Luxe Journey

Notes & Nuances

Luxe Journey opens with a juicy blast of litchi and cassis, not quite as refined as Bond No. 9's Greenwich Village, but undeniably pleasant. The mandarin orange adds a touch of brightness, although a hint of synthetic sharpness peeks through. The heart attempts the floral delicacy of peony and water lily, but it leans a bit heavier, lacking the airy grace of the original. The drydown? Here’s where it gets interesting. The ambroxan, praline, and vanilla create a warm, gourmand finish that’s actually quite addictive. It diverges most noticeably from Greenwich Village in the base, opting for a sweeter, more overtly gourmand interpretation. Overall, I'd say it captures around 90% of the original's essence, sacrificing some sophistication for added sweetness.

Longevity & Projection

Projection is moderate for the first hour, creating a nice scent bubble. Longevity is decent; I get about 5-6 hours on skin, maybe a bit more on clothes. Not beast mode, but respectable . If you're after a dead ringer for the original, this isn't it. However, if you're looking for a pleasant, fruity-floral-gourmand fragrance that won't break the bank, and are okay with a slight compromise in quality, then Luxe Journey is definitely worth considering.