JF9 Green by JAFRA

Just added Jafra to my collection and I’m hooked: super citrusy and herbal opening, you can definitely smell the lemon and absinthe, a lovely aromatic note. The heart is spicy with earthy undertones, woods, incense, and a touch of amber. It’s the Jafra version of the classic 70s and 80s scents, reminding me of Carlo Corinto Classica (its citrus, woody, and herbal facets), Paco Rabanne Pour Homme (similar citrus opening to the reformulation, dry earthy and musky drydown, though it lacks that sweet soft touch), Halston Z14 (for that mix of citrus, herbs, wood, and spices), and above all, Quorum by Antonio Puig. The latter is very similar to JF9 Green but deeper, heavier, and more animalic; it’s a bit cheaper and, in my opinion, better quality. However, if you’re looking for something classic and easy to wear, JF9 doesn’t disappoint. It’s a bit more synthetic than Quorum but smells better than almost any other Jafra fragrance. Since it’s not as animalic or heavy, it wins on versatility and works great in spring and warm autumns; in cold climates, Quorum is better due to its moss and tobacco/leather base. JF9 works well day or night, including versatility. Anyway, both cost less than $20, so if you’re on a tight budget, you can own both. They say Halston is now a watered-down lemonade, Paco seems discontinued and is rising in price (better to buy it now), and Quorum remains on the shelves ignored by the youth. They aren’t bad smells; they might seem very old-school, but old is new again. If you don’t want something as aggressive as Quorum but are looking for a sensory delight and comforting scent for the women around you (the older saleswoman who sold it to me said it was the best of the JF9s, I suspect due to personal taste and nostalgia), Jafra is highly recommended. Great job and applause to the brand. Blessings.

Just added to my collection: very citrusy and herbal opening with lemon and absinthe, very pleasant. Spiced heart and earthy base with woods, incense, and amber. It’s the classic 70s/80s take, reminding me of Carlo Corinto, Paco Rabanne Pour Homme, and Halston Z14. The closest match is Quorum by Puig—deeper and more animalic—but this wins on versatility for spring and fall. A bit synthetic, but it smells better than other Jafra scents. For under $20, it’s worth it. The senior sales associate said it was the best, and she was right. Old is new again.

2013 batch, a 15th birthday gift. Old-school vibe, like my grandfather’s green barbershop soap. Doesn’t hook me: at 27, it smells fecal and mossy, which I don’t like, but if it weren’t for that, it’d be excellent. Classic and decent for the price. Ideal for guys over 50, cold/cool evenings, or bedtime. $15. If your nose can handle that dirty nuance, it’s a perfect pick.

Jafra scents often have a weak opening due to lack of oxygen at my altitude (2,500m). When first opened, they smell synthetic and fade fast, but after letting them breathe for a couple of months, they improved significantly. If it helps you, blessings.

Great option for everyday wear, with that citrus and spice opening that I love.

The closest thing I’ve tried to Nordic soap.