Formerly EFL teacher and IT consultant, now relocated to Marseille, France. Final year biochemistry ...
Formerly EFL teacher and IT consultant, now relocated to Marseille, France. Final year biochemistry student, my passions are perfumery and making my own natural cosmetics / body care products.
Member since:12.12.2007
Reviews:148
Members who trust:148
Launch date: 2002 Available: in stores / online
Top Notes: Freesia, Mandarin, Middle Notes: Blackcurrant, Heliotrope Base Notes: Cedar, Sandalwood, Amber, Modern Musk
I bought Extreme as a Christmas gift for my boyfriend's sister-in-law, someone I only vaguely know. I was looking for something fresh, unobtrusive but still floral and feminine enough for her to like it.
The bottle
The reason I found this perfume in the shops is because of its packaging. The mainly yellow-orange-red wavy lines throughout the front and the two sides of the box catch the eye immediately. The clear bottle is simply cut, squared with Paul Smith Extreme written at the bottom left corner of in the unmistakable signature logo. The cool waves appear again on the left hand side of the bottle - why not at the back I do not know - it gives the bottle a 'psychedelic' effect when you look at it through the liquid. The bottle has a screw-on lid, which is a great plus, not seen very often nowadays!
The composition of the eau de parfum is light yet long-lasting. It has a fresh top which is quite strong and spicy, probably that is why it is called extreme: it has a rich, peppery feel to it without it being masculine - I find it a nice achievement.
The spicy freshness soon subdues into a floral middle, this is where I like this fragrance most: it is still fresh but becomes flowery and powdery sweet, thanks to the feminine heliotrope. Heliotrope is a flowery plant originally from Peru and was brought to Europe in the eighteenth century. It has a wonderful, vanilla-like scent and is a popular garden plant in England.
This floral middle phase lasts for about an hour after that it settles into a fresh and woody base where the floral sweetness is taken over by the sensual amber and musk.
The overall impression is a mixture of orange peel, freshly cut grass mingled with wild flowers and fresh cedar.
Excellent choice when you just want to feel fresh and feminine, not overbearing but still wearing an original not one-of-a-dozen type of perfume.
This fragrance will appeal to all age groups as it is quite neutral, everyday, fresh and clean.
A matching Extreme for Men version is a perfect choice when buying for a couple. The two scents complement each other and present a nice duo package.
Bargain price at John Lewis: £17.50 / 50 ml Eau de Parfum £30 / 100 ml Eau de Parfum
Gift set online : http://www.fragrancedirect.co.uk/Ladies-Products/Paul-Smith/PaulSmith-Ex tremeWoman-p-3431.html £19.99 / 50 ml Eau de Toilette Spray and 75 ml Body Lotion
Staying power: 4 / 5 Composition: 4 / 5 Value for money: 4 / 5 Overall value: 4 / 5
Hope this review has helped you.
Thanks, Lillu
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Paul Smith Extreme Perfume by Paul Smith, Introduced In 2002 By Paul Smith, Paul Smith more
Extreme Is A Refined Elegant Aroma. Sophisticated And Modern Blend Of Oriental And Floral Scents, Gives A Lasting Impression. This Refined Scent Possesses A Blend Of Exotic Florals. 100% Genuine Brand Names.