First by Van Cleef & Arpels (Van Cleef & Arpels: First, Eau de Toilette)

Member Name: HanSpan

Product:	Van Cleef & Arpels: First, Eau de Toilette
Date:	27/06/09 (9 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Sophisticated, quite strong and long lasting. Not cloying or overly sweet

Disadvantages: Some think it old fashoined (but I don't)

This is the perfume I've worn for the longest time - over 20 years - coming back to it time and again after trying others. Its been overtaken by Palomo Picasso as my favourite but I still love it and, unlike Palomo, its not so strong that I find it overpowering in the summer. Its definitely a perfume that men like on women - my first bottle was bought by my first real boyfriend, an Italian, who obviously had quite grown up tastes.

Its sophisticated and classy but, although some others might describe it as old I've never found it to be so - unlike some other 'classic' fragrances with undertones of violets that I find nauseating. Although it contains florals I don't find it smells particularly flowery, rather rich and deep with oddly a slightly metallic touch. Its certainly not oversweet or cloying.

I find many perfumes, particularly the strong ones and particularly in hot weather, turn nasty on me but this never does. Its also the perfume that seems to last longest - not really needing to be reapplied even in the evening. Also the other products like shower gel and moisturiser are lovely and the scent is true to the perfume.

As to whether others' would like it I'd say if you want something quite strong but not overpowering, cloying or drop dead at 60 paces (like I find Chloe and Poison for instance) and you aren't looking for something fresh and summery or sweet and girly give it a go.

Summary: Well balanced and wearable all year, all day