Recently, a lucky find at a Burlington store uncovered a treasure trove for fragrance enthusiasts: the John Varvatos Artisan line. Stumbling upon not one, but four different fragrances from this celebrated collection, it was an opportunity too good to pass up. Priced incredibly low, these scents promised a dive into the aromatic world of John Varvatos without breaking the bank. But does the allure of a discount price translate to genuine quality and scent appeal? Let’s explore each fragrance in this Artisan collection to determine if they are indeed the steal they appear to be.
The John Varvatos Artisan series is known for its distinctive flask-shaped bottles, wrapped in a mesh-like material that exudes masculinity and tactile appeal. Each fragrance in this line is an Eau de Toilette, designed to offer a lighter, fresher experience, perfect for spring and summer months, though fragrance knows no season, and personal preference always reigns supreme. Let’s delve into the individual scents that make up this intriguing collection.
John Varvatos Artisan Blu: An Aromatic Citrus Dive with a Green Edge
Artisan Blu immediately makes a splash with its aromatic citrus profile. While distinctly fresh, it’s not just another generic citrus scent. There’s a surprising depth here, thanks to subtle spice and woody undertones that introduce a pleasing green nuance. The inclusion of basil, patchouli, and woods lends a light earthiness, adding complexity to the bright opening.
Upon the first spray of Artisan Blu, you’re greeted with a zesty bergamot, intertwined with calming lavender and a slightly bitter orange note, sharpened by the herbal freshness of basil. This vibrant opening gently transitions into a heart where floral hints of geranium and iris emerge, adding a touch of sophistication. The base provides a grounding finish of cedar, patchouli, and a pine-like accord, which contributes to its clean, yet subtly dirty smoothness. Performance-wise, Artisan Blu offers a moderate sillage and projection. Five to six sprays create a noticeable scent bubble that lasts for a solid six hours, eventually settling closer to the skin for the remainder of the day. It’s not overpowering, but consistently present, making it a great choice for daytime wear.
John Varvatos Artisan Acqua: Capturing the Mediterranean Breeze
Artisan Acqua takes you straight to the coast with its aquatic and Mediterranean-inspired character. It’s an aquatic fragrance, but with a unique twist that sets it apart from typical oceanic scents. The blend is so well-integrated that picking out individual notes becomes a delightful challenge, yet the overall impression is clearly citrusy, green, and herbal, with a distinct salty facet that evokes the seaside.
The opening of Artisan Acqua presents a mix of orange and other fruity notes, perhaps grapefruit and an unidentifiable sweetness, creating an initial burst of freshness. Interestingly, woody notes are absent in the forefront, allowing the aquatic and herbal aspects to truly shine. As it dries down, lavender and patchouli emerge, softened by a subtle musk, reinforcing the breezy, beach-like atmosphere. Similar to Artisan Blu, Artisan Acqua offers moderate longevity and sillage, providing a few hours of noticeable fragrance before becoming a more intimate skin scent. It’s the essence of a Mediterranean escape in a bottle.
John Varvatos Artisan Pure: A Refined and Soothing Citrus Woody Blend
Artisan Pure stands out as a highlight within the collection, often vying for the top spot alongside Artisan Black. This fragrance is a sharp, woody citrus scent that manages to be both refined and soothing simultaneously. It’s calming yet undeniably masculine, making it exceptionally versatile.
The initial impression of Artisan Pure is a creamy lemon note, harmonized with bergamot and a hint of orange, creating a bright and inviting opening. The addition of petitgrain brings an earthy undertone, while a touch of ginger adds a subtle spicy warmth. The heart and base are where Artisan Pure truly shines, with woody and amber notes providing structure and depth, complemented by a light musk that adds a touch of sweetness. In terms of performance, Artisan Pure exceeds expectations for a citrus-based fragrance. It projects well for a couple of hours, leaving a noticeable trail, and continues to provide pleasant wafts throughout the day. With 8-10 hours of longevity, and even lingering on clothes the next day, Artisan Pure is a standout performer, garnering compliments and proving its staying power.
John Varvatos Artisan Black: The Elegant and Mysterious Evening Scent
Artisan Black offers a departure into a more sophisticated and evening-appropriate territory. It feels woodier and muskier than its counterparts, yet retains a citrus facet, creating a bridge between freshness and depth. It shares qualities with the other Artisan fragrances but distinguishes itself with a darker, slightly ashy or smoky vibe in the dry down, all while maintaining a touch of sweetness and a hint of leather.
Imagine a sunset gathering, Artisan Black perfectly complements such moments. It’s a fragrance that suggests relaxed elegance, ideal for evening occasions, from grilling outdoors to enjoying cocktails by the water. It’s undeniably masculine yet refined, setting a chill and sophisticated mood. While Artisan Black’s longevity and sillage are decent, it transitions into a skin scent after about 2-3 hours. However, its captivating aroma is still noticeable for 5-6 hours, especially in close encounters. Artisan Black is the go-to choice for those summer evenings when atmosphere and scent should align perfectly.
Final Verdict: Is the John Varvatos Artisan Line Worth It?
While none of the John Varvatos Artisan fragrances are performance beasts, they collectively offer a remarkable range of unique and high-quality scents, particularly for warmer weather. The charm of the Artisan line lies in its nuanced compositions and the sheer value they represent, especially when found at discount retailers like Marshalls, TJ Maxx, or Burlington. If you’re seeking distinctive, well-crafted fragrances that won’t break the bank, exploring the John Varvatos Artisan collection is highly recommended. They embody a blend of uniqueness and affordability, making them a smart choice for expanding your fragrance wardrobe without compromising on scent quality. For those who appreciate smelling great without overspending, the Artisan line proves to be an accessible gateway into sophisticated fragrances.
