212 Sexy Men

212 Sexy Men by Carolina Herrera is a masculine-leaning eau de toilette from 2006 in the designer price tier. It opens with mandarin, bergamot and cut grass, moves into black pepper, cardamom and jasmine and dries down to vanilla, guaiac wood, sandalwood, amber and musk. Expect around 6 hours of wear, and it projects at a moderate level.

Notes, explained

Opening

Mandarin Soft, sweet, almost powdery citrus. Gentler than orange.
Bergamot Sharp citrus with a faint bitter edge. The opening of about half of all men's fragrances.
Cut Grass Exactly what it says. Sharp, wet and nostalgic.

Heart

Black Pepper Dry and prickly. Gives a fragrance grip and a bit of bite.
Cardamom Cool, aromatic spice with a eucalyptus lift. Smells expensive.
Jasmine Heady, sweet and slightly animal underneath. Rarely subtle.

Dry-down

Vanilla Sweet, creamy and warm. The most comforting note in perfumery.
Guaiac Wood Smoky, tarry and slightly sweet. Like a bonfire and roses.
Sandalwood Creamy, milky wood. Soft and almost edible.
Amber Warm, golden and resinous. Not a real material — a blend that glows.
Musk Warm, skin-like and slightly sweet. Makes a fragrance feel like you.

Smells like this

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