If I could only ever wear one aftershave ever again it would have to be Bvlgari Pour Homme, this aftershave and I have some serious history going back now nearly twenty, yes twenty years.
Casting my impending old age to one side I’ve spent those heady years seeking out other fragrances from Bvlgari, some excellent while some have left me wondering what the hell they were thinking! Bvlgari Man is a fragrance that a former colleague called the “Stephen smell” as I wore it every day for a year but it may be under some serious competition now that I've had my sniffing tackle around Bvlgari Man in Black Eau de Parfum. I first smelt this my friend Alan at his recent birthday and was hooked yet didn’t go out and buy a bottle until recently. One question I’m asking myself constantly now is, why the hell did it take me so long to pick up a bottle for myself as it is lovely.
Before you think that’s it, if you read on not only will I give my thoughts on the fragrance, but being the oh so generous person I am, I bought two bottles so that I can share the fantastic nasal overload experience with one of my readers.
Bvlgari are a luxury fashion house, and their fragrances don’t normally come cheap - I remember paying well over £80 for my bottles of aftershave from the brand in the past but guess what, the price has come down quite a lot over the years. I paid £55 each for my 60ml bottles but you can pick them up online from places like Amazon for anywhere from £30-£45 so it really does pay to shop around. I opted to buy mine from The Perfume Shop as I received a Michael Kors bag for spending over £100, which will become my gym kit bag.
Having smelt this on my friend at his party and on a friend at work after recommending it to him I had a good idea of how the fragrance would evolve over time and what it would be like after finally drying down, but when peeking at the notes I was still surprised, particularly by the Tonka Bean as to me this fragrance doesn’t seem to have the sweetness that usually comes from such a note.
The notes to Bvlgari Man in Black are:
- Head: Rum & Luminous Spices
- Heart: Tuberose, Orris Root Absolute & Leather Accord
- Dry-down: Benzoin, Tonka Bean & Guauacwood
As soon as it left the atomiser I knew I was onto a winner - a strong blend of rum and spice that immediately started to fade down to a subtle hint of spice. I confess that within seconds I couldn’t detect any obvious hints of rum but the spice was warm and not too overpowering. Bliss. It started to evolve within minutes as it was absorbed by my skin and again, I couldn’t pick out the all of the notes but the tuberose (it’s a flower used as a note in aftershaves and perfumes) combined with the spice and leather note was almost heavenly. This post in fact has taken much longer than normal to write as I’ve spent at least twenty minutes sitting back and continuously smelling the fragrance on my wrists.
After around five minutes you have the final fragrance and this is how it smells for a good ten to fifteen hours after applying. It remains really subtle but as you walk or move around you will pick up hints of the floral spice that comes from the top notes. I cannot stress how much I really like this fragrance.
This is not too dissimilar to Black Orchid by Tom Ford (and much cheaper), it has hardwearing notes that make me want to continuously sniff away at myself. While with Bvlgari Pour Homme it dries down and I can’t smell it (yet everyone else can) I still get hints of this on my skin some ten hours later. It’s just quite possibly one of my favourites. It has a beautiful blend of notes that produces a masculine and spicy fragrance that will have people asking you what you are wearing and where they can get some from. It’s immense and well worth the purchase price. Only a little goes a very long way given it’s strength and I for one will not now be without a bottle of it in my collection, in fact, this may well indeed become the new “Stephen smell”. It’s not going to knock Pour Homme of it’s perch as my favourite but it is pulling at it’s ankles from second place.
Perfect for daywear, nights out or special occasions you really should put down what you are doing now and pick up a bottle for yourself or the man in your life. There are a few mandatory entries which must be completed, otherwise your entry will be null and void. Ensure that you are over 18 or have your parents permission because I will need your home address and finally owing to the prize on offer, this is a UK only giveaway.
Oh waw, such a good review! Too bad I'm a woman :D I'll have a look for my boyfriend, he never wears any perfume. That could be an idea for a future gift.
ReplyDeleteI use Paco Rabbane Ultraviolet and my husband is using Paco Rabbane Million
ReplyDeletemy husband loves hugo boss
ReplyDeleteDaytime I've gone retro with Kouros... I usually wear JPG Le Male evenings
ReplyDeleteKouros, that was one of my first ever aftershaves.....that takes me back. Haven't tried anything from JPG (which I'll have to rectify).
DeleteI love the smell of aftershave, it's sexy lol this sounds appealing. x
ReplyDeleteCade Eau de Toilette, nice smell, but quite weak and does not last particularly well.
ReplyDeleteHi Ronan, I'm a fan of Eau de Cade myself, it's an incredibly earthy aftershave that screams masculinity. You've reminded me to pull the bottle out and try it on again. Deffo for daywear though.
DeleteMy other half currently alternates between Davidoff Cool Water and a Givenchy one!
ReplyDeleteYou can't go wrong with the original Cool Water, it's perfect for spring and summer.
Deletewhite musk is my signature scent.
ReplyDeleteI'm currently using Si by Armani. I think my brother would LOVE this as he's really in to his scents.
ReplyDeleteHusband uses Hugo boss
ReplyDeleteHusband uses Tabac
ReplyDeleteHubby uses Boss Bottled, it smells fab on him but he is always looking for a new scent.
ReplyDeleteHi Ellen, I tried Boss Bottled a few months ago and agree, it does smell fab.
DeleteI use Armani Diamonds
ReplyDeleteMy son uses Hugo boss!
ReplyDeletejoop is always a firm favorite in our house also gucci guilty for men
ReplyDeleteGucci Pour Homme at the moment
ReplyDeleteI currently use Black XS by Paco Rabanne, my partner is using Cool Water by Davidoff
ReplyDeleteI love it when my husband wears Opium Homme or Antaeus from Chanel. For myself, my favourite is Estée but it's discontinued so I'm currently looking for something I love as much to replace it
ReplyDeleteMy partner loves DIOR HOMME EAU for Men - he should do I bought him it for his birthday ;)
ReplyDeleteAt the moment i use Calvin Klein escape which i'm a huge fan of
ReplyDeleteI'm currently using Juicy Couture's latest - my boyfriend uses whatever he can find, haha!
ReplyDeleteDiesel Only The Brave is my partners favourite at the moment.
ReplyDeleteI use Noa by Cacharel.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to win this for my husband as He loves to try new scents and is down to his last squirt! He is wearing Juicy Couture Dirty English at the moment! I am wearing Narciso Rodriguez for her!
ReplyDeleteHubby was using Armani Acqua Di Gio but he has just run out. Son had some Joop Homme that he didin't like so he's using that as a stop gap at the moment.
ReplyDeleteon my old favourite Aramis
ReplyDeletei use britney spears circus
ReplyDeleteI use Versace Red Jeans, my partner loves Hugo Boss Orange :)
ReplyDeleteI use Chanel no 5
ReplyDeletellaique thankyou
ReplyDeleteIssey Miyake
ReplyDeleteI use Angel by Thierry Mugler
ReplyDeleteBoss bottled
ReplyDeleteI think my partner would love this - I love the classic design of the bottle too.
ReplyDeleteMy hubby currently uses Givenchy Gentlemen Only Absolute but I know he loves Bvlgari too!
ReplyDeleteMy husband had hugo boss for his birthday last month and I love it
ReplyDeleteI currently have Carolina Herrara 212 VIP Men.
ReplyDeleteMy boyfriend uses Diesel Only the Brave, Emporio Armani Diamonds and Bleu de Chanel
ReplyDeletethe hubby has cool water at the moment
ReplyDeleteMy boyfriend is using a Paul Smith scent right now, but it's running out so this would be great :D
ReplyDeleteHi Steve,I love the packaging - I'm not sure if my hubby would use it.
ReplyDeletewww.annanuttall.com
Paco Rabanne Million for Men
ReplyDeleteI currently use Miss Dior
ReplyDeleteI'm currently using Gucci Bamboo, I actually got it last week and love it! xo
ReplyDeletehttp://rachelnicole.co.uk/
It sounds great I love the fact that there is a spicy fragrance. Might get some for hubby.
ReplyDeleteI tend to go for Stella- Stella McCartney Eau De Parfum or Alien / Angel Thierry Mugler and Hubby 1 MILLION Paco Rabanne or L'eau d'Issey pour Homme by Issey Miyake (which is like sex in a bottle!!)
ReplyDeleteEither very old Paco Rabbane or my Dior Eau Sauvage currently. But it varies.
ReplyDeleteMen's fragrances are always so good, sometimes I prefer them to female perfumes. At the moment I am using Replay Jeans for her which is a light delicate floral.
ReplyDeleteI'm using Marc Jacobs Bang at the moment
ReplyDeleteHubby wears Hugo Boss at the moment
ReplyDeleteHubby loves his 1 Million paco rabbane, and i get him a Polo Sport,Ralph Lauren! I wud love to win this for him after reading your review.
ReplyDeletetommy hilfiger. long overdue a refresh
ReplyDeleteToo sad the giveaway is only for the UK. Would be a perfect gift for my brother but I will still check this for purchase.
ReplyDeleteI currently use CK Euphoria Blossom
ReplyDeleteHermes, Terre
ReplyDeleteThat packaging is amazing - so stylish and chic!
ReplyDeleteHadn't heard of this before. I love the packaging
ReplyDeleteWhat a fab giveaway, the packaging looks lush!
ReplyDeleteMy daddy loves Black Orchid by Tom Ford. This would be right up his street!
ReplyDeleteGreat giveaway! I think my hubby would love this one.
ReplyDeleteI entered cause I bet my BF would love this.
ReplyDeleteI don't use any aftershave haha but I always use the molecule 01 perfume!
Great giveaway! Looks like it would make a great gift :)
ReplyDeleteThe bottle looks gorgeous! What a great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI don't know a lot about perfumes but I've been using Next's Sparkle Azure! It just reminds me of my holidays! Such a great competition! My boyfriend doesn't really wear aftershave so it would be nice to introduce him to this!
ReplyDeleteI use Lancome - La Vie Est Belle. This perfume is my ultimate favourite
ReplyDeleteI love Lacoste Femme
ReplyDeleteMy hubby currently uses D&G The One and I use the ladies version xxx
ReplyDeleteI haven't smelt that one yet Laura. I'll have to hunt it out and have a sniff. Stephen
DeleteI love men perfume!! My husband is hot on CKONE but may have to try this!
ReplyDeletemarc jacobs decadence
ReplyDeleteThe Mr is using paco robane invictus at the moment! I love it!
ReplyDeletemy partner uses paco rabanne at present, but he's open to change
ReplyDeleteCurrently using Dior Sauvage. But don't like it as much now as the first few sprays!
ReplyDeleteIt's a belter, although I think I'm the reverse. I wasn't keen the first time I smelt it but it has started to grow on me.
DeleteMy other half is looking for a new scent, definitely going to suggest this one!
ReplyDeleteHubby uses Armani. I want him to try something different!
ReplyDeleteIts Joop or diesel at the mo :)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great scent. I struggle to get my husband something he would like, but this might just be what we are both looking for
ReplyDeleteThis looks awesome - 10-15 hours? that's impressive! Kaz :)
ReplyDeleteI love Versace Woman
ReplyDeleteMy other half wears Calvin Klein aftershave
ReplyDeleteWhile I don't like fragrance on me, I looooove it on a man!
ReplyDeletejimmy choo :D X
ReplyDeletedAVIDOFF
ReplyDeletemy partner currently uses lynx africa aftershave, i use CK eternity
ReplyDeletePartner uses Molton Brown Black Pepper
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful giveaway, the prize is great.
ReplyDeleteThe packaging of this scent looks gorgeous
ReplyDeleteLaura
Pink Frenzy
hubby uses paco rabanne 1 million xxx
ReplyDeletemy boyfriend likes Penhaligons fragrances
ReplyDeleteI'm with your BF on this - everything from Penhaligon's smells amazing! I love their No33.
DeleteI love Diesel lovedose!
ReplyDeleteHubby currently uses Lacoste pour homme
ReplyDeletePaco Rabanne at the moment.
ReplyDeleteMy hubby is wearing Santos de Cartier
ReplyDeleteMy hubby is wearing Paco Rabanne at the moment.
ReplyDeleteFarhana
I am using CK1 at the moment :)
ReplyDeleteYSL Kouros!
ReplyDeleteLady Gaga Fame Black Fluid
ReplyDeleteIssey Miyake, both me and my boyfriend! love citrus, woody scents.
ReplyDeleteHi Nicola, I'm partial to a touch of L'Eau D'Issey EDT, it's lovely. Stephen
DeleteMy other half uses Hugo boss
ReplyDeleteMy husband uses Diesel only the brave - the bottle is as fab as the fragrance. I'll admit to having a little spray myself too
ReplyDeleteKelly Ellen Hirst
My husband uses Creed as his evening aftershave and Issey Miyake in the day :-)
ReplyDeleteMy hubby uses hugo boss and i use marc jacobs
ReplyDeleteCoco channel mademoiselle, I am
ReplyDeleteRunning low tho! Maybe Santa will be good to me 😍
I love Lady Millions ..hubby needs something decent now as well
ReplyDeleteI have Calvin Klein Euphoria and my husband wears Pacca Robane Invictus
ReplyDeleteMy boyfriend uses Paco Rabanne 1 Millions and I use Marc Jacobs Daisy
ReplyDeletei'm using Fararri at the moment
ReplyDeleteChanel Coco Mademoiselle
ReplyDeleteI use Intense by Hugo Boss
ReplyDeleteI wear charlie x
ReplyDeleteI use Intense by Hugo Boss.
ReplyDeleteMy signature scent is 212 Sexy Men by Carolina Herrera
ReplyDeleteMy signature scent is 212 Sexy Men by Carolina Herrera
ReplyDeleteMarc Jacobs Decadence, I like the bag!
ReplyDeletemy husband uses hugo boss
ReplyDeletePierre Cardin
ReplyDeletePaco Rabanne.
ReplyDeleteMy 20 year old is using Brut at the mo x
ReplyDeletehusband loves Bvlgari scents he's using the extreme one at the moment
ReplyDeleteI am currently wearing lady million.x
ReplyDeleteSauvage
ReplyDeleteMy husband wears Joop Extreme
ReplyDeleteI use Joop.
ReplyDeleteMy husband wears Armani code
ReplyDeleteHUGO "Dark Blue"
ReplyDeleteI don't wear anything at the moment
ReplyDeleteI'm enjoying Acqua Di Gio at the moment
ReplyDeleteMy fiance is wearing Spicebomb that I bought him last Christmas, I LOVE IT.
ReplyDeleteValentino
ReplyDeletemy husband wears Tom Ford Noir and i wear Burberry Brit
ReplyDeleteMy partner is wearing Hugo Boss Dark Blue at the moment.
ReplyDeleteI use a few different perfumes [not all at once] & my hubby keeps nicking my Lady Gaga Fame perfume, it's a unisex fragrance xo
ReplyDeleteMy fella uses Davidoff Cool Water
ReplyDeleteJo Malone - Lime, Basil & Mandarin cologne, gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteAvon, little pink dress!
ReplyDeletemy partner uses 1 million by paco rabanne
ReplyDeleteThe man love wears Davidoff, i wear Vera Wang or Daisy
ReplyDeletemy hubby has Giorgio Armani- ACQUA DI GIÒ ESSENZA
ReplyDeletemy hubby is using Joop .. I just love that smell
ReplyDeleteMy hubby is currently using Jean Paul Gautier
ReplyDeleteMy husband doesn't wear aftershave at the moment. I use Armenia for my perfume.
ReplyDeleteI'm currently using Paul Smith Rose.
ReplyDelete1 Million
ReplyDeleteHubby wears Dior Homme
ReplyDeleteI wear Coco Chanel
ReplyDeleteMy boyfriend uses one by Avon. I do like Davidoff. Thank you for the chance xxx
ReplyDeleteMy hubby wears Hugo boss love aftershave on a man so sexy x
ReplyDeleteFragrance is one of life's little joys so we both like to try out new products frequently.
ReplyDeleteI am a female but am trying to win this for my brother who normally wears Hugo Boss
ReplyDeleteMy son uses Hugo Boss
ReplyDeletei use armani code
ReplyDeleteMy son uses Tommy Hilfiger
ReplyDeleteAnais-Anais for me, Brut or OLd Spice for hubby
ReplyDeleteI have a few perfumes ck The One, Britney Spears and many that are own brands, hubby uses diesel if I pester him, I'd love to treat him to this!
ReplyDeleteEstee Lauder Sensuous
ReplyDeleteI wear perfume but my hubby is using Joop at the moment
ReplyDeleteI use Armani Diamonds my husband is using Versace Dylan blue at the moment
ReplyDeleteDaisy by Marc Jacobs - for men I like Loccitane Blue by Loccitane
ReplyDeleteMy other half currently has versace blue jeans
ReplyDeleteMy partner likes Issey Miyake, I think this smells amazing too :-)
ReplyDeleteI currently use Jean Paul Gaultier
ReplyDeleteMy hubby is using a Police one at the moment, can't remember the name. He also like Elite Gentleman from Avon.
ReplyDeleteatthemomentI am using hugo boss, hubby wears brut
ReplyDeletepaloma picasso
ReplyDeleteAt the moment I am using the rest of my Britney spears - Fantasy perfume
ReplyDeleteI love Clinique Happy and have been wearing it for about ten years now, it still makes me happy! My husband has Hugo Boss :)
ReplyDeleteI am using Calvin Klien One ( CK1 ) at the minute .x
ReplyDeletePaco Rabanne Black XS
ReplyDeletei use j'adore - dior myself
ReplyDeleteYSL Black Opium is my fave just now.
ReplyDeleteI love Chanel Coco Mademoiselle, and my husband's favourite is Boss (any)
ReplyDeleteCurrently using Viktor Rolf BonBon
ReplyDeleteI love Ralph Lauren Romance and I love it when my husband wears Issey Miyake - lovely
ReplyDeletePaul Smith
ReplyDeletemy son wears hugo boss
ReplyDeleteMy hubby is using L'Eau D'Issey Pour Homme at the moment :-)
ReplyDeleteCurrently Lovestruck by Vera Wang for me
ReplyDeleteI love Chanel no 5.
ReplyDeletei love Versace Crystal Noir
ReplyDeleteand hubby wears - Paco Rabanne Invictus
I am using Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Rose Eau De Parfum. I treating myself to some duty free on holiday.
ReplyDeleteLynsey Buchanan
I love Miss Dior
ReplyDeletemy fiance uses chanel bley or dior sauvage
ReplyDeleteMy partner wears Hugo Boss. I wear Marc Jacobs Daisy
ReplyDeleteMiss Dior
ReplyDeleteOlympea
ReplyDeleteMy hubby uses Paco Rabanne 1 million, I love Ralph Lauren Romance
ReplyDeleteAt the moment I am wearing Hugo Boss Sport, it's my go to Aftershave
ReplyDeleteEstee Lauder Sensuous Perfume, been my favourite for years
ReplyDeleteI wear daisy my partner wars hugo boss
ReplyDeleteI wear daisy my partner wars hugo boss
ReplyDeleteI use Lancôme Miracle or Gucci Premiere and my OH Gucci Guilty
ReplyDeleteI currently wear Legend by Mont Blanc - both EDT and deodorant.
ReplyDeleteI wear Coco Mademoiselle Chanel in the Day and Mon Paris YSL at night, my husband wears Valentino and Sauvage at the moment
ReplyDelete