John Varvatos John Varvatos for women

I blind bought this fragrance because it was a very good deal, but I have to say that I don't like it at all: it's sharp, masculine, I think it smells a little bit cheap. It does resemble to Coco Mademoiselle, other fragrance that I dislike (I think it's the patchouli note that I can't stand). Not my cup of tea.

I just got a bottle of John Varvatos as a blind internet buy after months of curiosity about it, mainly based on the good reviews of it on here. I was hoping to be wowed by it but I'm not! The first blast of it was very fruity, mainly orange'y, and sweet, due presumably to the tonka bean and honey, with a hint of some kind of spiciness, which is perhaps the patchouli. It's definitely not a fruit juice'y kind of fruity perfume though and is sophisticated and deeper than most fruity perfumes. I agree with some of the reviewers on here who likened it to a warm fruit compote, and to me it also smells slightly Christmassy, perhaps like a warm Christmas pudding! I don't get though the comparisons by some reviewers to Poison and Coco Mademoiselle as I think it smells entirely different to those two perfumes, but I do think that it isn't particularly unique smelling and it does remind me vaguely of other scents I've smelled before. The lasting power isn't amazing - I've had it on for about 5 hours now and can barely smell it at all when I'm moving around, although I can still smell it a little if I sniff my wrist.

So, I'm kind of liking my John Varvatos perfume but not adoring it unfortunately. The packaging of it is lovely though and, to me, maybe better than the perfume itself .. the pretty bottle comes in a pink crushed velvet pouch so it'd make a great present. As for the perfume - I'm in two minds as to whether to keep it for myself or not. So, if anyone is interested I have a 50ml EDP bottle of it which I might be happy to swap - contact me if you're interested! :-)

A pleasant fragrance but not wildly exciting or what I would call a head-turner. Nice bottle, good sillage and lasting power, but it's not distinctive enough for me.

Fruits + bunch of men pheromones = strong, chemical fruity cocktail smelling sharp like 8 hours-old men sweat. Very special. No, thank you! The bottle is elegant and charming.

I blind bought this perfume purely out of curiosity because it has many good reviews. It turned out not like I expected. It's all fruity on my skin with a little hint of honey on the background. I wouldn't say I dislike it, just not my taste.
I can't detect patchouli at all. It would be nicer if my skin could project some patchouli :)

I got JV today and I was quite curious to meet this frag.Because 1) Varvatos is a Greek name, and my boyfriend is a Greek; 2)I got it to a really nice price on ebay and last but not least 3) because of your nice reviews, people ;-)
And yes, I'm not at all disappointed. It' extremely well blended to a very equilibrated and, of all, delicate scent. the fruits are very well wraped, together with noticeable rose and lily, in patchouli-tonka, so that it is not a classically "fruited" frag, fortunately. It remembers me by very far of So Elixir by Yves Rocher, but it lacks the incense, and has the rose, both features to make it more refined, more discrete and delicate.And fortunately the jasmin is barely noticeable,I can smell only the warmness of it, for which I am very grateful ;-)) It#s a quite comforting scent. Solely the rose might have been IMO a bit fainter, but who knows, maybe then the whole composition would have moved towards heavy?
Ah, and not to forget the bottle, it's really looking gorgeous, pure and precious! All in all, don't expect an innovation, but enjoy a well done fragrance!

Update the day after: spritzed again this morning: ressembles more to Coco mademoiselle and, guess what: the rose is not so strong anymore :) I have since a couple of days the supposition that, on me, some perfumes smell differently in different days/states of mind (happened already with Boudoir, Chanel No. 19 Poudre...)

I got John Varvatos EP yesterday as a 2011 Christmas gift from my husband and my son and I was really impressed. Chosen by our 15 years old boy, among a lot of different designer classic fragrances I wanted to own...It is a soft and sweet marvelous combination of the ingredients, plus the presentation is beautiful and luxurious! Wonderful design at all that made me fell in love with the fragrance instantly...I adore it, and I wish I always have it in my collection.
Take in consideration that, if a teenager boy with a very poor knowledge in fragances likes and then chooses this smell among others with more time and "name" in the market, is because is something very special!

Hi! Today is my first wearing of JV.
I bought it because of fine reviews on Fragranctica and found a good bargain on-line.
I am glad I was "convinced" , once again, by all you, talented people here! I am bewitched at scent. It's so gentle that I, at first spray on my wrist, thought: well..where is any scent, so I made about 5-6 sprays and after half a minute it heated me with subtile honied plums and apricots, with hints of great mix of oakmoss, yasmin, oranges nad rose, with one word GORGEOUS!
It's one of 4 bottles I bought or swaped last month and this is first one I wear and know I am already looking forward to wear another three. If they are so good as this one...oh, happy me!

Blind bought this one based off reviews here. Didn't pay much for it, and I was SOOOO thankful for that because I thought it was AWFUL. There was a note that I couldnt pinpoint but it smelled undeniably MEATY to me. Not meaty as in "gives it some substance" but as in actually meat, like a slab of raw steak. The other notes were nice enough, but I could not, would not, wear this meaty UNmasterpiece out anywhere. Fast forward to another unsuccessful blind buy (dont remember what at the time) and I am getting bogged down with perfume I dont like, but cant return, and wouldnt give away. Whats a broke college student to do? I gave it the "old college try" just a few more times. I did a LOT of investigating as to what that "meaty" note could be, and.......to my surprise, I THINK it was the oakmoss. And, also to my surprise, when I tried it again much later, I liked it!! I had grown to like perfumes that were distinctly different from what I preferred at the time I bought JV, and now I find the strange quality I once called meaty to be a salty sexy vibe. Who knew???? Oh well, I'm happy to have this odd duck now, and I wear it when I want a little fruit, a little honey, and a little sexy!

From the very start and till very end I feel honey+oakmoss+patchouli+orange+lily mix. Interesting chypre, i agree it has smth common with Coco Mademoiselle.

For some reason, I can't wear most chypre fragrances because they literally make me nauseated. Example, Ysatis which I smelled on former coworker and it smelled so deep, spicy and glamorous on her. I tried it and within few minutes felt like I wanted to puke. "Sign". Not meant to be.
I purchased John Varvatos at Ross's for under $20, total blind buy. I have to say that I was expecting something else altogether and originally I was dissapointed. It reminded me of SJP Lovely but with more fruit notes which I liked well enough but its not quite "me".
I didn't realized how great JV is until I actually sprayed it on my hand. It had very prominent notes of honey and fruit with patch base. Try hard as I might, I couldn't really detect any floral notes which in my opinion is a good thing. I love apricot and plum in this and this smells good! I would classify this as fruity chypre which is very elegant and sophisticated. I picture well dressed socialite wearing something like this. And the lasting power is fantastic. Most fragrances today I have to spray at least 4-5 times to last few hours. With this scent, I only sprayed 2 small ones and it lasted me for at least half a day. I don't think this is my absolute favorite as I normally prefer gourmands and lot of vanilla but this is a very nice scent
To add-I agree with reviewers that compared it to Coco Mad. There are def simularities except CM is more masculine and has more patch. JV is much more feminine and wearable

A sweet liqueur, made of fruit and honey.
It's warm, sophisticated and feminine.
Lasts long on clothes, it lingers with its delicious drydown.

Just received this in the mail wow!! such a pretty fragrance florals come to the fore strong and then it dries down powdery jasmine lily honey apricot and plum settling in is the patouli. Great sillage I can still smell this the next day on my skin if you like Coco Mademoiselle this is in the line as that smell. I got this for $20 bucks on ebay . Such a great blind buy I am extremely pleased.

Delicious, rich, creamy, fruity and intense...highly recommend!

I got the botlle yesterday. When i opend the box the perfum was in a velvet pouch. I sprayed it on and indeed it has similarities with Coco Mademoiselle only this one is warmer and softer. In the opening you smell the apricot, plum and then the jasmin appears. When it calmes down i get a honey with tonkabean and oakmoss. It is a perfume suitable for every day to wear. Its really soft and stays close with you. I like it.

To my nose it is the same as coco mademoiselle edp, maybe a little bit softer, stays closer to my skin than CM. Good price, excellent perfume!

This is such a beautiful fragrance! Deep flower notes, jasmine, mixed with honey and a tad bit of citursy fruit. On my skin it smells like the lovechild of dior dune and coco mademoiselle. Just beautiful! An exotic smell, almost tropical island like, but wait a little longer and it changes into a cold night next to a warm fire. Exotic, sophisticated, I would wear this one on a yacht party with some of the worlds richest folk :-) Not too sweet or flowery, definitely a chypre! I would say more of a honeyed flower, as the fruits last only a little while after the initial spray. The dry down is scrumptious. Perfect for a fancy occasion, and just as good to wear every day. You cant wear this one and be forgotten. It is a very distinct smell, yet also so familiar. This could be the best honey fragrance I have smelled, without being a milky creamy honey, more like fresh honey. Love it! Good for those cuddly nights as well. Just a perfect signature scent!
-- Most fragrances, in my experience, smell similar to one another, but they are always different in ways. Also, our skin has its own scent, so it mixes in different ways with certain notes that no matter how u mix em, it will always smell THAT WAY on your skin.
:-) enjoy
For a chyphre floral
10/10!

Oh, how I love this scent! It's so rich and classy that I just could not help falling in love with its seductive ways.

John Varvatos opens with sweet juicy fruits, and a boozy note...like fruits that have been soaked in rum or cognac. The citrus note works perfectly with the sweetness in the opening.

As it dries down, the rich honey comes into its own and the blend of florals and honey and the slight remaining fruitiness is so intoxicating.

Later on the patchouli and oakmoss open it up to another dimension, proving it to be a true chypre.

This is a lovely fragrance, but it is not light and airy. It's thick and dense and sinfully rich.

It's the scent of extravagance. Yet thankfully the price is not extravagant. It smells like a very expensive classic fragrance but can be found at a bargain price.

Average lasting power and good sillage from this scent, which, by the way, drives men wild.

A fantastic addition to any collection.

this is one of the very few perfumes that smell SO GOOD on my skin! it smells better on skin than on paper or clothing. i don't know what it is about this scent but it transforms and turns into a clean, soft, creamy scent on my skin. smells expensive, too. i LOVE catching whiffs of this throughout the day. it's very pleasant and also unique

The pure parfum smells like warm fruit compote made with sweet wine or plum brandy, honey, apricots, and plums and drizzled with vanilla. Upscale,lush, chic and elegant scent. I have the body lotion, too. This might be my signature fragrance if it only had slightly better silliage and lasting power.
4 stars out of 5.

I tested it first at Marshalls a few months ago but never bought it. First of all, I wasn't convinced that it wasn't just another pleasant boredom in a bottle (which I already have enough of), and also, I am not a fan of buying small bottles.
Later, I was ordering quite a few perfumes from one seller and threw a large bottle of this in the order becasue it was a great deal.
To all perfumistas: I can't emphasize anough how testing a perfume on your hand with one spray and putting it on to get the overall feel and effect in most cases can be so different that after buying it you can be left pleasantly surprised or deeply disappointed.
In the case of John Varvatos I was extremely pleased and I wore it a couple of times before writing the review to make sure it wasn't just initial elation of the new scent.This scent turned out so beautiful and elegant on me. It has this quality that I love the most about perfumes: when it can be quite intense and noticeable but at the same time transparent and not dense without being overwhelming and oppressive. I am getting the fruits, the honey, and the floral bouquet...but despite its sweetness it can be easily worn in summer without suffocating yourself and friends and family.
It easily lasts for five hours, which you shouldn't be complaining about considering tha fact that A LOT of fragrances on today's market barely make it past 2 hour mark. And its sillage will also make your presence known.
Great job, John Varvatos!

I got this today and I am pleased to say I am very happy! With my chemistry it certainly lives up to what I expected from the notes. Plum, apricot, honey, rose on the opening and gently warming to the tonka, oakmoss and patchouli - although the opening is not sickly sweet fruitiness but a cleverly crafted mellowness of the fruit scent! The rose does stand out very well which I am happy with - being a rose fan!

I bought blind and am glad I did and it will certainly feature in my perfume library. It is a fantastic day scent for all seasons and a perfect evening scent - not too cloying to overpower food!

I am completely happy with this perfume.

If you want to experience the real scent get the .5 oz, in the gold bottle ONLY. It smells totally different from the EDP. The gold bottle smells warm and haunting. The two almost don't seem like the same perfume. Odd.

John Varvatos is such a Coco Mademoiselle fragrance :-)
There are striking similarities between CM and JV in opening and heart.
John Varvatos smells more chypre fruity than chypre floral to me, at least for the first 3 hours. It is only after 3 hours I get to smell beautiful floral notes of rose, lily and jasmine.
Whenever I wear it, my friends always mix it up with Coco Mademoiselle so it is not only my nose that is incapable of telling them apart.
John Varvatos is a lovely classy fragrance and will suit a professional such as manager or executive person.
It will also be a great finishing touch when going to an exclusive restaurant.
It is a head turner and I only wish it had better staying power as it lasts approx. 5 hours on me, which I am aware is actually not bad at all, I guess I was just hoping for more...
And this is a major flaw of this fragrance.
Otherwise, very interesting, elegant and feminine fragrance. A sexy and rich one.
The bottle is pretty.
8/10

Pleasant, but not outstanding. Can't really see the similarity with neither Coco Mademoiselle nor Poison, which are more complex and probably more difficult to wear.
I don't smell anything spicy or chypre-like here : it's a soft floral with a distinct and agreeable peach note.
Nice for daily wear, it's not loud and the longevity is OK. It's the kind of scent that is easy to like - light and feminine, it's perfect for a gift.

I bought this one not cheap like others but still I can say I am satisfied with my purchase. Both the bottle and perfume do not look cheap at all. Actually they look and smell pricy. When I smell the juice for the first time I did not like it so much it seemed to me that the smell was so mature. But now after a few weeks I can say I like it. it smells warm, rather sexy, fruity and it is quite long lasting...and high quality...I am quite sensitive to chemical elements in perfumes and this one does not give me any asthma or breathing problem. it worth the money you pay for it. It is not so loud and therefore wearable..I spray it once and I smell it at least for 24 hours..there is sth in it that I find suitable for me. Have this ever happened to you when you smell a perfume and like the smell but you think it does not match your personality? It seems strange but it is one of the reasons that for example I dont wear chanel perfumes..This one fortunately suits me.And one more thing: you should not expect sth extraordinary or very original from this one.

I found this little gem yesterday for £15.00 in a clearance box at a perfume shop. I was going to purchase it then I asked one of the girls to try it first: yes thanks on my skin not a piece of paper!
I smelled it, I bought it!! Big crush!
I put it on one arm tonight just to see what I could say about this beautiful eau de parfum.
Tonight, when I sprayed on my skin it shouted: Poison! which I have tried a few times, although I would not be able to wear it. Now, I got to the dry down, it is earthy yes but I am surprised to find a little bit of Kenzo Jungle l'Eléphant. So, this makes me very happy as it very rare to find even on the net... Plus JV is more subtle and elegant than Jungle (which I still adore). It just remind me of cumin? well some spices used in culinary recipe...
Has any one tried this on their other half, I'd be curious to see how it evolves on a man skin...
If what has been described as a masculine note (oakmoss/patchouli) is definitely there, the honey prevents it of going too far. It is rather classy,deep, for real women and the first fruity notes are not what I would call gourmand. It is more refined yet still seductive but not at all a girly girl scent. I have not tried any other JV perfumes but I am curious to do so now. Might want to go back to shop and get another bottle for winter months as I guess, this one won't last long... although I would avoid it in summer/hot weather. Spring is still there and mornings are still quite fresh for me to enjoy this beauty.
As for comparing it with Coco Mademoiselle, I'd rather say no, Coco is quite girly girl/signature scent, nothing masculine in it... I wear Mademoiselle, it's very precious to me.
JV is a bit loud and heavy at first but it might also be the consequences of the eau de parfum, I don't care, I love this, did not last long enough in my opinion... Did not get anything from the middle note(?) but yet, I am still at the experimental stage of this perfume. Love the first spritz, enjoying the dry down, which is almost floriental skin scent and quite discreet now... oh and intriguing too.
I might wear it tomorrow and come back to add sthing to my review. Thumb up so far for JV Women!

While I like the scents for men by JV, I found this a bit non-telling. It is a nice daytime or office scent and doesn't hurt, but it isn't living up to the originality of the men's scents. Just another light floral.

I've just got it , purely because of intriguing reviews and I love it! It's an absolute beauty! For me however it reminds of Ispahan by Yves Rocher not Coco Madmoiselle!

I waited for so long before I could test this. Finally my sample arrived in the post today!! What can I say? I expected something fruity and perhaps darker. What I get is a warm sweet scent. The honey is coming out on me really nicely. I don't get the plum or any of this other fruits for that matter. It is mostly honey and flowers on my. I really like it. Although it is sweet, it is by no means cloying. I find it elegant and sofisticated up until the dry down. The dry down itself reveals a rather bitter note on me which makes me a lot less fond of the perfume than I am when I first apply it. I think it is the oakmoss that does this, I am really not a fan of it.

A lot of people here have said that Joh Varvatos is similar to Coco Mademoaselle. I have been wearing CM for quite a while and I have to say I find the two very different.

Before I tried JV I had read the reviews here and had a certain expectaion of what it would smell like. My expectations weren't fulfilled. But a few weeks after I tried JV, I came across Sensuous Noir (Estee Lauder) and was surprised to find out that I had expected JV to smell exactly like Sensuous Noir :-)

Love, love, love...this one makes my mouth water! The fruits in this are very realistic...juicy apricot and plum with just enough tartness. The honey sweetness is really nice, and the oakmoss and patchouli add an earthy quality that keep it from getting too sweet. Very feminine, but not in a girly-girl sort of way.

There is something in this perfume that reminds me a little of CK Euphoria. However, I don't like Euphoria in the slightest. Others have said JV is similar to Coco Mademoiselle, however, I never would have made that association myself. I love CM, but don't think it smells similar to JV at all.

I have a sample of JV and can't wait to one day own a full bottle of this juicy, delicious concoction!

This is my go to floral perfume and a staple in my perfume wardrobe. I use it as a workhorse, - it's dependable, easy to wear, and lovely. It took a few weeks for me to truly appreciate this perfume. At first I thought it didn't live up to the hype as it was a little too fruity for me. It wasn't long before I was hooked and I can't sing it's praises enough.

Unlike almost all of the perfumes in my collection, this I can almost guarantee the compliments will flow.

I have found the best way to promote sillage is to go heavy on the sprays and also spray my hair. It's not overpowering at all, and will produce wonderful wafts for many hours.

Highly recommended!!

A fantastic composition that it is at the same time really feminine and masculine, somewhat reminds me of Obsession Night for her. Very sexy, dark, sweet and again sexy. Perfect for night and special occasions. It opens with a strong peach, plum and patchouli note and than gets warmer and more feminine with the honey note and the smoky oakmoss. It is a perfume for someone who likes the smell of cigarettes and man colone. Strong, acid, warm, and sexy in a very mature way.
A keeper and a new favourite.

Sillage: not for monster sillage lovers has it is a lay down/come closer scent.

Longevity: 6h +/-

Personality: Latin, Mature, Sexy and it suits someone who smokes die hard perfectly. It has a 90' vibe at the same time it can be putted in the same group of ultra sexy scents like Angel, Hypnotic Poison and Tabu, they share something: strip club aura. Love it!

I bought it on sale without trying it first. Well that should teach me!! haha...

All I can say about this frag is 'meh'... it is SO neutral on me..neither stinky nor wonderful...just 'meh'. It has sat long enough on my shelf that I will quite likely give it away. Oh well..it was dirt cheap....

This perfume wasn't what i had expected it to be, someone had mentioned this was similar to chanel mademoiselle - one of the biggest reasons i even swapped for this and also a big mistake.

like many others have said, this smells slightly masculine, weird sweet smell (could be the honey? i'm not a fan of honey) which could be why i don't like this fragrance much, if anything, at all.

i only tested it 3x before deciding that i will put it up for swap - pm me if interested! it's the big bottle with 95% left.

I received this in a swap recently (thanks again, Yamba1) and I have to say it was not what I was expecting from the delicious-sounding notes. I felt it was quite masculine and more an aquatic than a chypre. I am sure that it is just my skin chemistry as there are so many positive reviews here.

As I said to Yamba1, this could have well been named "At The Beach" because of its bright breezy and summery character. Alas, I will have to pass on this one.

apricot/peach/plum combo with light flowery accord (rose, jasmine and a dominating patchouli)is the recipe..not cloying like other sweet florals with similar notes, but has a classy warm and modern aspect..patchouli may give a headache at the beginning but softens with the dry down..not a teen perfume but both young and mature women can wear easily..longevity and sillage is good..velvet bag with the peach color is very sweet, also the bottle has a classy design with the same color..very similar to chanel allure sensuelle and YSL elle..

I have not liked a perfume this much in quite a while. This is an especially warm and sophisticated perfume. Not suffocating, but like a gentle ray of sunshine. One of the notes in this perfume is grappa, and I'm not sure why it's not listed here. Along with the fruits and a hint of spiciness, the grappa note is pretty strong right out of the bottle, but does not make the perfume "boozy". (Still, this is probably not what I would want to smell if I've had a drink too many the night before...) The honey is present from the start and stays there.

I think this could be worn by pretty much any age group above the teens. :)

This is delicious. Warm, fruity, edgy and sophisticated! I love it love it love it!!! I got a bargain on this today at Perfumania and had to have it afer testing like 20+ other perfumes. So glad I got it. This is going to be my new Summer stunner!

This is like a "chypre-lite." Not unique but still very nice. Goes on fruity-sweet (not sugary at all) like a fruity floral. 20 minutes in, the base becomes prominent and the fruits fade, and you get the earthy, dark green woodiness of the oakmoss and patchouli blending in equally with the florals. A couple of other reviews have said that it's "all over the map" and not well defined, but I personally like that it keeps you guessing, as well as how it's blended, with nobody taking center stage - more an ensemble that way. I pick out plum strongest first, then rose and jasmine with the oakmoss strongest. I would not have been able to identify the other listed notes. It's a good pick for those who want to try a chypre but are intimidated by the "heavy hitters" or for warmer temps. Not for the office!

I bought myself the EDP after reading the wonderful reviews left here. I am disapointed, very. No Apricots or warmth, no fruit at all. The opening was high and sharp, probably the Bergamot - it overwhelmed everything else to the point where I sneezed, and sneezed and sneezed some more! Silage was minor, floral so subtle as to be almost invisible. Sadly no honey or woods. It seems my chemistry does not blend well with this fragrance. Luckily it has poor staying power! It so often surprises me how differently fragrances and skin interact.

John Varvatos is one sexy perfume. I’ve gone through two bottles of this stuff, and totally fell in love with it last summer. It’s such a lush tropical blanket in hot weather (the honey morphs insanely on me). The citrus, rose, and patchouli accord reminds me of Coco Mademoiselle. They strike my nose as being similar to that unforgettably unique shave crème aroma. Yet somehow this scent is extremely sexy on skin and almost transcends perfume and just smells like healthy skin touched by the sun.

I can see how John Varvatos might be interpreted as very masculine and woodsy, yet the fruits and honey give it quite the yin/yang balance! I love the procession of all the accords in this composition, oak moss and honey is really enough to impress me! The honey in John Varvatos is nectar sweet, warm & smooth and the oak moss is light; both turn the entire scent into pale mead emitting perfection! This is one of those scents where the marketing elements honestly come to life for me! I can see a glamorous and bohemian hippie digging JV a lot! I’ve been lucky enough to find John Varvatos at T.J, but honestly I would pay full price…It’s just good and worthy of stock piling.

This is just a beautiful perfume, I first purchased this in Bloomies for $80 and now its being discounted. What a steal! I've purchased several more bottles to last me until Armageddon.

The spillage is amazing, it opens with stone fruit, drizzled in honey, then the floral peek through before drying down to an earthy skin scent. It can be worn all year round and for any occasion.

John Varvatos made this for his wife...she sounds like a worldly woman I would love to hang out with.

I really enjoy a local wine named Veraison, which is described as a blend of chardonnay, muscat and cabernet sauvignon, resulting in a soft fruity blush. It also takes its name from a viticulture (grape-growing) term meaning the onset of ripening.

John Varvatos reminds me so much of Veraison, in both color and aroma--right down to the rosey, stone fruit accord with a gentle, warm nuzzle to finish.

Even the ovular, blush colored bottle suggests an 'onset of ripening' in the most feminine way.

Very wearble, yet not generic. It will make you feel sensual and nubile.

Incredibly fleshy and earthy.

This one is amazing on my skin. Absolutely one of the most wearable fragrances (for me) that I've found yet.

I really enjoy the apricot-plum opening (it doesn't smell much like there's mandarin in it to me... not overwhelmingly citrusy, just fruity and bright, but rich and a bit sweet) and the well-rounded floral heart is so gentle, almost voluptuous? A lot of times jasmine & rose together in modern fragrances bore me, yet here they just smell rich, a bit creamy, a bit fresh. The fruitiness hangs over the heart notes and gives the fragrance a distinct feeling of "body."

But the base notes! Oh ho ho, dear readers. The base notes.

There is oakmoss in this to be sure. The patchouli honestly stays in the background a bit for me - it's there, but it sort of keeps its head down. That's fine, I like patchouli well enough but i tire of it. On my skin the oakmoss really "shines," as it were. Perfectly balanced with the fruits and florals in the first stages of the perfume, a creamy, honey-drizzled oakmoss comes out and smells amazing on me. The perfect, mossy sweatiness, sharp but balanced. The honey - oh how I love honey notes - sticks around vaguely with just a bit of sweetness. I put this on before bed yesterday and could still smell oakmoss in the morning. It is a chypre that is perfectly wearable and balanced, warm, well-rounded, rich - yet it is definitely a chypre, at least on me, and it still has a good bit of character.

It's not revolutionarily distinctive, per se, but if it works with your skin chemistry it's a beautiful, well-done fragrance. It's wearable in a way I don't find makes a particular distinct statement, but fits in with my life whenever/however I need it too with a certain elegance and grace, without being something I feel is ubiquitous or a "bad match" for me.

I really think the essence of this fragrance is warmth and sensuality. A richness. It's extremely feminine in a way that I find fits me perfectly. I'm delighted.

This is very feminine, sparkling, fluffy and lighthearted, sweetish (there really seems to be plenty of honey here) and fruity with a bunch of pretty flowers thrown in...and - did I mention that this is very feminine? :-) Someone here seems to get the impression that there is a bit of a masculine feeling in this...not on me, I have to say. This is as girly as it gets. Lighthearted, pink, uncomplicated, even a bit frivolous, it is nice, but rather straightforward. On application I was almost instantly reminded of Caline by Gress and checking the composition - there are plenty of the same notes indeed (but I have to add that due to its tart, unusual bittersweetness, Caline is the one with real magnetic attraction for me).
If I was to put this fragrance into a category, it would be a fruity-floral-gourmand. :-)
After trying this a few times now, I have to add that the longevity is really poor on me, after an hour I am trying hard to smell anything at all.

Also under a spell of this perfume. Moving feminity, smooth pretty thing. Strange but it smells like 'right feminine cherry' to me with deliciously creamy facets. Unobtrusive, not really loud. A kind of sexy charm that elevates. 2 stars from Tanya Sanchez? I would give this 'sweet fougere' fab 4 **** without hesitation. :)

My experience was exactly like Sweetnspicey ... the only thing I have to add is that to me, the pure parfum smells like warm fruit compote, drizzled with wine and honey. So hold out for the pure parfum.

All the notes are mild, and pleasantly so. I don't usually like fruity, but this is different - subtle fruit mixed with subtle wood. So, I guess perfect for those who normally shy away from fruity, but embrace chypre.

It's as though the perfumiers took some loud fruity chypre and diluted it to make it softer and dreamier.

BTW, I now have both the EDP and the pure parfum. The parfum lasts much, much longer, with better sillage, yet is softer than the EDT.

Hi.

The image of a Chic Lady.JOHN VARVATOS is a really nice comforting scent that is not too Mature or too Youthful and A Lovely soft floral fragrance that is not overpowering too.It is a Seductive scent that keeps you feeling Feminine and Romantic throughout the Day or Evening. Sophisticated,Modern,Gorgeous, Elegant,Classy and Youthfully Alluring.

The Luscious of Plum,The beauty of Rose,The clean elegance of Lily,The tender touch of Jasmine all sprinkled with notes of Honey,Patchouli and Tonka Bean for a unforgettable experience.in fact the opening notes are Youngish but the base notes are Womanly and Seductive as it speaks of Intimacy and the prelude to something deeper.

JOHN VARVATOS is so Tempting on a Spring Evening when the air is filled with promise of Romance and Emotion abandon.It is almost suitable for various occasions especially INTIMATE.In my opinion the best seasons for this EDP would be SPRING and then AUTUMN. I highly recommend it to Everybody who wants a Great,Romantic and Different scent.

Sillage?Ok.

Longevity?Good on my skin.

7.5/10

I got the EDP and would like to hear about the difference between this and the pure Parfum. I love the scent, but it is not long lasting enough to my liking. I hope that the perfume is long lasting. COULD anyone please tell me if there is a difference in the scent.

I saw the 0.5 oz pure Parfum at TJ Max for only $13. I bought it despite the mixed reviews. I am SO glad I did! It's intoxicating. I still can't believe I got such a superior perfume for so cheap. Might need to go back and buy the last bottle.

When I sniff this fragrance, I immediately think of sweet, luscious plums and nectarines flambed with the finest brandy. I also think of dark red velvet for some reason.

There is definitely something masculine about this fragrance. It's woody in a unique way. On me it's so sexy! Love, love, love this fragrance!

I opened the box to unexpectedly find an exquisite velvet pouch, which opens to reveal a small, beautiful, shiny rose-gold colored flacon with a stopper rather than a spray. It was like opening a gift on Christmas morning! Never have I had so much joy in opening a box of perfume. Sorry to spoil the surprise for you!

This is my blind purchase for its good reviews here but um truly dissapointed. My experience more less like cheryl5406. It's too strong and heavy on me a bit masculine ..or maybe i have to wait to see how it make a different after several hours??

JOHN VARVATOS is charming, feminine and alluring. It is stunning from the first notes of luscious fruits to beautiful flowers in the heart and woody sweet base notes. This fragrance has gorgeous honey like sweetness which I absolutely love. It is not vanilla like or candy like. It is floral, beautiful and classy. It smells heavenly!

This fragrance is fruity floral but it is nothing like most floral fruity on the market. It is well balanced and sophisticated. The perfume opens with delicious fruits: plum, apricot and mandarin. It continues developing into sweet honey-like floral heart. The rose and lily are beautiful. They blend together with a touch of jasmine to create romantic, feminine and alluring scent. The dry down brings a bit of earthy oakmoss and patchouli but it still has a sweet tone.

JOHN VARVATOS is one of my favorite perfumes. It is comforting and easy to wear but at the same time so refined and sophisticated. It is balanced and elegant, cozy and classy. I definitely would recommend it to someone who appreciates chic and sophisticated floral fruit scents. The sillage is great and longevity is at least 9 to 10 hours.

I decided to try this based on reviews I read - not a fan. The notes all sounded so exotic and alluring but on me it's just Stink City. The only redeaming quality in this perfume is that it does not last long enough to have to wash it off. My skin chemistry does not seem to react well to most vanillas - it turns strangely pungent...

Update 12/27/10: After trying to use this again and again I have given up on this terrible perfume. The fume of this scent makes me ill and makes my nose ache to breathe - I can't believe there is anyone on this earth that would want to share space with anyone wearing this horrible stench...

Been waiting so long for this in the mail. It finally arrived and I'm NOT disappointed in the least. It's exactly what I imagined it to be... a beautiful floral wrapped and toasted in a warm cloud of honey, rum, and subtle spice. I get plenty of jasmine & rose to make it soft, feminine and sweet. There is a powderiness to it as well. I really like this a whole lot! I'm not a huge floral fan, but when a rare floral does work on me, it always seems to be a Chypre. The bottle is gorgeous, like a piece of ripe pink fruit, tempting you to taste. I would recommend this scent in the spring, summer months, or on any day when you just want to feel like a GIRL!

If this is a chypre floral, then I'm Keira Knightley.

There is a very good reason why we shouldn't spray our bodies with several different kinds of perfume, just as, in general, we don't play ten different songs at the same time. More is not better. I do love parts of John Varvatos, like its juicy mandarin opening and the woody, moody drydown, but it's just a mess. It's all over the place in terms of mood and accordance, which is a pity considering that it smells relatively well made (a rarity, really).

Unsurprisingly, JV smells infinitely better on paper than on skin, where it doesn't compete with environment or human smell, but we're not made of paper. Even with the juice's neat peach colour and pleasantly weighty bottle, I must regrettably give this a pass.

John Varvatos, is simply exquisite. It is not heavy and overpowering in any way.
It sticks close to the skin, makes you want to sniff your arm, to check that it is still there, and you know it is, but you just need to sniff it, because it is just so mmmm.....lovely, heavenly and Is what it is.
Is a, I want to keep sniffing it type of smell.
It it so divinely blended that I can't really tell you what I smell, except that it is warm, mellow, sweetly musky, Like Lifesavers pink musk lollies.
A perfume I recommend that has class and is a perfume I love.
Sexy and sublime, a chypre floral I not ever smelt, as they not my usual thing.
10 out of 10 for me.... do try it...xx

I found a small gold bottle of JV perfume at TJ Max. At first it was just another TJ Max discount special, the fruity part was most prominent. After I wore it on my skin for an hour it became this warm scent with a little spice. Really nice , not a heavy spice smell but just enough to make it perfect . Like a when you add a pinch of spice to apple pie, it just sets it off the fruity part and makes it wonderful. I like it better than CoCo Mdm.Chanel because it's more soft and subtle. If you see it at TJs , you might want to try it.

I received John Varvatos almost two weeks ago, and I am still "honeymooning" with it. I cannot stop inhaling once I've applied it. This fragrance is incredible and almost impossible to describe. It is a beautiful, sensual juicy-floral-green-woody blend whose notes seem to dance and swirl around each other. It is classy, refined, and elegant; yet it also distinctly exotic. Part of me really wants to put my finger on exactly what "it" is about this fragrance, and part of me is too busy enjoying every minute of it to care!! It's extremely feminine without being "too" anything...sweet, cloying, overwhelming or anything of that nature. It is WELL-balanced...or might I say well-blended, as all of the notes seem to "weave" in and out of each other. It is refined and seductive...ladylike without trying too hard...sexy without being "trampy"...attention-getting without "screaming". This is the laid-back kind of beauty who everyone notices, yet she never fights for the attention...she's just relaxed and approachable, yet undeniably gorgeous, warm and sexy. I read a review suggesting that women may want to buy a LOT of this as we might want to wear it all of the time. I have to say, wholeheartedly, I agree! This is an unmistakeable classic and a permanent member of my fragrance family.

I really am surprised at how much I love this frag. I've been shying away from fruity compositions as of late, but this has captured me. It's not fruity in the domiantly "sweet" sense, but rather more of a juicy pulp sense perhaps, which isn't overpowering to me because the florals and earthy notes balance it well and share the stagefront. The lasting power on me is excellent, and my boyfriend finds this scent abosolutely intoxicating.

This is a very nice perfume but unfortunately it doesnt last very long on me. It is lovely sweet perfume, I can mainly smell abricot, jasmine and honey. It does in fact reminds Chanel Coco Mademoiselle but of course CM is better blended, with better sillage, and better lasting power (but it is also true that CM is four or five times more expensive...)

Discontinued? I found the parfum at TJ Maxx for $12.95... and it's still $125 on websites. Don't get ripped off if you love it, just look there first. It's a small mauve pink box so you'll have to dig around the shelves.

This is a nice perfume, yes, it reminds Coco M. but JV's lasting power is very weak, it can't be compared with Coco M.

I just purchased the perfume. It's lovely, well blended chypre reminiscent of coco mademoiselle which I love. My only complaint is the bottle I got is the 15 ml bottle with a wand and while trying to open some perfume spilled out. :(

Saw this on sale the other day for very cheap so I thought I'd try it since I read so many good reviews on this. Well it is a good fume but just too fruity for me unfortunately. I like warmer more earthy perfumes I guess but honestly it smelled to me like a dupe almost to Chloe Narcisse just way more fruity. I can see why many ladies would like this but I just had to pass on this one it's just too fruity.

One of the best women's fragrances I've ever smelled...Rodrigo Flores-Roux is an absolute pefume wizard and I cannot say enough about his genius. Upon first smelling this I knew there had to be more than just the listed notes in here...and I was right. Thank you to GlitterAlex! Most RFR creations are made of three very distinct levels with major notes in them but he has the gift of bringing subtlety and complexity to each one of his "children"...

So often in perfumery there are a myriad of women's scents and only one or two for men; JV has turned this around and given us many fine mens scents and one superlative feminine. Regardless of whether this is a floral or fruity chypre it is absolutely heavenly...

It begins with a juicy fruity beginning of not too much citrus and luscious dark plums and vibrant apricots, the grappa note gives a slight booziness to it that is warm and fumey. Here too, the florals and ever so gentle spices peek out. As the heart chord begins the flowers join in what I can only call a dance as they disappear and reappear. The mango blossom echoes the juicy beginning in a very floral way and the rose, lily and jasmine burst forth in a subdued but rich explosion. I sense lighter early spring florals here too and they soften the otherwise stong bouquet. The rose in this is strong and oriental with an almost liquid prescence. The drydown here is for me the best part, the smooth sweetness of honey, the warmth of the tonka bean, the light teasing patchouli. The chypre nature of this is evident by the powdery mossy drydown accented with spicy woody ambrette and the mysterious richness of styrax. This is the nectar of the gods to me and I know many of you find it too sweet, or too weak but to me it is that perfect place where you feel safe, loved and comfortable...

Sillage: very good
Longevity: good
Overall: 5/5 Nirvana!

When testing this I sprayed a test strip and after the initial impression laid it on the table (not realising I had laid it on thermal paper) and it actually darkened the paper with its fumes! This juice is a magical elixir that somehow heals my soul and reminds me of a place I may have never been but am aching to go to. If I could have I would have given it 6 out of 5 but that is a rating reserved solely for Chanel No 5...

I originally saw this perfume featured in a magazine and the notes really intrigued me: apricot, damask plum, oriental lily, indian mango blossom, egyptian jasmine, turkish rose, and wild honey. It was like some exotic global excursion and from each distant land a little piece of that place went into this perfume. I also get this very smooth brandy note, but i like it, no I don't wanna smell like booze, but this note makes me think of some vanilla infused barrel that the brandy mellowed in for just the right amount of time. Yes there is a definite sweetness to this fragrance (honey) but it's not cloying nor does it make me think of a lot of those cheap sugary body sprays that are everywhere you turn these days but lack any definitive indiduality, no, this is the sophisticated yet relaxed, classy yet casual kinda perfume that you could wear daily and I love it!

Whoa! Blast of plastic in the opening! No fruits at all. Gross. (maybe and old sample?)However, in about 10 min. it develops into something quite nice. I can't find any rose (which is a good thing for me). I only smell lillies and jasmin lightly drizzled with honey, on top of a fresh cut plank of sandalwood. It's nice, sweet, and inoffensive enough for the office but not interesting enough for me to need this in my collection. I might pick it up if I find it real cheap.

John Varvatos is my first chypre. I believe it should be classified as a fruity chypre and not floral. I get mostly fruits and that wonderful mossy note. It's definitely different from my usual florientals, and I am so happy it is! I stepped out of my comfort zone with this one and discovered something wonderful! Thanks again, gypsykitten. This was a great swap.

I am wearing this now I sprayed one time and I am smelling it nicely.This is a good fragrance and I already reviewed once but I am sitting here smelling this and enjoying so I had to review again.Lasting power is a perfect 10! Thanks John V.!

WeI will be,as we say in the south.I swore I would never love a fruity scent.Just too young smelling but,I lied!This is a masterpiece.On the first spray,it is so lovely that it almost made me dizzy.SWeet,creamy plums and oranges!!!Like they r glistening fresh off the trees.but,The thing I like is,they r not TOO sweet.Just enough to make you smile.A rose,jasmine mixture slowly evolves and u r transported away to a beautiful flower garden.The florals r not the same as Ive smelled before.The rose and jasmine smell like they r fresh!I can almost see a light pink rose tipped in hot pink arround the edges,dripping with dew in the early morning.The jasmine swirling and bending this way and that with deep green leaves.This is a fume thats lasts and unlike a lot of fumes,u can smell the flowers and fruits all the way thru.Towards evening the drydown comes round to meet you.IT is still milky,creamy but with accords of oakmoss and tonkabean.Lovely.Just enough woody to finish off the fruits and flowers.SExy fume without shouting.Great for anyage.THey say promises were made to b broken,this is one I did.Who would have thought id ever love fruity?But,only thing,,,its in the wrong catagory.But,right for me!!!

A modern twist on a classic style fragrance. Expertly crafted sophisticated scent. Alluring plum, mandarin & apricot blend softly with romantic Jasmine, Lily, Rose & Mango blossom. A slightly green freshness is established with the moss & patchouli. I can't say enough about this fragrance. Compliments galore. This fragrance was meant for a well dressed lady who can get a little freaky in the boudoir & keep the secret.

I would love to try this one, but unfortunely they dont sell it here in the Netherlands ;-(

I totally agree with sherapop.
This is a fruity perfume that has been covered with dust and a vagueness of goal. Not too guilt-free-fruity to be called girly and joyful,not too well-done to be called a mature fruit.

I always try to guess the "official" category of fragrances which I plan to review on the basis of a sample vial (unlike FBs, which I usually wear many times before writing a review--since I have that luxury...), so upon initially spritzing JOHN VARVATOS, which I had been looking forward to with great anticipation, given the hype, my first reaction was: "Oriental Floral". A few seconds later: "Fruity floral". A couple of minutes later: "Floral Woody Musk". What I would never have guessed in a million years was the "correct" answer: "Chypre Floral"!

JOHN VARVATOS is truly all over the map, as they say, but not in a pleasant way. The problem for me is summed up well by Fragrantican weegee, who also demurs from the chypre categorization of JV. There's something somehow stale or old about the fruits and the flowers. Or maybe the canned fruit cocktail cubes and spheres, in their washed-out, almost pastel oranges and yellows, have sapped the flowers of their freshness. Don't know. Don't really care. Not on my wish list.

I should say that the patchouli drydown is okay, but the trajectory this fragrance follows in getting there is not a mellifluous journey--although honey is listed as a note. Rather than manna from heaven, JOHN VARVATOS is to me more like canned fruit cocktail, rather mushy and devoid of well-defined flavors.

i bought this one unsniffed due to reviews comparing it to coco mad. the cute fuzzy pink packaging didn't hurt either. all i get from this is subdued flowers on a fresh cold base. the base feels like an attempt at the clean feel of most Ralph Lauren fumes. i don't even detect patchouli. boring....

I love this - finally decided to purchase it after sampling it several times. To me it is a woody, soft, almost masculine fragrance. Not a girly one. I think it leaves such a pleasant dry down.

I had seen some great reviews for this - both here at Fragrantica, and in magazines like Elle and InStyle, so I was very excited to try it.

Well, I am definitely NOT DISAPPOINTED!! This is a wonderful chypre floral!! (Less chypre, more floral.) I think what I am liking most is the MELLOW fruity notes which set it apart. I am not a fan of scents that are "too sweet" (couldn't handle Hypnose for that reason)- I need something in the mix to calm down fruit notes and sweet notes like jasmine or honey, and JV finds the right blend here.

LOVE the opening notes and definitely can smell the apricot and plum throughout the stages of dry-down. I think the mango helps keep the fruity notes more toward a grown-up seductive profile than a girlish teenager fruitiness - (which is why I just couldn't like Juicy Couture - too juvenile for me). Dries down warm thanks to the oakmoss & patchouli, while definitely floral with just enough fruit notes to be sensual but low-key. Could definitely work for daytime / office very nicely!!

JV's wife (and muse for this fragrance) sounds like my kinda woman! I picture her as very feminine and unapologetically in touch with beauty, nature and sensory pleasures. The bottle design is wonderful - beautiful to look at and satisfying to hold.

Many are comparing this to Coco Mademoiselle (which I also wear), but I don't really see enough similarity. CM is very, very strong and has some "mineral notes" that keep it kind of edgy. JV is softer... noticeable but gentle. JV is how I would like to smell on a perfect vacation to the Fidji islands: warm, lazy, dreamy, elegantly relaxed, enjoying nature; while Coco Mdmsle reminds me of a luncheon gathering of lovely, effortlessly chic Parisienne women who WANT to be noticed.

I do agree with others here that while this one is a lovely "winner", it does not set itself apart enough from other "nice, classy" fragrances to make it to my "LOVE" list...but I do LIKE it A LOT and it will be a regular in my wardrobe!

NOTE TO GLITTERALEX: I am SO glad the young girls in your shop don't go for it!!! LOL!!

I got a big bottle cheap at TJ Maxx and I'll tell you this is a nice fragrance I was kind of iffy at first because I wasn't actually wearing it I kept sampling on my arm but I wore this the other night and wow it is fruity but not a cheap teenage type fruity it is more mellow fruity and more adult like it lasts and I kept catching whiffs and I like when a fragrance does that.I am using the little pouch it came in for my lipglosses and I like the bottle even though I went to pick it up by the lid and it fell on my brand new bottle of Halle Berry and broke it I think the gold on the bottom of JV did it but oh well I'd rather my Halle break than my John!

I bought this for my Wife. She loves it,as do I. This is for the woman who loves classy sophisticated scents. For me its a very sexy scent, alluring and provocative!

This perfume is absolutely BEAUTIFUL,
feminine, perfect,perfect, perfect..

I bought this today untested at T.J. Maxx because it was an excellent price, and I'm so very glad I did. I love everything about this perfume; it's as if it was specifically designed to make me press my wrist to my nose, over and over again, all day long. Mmmm.

The plum and apricot in the top notes are mouth-wateringly good, and the rose in the middle notes is fresh and cheerful. Best of all, every single one of the bottom notes are among my favorites. The honey and vanilla are warm- a nice compliment to the plum and apricot start, and the patchouli (my favorite), makes the dry down positively divine. I'm delighted with this new addition to my perfume collection.

I found it at TJ Maxx for $20, and since I know it still sells at Nordstrom for more than double that price..I decided to go ahead and buy it unsiffed. I like it! To me it smells like a mix between Juicy Couture(top and middle) and Coco Mademoiselle(Middle and base). I don't think I would have bought it at full price, but it is not bad a purchase for $20

I bought a bottle without testing and I consider it was a good buy. The scent is fruity – floral, very similar to Coco Mademoiselle. The bottle is gorgeous – shape and color.

I picked up a bottle for 19 bucks at my local drugstore and I think it was a good buy. I wear it for work and it's not overly sweet or overpowering...just a classic crisp scent.

I love this one!! The plum and appricot swirl at the top is divine, soft and not too sweet. The lily, rose and jasmine make for a smooth transition to the oakmoss which rounds out the honey and tonka bottom to perfection.
It reminds me of Mont Blanc Individuelle without the medicinal/camphor sage drift, which ruins that scent for me.
I don't think this is weak but understated and demure. I'm putting it at the top of my wish list!

Update: I found a bottle at an outlet store and snapped it up right away. Every time I wear it someone tells me how wonderful I smell. I'm a little sad that others think it lacks direction. I find it to be an inexpensive lovely gem of a scent.

Update to my update: I stand corrected...the camphor/medicinal smell has come to the fore with age...now it's pretty much all I can smell. It's like wearing fruity Vapor Rub!

This perfume is soft, yet subtle. So flirtatious with its woodsy undertones, projecting the sternness of the refined woman. It upholds the ambiance of this "floriental flare."

For the adventerous woman, spontaneously destined... but one who also knows herself.

This makes me think of Juicy Couture without the pepper. Either way it's relatively tame, maybe a soft, thin, long and flowing rose colored dress. At first spray I was interested but it was not to last. I smell a hint of apricot, but more a blend of jasmine and rose. The honey shows up a bit in the dry down adding the hint of sweetness that I prefer. If your a fan of Juicy Couture you may enjoy it.

Chypre floral? What? Where? Here? I don't think so.
For an edp that's supposedly a heavy 50% concentration this pink colored bit of fluff is as weak as dishwater and about as exciting to my nose. The floral aspect is a grocery store flower display right next to the fruit department: every fruit imagineable with all kinds of blooms all mixed up with that slightly "off" scent of the glass-doored refrigerator that holds the arrangements meant to be given to people in hospital.

The bottle comes in a lush peachy/coral crushed velvet drawstring bag and that's the nicest part of this fragrance. I'm astounded that so many others have raved about this fragrance and touted its lovely watery aspect, because my nose finds nothing of the kind. Sample on your skin before purchasing & don't be seduced by that velvet bag.

Plums & apricots dripping in honey, a touch of rosy florals.... & lake water?

I know, I know...that doesn't sound like it should work, but it does, beautifully. I don't like fruity florals on the whole, I dislike Tresor (headache, far too powerful) & I'm very picky about any chypres - but I like JV.

It's warm & fruity without being tacky, it's very sweet without being sickly, & it has this "outdoors-wet-moss-&-still-water" note that keeps it contemporary & classy. I think it is the mix in the base of patchouli & oakmoss that gives it this edge & stop it from falling into the cute, fruity-floral catagory.

JV is definitely a grown up scent with a timeless quality. Feminine & flirty - summer in a bottle.

I have to disagree with Glitteralex. "This symphonic rose floral with a powder base will appeal to fans of Tresor and Beautiful." I am definitely NOT a fan of either of these. In fact, I passionately dislike BOTH of them....but I LOVE JV. In my opinion, it's more than just "bareable"--it's enjoyable. I have to admit that on SOME days, it smells sweeter (even too sweet)....and on others, it's got a dry moss scent that creates a sexy feel to it. Don't really know how to explain it. I just wanted to say that you don't have to like Tresor or Beautiful to like JV. It's in a league of its own... (IMHO) ;-P

John Varvatos is nice and elegant, I would call it well-behaved fragrance. The notes are smooth and graceful.

I'm really curious to compare it to Coco Mademoiselle, as it was mentioned here the scent is alike.

Update: After a couple of hours it started to bother me. Not sure why though. But as the fragrance faded all the way to the base notes - I liked it again.

My bottle of John Varvatos FINALLY arrived today! Imagine my excitement as I tore through the box and "tried" to carefully unwrap the bottle from the sea of bubble wrap. Ahhh...succulent and sensual. Is it just me, or do I smell more florals this time around? When I first tried it (and with the samples) I smelled a slight hint of berries and definitely the sweet plum...but it's only faintly there this time. The fruits seem timid...but the flowers & oakmoss are far from that. They seem to be taking the spotlight today. This fragrance is still beautiful to me...but I do hope my loving plum, apricot, and orange decide to submerge from wherever they are hiding. Today would have been a good day for them to make their presence known. Don't worry JV...I still find you utterly intoxicating! =)

UPDATE:
I learned that when spritzed on dry skin in the morning, the mossy note creates an almost dry-your-throat kind of aroma that is still nice.....BUT....when this fragrance is mixed with my sweat (I know, gross right), I most definitely recognize the sweet plum and sensual beauty that I loved about this fragrance to begin with. I guess it just needed some body chemistry to recognize me. =P It's still in my top 3!

This is one very sensual, seductive, and unforgettable fragrance. The stay power is very good. Do get this in the larger bottle, because you'll want to wear this all the time. The floral in the middle notes and the sweetness in the top notes make for a really sexy combination. Definitely an attention grabber as well as a crowd pleaser. Well, at least it is for me. Words can barely describe how much I love this fragrance and how beautifully warm it feels and smells on my skin. From the coriander, plum, and jasmine, to the wild honey, patchouli and hibiscus, this is one of the most deliciously sweet hypnotic fragrances that you'll ever smell. It's just that good and it make you feel beautiful.

This is a very unique fragrance. Fells close to the skin, it is an intimic smell, silky and sensual.

My sample of John Varvatos came in and I ABSOLUTELY ADORE this! I think this could become one of my signature scents. I say "one" because there are two other scents that are completely different from each other...but I just can't seem to decide which scent is more me. I'm willing to bet, however, that my husband will probably like this one the best.

It starts off fruity...but not juicy or fresh like those apple or citrus fragrances. This is a crisp sweet fruit that doesn't necessarily make my mouth water...but it definitely makes me want to say "Ooohs and ahhhs". It's not a sickeningly sweet fragrance, which is perfect because those frangrances tend to get sweeter on me. This is just right. The fruits don't overwhelm (unlike the strawberries in Miss Dior Cherie. Don't get me wrong. I like Miss Dior Cherie....but only when I want to smell like a big juicy strawberry with a light caramel drizzle). The fruits, IMO, hold the fragrance together. They make it well-rounded and give it that full-bodied yumminess that GOOD wines are known for. The florals work TOWARDS the good of this perfume. What I mean is that they, also, don't overpower you. Usually, I can't wear fragrances with jasmine....but if I didn't know what the notes were, I wouldn't have realized that there was jasmine in here. And that's how I like it. I like my florals to blend together nicely...not stand out individually. (But that's just me!) After the rich fruity opening, I get a wonderful floral scent that becomes powdery (but not dusty) and beautiful. The fruits remain ever so quietly in the background--keeping the florals from becoming too potent. And the base notes....well, what can I say? The notes combined create a lucious, romantic, and sensual fragrance with just enough fleshy fruit & delectable sweetness to make you crave more.

I just got this as a gift, after holding out for months for my 4th bottle of Coco Mademoiselle. I am pleased with the choice - such a personal preferrence, the buyer couldn't have done better. The closest thing to Coco Mademoiselle that I have smelled. It does have more fruit up front initially than Coco, but fades nicely into something warm. The jasmine remains constant through. My only disappointment is that it seems to be really strong at first, and fades a little fast.

I just realized what this smells an awful lot like. CoCo Mademoiselle by Chanel.
They are almost identical.One of my co workers wears CoCo & when I gave her a sample of this to try she totally agreed that they a VERY alike

I love this! I generally don't like to many fragrances with "chypre" but this is gorgeous.
I think Aeternitas described this pretty well.
It is different then most of the perfumes I have sampled lately.It is very light & airy yet not non existing.

The Spray of fruits & chypre that comes out with the initial application is highlighted & held up perfectly with the florals lily & Jasmine.
As it dries down the honey & oakmoss show through.

It really is a pretty & classy scent.
I think it would be a great fragrance to wear to a wedding

john varvatos for women has to be one of the best womens fragrance launches in a long time. the apricot, plum, and mandarin in the top notes are incredible. its sweetness isnt at all the experience one would get from the 100s of teenage fruity floral fragrances. john varvatos is much more then that. it transitions to a beautiful floral with the lily, mango blossom, jasmine and rose. of all the florals, the rose stands out the most. my favorite are the bottom notes. especially the tonka bean and the honey. they give the fragrance a great last impression. its like a delicious fruit tart. sure to be a classic! i just love and adore it!

This perfume has an interesting personality. Modern, gentle, and playful. I'm in love. :) It's a very different take on florals. Sweet, but not too sweet, gentle, and flowery with an initial spray of fruits. It's a beautiful fragrance that is perfect for spring/summer weather. I wouldn't say it's extremely special, but it's definitely pretty and unique. At first it surprises you, because you think it would be very floral (or so I thought), but it starts out being heavily fruity, and changes quickly to flowers, and then takes a sudden turn into being a sweet floral-woodsy scent. I think every woman should try this if you are considering a new summer fragrance!