Like Gucci Pour Homme (2003), the newly released Gucci Pour Homme II (created by perfumer Karine Dubreuil) is a subtle fragrance. I saw Pour Homme II’s packaging long before I knew anything about the scent and I worried that the cologne’s blue tint was a reference to sea and sky, to ‘water’ and ‘air’ accords that are so over-used these days in men’s fragrances. Before smelling the fragrance, I read the list of Pour Homme II’s ingredients (bergamot, violet leaves, cinnamon, pimento, black tea, myrrh, tobacco leaves, white musk, and olive wood) and though no marine or ozone notes were mentioned, I was still “concerned” because the recipe for a bland men’s department store-designer fragrance was there in its structure: Top: bergamot, Middle: cinnamon-pimento, Base: musk/wood.
Gucci Pour Homme II opens with refreshing violet leaf and bergamot notes — if the scent stopped there and maintained its fruity-green opening, I would be satisfied. But Pour Homme II’s opening is fleeting; in fact, a few moments after application one feels the entire cologne has disappeared along with the top notes! After the surprising fade-out, cinnamon and pimento kick in and these notes, not foody at all, take over. This combo of cinnamon and pimento “tweaks” the nostrils and seems very popular in men’s fragrances these days — and I can’t say I’m a fan. (I recently encountered the identical smell in H2 by Hummer.)
During the final stage of Pour Homme II’s development (the stage I like best), one smells light musk, tea, and the pleasing aroma of cured tobacco leaves (but one must put nose to skin to discern these pleasant notes). If the violet leaf, tobacco and tea notes had been amplified and the annoying cinnamon-pimento deleted, Pour Homme II would have been a more interesting scent. (Yes, I just redesigned Pour Homme II to my own tastes.) However, the hesitant and safe, overly smooth and tame nature of Pour Homme II places it comfortably on the mainstream, and market researched, cologne counter (though its ingredients seem of a higher quality than those used in most popular men’s designer fragrances).
Gucci Pour Homme II is a light cologne, so it would be good for hot weather use and for those who want only a soap-like hint of scent on their skin. It has recently been released in department stores in 50 and 100 ml Eau de Toilette, but has yet to hit the discounters.
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What is it with that middle? I've smelled it in several fragrances and it just doesn't work very well. Cinnamon and pimento? Even if not foody, does that sound good? Would you order that as a drink? “I'll take a venti pimento frappuccino with whipped cream and cinnamon?” Not so much.
Interesting review Kevin. I mostly got tea & spices from this fragrance but have only had the possibility to spray it on my hand once. I agree that although nice enough, it's rather unsurprising, and I'm thinking this has to do with the new direction Gucci's CEO's are taking the brand (among others). It's sad because they used to put out rather distinct & different fragrances. So much for profit…
Might be good in a Mexican mole sauce? HA! K
Yes, this is bland compared to previous releases, K
Oh, so sad. I was hopeful about this one, because of the tea and the bottle being so cute. It can't be worse than that Envy Me. Gucci is squandering all the good will they had with me after the Ford hitting streak.
As Robin says: one less scent that will crowd my cabinet. K
That'll be so sad if this one outsells GPHI…but you are probably right. K
And I thought this review was going to be a surprise in a good way… so much for my expectations
Pox on Gucci! I'll stick with my GPH1 and for a light, summery, second-skin violet I'll take Eau de Cartier.
Sorry to disappoint! (Blame Gucci) K
Your review is great as always, K, it's the scent that stinks, so to speak.
Tea spices, cinnamon and tobacco – perhaps a more interesting Tea For Two ? At the very least, it sounds more complex and intriguing thant pour homme 1 (cedar+incense).
The blue color of the juice makes the ad ook doctored.
Why is the male model striking a cheergirl like pose ? Someone needs to tell him that this is not an ad for Tommy Girl !
Compared to Tea for Two and Gucci Pour Homme I, Gucci Pour Homme II is water (nothing intriguing about it to my nose). I think the model is just lounging about since there's nothing to cheer about, K
Naaah. Mole would be Borneo 1834 layered with Piment Brulant.
You used to work at Bullocks Wilshire? I loved that store..
I was an 'unpaid worker' at Bullocks Wishire…as in: I “worked” the aisles buying too much stuff, K
As it happens Gucci have no control whatsoever of their fragrance releases due to an unfortunate licensing deal they can't seem to break free of! Perhaps Chantal Roos can change that in her new position
Couldn't agree with you more about Envy Me 2…
Funny you mention T42, because that is what I thought of when smelling Gucci PH II. I'm no big fan of T42 and II is to me a bland version of it. This impression comes from a paperstrip test though…
In regards to both Gucci for men, I didn't like the original at all. I remember the first time I smelled it in the department store, the woman sprayed it for me, and she was standing 5 feet away, and I had instantly thought I was being assaulted. I couldn't stand it at all.
I tried Gucci 2, and certainly had higher expectations, but it didn't thirll me. It was like a sweet version of Armani Mania to me, or perhaps a more muted Escada Sunset Heat. The whole fragrance for me was very… bland, almost to a bleak point. Who knows, maybe it smells better on somebody else's skin.
The dude in this add looks like he's trying to look like Penelope Cruz! LOL
I wish you would review the female version…
I made the mistake of buying this without asking for a sample first. It smells like a mix of Play-Dough(spelling?) and pepper. Anyone else feel strangly about this?
Oh! The female version is tons better….it smells like blackcurrants….
Sprayed this on my left hand and Envy for men on my right hand today. Although it's pleasant, it's very very subtle and you're right, unless you put your nose to the skin, you won't smell at all. Have to say Envy still wins my heart.
I love Gucci pour homme 2
and I think the blue is because of the fresh new take on the fragrance, rather than murky brown of the original.
blue is often the colour used with updates
like another one of my favourite’s Givenchy irresistible fresh attitude, is blue whereas the orignal was green.