John Varvatos Artisan Pure Eau de Toilette Spray, 125 ml

Product Information

Artisan Pure bears a close likeness to Nio by Xerjoff but unfortunately the longevity/performance is absolutely shocking. Alas, this to me smells like low-end Holiday Inn/Residence Suites hotel soap they leave in the bathrooms. This is a beautiful summer fragrance, one that I can do 10-15 sprays of, which is saying something because I’m a 2-4 spray kind of guy.

I was expecting to love this based on the notes and the hype but it smells like Fantastik disinfectant cleaning spray. It's just difficult not to enjoy this one, and I look forward to breaking it out again, with the warmer weather fast approaching.

Edit 12/17: seriously what a damn fragrance, ugh as a freshie lover it’s just immaculately executed with an unforgettable opening. If any fragrance reviewer had said what I'm going to finally say now beforehand, I'd not have blind bought it. Anything with neroli will be compared to Neroli Portofino, it has that kinda vibe sure but its not as floral.

Something like a mix of Eau Fraiche and ADG Profumo - if you have either of those you could give this a miss and get an Ideal cologne instead to add variety. I knew going in that citrusy scents (and the JV line in general) have their issues, but after owning this for a while, the lack of performance and projection actually does start to grate a bit. Powder fades somewhat from the opening but so does all the citrus and I would definitely like more citrus in this mix. It produces like a tiny turberculoid man breath each time you spray, almost no juice - that's why people don't get performance. As it wears on, it softens, and it takes on a fluffy, almost "powdery" softness, which, to my nose, doesn't translate as iris or orris, but it's very pleasing and inviting, contrasting the bright, bracing zest from the top.If you care to purchase this juice make sure you layer it so you can have great sillage, and will last longer without turning into a skin scent so quickly. If you think this one is gonna be a super versatile, clean, fresh, watery, easy-to-like scent like Versace Pour Homme, or Acqua di Gio, you will have to reconsider. Edit2: Overspray (sprayer gives small amount of perfume, don't have to be afraid of it) - I go easy with 15-20 sprays and wait 10-20 min till I go out, got 2-3 hours of good performance, then it's more intimate. Unfortunately because of longevity, it drops from Excellent to Mediocre - still smells quite good though. As others have mentioned accurately, it opens up with zingy fresh citrus accord with some greenness in the background.

Artisan Pure would be very well suited to very hot summer days, outdoors, at the beach; the awesome citrus would compliment that environment a lot. It's likely they're in there somewhere, but I can't find myself caring enough to push past the core notes of a fragrance that resonates with me stronger than any other I've found. I just happen to strongly dislike this sort of smell and I think at least I have my right to say so. Bought this from a a reputable uk site (Notino) a year ago and don't know if the current batch is just terrible, or I got a fake.Why do they produce such a weak performing line of nice smelling frags presented in those typical and gorgeous looking bottles?