By Thomas
I recall the ad campaign like it was yesterday. I was tired of Paco Rabanne and Pierre Cardin, and here comes this splashy, L.A.-cool ad, advertising New West Skinscent for men. Not a perfume or cologne or any of that macho/pansy/flowery water. This was a Skinscent! New! Different! Exciting! Sign me up!!!
I was easily marketed-to in those days, but the smelling strip captivated me and I had to have a bottle. I used it faithfully until I fell in love with a young lady who liked more-classical scents, and eventually New West fell off my radar. I grew up and moved on.
I have a bottle again, and it’s like the fountain of youth - young, fresh, energetic, fleet of foot. At the opening, New West sparkles with an accord I can only describe as rosemary and blueberries. The blueberries might be Calone, which is prominent in New West. The wet/astringent accord is well-balanced so that neither overtakes the other. There is some sweetness as you might find in a sweet-tart candy – just enough to be palatable.
This accord lasts for hours and never gets old for me. Bergamot and juniper slowly make their way in but the overall balance remains the same. Into the drydown there’s a salty hint of anise and ozone that keeps things crisp and engaging.
One morning, storm clouds gathered above me as I was running. As I passed a neighbor’s herb garden, I stopped and smelled the air. It was pure New West – different, exciting, clean and invigorating.
Year: 1988
Notes: Aldehydes, Artemisia, Lavender, Sea Notes (Calone), Mint, Caraway, Bergamot, Pine Tree, Coriander, Juniper Berries, Bay Leaf, Jasmine, Watermelon, Geranium, Leather, Sandalwood, Amber, Patchouli, Musk, Oakmoss, Cedar
I want to smell this. Seem to recall a woman's version too....
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