Parfums de Marly Percival (2023) Full Review – Gentleman’s Quality
Parfums de Marly Percival.
A niche fragrance with blue fragrance qualities.
Experience this perfume through prominent amber, woody, and aromatic accords. It has above-average performance and near all-season wear.
This is one of the best colognes for when you want to attract attention but retain the smell of luxury. This review will describe its smell and performance and if it’s the right choice for you.
Table of Contents
Quick Summary
- Ultra-likable and compliment-getting
- The long-lasting and average projection
- Higher quality than other blue fragrances
- Based on prominent citrus, aromatic, and ambroxan accords
- Very versatile and wearable
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What Does Parfums de Marly Percival Smell Like?
The opening starts with a blast of fresh citruses and floral lavender. Bergamot is noticeable in the background as it contributes a slightly spicy kick. Other citruses temper its strength, never allowing it to come to the forefront.
The floral lavender is particularly enjoyable. It comes off as very clean and authentic. Pairing perfectly with the fresh citruses and emphasizing the vibrance of the opening.
As the top notes settle, wafts of musk and ambroxan spew from the base. Both will be at full strength later in the wear.
The heart of the fragrance starts to develop after 15 minutes. Ambroxan jumps to the forefront, pushing the citruses into the background. They lend more of their fresh accents than actual smell at this point.
The lavender from the top gives way to the greater whole of aromatics. Most contribute floral accents, but the background has a fleeting green tone.
One of the most interesting parts of the mid is the use of hedione. It has been shown in research to act as almost a pheromone. Yet, I am unsure how much this translates into scent and attractivity.
Over time the smell is continuously more ambroxan-dominated. Pushing the aromatic florals into the background.
As the dry-down develops, it is dominated by subtle ambroxan and aromatic nuances for the rest of the wear.
TOP NOTES
- Bergamot
- Mandarin Orange
- Pink Pepper
HEART NOTES
- Lavender
- Geranium
- Cardamom
BASE NOTES
- Balsam Fir
- Woody Spices
- Tonka Bean
Performance
Percival lasts 8 – 10 hours on the skin and projects moderately during that time. It isn’t a scent that fills a room, but it leaves a pleasantly sized scent bubble around you for the first few hours.
You can bless your co-workers with your scent but not consume them.
After this period, it recedes closer to the skin, never becoming a skin scent.
This is wearable all year round. It excels in the spring, summer, and fall but becomes weak in the winter. I recommend spraying more on and not wearing it on the coldest days.
As for occasions, it is excellent for all. As eluded to earlier, it is mild enough for office wear. Sophisticated enough for special occasions and “dressed down” enough for everyday casual wear. A true blue fragrance from a niche brand.
Since it has blue fragrance qualities, it takes away from its uniqueness. Compared to Dior Sauvage and Bleu de Chanel, the scents are similar but not identical. The most noticeable difference is the quality.
Percival is definitely ambroxan-heavy and ultra-wearable. Yet, Parfums de Marly has done an excellent job at differentiating itself.
If you know anything about blue fragrances, you’ll know they are ultra-likable. It is no different here. This is both inoffensive and turns heads without shouting for attention.
You can think of it as a gentleman’s compliment-getter.
Is Parfums de Marly Percival Worth It?
The aroma is excellent. It is high-quality, versatile, easily wearable, and long-lasting. On the flip side, it is expensive compared to other designer blue fragrances.
Besuited Aroma recommends this as a buy but not a must-have. It’s priced twice as much to get a similar effect as the best blue fragrances.
Percival is great for when you’re sick of traditional blue fragrances. Yet, still want to enjoy a similar smell and easy wearability.
How Do The People Rate Parfums de Marly Percival?
Don’t just trust me; what do the masses think? This information is pulled from fragrantica.com. Providing a general estimate of what others think.
At the time of writing, Percival has 2,013 votes with a rating of 4.18 stars out of 5. Based on the cost-for-value metric, it is rated as overpriced.
Here are the top three pros and cons:
PROS
- A perfect signature scent for some people
- Very versatile scent
- Compliments in any situation and weather
CONS
- Can be considered overpriced
- Not worth the price for some people
- Not unique compared to other PDM fragrances
Presentation
The current sample I am reviewing was bought from Parfums de Marly’s website. It is one of seven in their men’s discovery set. These are seven 1.5mL bottles of their most popular colognes.
Shown below are the box and bottle of Percival Parfums de Marly. The bottle is dark royal blue with a silver cap. The box is matching blue with silver stripes. The batch code will be on the bottom of both the box and bottle.
History
Parfums de Marly’s brand was founded in 1743 in France. You can say they have experience, to say the least.
From Parfums de Marly, “Each fragrance has its own olfactory signature, developed from a palette of noble ingredients. The splendor of the 18th century through a prism of modern vision.”
PDM Percival was released in 2018 and created by Hamid Merati-Kashani. Percival is one of a kind for the brand as it has no flankers.
FAQs
Where Should I Buy Parfums de Marly Percival?
How Many Sprays Should I Apply?
3 Sprays.
What Fragrances are Similar to Parfums de Marly Percival?
Montblanc Legend.
Conclusion
Parfums de Marly Percival is a high-quality fragrance worth it for the right person. Is it redundant to own this and other popular blue fragrances? To a degree. If you’re chasing after attention and compliments, buy designer.
If you’re looking for ultra-wearability and quality, Percival is an excellent choice. Once you know what you want out of your fragrance, this decision will become easy.
After you try Percival, let me know what you think down below. I’d love to hear your thoughts.