Wood, fire, ice, air… and now rain. No, we haven’t gone into the weather forecasting business here at Dapper Confidential. We’re giving you a quick run-through of some of the iterations of the Bvlgari Man range.
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The Italian luxury jewellery brand’s collection launched in 2010 with Bvlgari Man EDT.
Releases since 2018 have focused on natural elements – Bvlgari Man Wood Essence EDP (2018), Bvlgari Man Wood Neroli EDP (2019), Bvlgari Man Glacial Essence EDP (2020) and Bvlgari Man Terrae Essence EDP (2021).
In our Bvlgari Man Rain Essence EDP review, we tell you all about the latest addition (2023) to the line, plus recommend similar options and the best flankers.
Scent Notes (According to the Brand)
Green tea essence, orange essence (top); white lotus accord; crystalline musk accord (middle); mineral amber accord, guaiac wood essence (base).
Perfumer
Where does one start with Alberto Morillas, creator of all the fragrances in the Bvlgari Man range and several others for the company?
Born in Seville, Spain, in 1950, the master perfumer has notched up an impressive CV of classics with his finely tuned instinct for commercial success and knowledge of natural and synthetic ingredients.
There’s a good chance you’ve worn one of his many creations in his career that spans more than five decades (he’s worked for Firmenich, the Swiss fragrance and flavour company, since 1970). Earlier successes include Cartier Panthère de Cartier Parfum (1986) and Cartier Must de Cartier II EDT (1993).
If you want to know why Alberto Morillas is still so in demand, look at this list of achievements:
- Calvin Klein cK One EDT (1994)
- Estée Lauder Pleasures EDP (1995)
- Tommy Hilfiger Tommy EDT (1995)
- Giorgio Armani Acqua di Giò EDT (1996)
- Givenchy PI EDT (1998)
- Kenzo Flower by Kenzo EDP (2000)
- Mugler Cologne EDT (2001)
- Yves Saint Laurent M7 EDT (2002)
- Marc Jacobs Daisy EDT (2007)
- Amouage Journey Man EDP (2014)
- Versace Pour Homme Dylan Blue EDT (2016)
- Salvatore Ferragamo Uomo EDT (2016)
- Penhaligon’s The Tragedy of Lord George EDP (2016)
- Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Eau Intense Pour Homme (2017)
- Gucci Guilty Absolute EDP (2017)
- Gucci Bloom EDP (2017)
- Kilian Dark Lord EDP (2018)
There’s a good reason why uber-vlogger Jeremy Fragrance worked with him to create his own range, Fragrance.One.
The busiest man in the biz was awarded the Prix François Coty in 2003 and The Fragrance Foundation (USA) Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013. In 2015, he launched his own niche range, the Switzerland-based Mizensir, allowing him to create without the pressures and demands of commercial briefs.
Inspiration
“An ode to the transformative power of rain. Bvlgari Man Rain Essence is an invitation to experience the unstoppable creative force of water through the transformative and regenerative power of rain.
A fresh, woody, musk signature paying homage to the thrilling and invigorating lively trail of this natural element in an olfactive crescendo.” – brand website.
Who Would Like It
Looking for reliable quality? You can’t go wrong with Bvlgari Man Rain Essence EDP.
If you’re wanting a dose of the petrichor effect due to this fragrance’s name, sorry, you’ll have to look elsewhere for that.
Where To Wear It
It works well in the warmer months and is versatile from the a.m. to the p.m.
You can wear it to the gym, office, and after-hours dates with elegant ease.
Packaging & Presentation
The bottle gets a sleekly solid transparent glass bottle and silver twistable top look. The silver box with dark blue font completes the stylish package.
Personal Impressions
The opening is slightly citric (orange) and somewhat green and herbal (green tea). The latter features often in Bvlgari fragrances, which should come as no surprise – the brand has the distinction of launching the first tea scent in 1992 (the Jean-Claude Ellena creation Bvlgari Eau Parfumée Au Thé Vert EDC).
Alberto Morillas also used the note to great effect in Calvin Klein cK One EDT, which he co-created with Harry Frémont.
The white lotus accord contributes a floral and aquatic aspect, without going overboard on the waterworks.
The perfumer is known for his love of and expertise with musks and while there’s plenty of that powderiness here, it’s not overpowering.
The warm amber accord in the drydown is joined by the musky-spicy tones of guaiac wood.
It’s not particularly complex but not everything has to be complicated to be effective.
The overall effect is stylish and classy. If we’re being fussy (us?) and literal, it doesn’t necessarily make us think of rain when we wear it. But it certainly has the rejuvenating qualities of that element, so mission accomplished.
Similar Fragrances To Consider
We’re in freshie territory here, so no shortage of options.
Keeping with Bvlgari, there’s Aqua Pour Homme EDT (2005).
The French brand Berdoues is always reasonably priced so we give the thumbs up to Berdoues Selva do Brazil EDP (2015), Berdoues Scorza di Sicilia EDP (2015) and Berdoues Azur Riviera EDP (2019).
If there’s one designer brand that does freshies to perfection, it’s John Varvatos. Take your pick from any of the following: John Varvatos Artisan EDT (2009), John Varvatos Artisan Acqua EDT (2013), John Varvatos Artisan Blu EDT (2016) and John Varvatos Artisan Pure EDT (2017).
Other top-notch designers include: Chanel Allure Homme Sport EDT (2004), Versace Man Eau Fraiche EDT (2006), Carven L’Eau Intense EDT (2016), Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Forever Pour Homme EDP (2021) and Hermès Terre d'Hermès Eau Givrée EDP (2022).
Feeling posh and have lots of dosh? Creed Millésime Impérial EDP (1995), Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Bergamotto di Calabria EDP (2010), Nishane Ambra Calabria Extrait de Parfum (2015), Tom Ford Sole di Positano EDP (2017), Parfums de Marly Sedley EDP (2019) and Atelier des Ors Riviera Drive EDP (2019) should take care of you.
Other Fragrances in the Bvlgari Man Range
With his credentials, Alberto Morillas is one of the few perfumers to create the original and all subsequent flankers in ranges such as Giorgio Armani Acqua di Giò, Gucci Bloom and Bvlgari Man. Perhaps it’s part of the contract when he wins yet another brief.
Those marked with a star have been discontinued but are well worth seeking out.
However, don’t pay crazy money for them just because we recommend them.
Bvlgari Man EDT* (2010)
The line makes its debut and sets the tone for future additions with its chic feel. Includes standout notes of violet leaf, bergamot, vetiver, Cashmeran, and honey.
Bvlgari Man in Black EDP (2014)
One of the best iterations (even for niche snobs), it opens with an irresistible trio of spice, rum and tobacco notes. They’re perfectly blended and balanced.
The sensual mood continues with smooth leather and a hint of powdery iris. The tonka bean, guaiac wood and benzoin notes in the drydown have a sophisticated vanilla-ish facet.
A snug treat.
Bvlgari Man Black Orient EDP* (2016)
Lots of spice, leather and oud + a bit of rum booziness and florals (tuberose, rose) = oriental with major sex appeal.
Bvlgari Man Black Cologne EDT* (2016)
Rum meets the freshness and greenery of citrus, then deftly contrasted with the sunny white florals of tuberose and orange blossom.
An amber accord, benzoin and sandalwood up the creamy warmth.
Intriguing…
Bvlgari Man Wood Essence EDP (2018)
After all that boozy rum-iness, the range takes a more sober direction with a trio of woodiness – cypress, cedar, vetiver – supported by the fresh spiciness of lemon and coriander.
The balsamic warmth of benzoin in the drydown adds sensuality to the mix, without getting too sweet.
Signature scent material, if that’s your thing.
Bvlgari Man Wood Neroli EDP (2019)
A citrusy spin on its predecessor. Neroli, bergamot and orange work in unison to set a fresh, sunny scene. The woody aspect comes through in the form of Virginia cedarwood and cypriol oil.
There's a big dose of Ambrox in this creation, which, depending on your view on this synthetic form of ambergris, will be good or bad news. It's enhanced by a white musk note.
Not the most exciting fragrance, but it will make you feel good.
Bvlgari Man Glacial Essence EDP (2020)
No prizes for guessing that with a name like Glacial Essence, this 2020 release is a freshie.
Juniper berries, cool and aromatic, stand out in the opening. There's a hint of spicy ginger in the background. A note of Australian sandalwood brings creamy smoothness to the composition, while orris root does its powdery thing.
And now for some science (which perfumery is often about). Clearwood features in the drydown. This synthetic molecule from Firmenich is a softer and airier version of patchouli and completes the scent in a clean and modern way.
Bvlgari Man Terrae Essence EDP (2021)
With the Earth as its starting point, there’s a whole lot of earthiness going on in this EDP.
Zesty citron leads the way to vetiver and orris concrete, their woodiness complemented by just the right amount of sensual smokiness and spiciness via resinous styrax.
Seemingly straightforward stuff, but compelling nevertheless in a dry style.
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Richard Goller is a fragrance and grooming blogger. His blog is called Fragroom. A senior editor with 20 years' experience, his blog allows him to combine two of his passions: engaging content and the always-intriguing world of fragrances. When he isn't blogging, you'll find Richard indulging in his newly found passion for balcony gardening.