Chinatown by Bond No. 9: Perfume Review / Fragrance Review

[KingPharroh]

So you think this Chinatown perfume would be god for a guy?

[KatiePuckrikSmells]

@KingPharroh I know guys who wear it. You have to love sweetness and fruit in a fragrance to be able to love wearing it. It does have enough woodiness in it to ground it so it's not a big puffball fragrance.

[flowergurly1]

LOL when they find their sugar daddy! No kidding! ;)

[leeyah87]

Just sampled this today and there is *something* about it that reminds me of Serge Lutens Un Bois Vanille. The woodiness, perhaps?

[Leenece]

Love your videos and sense of humor, Katie! Would you please do a review of at least one of the following Bond fragrances: West Side, Nuits de Noho, Fashion Avenue? Thank you!

[originalparafan]

Hey Katie's nose, i need your help! I've been so turned on by the whole sweet stuff + touch of sexy spice lately. Flowerbomb is my favorite, it's feminine and sweet enough for me but it's not boring, it has that sexy quirk provided by the patchouli. I was wondering if you can point me in the direction of scents like this, maybe a step up from flowerbomb. Is chinatown a good option as well? I was kind of thinking Angel, but have read too many horror story reviews and have yet to sniff it!

[KatiePuckrikSmells]

@originalparafan Chinatown could work, but it's much bigger on the quirk-factor than Flowerbomb. If you want to stay in Flowerbomb's sweet/soft/feminine range with a slice o' quirk on the side, I heartily recommend Organza Indécence by Givenchy. It is unutterably gorgeous. Angel is great, but the smell is HUGE. You might try Angel Innocent for a slightly toned-down version that still smells great.

[Figure5InGold]

This decidedly-not-a-young'n loves your videos, Katie. Since the perfume industry had the rug pulled out from under it with the $&!# recent regulations and the whole beautiful art of perfumery is taking a sad nosedive, I rely on your reviews more than ever. Plus, you're just so damn smart and funny. I hope you'll keep it up. Thank you!

[KatiePuckrikSmells]

@Figure5InGold I really appreciate your plaudits - gives me the will to keep on sniffin'...

[sampantha7]

Katie, Would you recommend the Bond No. 9 Bon Bon gift set? I'm new to Bond and would love to try their fragrances, but didn't know if that would be a good option.

[KatiePuckrikSmells]

@sampantha7 That is indeed a good way to explore Bond No. 9, since they have so many fragrances in their line. Do a little research on MakeupAlley and Basenotes to narrow down your choices to the ones that would suit you the best.

[baudilus]

It smells like cotton candy and fireworks to me.

[MichaelGonzal]

I dont understand why people believe Chinatown to be "unique". My grandmother wore Opium by Yves Saint Laurent for as long as I can remember and theres no doubt that Chinatown is about 70% the same scent. They've just added a bit of florals and made it lighter. Is it good? Yes. Unique? NOOOOOOO.

[chelseaguy52]

Whatever became of Jungle Gardenia?

[KatiePuckrikSmells]

@chelseaguy52 I've seen it online.

[arachnesweave]

I get a lot of peach, but also a little nag champa when I wear this. It's a favorite. Love it!

[KatiePuckrikSmells]

@arachnesweave You're right, there is a little incense exotica in there.

[kragey]

"For the kids at Sephora": realizing this makes me sounds like a youngin' with no class, this is one of the reasons I prefer to buy from indie sellers who home-blend and sell on Etsy or Sephora: cheap but unique stuff. As much as I love Chinatown (stole a spritz from a friend 2 or 3 times), $170 is just completely unreasonable for a single perfume unless you DO have a sugar daddy. $20-30 for a rollerball? I'd actually pay that.

[KatiePuckrikSmells]

@kragey Cheap but unique is a happenin' combo. So is decanting from your friend's jumbo bottle of Chinatown. You can buy little purse-sized spritzers from Sephora, Nordstrom, and online, and your friend will be kind enough to share the goods, I'm sure!

[rebecky]

Hi Katie!

I was wondering if you could offer your thoughts on Bond No. 9's signature perfume (the one in the gold bottle with the bond logo all over it)?

[KatiePuckrikSmells]

@rebecky Is that the oud one? The one time I tried it, it struck me as big and blocky and harsh. I want to try it again, though, because I'm usually pretty keen on rose/oud scents. How did it strike you?

[manasnit]

thanks for the review.

by ther way, i really like you lipstick color. What brand or color was it?

[KatiePuckrikSmells]

@manasnit It's been a while, I'm not sure. It might be Givenchy Beige Champagne lipstick mixed with Bobbi Brown Petal gloss.

[dangledog]

Hi kp You make such interesting videos! Best Wishes to you!

[KatiePuckrikSmells]

@dangledog Thanks, DD!

[fabulousme4ever]

i have it, its smells like chinez flower i think ;) and i have the golden one bond no.9 nyc i like it more ...

[domperrier]

'If they hire me as a consultant' -I'm sure you've gotten lots of offers!lol

[WuManGroup]

hey im looking for a fragrance for my girlfriend, would this be a fitting fragrance for a 20 year old university student who is mature but playful? are there anything else you recommend from either niche or designer? thanks alot for your time!!

[KatiePuckrikSmells]

@WuManGroup Chinatown would be an excellent and very generous choice. She'll be thrilled! And I'm always recommending Lady Vengeance by Juliet Has a Gun, cuz it's one of my favorites. It's beautiful, a little sultry, and a bit sweet but not too sweet. You can check out my review of it.

[SayItLoud19]

That would be a great idea they could make a cute small bottles and a much more affordable price.I think that could be a hit.I love Andy Warhol's Sucess is a Job in New York what a great unique scent.I would love a small bottle of it or a perfume oil in it.Great review I totally think guys can rock this scent.

[KatiePuckrikSmells]

@SayItLoud19 Yeah!

[111beatgirl]

My boyfriend gave me Bryant Park by Bond No. 9. At first I hated it because it reminded me of a cheap perfumy soap. But with a little bit of time I actually came to like it, thou still not fond of it - it is too girly. Little Italy and Wall Street are better smelling.

[coffeeboob]

maybe you could use the box to hold "bond-bonds"!

Katie, I loved your earlier short quick quirky vids, good for a laugh, but this sort of toned down exploration is a whole lot more useful in understanding the frag and if I'd actually want to smell it. Thanks!

PS - your manicured nails did not go unnoticed ;-)

[KatiePuckrikSmells]

@coffeeboob Thanks for your feedback on my vid styles - very helpful! And yeah, I did whip out the polish for my "hand model" close-up, haha...

[lush4makeup]

I smelled this perfume the other day in a department store and really loved it!! How are the rest of the Bond. No. 9 perfumes? Any-others that are as nice?

[KatiePuckrikSmells]

@lush4makeup I admit to getting a tad overwhelmed when confronted with the kajillion Bonds all at once. There are many nice ones in this line, but I've not gotten around to trying them all. Fire Island is a nice suntan-oil jasmine. New Haarlem is a good thick coffee, Andy Warhol Silver Factory is a dense incense and iris number, & Saks for Her is nice peachy tuberose. The easiest thing is to ask the SA to show you around the line.

[lion03heart]

@KatiePuckrikSmells Hey Katie I smelled this at Saks it was great very fruity , they do carry the by Killian line and I was'nt very impress with the Back to Black ..... I felt that I smelled it before... Love the Chinatown though I may get it Love you

[TwinkleLuvsMakeup]

Gorgeous! 

[AP0LL0edc]

Hi Katie! Another awesome review! I'm in Ontario, Canada and just found a retailer that carries Bond No.9 and a few other niche brands. My wife and I are celebrating our 10 year anniversary this week and I would like to buy her a niche fragrance as part of her gift. She currently has Dior Poison and Marc Jacobs Daisy. She expressed interest in a light powdery/floral scent for the summer or year-round day wear. Is there anything from your depth of knowledge and experience that you can suggest?

[KatiePuckrikSmells]

@AP0LL0edc Happy 10th anniversary - how wonderful! The following fragrances are all AMAZING powdery florals:

Kenzo Flower

Kenzo Flower Essentielle

Chanel No. 5 Eau Première

Penhaligons Amaranthine

[KatiePuckrikSmells]

@LoriFLA Thanks, me darlin'. Hmm...wouldn't say Chinatown is "sexy", but what the hell, if the person wearing it is sexy, then the smell is sexy automatically.

[bibiko77]

I am gonna have to rewrite this... i love love your reviews! Once again, a review from a talented and sparkling spirit and young and beautiful woman! We crave for your reviews! i am more a chanel kind of woman(from 28 and now iam 33). I d like to hear your views either on a video either on a comment (for which i thank you, you always reply) about cristalle edt-edp and eau verte, all together! I like edt but i doesnt last at all! Edp is nice but with no caracter or mystery like edt.Such a shame!

[KatiePuckrikSmells]

@bibiko77 Thanks for your lovely tribute! I'm a Cristalle edt fan - wore if for years when I was a teenager. I like your idea of doing a comparative Cristalle review. I'll look into it!

[matildajr]

Love the longer, more informative review format. Thanks Katie for focusing on the niche stuff!! Can you review The Different Company's Sublime Balkiss? I just scored some from Barneys and have heard it compared to TM's Angel. I don't get it!!

[KatiePuckrikSmells]

@matildajr What? I've never picked up an Angel reference in Sublime Balkiss. How odd.

[LynziMarieMakeup]

sheesh... that sounds like a pretty fragrance but $200? Ouch.

[KatiePuckrikSmells]

@LynziMarieMakeup Yeah, ouch. It does come in smaller sizes, 7oz for $80, which is still pretty ouch.

[Kerosenetrewthe]

@KatiePuckrikSmells Oooh, 7oz's for $80! That's a nice deal! Sign me up! :P

[OJ556]

it's a bit epensive to wear to a baseball game

[KatiePuckrikSmells]

@OJ556 It's pricey, no doubt, but the fragrance is very playful and festive and good for outdoors (because it can be strong). So big outdoor fun gatherings are a pretty good match for the scent, I think.

[oliveeleven]

I really like the more serious/introspective approach of this review. I love your older reviews too, of course, but I'd love if you continued on in this new manner. Congrats on your channel's success!

[KatiePuckrikSmells]

@oliveeleven So glad you're watching! You share the credit for the success!

[pigasus27]

I just got a sample of Chinatown and it's very interesting. It veers towards the feminine side - in my opinion - but not enough to keep a guy from wearing it. The pink bottle is probably the biggest obstacle that keeps the fellas for wearing it. Thank you for uploading this review!

[KatiePuckrikSmells]

@pigasus27 Thanks for checking in, p27!

[lush4makeup]

Hahah..."dead eels." sounds like you've "smelled" China-town in NYC !! :P

[theluxegirl1234]

What do you think of the perfumes elizabeth Arden red door revealed and sjp NYC

[ericsgonzalez]

Loving the HD and the Black Orchid too

[Appalachianitis]

Your reviews entertain me so much. Very enjoyable. And I'm tired, so goodnight, Katie.

[Evange]

Chinatown is a nice smell, but not $210 nice.

[KatiePuckrikSmells]

@Evange It's a sock in the wallet, for sure. The cheaper option is the $80 purse spray.

[inkfantasy]

katie, after re-watching this video, i think its really messed up how you label & stereotype all of Chinatown to smell like "dead eels, live chicken, & strange nick nacks.." you're giving the community a negative outlook.. ;-/

[KatiePuckrikSmells]

@inkfantasy Good point - I'd hate for anyone to misunderstand me. I'm certainly not labeling a community, here. I'm talking about an area filled with stores that exude pungent smells: fishmonger's, butcher's, souvenir shops selling incense, herbal powders and plastic toys.

Like all of Bond No. 9 scents, Chinatown is named after an area, so I was reflecting on some of the aromas I've encountered while strolling around Mott and Mulberry Streets in NYC.

[miziroo]

You look beautiful!

[heythepixies]

I really like when your videos are a bit longer. Thanks for another great review!

[iloveharrypotter4evr]

Hey Katie,

Are those oil burners in the background on the white dresser (which is also quite lovely by the way) ? I see a faint flickering of candle light but I'm not sure if it's just a candle or an oil burner . Hey, there's another idea for a video...oil burners! Well, anyways I just wanted to say that I really enjoy your freestyle videos just as much as your scripted ones. They both are great but in different ways.

xo,

S

[KatiePuckrikSmells]

@iloveharrypotter4evr Glad you're enjoying my "many moods of fume reviews"! I have candles in the background - unscented ones. I can't burn anything with a smell because I have so many perfumes to research and evaluate.

[hannanewf]

I love Chinatown - and who can resist that bottle? It is lovely but so strong! I find that to be the common denominator of the line, their overwhelming power in both sillage and longevity, and I love strong, strange perfumes. When you said you sprayed it all over your arms I almost got a headache! I find Silver Factory very wearable on my skin, but Chinatown is better sprayed on a cotton ball somewhere in my vicinity.

[KatiePuckrikSmells]

@hannanewf Hah, "contact headache"! Now that *is* a strong perfume!

[daiggans]

I would love to try this. I love when perfumes have strange little twists in them. It makes them unique and they feel more special to me.

[ecoprincess4]

hahahaah thank gosh it doesnt smell like dead eels...... :) this sounds really pretty

[KatiePuckrikSmells]

@ecoprincess4 It's pretty and distinctive. I do like cooked freshwater eels, though, but not as a perfume!

[criminalmindxxxx]

Great review. I'm a guy, and I can sometimes wear this during the winter.

[GriffinWolf2008]

I would so buy this if I didn't have so much perfume already lol

[grandallegro]

Hi katie- what do you think of Michael Kors original perfume?

[AnastasiaRuby]

The Tokyo Milk fragrances are meant for both women and men, and some of them are really sweet. Their 'Honey and the Moon' is really sweet (honey, sugared violet, jasmine & sandalwood)...I can't really imagine it on a man though!

[theotherteddy]

You are just glowing. Your skin is amazing! Love, love, love your reviews!!!

[KatiePuckrikSmells]

@theotherteddy Thanks very much indeed!

[Hananita88]

Love ur makeup :)

[dangledog]

Very Nice video!

[nashanas7]

Excellent

[trakat77]

I just love your videos. You were born for this! Well, and I'm sure other things, but you're definitely a natural in front of the camera. :o) Informative & hilarious. Keep 'em coming...I love sampling perfumes and your videos are so helpful..& always bring a smile. xo

[KatiePuckrikSmells]

@trakat77 Thanks for your wonderful compliments!

[4TheLuvOfBillyElliot]

You recommended this to me a few weeks ago and now I want it more than ever. Where can I get it in Australia? I have tried every store, even the department stores.

[Gevedon]

Aw, Hi Katie!

I didn't notice!

Thanks!

Elizabeth~

[videowizard]

"A secret stash of poison" and "playground pusher style", Katie you are a hoot! LOL Your reviews are the best! Thanks for the re-upload!

[KatiePuckrikSmells]

@KamInTransit Boy, they sure move fast on those TV first dates, don't they? I do like that Allure Homme Edition Blanche, but never really keyed into a sexy drydown. I need to spray some on and check it out. My perfume pen pal Dan wears it as his farmer's market fragrance.

[inkfantasy]

whos dan? does he have a blog/video page too? =)

[KatiePuckrikSmells]

@inkfantasy Dan Rolleri contributes to my blog, KatiePuckrikSmells dot c o m. We have a running dialogue/sqees/squabbles about all kinds of fragrance. He has over a hundred bottles of perfume, and I think his girlfriend has about 3.

[sakuraness]

Love what you're wearing! And it's super interesting to hear about gender bending perfumes! I am happy to know not all men like to drench themselves in Axe spray.

[KatiePuckrikSmells]

@sakuraness Plenty of Axe-drenchers are younger guys who don't realize that there are gazillions of mind-blowing options out there for actually smelling deeeeeelightful.

[NegraBendita]

what's up with the new upload?

[KatiePuckrikSmells]

@NegraBendita There was a sound problem on the original upload, so here's take 2....

[MakeupSista]

so do you think this is aiged at youth or women over 30?

[KatiePuckrikSmells]

@MakeupSista It's a sophisticated fruity floral that would be great for teens, but it's funky-meets-elegant enough for women, too.