212 Men
212 Men by Carolina Herrera is a masculine-leaning eau de toilette from 1999 in the designer price tier. It opens with grapefruit, bergamot and lavender, moves into ginger, sage and violet leaf and dries down to sandalwood, white musk and incense. Expect around 6 hours of wear, and it projects at a moderate level.
Notes, explained
Opening
- Grapefruit Bitter, slightly sweaty citrus. More grown-up than lemon.
- Bergamot Sharp citrus with a faint bitter edge. The opening of about half of all men's fragrances.
- Lavender Herbal, clean, slightly medicinal. Barbershop in one note.
Heart
- Ginger Warm, zesty and slightly soapy. Bridges citrus and spice.
- Sage Dry, herbal and slightly bitter. Adds a grown-up, aromatic edge.
- Violet Leaf Crisp, watery green with a metallic edge. Cool rather than fresh.
Dry-down
- Sandalwood Creamy, milky wood. Soft and almost edible.
- White Musk Clean, soft, laundry-like. The 'smells like nothing but better' note.
- Incense Smoky, dry and meditative. Adds gravity to anything.
Smells like this
- Valentino Uomo Born in Roma Coral Fantasy
- Lattafa Suqaraat
- Guess Seductive Homme Blue
- Ralph Lauren Polo Sport
- Cartier Eau de Cartier
- Atkinsons 1799 The Nuptial Bouquet
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