DKNY Men by Donna Karan

When I tested it a thousand years ago, it smelled like designer bug spray, similar to the female version a friend used. The samples I’ve been using have changed my impression, and I’m quite interested now. The opening is unpleasant; right after that chaotic citrus ‘bathroom cleaner’ vibe, the ivy emerges, very noticeable and delicious. I was surprised to learn about this note. For years, I stepped on and touched ivy without believing it had an identifiable scent. It’s green, like grass, but drier and lower, creamy, plastic-like, like those leaves, veins, and flexible stems you can bend without breaking. It’s a malleable green aroma with a spicy, penetrating edge. A facet of the ginger, perhaps something of juniper, not very clear. There’s also something reminiscent of leaves falling in autumn and turning to dust when stepped on; they’re weightless, crunch a lot, and have a smoky, spicy aroma. Those green and dry-leaf nuances are what I notice in the opening and development. The rare part comes at the end: the dry-down swears by white musk and sandalwood with green points, very similar to Creed’s Himalaya. In fact, even that disinfectant-like opening reminds me of it. I’ll keep using the samples and consider buying it to experience the formula; I’m in the mood to smell like ivy. I add that in my opinion, it doesn’t resemble Aqua CH or Dolce & Gabbana The One at all.

DISCREET, MAYBE TOO MUCH: The classic Donna Karan scent is simple and uncomplicated; it can verge on being too discreet, but it does its job well with a soft, pleasant smell. It won’t catch almost anyone’s attention, but it also won’t risk irritating anyone with something strong or cloying. This scent gets straight to the point and delivers. The trail is moderate and discreet, and the longevity could be better, so you’ll need to reapply during the day to maintain adequate strength. The opening is a discreet citrus note, well-paired with ginger that remains perceptible once the fruity notes fade; afterward, the woody notes finish off the ensemble and linger on your skin. If you like soft scents but find this too discreet, my recommendation is to try L’Homme Rochas, a discreet proposal with a fruity opening but more initial intensity and a slightly happier aroma, plus a mystical aura and better longevity. I used this scent in 2004 and enjoyed it quite a bit, but I haven’t repurchased it due to its discretion and composition, which, despite including wood, seems more suitable for people under 25. Recommended sprays: 8 to 12. Longevity rating: 7. Trail: Light. Intensity: Moderate.

I was gifted this when I was just starting out with perfumes, and at first, the slightly sharp opening turned me off. Now that I’ve opened up to the olfactory world, I’ve started using it again and am getting more hooked; I might even buy it again. The mandarin isn’t sparkling or juicy; it has a mature, aged sweetness that blends beautifully with herbal notes and a very masculine noble wood base. It’s an excellent balance between fresh, elegant sweetness, and darkness—perfect for daytime but not nighttime. A great alternative to typical blue or loud citrus scents; it’s a darker version of freshness. The flaw? The longevity and projection are very low. If it had that, it would be a must-have. I’ve never used more than 15 sprays, and with normal use, it disappears in no time, leaving you smelling like you’re just going to the supermarket or staying at home alone. Still, it smells so good that even for that use, I want to own it.

It’s a fragrance whose aroma perfectly matches the product’s design image and what it wants to convey. I was gifted it when I was under 20. I took it on a trip to NY, and it carried a very good presence in lofts, design shops, museums, galleries, and the famous streets of the city, behaving like a true hostess of its New York origin. It goes very well for any formal-casual occasion, for going for a walk and visiting shops, restaurants, and galleries. In temperate climates, and somewhat rainy ones like the city of NY in summer. Definitely not in cold or hot climates.

Ugh, this perfume was one of the first I used, and actually, I liked it. If I had to use it again, I’d do so without issues, unfortunately, it’s one of those that stayed in the past and didn’t advance with new male lines (just like Ungaro 3). It’s ideal for sports or summer use, but definitely not for a romantic date at night; for those occasions, I recommend Dunhill Icon.

A hard-to-find fragrance; I tested it in a store and couldn’t resist buying it. It’s a mix of ginger and mandarin; I love that combination for everyday wear. It’s not a perfume with much personality, but for me, it has to be on my shelf.

The Woman is much better, even for men; it surpasses this in every aspect.