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C for Men
by Clive Christian
C for Men by Clive Christian is a highly complex, richly layered leather fragrance that evolves dramatically over time. It opens with a bright burst of citrus, saffron, and aromatic thyme, leading into a deep, smokey core defined by leather, oud, amber, and tobacco. The heart features a melting blend of jasmine, rose, and oud with hints of sweetness from vanilla and tonka, but it's the long, slow transformation of this perfume that defines it. Over several hours, it matures into a warm, dry, characterful composition marked by incense, musk, and warm resins, with a surprising hint of soft fruity notes emerging in the dry down. Near the end, it settles into a refined, smoky-sweet leather with both depth and restraint. Its power lies in its unapologetic presence — both sillage and longevity are exceptional, with scent remaining strong for over 12 hours even after multiple washes. It is not a subtle or casual scent; it demands attention and is best suited for formal events or evening wear in cooler seasons. The affordability of the scent compared to its luxury-grade performance is often remarked upon, but the price remains a strong dividing factor. It shares clear DNA with Tom Ford's Tuscan Leather, particularly in the early moments, but diverges significantly in development, earning praise for its greater depth and class. Many find it to be a more mature, refined, and emotionally powerful evocation of leather than its counterpart.
Pros
- +Possesses one of the most exceptional longevity and projection among perfumes, with scent lasting over 12 hours and projecting strongly even days after application.
- +Has a rich, evolving character that transforms over time — from citrus-tinged aromatic opening to complex dry down with layers of oud, amber, leather, and smoky sweetness.
- +It is regarded as a benchmark among high-end leather fragrances, offering unmatched depth, sophistication, and a sense of timeless elegance.
- +Its extreme performance means less is needed — only a half spray may be sufficient for a full day’s wear, making it very economical despite high initial cost.
- +True to its parfum strength, it feels luxurious and tightly composed, resembling a wearable painting with multi-dimensional transitions.
Cons
- −Despite frequent comparisons to Tom Ford’s Tuscan Leather, this scent is not identical — yet it can draw skepticism due to the similarity in initial notes, which may disappoint those seeking a radical departure.
- −It is not versatile — its boldness and intensity make it unsuitable for daily wear, casual settings, or hot weather; it's most appropriate for formal or special occasions.
- −It can feel overly intense or even synthetic to some, especially in the dry down, where extremely close contact can make it feel almost cloying or chemically sharp and may linger for days.