettling we haven’t seen before or since.
Insensé isn’t just a towering creative accomplishment, but also a fascinating historical artifact. Its commercial failure is an indictment of how men relate to fragrance and, by extension, to their own masculinity. Givenchy’s advertisers admirably tried to challenge the stupidity of conventional fragrance ads, but they failed to consider a central character trait of men: Insecurity.
Insensé’s ads featured a lovestruck young man running around in a gale of flower petals, a bouquet in his hand. No submissive bimbos gyrating in the background, no hunky guys fixating viewers with looks of anger and repressed constipation. Men’s response was apprehensive: Flowers? Love? Chivalry? What kind of insane woman would want that from a man? Unsurprisingly, it flopped.
Insensé, together with the equally brilliant Feu d’Issey, was the swan song of mainstream perfumery, handing the creative reins over to the emerging niche firms. There have been other novel mainstream fragrances since, but none have come even remotely close to Insensé’s audacity.
It’s getting harder and harder to find the original edition at a reasonable price, but should you be so lucky, do yourself a favour and just buy it. Even if you end up disliking Insensé – smelling it will make you wiser, more open, and a better human being.
Fairy-tail.biz – :
this is a stand alone fragrance, it doesnt follow any trend, like egoiste and fahreneit did before. i was prepared to find a floral scent, but this is VERY floral, in the current market there’s nothing like this. insense is a good name for this edt, it has a sunny happy vibe with a strange masculinity inside. it’s like running in a field with flowers in bloom.
pro- it is one of the most unique fragrance i ever smelled, the juice is dense and rich and the performance is very good(the projection for the first hour is quite strong). the drydown is gorgeous, more masculine but still with the “insense” character.
cons- insense is not your macho, super masculine fragrance. the opening is not my favourite part,there’s a strong “gucci flora” vibe in the first 20-30min. is it unisex?yes, like many other fragrances. in my opionion it’s not a safe scent, so be careful for a blind buy.
overall- this is not in my favourite top 10 of all time, but im damn happy to have it in my little collection. it’s super unique and one of the best spring fragrances ever. like i said, this is not the most masculine scent, it reminds me some movie characters a bit femminine with an evil side hided, like the collector in the guardians of galaxy or silva in 007 skyfall. un profumo non semplice, unico, da apprezzare col tempo.
scent-8
long-8
sillage-8
bottle-8
uniqueness-9
versatility-7,5
my vote- 8,5
in one word- madness
elenaa587 – :
Reminds me of comme des garconz 888
computer013 – :
A crisply opening, warm, masculine floral. Very nice.
aroryedgestex – :
Insensé, just Insensé, it is a floral, yet masculine fragrance, some freshness and a dry floral, but also a little warm feeling. This is a perfect blended perfume, it was discountinued due probably to be ahead of it is own time. It was not normal to see back in 1993 a floral perfume for man. In today standarts this is a true masculine perfume, I am proud to have almost full my 100ml vintage Insensé, to use with caution because it is hard to find. The best time to wear it I think Spring or Fall, if you can try to check this, it is one masterpiece in my eyes.
Smell: 9,5 (0-10) You will smell like no one else
Compliments: 7 (0-10) You will be noticed in a positive way, ladies above 30 years old will love it on a confident man.
Longevity: 8 (0-10) it will last 10h-12h in skin, after 24 hours if you not shower still be in the skin very faint.
Projection: 9 (0-10) it will project very well, do not overdue it.
Sillage: 9 (0-10) It will be arround you for a long time people arround you will smell it when you are moving arround.
Overall: 9 (0-10) A great man scent, different and floral, due to the discontinuation you going to be the only one wearing it, also is a under radar fragrance, so you will always do a good impression. To wear with confident in a smart/casual to formal clothes. I can see this perfume in the same mood as Eau Sauvage Parfum 2012, simplistic, but very well made and with a different vibe from what all of the other perfumes.
biwe – :
Admittingly some +25 years too late, I managed to get hold of a bottle of Givenchy’s Insensé and want to join the chorus of appraisals. It is only spectacular, a refined constellation of floral, vegetal, and aldehydic components. I remember it from when it came out. My ignorance likely was triggered by the overall classic image that Givenchy perfumes stood for – together with its – at least for non-native French speakers – slightly odd sounding title ‘Insensé’, and the even more so, conservative, yet trying funny- advertisement campaign that occupied many perfume store windows … looked somewhat repulsive back then. Some references appear – Diorella in some aspects – and more recent releases, that all could be traced back to Insensé – Chanel’s No. 18; Comme des Garcons #3 and Guerilla 1. Stunning. Now if Givenchy would only grew out of the T-Shirts and Sneakers label it propelled itself into over the last decade and would realize how endlessly cool a real reissue of Insensé could be now …
Mikov1 – :
It”s Winter and I’ve just bought this beauty. Actually, we were flirting since mid early 2000’s. I remember when I first tried on shop and though “Oh, God, you’re so good”. But I did not buy it. At that time, I was much more to reaffirm my masculinity and I though it was a little out of place and time.
Then, in 2013 I saw her again at a shop. Eventually, I used to go to this shop just to see if she was still there. The last flacon. Of an after shave. Today, I said this is it. And I grabbed my precious home.
This is a masculine fragrance for men who do not need to prove their masculinity. It starts floral (mostly lily of the valley) and reminds a bit of moisturizing lotion. Later on, it becomes more a fougère, but still soft green, and more woody.
I understand why this is discontinued. Too humble to be a “niche”. Too sensitive to fight against commercial successes. Too unfit to reproduce herself over decades on. A truly anachronism.
This bottle had to be mine. Me too, I feel myself out of my time and unfit. I still don’t know who chose who…
Update: I had a feeling that Insensé would be close to Balmain de Balmain. Well, I put each of them in my wrists and cannot distinguish so much which is which. Balmain sounds a little more green, however. Good to know that there is an alternative!
SMAGUL-SAKEN – :
I am a big Insense fan for some years.
I have recently discovered my new Fall signature fragrance 34 Boulevard Saint Germain by Diptyque.
It is very close to Insense, it has a fruity black current, a woody and resin base, with a medley of florals.
It has a warm spiciness with cinommon, which is the main difference.
With the great Insense having been discontinued and harder to get; I thought I would give a tip on a good alternative.
34 Saint Germain is better in colder weather.
braverheart74 – :
Insensé by Givenchy has indeed been a fascinating finding as I’d thought it’d completely disappeared to the extent that I was not going to get to know it–I saw it in several perfume shops years ago, but I’d never paid much too much attention to it back then and, as usual, perfumes like this become coveted after they get discontinued. I don’t know how accurate my description of this singular scent is, but here it goes:
Once sprayed on the skin, there is a smell of hand lotion (it must be the aldehydes) with herbs, fresh white flowers, and a touch of honey, which makes you think of a cosmetic product for women. To tell the truth, I can’t smell any black currant. Ten minutes after application, a smoky accord resembling a lit cigarette begins to unfold, which provides the composition with masculinity; it seems that basil gives it an animalic touch. The fir, on the other hand, gives it an earthy, humid aura, typical of the aromatic fougeres of the 1980s. It lasts 8 to 9 hours on the skin, with good sillage and moderate to high projection.
Although it is understandable that Insensé was discontinued due to its lack of versatility and its nonconformity, I’ve liked it very much. It is a very good fragrance, full of class and uniqueness, which may perform better in formal events such as weddings and work parties, as well as in intimate situations. I do not know whether to say that this perfume was ahead of its time or that it got stagnant in former decades, which might explain why we were not ready for it then, and I ignore if we would be today. It is definitely a bold proposal and an acquired taste.
Score:
Fragrance: 9/10
Longevity: 9/10
Projection: 8/10
Sillage: 9/10
Average: 8.75/10
MaDDeST_777 – :
Someone reviewing Nina Ricci’s Memoire D’homme, one of my fav 5, wrote MdM was strange, very strange which I don’t feel it at all. This gem is strange, really and particularly strange.
Got a 99 version and I can’t find any similarity with any other fragance. Floral, woody (kinda pencil wood), citrusy and (like ChrisInBrooklys wrote) Coca-Cola’s ghost floating from time to time….and that’s the strange thing, still a gem!
diman911 – :
Rough and chemical.
A very daring scent.
Don’t over do it, will nauseate yourself and others!
The appeal is that this is probably the only masculine scent I’ve come across which is not only fruity, but strongly “Berry-ish”. Has this extreme feminine non-floral punch, but the edginess and smoke/incense takes you off ground.
Brutal, creative, interesting.
Nelik – :
This was discontinued in the day because it was too floral. But compared to most unisex florals today, this is very masculine!
The lilly of the valley does not dominate, but the smooth pine and amber blend in as equal parts.
The florals don’t jump out, but are great.
I get a lot of smooth slightly sweet woods, and a bit of fruitiness for freshness.
This is warm and rich for Winter, yet it’s bright enough for Spring and cooler Summer days.
In my top 5 allways, masterpiece!
bovm – :
I thought I wrote something of one of my super favorite fragrance, but maybe because I have not worn it in so long that I thought I did last time I wore it, but anyhow here are some thoughts about it, and I think this is the actual example of how a fragrance brings back memories in your mind that you will never forget, like the special date or family party, and you remember comments and situations that happened when you were wearing that special cologne, in my case this happened to me with Givenchy Insense, IMO a master piece.
I just recently bought a shower gel, and is just an amazing experience to start your day with it in the shower and continue with the cologne when you get dressed, totally awesome in this cool spring days.
I have not ever found a fragrance that smelled similar to this otherwise I would have bought it already since this is discontinued and hard to find, I only own a 50ml bottle and the shower gel but well for the same reason I only wear it during this season but is so nice every time I do and I really enjoy it, this is one of the colognes I wear just for my own pleasure, I love it.
morganna30 – :
This is my Easter scent. The most masculine floral ever created and certainly a male fragrance. Very green and bright but neither fresh or aquatic… a very complex composition that takes you on a journey as it develops on your skin or clothes.It’s definitely more of a spring and early summer fragrance, and best for special occasions when you want to create memories for yourself and loved ones on special days. It’s one of my wife’s favorites on me and she finds it extremely masculine and not unisex at all. An ideal Easter scent because of its greenish and floral vibe… like the early spring of grass returning to the lawns and flowers blossoming. Ideal for a middle age Gentlemen confident enough to pull off such a fragrance. It kind of reminds me of a little Aramis Devin mixed with a bit of Bowling Green with some added carefully placed masculine floral notes of superior quality.
Pure class.
Undeniably memorable.
Masterpiece!
imiplewapGB – :
This creation is Something. Inexplicable. Insense, in fact.
I remember when it came out on stores. I didn’t particularly liked it. After ages I have read nice comments here and around, “masterpiece” was the word much more combined with it. And more than one use to compare this fragrance with Nino Cerruti one of my most beloved. So when I had the occasion, I have catched it. Years ago.
Since that, I can’t decide if I like or I don’t. I mean, by sure is not one of my favourite, I’m able to wear this twice per year, but in some way it is “romantic” and by sure “he” tells you a story. A fairy tale.
When I taste, It make me think to be into one of those “fantasy” shop, warm and colored lights inside, full of candles, little statues of elves, dragons, warriors, sword, salt lamps. One of those shop where you can find a Never Ending Story book to read into a garret.
Yes, mostly Insensé smell like a wax candle/pencil, perfumed with sweet green pine/fir notes. Yes this perfume has that christmas/medieval vibe. Black currant is also noticeable of course. So magic cool forest here.
It is very powerfull. Headache level. At least for my senses. Once I have read that if you want to wear a powerfull fragrance you have not to spray behind the ears but in the center of the back side of your neck… well I’ll try in the middle of the shoulders next time.
Still a too strong composition for me but in some way it is relaxing, loving. Positive Aura. Country/forest ionized air.
Very border line, and maybe 55% more feminine than masculine, can’t say, I don’t mind. Reminds me like a balsamic version of Dune (for woman) and By opposite reminds me also a solid shaving cream in a clay little pot by Atkinsons I had in the 90s. Identical.
Great wierd fragrance.
vum189bedyWelty – :
Floral, airy, classy, silky, breathtaking= Discontinuation
What an effin shame
queewsmeeld – :
my favorite in 1997, any hope it will be back????? it is unfortunately discontinued
plombir – :
INSÉNSE by Givenchy will go down in history as a Masterpiece!
that til this day has not been duplicated or nothing I’ve tried has ever even come close to this beaut! What a shame to discontinue such a beautiful fragrance..
Floral Woody Ambered:
Basil Mandarin Lily of the valley,
Iris Magnolia, Balsam Fir and Vetiver
Please bring back this juice!
Thanks Insensé for being such a memorable journey in my life!
spaind – :
A masterpiece of the 90’s. Warning, don’t buy any recent reformulation you will be disapointed.
asvetlanacat – :
This has been on my “wishlist” forever and can’t believe my luck in scoring a 90% full bottle at a thrift store for peanuts!!! There are so many things to be said about this dynamic masterpiece that I will only share this strange observation: Coca Cola. Yes, I somehow got an odd feeling of the inexplicable citrusy sweet effervescent freshness of a cold clean old-school glass bottle of Coke with a lime. Call me crazy, but there it is. SOOooo happy to now have this in my collection!!!
Update: Add basil & mint to the above Coca-Cola with a lime and you have the wonderful Insense!
sardelkin80 – :
Uplifting and green floral that is certainly unisex, not a classic fougere in my books. The fir makes it a tad masculine, I agree, but it has nothing of the after shave vibe some fumes of this type can have. Floral and sweet scent for men was obviously ahead its time in ’93. It somehow still is. I strongly recommend trying to get a drop of this for your collection, just to get to know it. There is something breezy in it, could be the basil herbal touch. A scent much more complicated than it looks, and in a great way.
MONK82 – :
This review is for the vintage juice!
Insense by Givenchy is a really nice fragrance marketed for men containing many floral notes. Very much so that it is unusual but it works.
I get the basil, magnolia & lilly of the valley. This is such a green swampy fragrance. It smells of wet, swampy waters where gators, & bullfrogs reside in the midst of the damp forest.
I get between 6-8 hours of longevity out of this with arms reach projection. I enjoyed this particular aquatic fragrance which I normally don’t tend to pursue, but it was so unique I had to have it until I got bored with it & sold it. Nice to have & get especially in it’s vintage form.
addispori – :
I think this fragrance was before its time and people just weren’t ready for it, hence the reason it’s been discontinued. I remember buying this twenty or so years ago and absolutely loving the scent but feeling very self-conscious because I found it so floral. Fast-forward to today and, due to the nature of unisex perfumery, I wouldn’t give wearing it now a second thought. I wonder if Givenchy will bring this gem back?
NoggaNo – :
From a 3/4 full vintage bottle bought recently on Ebay.
I have a tendency to try and find the positives in too many fragrances I think, so maybe risk reviews being taken seriously. However, this is so good, so full and “healthy” and sunny, so deliciously spirit lifting, so… scrummy… I can’t find the words. It just smells great, reminds me of happy, life affirming things, and makes me feel great wearing it.
Without wishing to plagiarise others’ comments here, this is what I get in terms of notes : dense, waxy aldehydes (I increasingly love this note, but still can’t really describe it), rich, red fruitiness swirling with floral notes, berries and flowers together, and something green and fresh (this part fades over time). I’m a serial oversprayer, but even I learned 3 (OK 4) is enough to brighten up almost your whole day. I’m not a great advocate of “seasonality”, but if pressurised I’d say a summer, daytime scent, only because it’s so pregnant with bright, vibrant, rich life.
Can’t believe Givenchy stopped making this, but there you go.
Love it.
June 2016
виолетта – :
I am starting to appreciate this perfume more and more with each wear.
Every time I spray this on, I can hear the all glorious song “Aria on Air” (British Airways theme) ringing in the background.
Neo911 – :
Thank you to a dear fragrantican for this sample. On first sniff I didn’t know this was gents fragrance but i instantly thought it has the feel of something like elixir de merveilles so was reminded of fougeres. I get aldehydes, lavender and pine with a hint of lemon. It’s slightly too masculine for my taste but on a man who likes his fumes to lean more feminine this would be perfect. Good sillage and longevity
gfx420speagoessenda – :
Scent – aldehydes & basil.
Season/Time of Day – I prefer to use this one in the warmer months, day or night.
Projection – I didn’t get noticed, I didn’t get a compliment.
Longevity – I get 12hrs consistently.
arina – :
Not a review, just a revelation of sorts. I was confused for awhile why Givenchy would have an “Insense” scent without actually having any incense. Then I looked up the meaning of the word in French. Insense translates as “foolish”. Just though I would throw it out there 🙂
Rama81 – :
I have it and I don’t regret my purchase although it’s very difficult and expensive to put your hands on it.
Insensé it’s a formidable floral/fir/aldehyde men fragrance without being girly or even synthetic. It’s a fragrance that everytime I wear, uplifts my mood! On designer market, it’s the alltime best floral based fragrance for men!
Pretty good longevity (+-8h) with a very decent sillage and projection (+-3hrs).
Such a shame that it has been discontinued…
Overall: 8.5/10
san1111 – :
i heard Givenchy relaunched this fragrance. can anybody confirm?! dont know they reformulated it or not anyway! (as they do always with good perfumes! stupid firms!)
Mepin943InsuffBooni – :
I too just received a vintage bottle of this that I bought for next to nothing. Bright, crisp lemon at first that dries down into an enduring floral somewhat reminiscent of a masculine version of Rochas’s Tocade minus the rose. Scintillating is a word for this one. Terrific rounded bottle that fits right into your hand.
Duehiscocorie – :
Where can I buy it on internet? Cant find it anywhere. Living in northern part of Europe. Thx 🙂
Temoshese – :
This is one of the most gorgeous aldehydes ever! Fruity, fresh, sharp, green and extremely crisp. It is clean but it has this sunny, uplifting effect. I happen to love the blackcurrant note/accord, so this appeals in heaps. I am surprised more ladies are not claiming this for theirs. Although the discontinuation might have something to do with that. It is not as harsh and stone cold as some of the feminine labelled aldehydes like Chanel no.5 for example, this is way more wearable for me. Blazed through a 50ml vintage. A bit sad to be on my last dregs, but there will be other bottles, there always is…
veprortagueve – :
This was my husbands fragrance until it was discontinued. I have just bought him a travel set from ebay, with soap, shower gel and eau de toilette to check that he still loves it.I had forgotten how good it is and am now hunting for a large bottle. It is a true classic,inimitable,distinguished but with an edge.The aldehydes and basil,with green florals remind me of Paco Rabanne Metal,(for women),another sadly discontinued gem.
morhovanton – :
I spray Givenchy Insense in the morning and I don’t have to worry about morning traffic or work stress. It is therapeutically calming and relaxing. Please don’t get me started on the smell, versatility, bottle design, sprayer…etc, Let me put it in one simple word- Perfection!
фдучфтвук – :
is this discontinued?!
cxb005speagoessenda – :
Floral and the sametime masculine and unique. I have used hundreds of perfumes but nothing is comparable to Insense. This perfume takes me back into my childhood.
Vetal9009 – :
There is a kind of man that never can be reached. He is independent, solitaire, and tenderly aloof, his soul always on the edge. Everybody wants him, and he wants nothing. I’m thinking of Rimbaud in Charleville, young, adventurous, with an entire life to come; or in the magnificent character of Lord Sebastian Flyte, from Evelyn Waugh’s “Brideshead Revisited”.
Such man is beautiful, cultivated, artistic. But, most of all, he does not care about correctness.
Insensé, from Givenchy, is definitely the most beautiful perfume for men ever made. After testing hundreds of classic and new, it remains inimitable for me. And decomposing its structure by notes or by stadiums will not give you the whole idea, if you don’t test it yourself.
For me, it is decadence, perdition and abandonment. And yet, a happy feeling emerges when I wear Insensé.
When he’s lost his heart and then his head, the French say he’s ‘Insensé’. Reader: my nickname was taken from this merveille. I am Insensé.
olexxa53 – :
عطري حين تقدمت لخطبة زوجتي الحبيبة منذ حوالي عشرين عاماً . كان غاية في الثراء و البهجة و الجمال . لن أنساه أبداً و حزين كل الحزن علي توقف انتاجه من شركة جيفينشي.
avdrunya – :
This was my proposal perfume for about 20 years ago. It was very rich and soft . Very sorry. That its company stopped producing this. Hope find again .
dim777789 – :
Specifically floral, fruity fragrance man!
The biggest problem is not at all available ….
It may also be unrealistic price on eBay …
Indeed, it is incomprehensible that such a highly sought after and unique
scent withdrawn from service …….
I hate the barrier marketing !!
Ingenious composition which is edited perfection !!
Full harmony, wonderful ingredients, intelligent design …..
Is it that you do not need right ……..
Is there a way that you do not need more ……
Only Insensé!
10/10
rbr149 – :
Another one of the “discontinued gems from the past”. It’s good, definitely ahead of it’s time. There is however one thing that bothers me, it’s got a plasticky/synthetic note that can really come off as cheap. Luckily, this is not really perceptible when smelled from a distance. Performance is nothing to be amazed with either. To sum it up, I don’t think it’s worth what they are asking for nowadays but it’s still a very good fragrance, reminds me of Chanel Allure Homme line. I haven’t smelled Le parfum mystique’s version but I hope they took care of that aldehyde note.
muslim1992nk – :
üniversite yıllarımda kısa bir müddet kullandım. kesinlikle yanlış bir seçim oldu benim için. 30+yaş bi parfüm. ama erkeksi kokun ve kalıcılığı çok çok iyi.
Oleg6185854 – :
There was a very famous bank robber in Greece during the ’70s, who used to enter the robbed-to-be bank with a sawed-off unloaded shotgun hidden inside a posy of sword lillies. And yes, bank robbers can achieve rock star status, cause banks, directed by vampires in expensive suits, are not exactly the most popular establishments. He also used to give the flowers to the ladies working in the bank, before running away with the money.
He got caught, escaped prison, flew to another continent, got caught again, and during his deportation flight he gifted fragrances bought in the duty-free shop to every hostess on board, leaving them wondering whether he was a shipowner or an oilman. Or both.
He died at the age of 35, following the “live fast, die young” motto to a tee.
Every time I spray some of this short-lived quirky little gem on me, I feel like I’m ready to enter a bank along with him and run with the money.
And on a sunny, yet frigid January morning some years ago, vintage Insensé on a paper strip was one of the two best things I’ve ever smelled in my life.
Having the guts to do something just because you can, will always be a solid example of insolence yelled in the face of norms and poise. Insensé came and went unnoticed, scorned by the defenders of uber masculine fragrances, for it smelled like walking in a forest in early spring or late winter, while holding a bunch of blue flowers in one hand. The fact that a rifle was in the other didn’t seem to be in its favour. All the more that it was not there for hunting.
A brave little soul, which left its gentle mark by the pen, in a world echoing with the clang of swords and the roar of faddish waves. And despite its failure to smoothly conquer it, it will always be acknowledged for its gallantry and whim.
For it did. And they didn’t…
Frozenbig – :
Cytherian, gedlive & Colin Maillard made extremely relevant reviews of Insensé and convinced me to go on a hunt for a blind buy. I was lucky to find a bottle of the first formulation in the original bottle (if I’m not mistaken there has been 3, including Les Parfums Mythiques). I was worried of the quality of the juice since it’s been many years but it is simply… wonderful!
Fruity without being childish, floral without being stereotyped as feminine. Add a coniferous aura and that soapy-lemony aldehydes touch and you have a gorgeous fragrance from a house that made classics now vintage (Gentleman, Monsieur, Xeryus & Insensé). So far, Givenchy made the most intoxicating aromatic fougère with this one & Xeryus.
This fragrance is not exuberant, but pure audacity in male perfumery. I don’t think I ever came across anything close to this subtle yet bold mixture. A commercial flop apparently, but…
Best kept secret… the best things are not the most popular ones!
10/10
waxlord – :
@Mohamad I think that companies should begin to realise that they have a responsibility to maintain their products apart from solely producing new, new, and more new, while most of what came before drifts into obsolecence.
alisk – :
Tayyabshahbaz:
Production has ceased, but you can always grab a bottle of the original version (and by far the best) by going to eBay. There are always a couple of bottles for sale. Make sure though that you go with one shaped like the one pictured on Fragrantica.
dusik142 – :
Can any one please tell me that it is still available? i have heard that the company has discontinued its production?
Красатуля – :
Just got myself a tester bottle of this. I’m not sure if it’s the last release or previous… there doesn’t seem to be any obvious bottle marking differences.
I was surprised to find that this is very much like Houbigant Duc de Vervins. I ditched the Houbigant, because I found it soapy and harsh…
Insense has aldehydes in it, so there would some soapy quality, but Moliere balanced it well here. The lavender is strong enough to keep the lily-of-the-valley from dominating. I don’t really pick up any berries. Mine may be a later release.
This is really nice. I need to wear it some more before I make up my mind on it.
kostya969 – :
Update: This has been in my top 5 for a few years now. I wrote about the florals and fruity accord.
I want to say this is rich and woody also, with the amber and pine notes. That’s what makes it so versatile, and nice any time of the year. It has weight and is very masculine.
In my opinion is the #1 mens floral woody of the past 50 years.
The Basil note is much stronger than shown in fragrantica pyramid. My two vintage (tester) bottles say Ambered. A wonderful chord is struck here, the earthy warmth of Basil and Amber, with the bright and realistic Lilly of the valley. My Mom was a florist and as kids she asked us to go in the woods and pick Lilly of the valley for her wedding personal bouquets. As kids we thought the Lilly of the valley flowers were the best smelling of them all.
What I can say about the floral scent has not been said. I used to go with my Mom to the flower wholesalers in down town Manhattan. What you smelled inside were the green stems of the flowers as well as the floral smell, 50/50%. That’s what Insense smells like mostly green floral notes, like the stems of cut flowers.
Lush realistic florals with an undertone of a mossy/ basil accord. Pungently delicious.
One reviewer discribed it as a blend of Paco Rabanne pour homme (vintage) and Chanel No 5. My first impression was, that description is quite accurate. I find it less feminine as many have discribed and more green than I expected from the reviews. The 4 flower notes used, give a more green floral scent, than traditional feminine florals. The olfactory floral arrangement is uniquely pleasant, just perfect.
The black currant note is not so fruity but ammoniac like note, but with the mandarin orange and aldehydes make for a bright and pleasant fruity accord.
There is a gloomy aldehydic tart/ greeness with a fruity, piney, lilly of the valley breez permiating.
There is an important note here not listed, but in basenotes. It is the white resin from the mediteranian Lentiscus shrub. ( piney)
Wearing this, I feel I’m on a nostalgic journey to a wonderfull place in a time gone by. “A tremendous balance between cleanness and mystery”, alfarom.
A classic masterpiece of perfumery, never feels dated in a negative way. Like a classic Porsche, with timeless lines.
I was on a bike trip through the woods last week to York PA. Miles of honey suckle bushes just filling the air with