Artisan by John Varvatos

Rodrigo Flores-Roux is the king of citrus, and he proves it with ‘Artisan’. His compatriot has spent years perfecting that mastery, especially with mandarin, which comes from his childhood: the smell of fruit smashed in Christmas piñatas mixing with the ground and other sweets. ‘Happy’ has lots of that mandarin, but ‘Artisan’ adds a mineral touch that gives it maturity. Mandarin has been used a thousand times, from classics like Guerlain to modern ones like Loewe, but here it’s different. It’s a tonic and vigorous fragrance, with an initial bitter explosion of mandarin and green lemon peel. Then comes a vibrant heart of jasmine and neroli, altered by lavender and ginger, over a dry wood and amber base. The result is a mineral, aquatic mandarin, neither as dark as ‘Aqua Amara’ nor as luminous as ‘Happy’. In my opinion, it’s more balanced than the other and more usable. It’s harmonious, intense, and sensual, creating an energetic masculine world. It almost works for three seasons, though it doesn’t do well in the cold; its best time is during the day at the office to give energy and earn compliments, though it fades. At night, in coastal or hot places, it becomes intoxicating. It’s worth it for mandarin lovers for this modern approach. Plus, the bottle is gorgeous. Another hit from Flores-Roux!

This is truly exquisite; it smells like a very fresh orange, almost like natural juice, not that typical synthetic citrus. When you apply it, you feel that powerful orange, then notice a green touch and orange blossom alongside an orange grove. I’ve received many compliments and wear it on hot days after a shower or at home. The big problem is that it doesn’t last at all, seriously; after 40 minutes it’s almost imperceptible to others, and by an hour it’s just skin scent. What a shame, it’s a gem for citrus lovers. I’d recommend it if you find it on sale, as long as you know it doesn’t perform well. Ideal for home or as a post-shower cologne.

Rodrigo Flores-Roux is the king of citrus, and with Artisan, he takes mandarin to another level. While Happy smells like fruit smashed in Christmas piñatas, here they add a mineral touch that makes it matured. It’s a bitter, green burst of peel that yields to jasmine and lavender with ginger, over a dry wood and amber base. It’s more balanced than Happy and less dark than Aqua Amara. Perfect for the office during the day—it gives energy and earns compliments, though at night or in coastal areas, it becomes intoxicating. A modern jewel for mandarin lovers and a gorgeous bottle.

Insubstantial fragrance. It’s like diluting tangerine juice in a glass of water, but with way more water than juice. I barely detect the other notes, maybe a hint of orange blossom in the mid-phase and a bit of ginger, but everything is very weak. The performance is awful; I can’t smell it much after a while of applying it. Personally, I don’t think I liked it. It’s the brand’s first perfume, and I had higher expectations than what I found. I hope to try something else that leaves a better taste in my mouth.

There’s nothing more to add; it’s said all. An exquisite fragrance for citrus lovers, the perfect choice. It brings back memories of Punta Cana beach: sun, palms, sand, sea, and a cold drink with an orange slice. It transports me right back to that moment; if I’d had it, I would have worn it out. Smells incredible, but the sillage and longevity are disappointing, though understandable given the notes.

I had to retest it in spring/summer to give an objective opinion, so I deleted my previous review. The opening is delicious and natural, like getting your sleeves soaked in clementine juice in the countryside. The bad news is the performance is terrible. I think it’s better than Pure. It hurts to reapply because the brand broke last year. Giving it 8/10.

Its scent is like sitting on green grass over a bed of straw, reading a science article under a tangerine tree full of blossoms, with a soft lemon tea and rosemary, all this after a rich Saturday morning shower. Unfortunately, all of this while in the city. And as always, it doesn’t last long. Totally unisex; I’d even say a child could wear it.

It smells like orange room spray. Is it good? Yes, but there are better ones. My wife likes it but finds it very soft, not very masculine. If you like citrus, you must have it because it’s different. The orange comes through strongly and is sharp. I recommend applying about 10 drops or more to leave a trail and make it last a bit longer.

Very good scent, fresh and citrusy. Ideal for extreme heat; it pleases both the wearer and those around. I own Mandarino Di Amalfi by Tom Ford, and they are very similar, though this one feels a bit more masculine. Longevity is poor: with 10 sprays, it lasts about 3 hours on clothes and projects for 30 minutes.

One of my first fragrances and by far a favorite: the best citrus I’ve ever tried. Simple and delicious, plus my wife is a huge fan and keeps recommending it. Heads-up, it has almost no projection; you’ll need about 15 sprays to last all day, even indoors.

Without a doubt, one of the most pleasant mandarin scents I’ve tried. It’s the sweetest mandarin imaginable. I tested it on blotter paper and was so hooked that I’ll have to retest it on skin to confirm the magic.

Smells amazing, super fresh with that soap note I love. The mandarin and white flowers really stand out. Lasts about 4-5 hours without much sillage, but the quality-to-price ratio is top-notch. Giving it 7/10.

Rich and simple scent, the bottle is gorgeous. Reminds me a bit of Allure Homme Sport at first spray, maybe a touch of Nikos Sculpture, but as it dries down, it smells like Clinique Happy.

A delightful fragrance, summery and fresh… If John Varvatos had longevity and projection, it would be the best perfume house.

A delightful and fresh summer scent. If Varvatos had better longevity and projection, it would be the best house of perfumes.