Launched by the design house of Max Azria in 2001, BCB GIRLS METRO PERFUME is classified as a refreshing, flowery fragrance. This feminine scent possesses a blend of apricot, woody and lemon citurs. It is recommended for daytime wear.
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Gap Torn Verbena Scent Editions perfume is one of the Gap's perfumes line already discontinued. Extremely hard to find.

1. What is the difference between splash and spray fragrances?
There is absolutely no difference in the fragrance itself. The difference is in the application type only. However, a spray bottle, being ostensibly sealed all the time, may actually have a longer shelf life. Making the decision between spray and splash is entirely a matter of personal preference. If you are accustom to use a splash bottle of perfume it's very probable that you would continue using it unless further on you change your mind and decide to start using a spray bottle.
2. Why do fragrances contain alcohol?
Alcohol makes the fragrance emanate from your skin. Without alcohol, you would be the only person who knew you were wearing any fragrance at all.
3. What do fragrance notes refer to?
Fragrances are comprised of many different scents, these scents are called "notes." Top notes are very light and last just a few minutes (5-10 minutes). Middle notes become apparent in about 15 minutes after application. These can last up to an hour or more. Bottom notes are the heavier ingredients. These last the longest, usually for several hours.

4. What is the difference between Perfume, Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, and Eau de Cologne?
The differences are simply a matter of the amount or concentration of oils in the fragrance; these oils are called "juice." The highest concentration of "juice" is in perfume or "Parfum", followed by Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, and finally Eau de Cologne. Actually, Eau de Toilette and Eau de Cologne are generally interchangeable, particularly in Men's fragrances. After Shave has the least amount of oils. The higher the concentration of "juice" the longer your fragrance will last, and the less you need to apply.
5. What is the difference between after Shave Lotion, after shave gel and after shave balm?
After Shave Lotion will usually sting as well as help close the pores after shaving. After Shave Balm is actually soothing to the skin. After Shave Gel also soothes the skin, but cools the skin as well and relieves razor burn.
6. What is a shower gel?
Shower gel is soap in a different form. It is made for use by both men and women, foams up well and leaves your chosen fragrance on the skin. It then enhances your cologne or perfume and the fragrance will last much longer.
7. Why do some men wear cologne, and others prefer to wear after shave?
Cologne's fragrance will generally last much longer than After Shave. However, many men choose to wear both. The fragrance lasts longer, you can use less of each, and you get the facial benefit of an After Shave.
8. Why do some fragrances seem to last much longer than others?
People with dry skin usually find their fragrance holding time shorter than those with oily skin because oily skin has more natural moisture to hold in the fragrance. PH levels (amount of acidity in our skin) also varies slightly from person to person. Our individual levels of PH will determine how each ingredient in a fragrance will react.
9. How can I make my scent last longer?
Fragrance lasts longer on some people than on others because of differences in our skin (oily or dry) and in our PH levels. To achieve a longer effect, try layering your fragrance. Using the fragrance bath gel, (if the company offers one), then the moisturizer or powder, and then the Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum or Eau de Cologne, will usually have a longer lasting effect. Also, apply your fragrance low on the body, as well as behind your ears and on your neck, so that the scent rises and you won't lose it as quickly. A light spray on the hair can last all day.
10. How can I keep my fragrances from going bad?
Keep all your fragrances in a cool, dry area, and away from windows as sunlight can unbalance the various ingredients. An opened bottle should be kept in its box to insure a longer shelf life.

Perfume remotes to thousands of years back. It has been used by our ancestors for centuries, and will continue to be used by new generations to come. Perfume or fragrance was first used by the Egyptians in their religious ceremonies, both as balms or ointments and as part of preludes for love making. People have used perfume on their bodies, both as oil (balm) and ointment (unguent), for thousands of years in lesser or greater amounts dependant of the occasion.
The word “perfume” comes from the Latin per fume, which means “through smoke”. Egyptians used to burn incense and aromatic herbs to be used in rituals and religious services. Such fragrances were extracted from trees back then. We know for a fact that frankincense and Myrrh were among their favorites. Their scent was perfect for their ritual atmosphere. Other plants, such as rose and peppermint were also used as oil and unguents to be rubbed into the skin with cosmetic or medical purpose.
Followed by the Egyptians we find large lists of perfume lovers such as the Ancient Chinese, Hindus, Israelites, Carthaginians, Arabs, Greeks, and Romans. It was around 1000 BC that Egyptians invented glass and perfume bottles.
Perfume use declined during early Christianity, but was revived again during the twelfth century thanks to the development of international trade. By the seventeenth century perfume popularity in France grew steadily. The court of Louis XV was called “The perfumed Court” for the vast use of perfume. A revolutionary advance in perfumery was seen in the eighteenth century when Eau de Cologne was invented. You could be able to find different uses for Eau de Cologne. Following this period and with the opening of the Baccarat glass factory in 1765 perfume and perfume bottles became increasingly popular.
Eau de Cologne was at that time something similar to what we now know as Eau de Toilette. It was the cheapest of all perfume type. Perfume oil or pure Parfum continue being the most expensive of all types. Of course, Eau de Toilette, now days, can last longer than Eau de Cologne; all this due to the machinery revolution, Alchemy and chemistry.
There has always been a trade in scents and their raw materials. By the year 2007 perfume had become a $12 billion industry. Nowadays, women and men have fragrance wardrobe of at least half dozen different scents, rather than a single perfume; one perfume scent for every occasion, saving that special fragrance for that special moment.
Fascinating is the fact that nowadays we do exactly what our ancestors did. Looking for high quality perfumed oils to improve the smell of the body and the ambiance around us it’s been in our culture for centuries.

In 1983, an European named Michael Edwards created The Fragrance wheel method. Inspired by a seminar given by Firmenich, Edwards designed his own scheme of fragrance classification with the main purpose of simplifying the fragrance scheme and naming. For several years now, both retailers and perfumers have taken advantage of this creation. For the first time, many people, not so savvy about perfumes, could understand the way perfumes were classified.

This is, we should say, a relatively new classification method and it’s been widely used in the fragrance industry. Since the scheme was easier than earlier versions, it was a lot easier to show the relationships between each individual classification.

Most people have problems in finding a fragrance that will suit them. Lack of advice is another problem that consumers confront when they purchase their perfumes. Fragrance makers and marketers tend to promote the fragrances they personally like, it’s natural. Our sense of smell is extremely emotional, it depends of the day and how we feel that particular day. People should be confident of the perfumes they like, but it’s not the case most of the time. People might have an idea of what they like, but is not that simple. It’s basically a matter of poor knowledge, not a basic understanding of the fragrance classification. How can you explain someone what you like if you don’t even know? The main problem is that is extremely probable that what I like is not what you like. Try to purchase a new fragrance at any perfume store and ask for suggestions. See what happens; you will end up frustrated. Not a very nice experience!

After Michael Edwards created the fragrance wheel and started writing perfume guides, it was much easier for non well-informed people to understand about fragrances. What a nice idea! A completely non technical guide book that could help thousands explains what they like or dislike with words. We could finally find out what type of fragrances we tend to buy, what classification we are inclined to, and know more about our favorite fragrance without the help of a perfume expert. A perfume guide was out there, available to all of us.




How to understand and use The Fragrance Wheel :
The first step is to study the five main fragrance families represented in the wheel: Floral, Oriental, Woody, Fresh and Fougére. This last mentioned family, the Fougére is the only one that does not sub-divide and it is been placed at the hub of the wheel. It is the oldest classification, the more classic family. The aromatic Fougére is an universal fragrance family whose scent includes elements from different families. All other families, arranged around the wheel's circumference, are each divided into three subcategory groups.
The next step is to check the sub-groups in each family. Each of the four outer families have three sub-families that are the result of the combination with the family on either side of each other. Following Michael Edwards wheel we then should have this scheme: Floral, Soft Floral, Floral Oriental, Oriental, Soft Oriental, Woody Oriental, Mossy Woods, Dry Woods, Citrus, Green and Water.
Well, that was easy! Now, what you need to know is the group of your favorite perfume. Try to locate the notes you are attracted to and play blending notes. Overlapping notes will create a pleasant perfume.
For further information visit our Perfume Classification section:
Floral Notes: Fresh cut flowers (floral) / Aldehydes powder Notes (soft floral) / Orange flowers-sweet spices (floral oriental)
Oriental Notes: Incense-amber (soft Oriental) / Oriental resins-musk & vanilla (oriental) / Patchouli-sandalwood (woody oriental)
Woody Notes: Mossy Woods (oakmoss - citrus) / Dry woods (dry woods- citrus) / Woody Oriental (patchouli - sandalwood)
Fresh Notes: Citrus (citrus - oils) / Green (green leaves - grass) / Water (marine notes)

Even though I’m not a great fan of Rush for men by Gucci, I must write this review. My best friend is a Gucci Rush addict as well as a fan of Chic by Carolina Herrera, but this last one will be reviewed later.

First, I must admit the bottle presentation has nothing to do with those beautiful Gucci bottles everyone finds so attractive and luxurious in department stores. I must say I do not judge a book by its cover, but I was impressed by the lack of magnificence of this cassette type perfume. Well, probably it is a masculine presentation and that is why my friend likes it so much; he insists it is inconspicuous, like a light-weight gadget, or an Ipod, etc …Uhh! It sounds perfect to me since I hate to carry heavy perfumes when I travel, if you know what I mean….Women should be as low key as men.

I have read several reviews, some negatives and others positive. Mine will be neutral; since I have to admit Gucci is one of my favorite designers lately, together with Dior and Givenchy…I can’t help myself!

I am a fan of woody notes, incense, and musk (this is my favorite). I love Oriental type perfumes and probably that is the reason why I have agreed to review this masculine gadget-type perfume.

The first note that you detect is Lavender, which goes away after a few minutes and leaves you with a calming and relaxing sensation. This sensation last enough to bring back some good memories. Followed to this you will note the Cedar Wood, Patchouli and incense components, very well handled and balanced. On top of that, the woody dry incense notes get even more intense when other woody components are added, such as Okoumé wood, Sandalwood and Musk. This fragrance is nothing short of sublime; on the contrary, it’s a very masculine, uplifting, and powerfully concentrated strong scent. Gucci Rush is as strong spicy wood as the Cedar tree, native of Western Himalaya and the Mediterranean region.

Himalaya! Uhmm…it should tell us something about the fragrance itself. Is it not in Himalaya were the Tibetan Monks and the Lama resides? And where harmony, serenity, rejuvenation, and health are being looked for? Aren’t the Monks minimalists as well? Like this rectangle cassette box perfume.

Every single perfume out there has a meaning, a memory inspiration, a reason for what it was created. Specially this fragrance introduced in the 2000 where youth, serenity and harmony became so important for young people as well as those in the 30’s and 40’s. Probably, the intense woody notes are a meaning for strength of youngsters to triumph over life’s complexities.

My friend insists he feels younger when he wears it. It must work on his skin so perfectly that the sexy Patchouli note and the incense smell make him feel that way. It’s just a very simple fragrance with a strong character.

I once tried Gucci Rush for women, I was 24 back then, and I was totally disgusted by it. I think I hated Gucci for over 6 years until I tried Gucci Envy, a totally different story.

Even though, I am not a fan of the Gucci Rush line the fragrance smells great on my friend, and that is the reason why I’m writing this review. I was very young when I tried Gucci Rush the first time, and not very savvy about fragrances and notes back then. Now, and after ten long years wearing fragrances such as Coty, Chanel, Dior, Givenchy, Guerlain, Bond No 9, Laura Ashley and Clive Christian’s Collection, I should say that I truly understand why a fragrance such as Gucci Rush has so many followers. It’s a strong, masculine, sexy, and youthful at the same time.

You are welcome to drop a line, and to comment on this review.
Thanks

These fragrance components are warm, intense, and very flamboyant, in which the majority notes are quite difficult to be recognized. Vison Noir begins with a weak note of bergamot and very green galbanum, quickly lost in a saturated flower bouquet, with a focus on the rose (rose-oil). By the conviction of some sources, the Bulgarian rose, and I, on the other hand, being a connoisseur of small floral notes, in principle, will not take the approval or confirm or deny. To me the fragrance denotes powerful spicy oriental notes; Lily of the valley, incense, jasmine, coriander, moss, currant and vetyver. This Eastern type winter perfume is a very sweet, but not saccharine fragrance. VISON NOIR by Robert Beaulieu is a very rare fragrance. It is a beautiful black bottle featuring a dark brown vison (mink). Designer Robert Beaulieu was appointed to create a seasonal collection of fur Manto in 1991 and the fragrance was also included in such collection. This is a very eastern fragrance. The fur suggests it is a fragrance suitable for night time or for casual visits. These fragrance components are warm, intense, and very flamboyant, in which the majority notes are quite difficult to be recognized. Vison Noir begins with a weak note of bergamot and very green galbanum, quickly lost in a saturated flower bouquet, with a focus on the rose (rose-oil). By the conviction of some sources, the Bulgarian rose, and I, on the other hand, being a connoisseur of small floral notes, in principle, will not take the approval or confirm or deny. To me the fragrance denotes powerful spicy oriental notes; Lily of the valley, incense, jasmine, coriander, moss, tuberose, sharp balsamic notes, musk, amber and vetyver. This Eastern type winter perfume is a very sweet, but not saccharine fragrance. Top notes: galbanum, hyacinth, neroli, bergamot, cinnamon bark, cassia. Heart Notes: rose, mandarin, jasmine, orchid, tuberose, plum, ylang-ylang. In the arrangement plum is dominated by woody notes (sandalwood, patchouli, cedar, benzoin, and lightly seasoned with vanilla, musk, and amber gris.