Russian Leather Eau de Parfum Memo Paris

From the title, I was hoping to get: Rocky running through the forest, being chased by Russian guards, ending with climbing to the mountain top screaming with fury "DRAGO!!!" Sadly, there was no Rocky, no danger, nothing remotely leathery. Just making a snow angel in a snowy Russian forest. This needs a flanker that is full of steroids like Ivan Drago. Ramp up the leather. Where is the musk? Memo, you can do this. If I can change... (Russian translation) And you can change... (Russian translation followed by slow claps) Then Russian Leather can change!!! (Russian translation & elation, and standing ovation) Cue "Hearts on Fire" by John Cafferty & the Beaver Brown Band and get ready for the dramatic still shot, before fading to black.

Described by the brand as a "frozen fougère", this really hits the mark. If you've tried other scents in the "Russian leather" genre, don't expect this to smell like those, because this has nothing to do with that style of perfume except in name. This is more of a classic fougère but with pine, cypress, and mint amped up a lot to give it that cold and astringent feel. There is not much leather in here at all.

There's really not that much more I can say about it expect that I think you should try it out if you are a fougère and barbershop-style fragrance fan but want something different to what you usually smell, and especially if you want a fougère that is great for winter.

So beautiful. Stunning, spicy. Pine needles, peppermint and nutmeg make it a perfect choice for Christmas. But you could wear it all winter. A fougère with a tantalizing leather aspect, one could even say a tobacco accord. Exquisite. Must buy.

Aromatic, Woody with a bit of sweetness.
So accustomed to the perpetual citrus opening of most colognes, I was shocked by Russian Leather.
No introductions, bam! Pine, lavender, tonka bean, basil all in your face at once. And yet, it's an organized multitude.
At first it's like entering a forest, your nose adjust to the surroundings, the green, resins, woods. Then as you go deeper and deeper into the woods, you find solitude, a sense of calm and safety. Tonka bean, guaiac wood, patchouli, nutmeg, they create a warm, cozy sanctuary.
Pure bliss.

Leather? No... Russian? Maybe... well made? Yes..

In a nutshell... RL is a slow walk through a freshly snow covered forest. A frozen fougere scents fills the air... an occasional aromatic, fresh, clean and creamy note is carried by the cold breeze... with every fresh foot print you leave in the snow...

RL is a very complex and well crafted scent with good projection and longevity on my skin. Works well in a sports coat or trendy casual attire

Overall, not a bad scent, but not ground breaking and not worth the retail price IMO.

Bottom line: If you like the frozen fougere idea, try a sample of this. If you are looking for leather, look elsewhere.