London

First Impressions & Dry Down

London opens with a juicy, synthetic apple that leans more towards green apple jolly rancher than anything natural. The ginger is subdued, mostly a fleeting spiciness underneath the sugary fruit. Bergamot adds a touch of lift, but it's quickly overshadowed by the cloying sweetness. The heart introduces a medicinal sage note that battles with the juniper, creating a slightly acrid, almost camphoraceous quality. Geranium tries to smooth things out, but the overall effect is a muddled herbaceousness. The base is where this really departs from its inspiration. Amberwood dominates with a harsh, scratchy woodiness, while the tonka bean offers a sickly sweet counterpoint, like artificial vanilla extract. The cedar is barely present.

Projection Power

I get around 4 hours of noticeable projection, extending about an arm's length for the first hour. After that, it quickly fades to a skin scent. I wore it during a day of errands, and by the time I got home, it was virtually gone. The initial blast is potent, but the longevity is severely lacking.

Conclusion

Choosing London over the original Y is like opting for a generic cola over the real thing. You get a similar vibe initially – sweet, fruity, somewhat fresh – but the nuances are absent, and the finish is noticeably inferior. What's gained? Perhaps a fleeting sense of saving money. What's lost? The refined sophistication and all-day wearability that makes Y a genuinely compelling everyday scent. This smells rushed, and cheaply made.