Fahrenheit by Christian Dior

After nearly a month I’m back - I’m not sure if it was a lack of energy or just the fact that I’m simply overwhelmed with the sheer volume of things I have to write about. Needless to say, let’s ease back into this gently and by casting my thoughts on an old school favourite of mine.

Fahrenheit by Dior is one of those staple aftershaves, it stems from a period in my life when I had a job that allowed everything I wore to be made by Dior, Valentino or YSL.

Christian Dior oozed class to a younger, less wiser Stephen, although I have to say their shirts still scream quality and to this day retain an air of distinction.

The packaging is very dull. If I was out shopping, the packaging and the bottle itself would probably put me off trying this at all. The bottle comes wrapped in burnt red box and the bottle bears the same colouring. 

The notes to Fahrenheit state that this is a warm sensual fragrance with hints of hawthorn, honeysuckle, sandalwood, cedar and patchouli (whatever that is).

After applying the product I found the smell to be very warm with an earthy and strong woody overtone. 

As the smell stayed on my skin it changed becoming a distinctive honeysuckle smell that was delightful, it lightens and becomes softer but you are never far away from the warmth striking your nostrils.

I always find that aftershaves that suit me aren't noticeable after being applied. This basically means I can't smell it. Fahrenheit, after about an hour is one of those fragrances and only a tiny amount was required for good coverage.

Although this is marketed as a sensual fragrance I wouldn't say that it's one of those aftershaves that will make heads turn (not unless you put too much on) in the street but it is very pleasant. 

Personally I wear this fragrance to work. If you're looking for a "pulling fragrance" and if you pardon the pun, it won't have temperatures rising. For that, you are much better off trying Joop or CK Truth, they have softer notes that leave a far sweeter smell fragrance after time. 

In my opinion this is an aftershave for a man‘s man, but it's not one of those smells you'd prefer on a night out. OK for daywear, left on the dresser for big nights out. 

Despite that, it is a quality product and you can do a lot worse.

Fahrenheit can be purchased in 30mls, 50mls and 100ml bottles. A 50ml bottle will set you back £17.99. At that price it represents excellent value for money and is well worth a look. 

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Elements Aqua by Hugo Boss

Launched in 1996 by Hugo Boss, Elements Aqua was a fragrance I never had any intention of buying and therefore I was a little disappointed when I opened a gift from my mother to find this instead of the Bvlgari aftershave she knows I love.

Whilst my bottle of Element Aqua was a gift it can be found in most high street shops and can be purchased online at numerous retailers however I would add a note of caution. The price of Elements Aqua can vary wildly and I would always recommend that you shop around should you wish to buy this. Actual prices range from £15 for 50ml of the EDT up to a whopping £30.

Marketed as a classic fragrance I was very apprehensive about using this as I personally hate Hugo Boss Dark Blue and am not a big fan of sharp and woody fragrances. Despite my reservations I did eventually use Elements Aqua (the name itself suggests a clean and light fragrance) and all in all I wasn't overly disappointed although I will reserve complete judgement just to make you read the rest of my rambling lol.

The bottle to Elements Aqua is plain glass, moulded in a wavy design with a pale blue colouring it looks more like a stylish bottle of coloured water rather than an aftershave. Granted, the wavy bottle design does make it exceptionally easy to grip, and the atomiser does give very good coverage without using much of the fragrance.

The notes to Elements Aqua are surprising:

• Head Notes: Lavender, pineapple, spearmint, wormwood;
• Heart: Coriander, freesia, pepper, tea;
• Dry-Down: Vetiver, patchouli, sandal and vanilla

Reading the notes to Elements Aqua left me feeling rather upbeat and less apprehensive about using the fragrance. From the notes I expected a heavy, cool spicy fragrance that dried down to a woody yet fresh undertone. I also expected the lavender and pineapple to be overbearing notes leading me to believe that it would have a citrus tang if nothing else.

As stated above, a few squirts of the atomiser were all that was needed to get a liberal spread of the fragrance. Despite not shaving prior to using this did on first application sting a bit, and it is clear that alcohol is a major ingredient within the fragrance.

Indeed, as expected when I first applied Elements Aqua the lavender and pineapple were evident, as was the spearmint giving this a very strong fresh smell that was more oriental than actual citrus. The head notes only remained for around 10 minutes before they started to alter and the freesia and tea started to become the overriding fragrance making the overall aroma heavier and warmer. Gone was the fresh sensation and I would describe this as more of a manly masculine fragrance on a par with Fahrenheit.

The heart notes were the strongest of the fragrance, remaining evident for well over an hour and I was surprised by the delay in the emergence of the dry down notes. When they did start to become clear, the freesia was still there lingering however in the same way as nutmeg as a note brings out woody notes, the patchouli and sandal combined wonderfully to make this a very light almost woodland fragrance.

It was clean and crisp yet still warm and the dry down notes were still noticeable well over 12 hours after application.

Despite the fact that I don't tend to like woody or heavy fragrances Elements Aqua was something of a new sensation and a very unique fragrance that I really did like much more than any other that fall into the same category. Personally I use Elements Aqua for office wear due to it's excellent staying power and clear defined smell, however I wouldn't say this is something you would want to wear on a date or at a special occasion.

All in all, only a small amount of the fragrance was needed on a daily basis, and due to the affordable price tag I would say that Elements Aqua is very good value for money. It is not my favourite and will never replace the lighter fragrances in my collection, but it is one that is handy to have around for a change.

I wouldn't go out and buy another bottle, but I also wouldn't be disappointed if I received this as a gift again in the future.

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Lacoste Booster

Any regular reader will know I have a slight problem with aftershaves - I can’t help but pick them up, try them and buy them. It costs me a fortune, but it’s probably one of the safest addictions to have right?

Lacoste Booster didn’t fall into my collection through the standard routes, my brother actually left a bottle after staying over. It sat in my bathroom for months until I actually smelt it out of curiosity! The reason it had never aroused the urge to smell it previously is due to the extremely ugly packaging! The bottle looks ugly, cheap and very tacky!

You have to see it first hand to really appreciate how nasty it is. A green bottle coated in white plastic with a white plastic pump spray. Classy, I think not. I have never seen this on the shelves of perfume/aftershave counters and I’d be inclined to steer well clear as it gives off so many ’jog on’ signals I can’t understand why anyone would go for it. 

This fragrance was launched in 1996 and is aimed at the sporty, adventurous type of man who wants to feel manly but pleasant at the same time. Taking a peek at the Lacoste website will throw reams of information relating to the history of the company and what this fragrance will do for you.

The notes to Lacoste Booster state that this fragrance has hints of Menthol, Nutmeg, Eucalyptus and Lavender. Taking those main ingredients into account you would think this aftershave would have a very fresh, sweet smelling aroma with wooden undertones. You’d be wrong!

The first time I sprayed this onto my face I gagged! Although I hadn’t sprayed any in my mouth I could actually taste the fragrance it was so strong! This wasn’t a fruity, sweet smell. It was heavy and extremely overpowering. It was difficult to actually distinguish any particular smells at all.

Obviously panic set in. I stank! I was late for work and I literally hummed to high heaven of this stuff. Rather than taking another shower and changing, I headed off to work with rather paranoid thoughts running through my mind. Surprisingly, given 20 minutes, the fragrance changed dramatically. 

The overpowering odour had calmed down and certain smells became evident. The Lavender in particular was most noticeable, and rather than being heavy on my nose, it was bearable and in all honesty, quite refreshing for such an earthy aftershave.

After a few hours of wear, the smell changed again. The ingredients although surprising combined well to give a heavy citrus smell.

Marketed as a manly aftershave it did have that rough around the edges smell, but with only a small amount of time was needed for this to transform into an elegant, subtle fragrance that drew compliments from young and old alike. 

Given that the fragrance starts off being so powerful and heavy, only a little is needed to give you a great feel. Personally, I would recommend this to men aged 30+, and for use really during the day. 

It’s nothing special and if I had a choice, I wouldn’t use this as a pulling fragrance as there are much better aftershaves on the market that will bring the ladies flocking. This isn’t your young mans fragrance, if I had to sum it up, I’d say it was an upmarket version of Old Spice. It’s not going to set the world on fire, but you’re not going to knock people out with the stench.

The cheapest I have seen Lacoste Booster was online at just over £10 for a 50ml bottle. Bearing in mind only a tiny bit is required this is great value for money. Not only is this really cheap, the smell lingers for an absolute age still being evident after 10 hours. Lacoste Booster is too heavy a fragrance for me. 

Personally, I would only buy this if I was watching the pennies.

I prefer to pay that little bit extra and get a light, fruity sweet smelling fragrance from one of the more established fashion/fragrance houses. If you like/enjoy Old Spice, Brut or Fahrenheit this would suit you down to the ground for daywear, and daywear only.

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Polo by Ralph Lauren

Confession time, I stink. Yes, I do, today I’m mainly trailing the sweet smell of Polo by Ralph Lauren and will be giving my worldly-wise opinion on it.

Having already established that I’m a big fan of all fragrances by Ralph Lauren I thought today would be an appropriate time to review the first ever Polo fragrance that entered by collection. 

Personally, I picked up my bottles of Polo from a friend who works in duty free, which means a substantial reduction in price for me - circa £15 for a 59ml bottle. In the shops, you can expect to pay pushing £40 for the same bottle. 

The packaging to Polo is styled in a very minimalist way and is a very pale green with a darker green stripe across the front. Although very basic, it looks damn good sat on the counter and even better in the bathroom alongside all of the other bottles in my collection. 

On opening the packaging you are greeted with a lovely Emerald bottle - it looks cool and for some reason I always tend to start humming ‘ten green bottles’. 

The marketing blurb states that Polo has been created to celebrate the tradition of the sporting lifestyle, blended with notes of wood, leather and tobacco to create a lasting, subtle smell that will have an enduring appeal.

Well, the bit you’ve been waiting for! What’s it like?

After shaving I took the glass bottle in hand and then proceeded to struggle with the lid, as my hands were still wet. I dried my hands and had another go. On removing the lid I was presented with a mixed aroma that was heavy, woody and very overpowering. There was a distinct leather smell, which didn’t do much for me at the time!

As the smell was noticeable when just removing the lid I only applied a tiny amount of the aftershave. As soon as it had hit my skin the smell changed quite dramatically. The overpowering heavy smell disappeared and softer woody tones could be smelt. The revolting smell of leather became more and more subdued the longer I wore the aftershave.

Unlike the Polo Sport, Polo does not have a sweet citrus smell and that’s the only reason I do not wear this fragrance when I go out in the evenings. 

It is similar in nature and in some ways smell to Fahrenheit. It will get you noticed in the street, but in a club or bar, this isn’t the aftershave that will have the ladies flocking to sniff your neck! Don’t get me wrong, this aftershave has a distinctive, lovely smell, but it is more for daytime wear and meals with the “in-laws” in my opinion. Not a "pulling" fragrance and for this the aftershave is going to lose points for that!

Would I buy it again?

Yes and I would recommend this aftershave to all who require it. It isn’t too expensive, it has a large bottle, it’s long lasting and the smell is still evident after 10 hours.

My only gripe about Polo is the actual design of the bottle. It does look amazing, but it is a bitch to keep hold of if your hands are wet and I frequently find myself dropping it!

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Burger & Lobster - Soho

I’m a big fan of lobster - I love the stuff and since they removed the lobster tank from our favourite local fish restaurant I have been dying to find somewhere else where I can satisfy my cravings.

The first time I attempted to get into Burger & Lobster in Soho I rocked up on a Friday evening to be told that there was a 2 hour wait - WHAT?!? In the end I had to make do with watching others scoff down lovely looking food while I ended up in Burger King with a bottom lip so low I was in danger of tripping over it.

As a treat from her birthday a few weeks ago I took the other half along in the middle of the day in the hope of finally getting my ass onto a seat, a plastic bib round my neck and lobster in my belly. To Soho we returned and even in the middle of a Monday afternoon the place was packed. We waited 10 minutes before being seated.

The drinks menu was great and the range on offer far exceeds what’s on the food menu, in fact it’s probably about three times the size! I opted for Brooklyn Lager while Rachel went for Aspall Suffolk Cider (so predictable).

There are two essentially options and the clue is in the name of the chain - you can have burger or lobster. Alternatively and only if feeling brave or like a contestant on Man vs. Food you can opt for both. The specials board basically lists weights of lobsters and the price. While we were there you could opt for a 6lb lobster for just over £140. Ouch! 

We both ordered lobster and I was surprised when the full lobster arrived with a healthy portion of fries, a lovely looking salad and a gravy boat full of the richest and creamiest garlic butter. 

Whichever option you order the price is £20 plus your drinks and that is spot on in terms of value for money. As the pictures show, it wasn’t a small lobster and after tearing away and dunking the melt in your mouth meat in the garlic butter I was in heaven. I loved the food.

The fries were crunchy, perfectly salted while the salad was crunchy, had a variety of textures and just the right amount of dressing. After wolfing down the lobster and fries I have to say I was stuffed to the gills and couldn’t finish the salad - for shame!

If you are looking for somewhere different, somewhere that cooks seafood to perfection and a happy relaxed atmosphere then this place is for you. Even the waiting staff were uber polite, attentive and nothing was too much trouble for them even though the place was packed.  

Burger & Lobster have six different restaurants across London and you can visit their website here to find your nearest. 

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

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Scaramouche & Fandango 'Hy' Hydrator

I have had the Scaramouche & Fandango 'Hy' Hydrator since just before Fathers Day. It came with two other Scaramouche & Fandango products as part of an amazing £25 male beauty box from Selfridges&Co.

It wasn't until early July that I got around to using this hydrator and putting it through its paces, I had been using the amazing The Bluebeards Revenge (TBR) Cooling Moisturiser and based upon the smooth and fresh face I had at the time it was going to be a stiff challenge, especially as the heat wave hit London.

Now this stuff is not cheap, oh boy no, a 100ml tube will set you back at least £10. Now to me as a tight wad I think that is quite a bit of cash when brands like L'Oreal and TBR are offering something that is basically the same with a made up scientific name on the side for less.

Anyway, what do Scaramouche & Fandango say about 'Hy' (so hip)?

'Benefits:

CHRONODYN^TM

A cell energiser from a unicellular pseudo algae. Clinically proven to help firm and tone the skin to fight against the signs of fatigue.'

Now my face takes a pounding from the filthy London air, I work on one of the most polluted roads in Europe and don't exactly take the best care of myself so my skin reflects this and hence why I cleanse and moisturise on a daily basis.

The moisturiser is white in colour and as soon as it leaves the tube it has a potent aroma. It's very, no extremely clinical and synthetic in smell and it lingers in the air.

When placed on the back of my hand it didn't soak straight in, in fact it just sat there. It has quite a thick consistency so no danger of it running off my hand and down my shirt - nightmare and its happened in the past.

After rubbing it onto my fingertips I gently applied it into my forehead (a notorious spot for me to get dry skin in between what I call my Gordon Ramsey lines) and it spread easily. A peanut sized blob was enough for me to cover my whole face (and I have a big face, huge Herman Munster forehead).

It was absorbed by my skin really quickly and any worries about the smell were gone. It loses its aroma very quickly once it dries into the skin so no danger of it interfering with an aftershave if applying it quite quickly afterwards.

As the heatwave hit about a week after using this I noticed a bit of dry skin on my hairline. I simply applied a little more of Hy and it cleared the next day - result. 

All in all I was really pleased. Through massive temperatures, long stints on London Underground and lots of sweat (nice), my face has remained moisturised and feels soft and smooth. You can't say fairer than that.

I think it's expensive but if you don't mind the cost you have a product here that does the business.

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