Jovan Frankincense and Myrrh Cologne Concentrate
Launched in 1974, Jovan Frankincense and Myrrh Cologne Concentrate offers a retro, spicy escape. It blends bright aldehydes and raspberry with a deep, balsamic foundation of incense and cinnamic musk. Ideal for crisp autumn weather, it suits lovers of classic, cozy scents.
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Performance Metrics
44 VOTESOpen Performance Breakdown 1 TAKE
Stays on skin for five to six hours with moderate sillage, projecting about arm's length before settling into a warm musk.
Notes Pyramid
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A warm, powdery oriental blending soapy aldehydes, carnation, rosewood, and a heavy base of smoky incense, sweet myrrh, and cinnamon.
Main Accords
10 MAPPEDThe warm spicy and balsamic accords dominate, feeling cozy and powdery on skin as they mix with sweet honey and dry moss.
Community Data
93 TOTAL VOTESCOMMUNITY SENTIMENT
OWNERSHIP STATS
GENDER APPEAL
REVIEW SENTIMENT
When to Wear
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OCCASIONS · TAP TO VOTE
It looks easiest to wear in spring and winter. The vote picture leans most toward night.
Pros & Cons
Quick take before you sampleWHY PEOPLE MAY LIKE IT
Offers a lovely, nostalgic 1970s drugstore vibe.
Warm balsamic myrrh and incense feel incredibly cozy.
Soapy aldehyde opening provides a very clean sensation.
Sweet raspberry note adds a playful fruitiness.
Affordable price point for vintage collectors.
Woody rosewood and cinnamon suit chilly autumn days.
Honey and jasmine middle notes introduce a rich, sweet floral dimension.
A base of sandalwood and benzoin creates a smooth, creamy resinous finish.
The bergamot top note adds a brief, refreshing citrus sparkle.
Spicy carnation and powdery iris notes create an intriguing, texturized heart.
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
The sharp aldehyde start can feel too soapy initially.
Longevity is moderate, fading after six hours.
Powdery dry-down might feel dated to modern noses.
The raspberry note disappears very quickly from skin.
Hard to find in pristine, original condition today.
Not suited for formal or professional environments.
Heavy moss and musk base notes make this less suitable for hot spring or summer days.
The citrus bergamot opening evaporates very quickly after application.
An intense combination of amber and warm spicy accords might feel overwhelming to some.
The complex, multi-floral middle of lily of the valley and carnation can smell congested.
Fragranxe Review
EDITORIAL“Retro Warmth: Testing Jovan Frankincense and Myrrh on Skin”
The opening of this vintage formula hits you with a sharp blast of clean aldehydes. It feels very clean, almost soapy, but a distinct hint of tart raspberry immediately cuts through the soapiness. This fruity touch stops the start from feeling too harsh or dated, offering a brief fizz before the heavier elements arrive.
As the scent settles, the floral heart begins to open up. Carnation takes center stage, bringing its signature clove-like spiciness, supported by a sturdy rosewood note. The sweetness here is dusty and dry, thanks to honey and iris, rather than syrupy or modern.
In the dry-down, the true character of the fragrance emerges. The smoky incense and balsamic myrrh create a warm, resinous shield on the skin. Cinnamon and benzoin add a faint kitchen warmth, preventing the incense from smelling too cold or graveyard-like.
This concentrate projects moderately for the first two hours, making it ideal for casual autumn wear. It performs best in cool, crisp air, which coaxes out the woody moss facets. On warm skin, the musky cinnamon lingers for about six hours total.
This is a nostalgic trip best suited for collectors of retro pharmacy classics. It will appeal to anyone tired of modern, sugary gourmands who wants something with a bit of vintage dust. If you dislike soapy openings, however, this will not suit your tastes.
For a drugstore classic, it delivers a surprisingly complex resinous journey. It is a lovely, cozy choice for cold days, offering comfort without demanding too much attention.
FAQs
What does Jovan Frankincense and Myrrh Cologne Concentrate smell like?+
This scent opens with a sharp burst of soapy aldehydes and sweet raspberry. It quickly shifts into a warm heart of carnation and rosewood, before settling into a deep base of smoky incense, myrrh, cinnamon, and cozy musk.
How long does this cologne concentrate stay on the skin?+
You can expect about five to six hours of wear from this bottle. The spicy cinnamon and myrrh notes linger longest, holding close to the skin after the third hour of application.
Is the projection of this fragrance room-filling or quiet?+
It projects moderately, creating a soft scent bubble about arm's length for the first two hours. The soapy aldehyde opening pops noticeably, but the warm amber base soon settles into a personal hug.
For which season is this fragrance best suited?+
The balsamic warmth of benzoin and woody rosewood makes this formula perfect for chilly autumn days and winter nights. Cold air helps tame the sweetness, allowing the smoky facets to shine.
What occasions are best for wearing this scent?+
This is a relaxed, casual choice for cozy nights at home, bookshop visits, or casual walks in the park. The rustic carnation and musk feel too informal for stiff corporate offices or black-tie galas.
Does this fragrance lean more feminine or masculine?+
Though marketed originally to women, the strong incense, woody rosewood, and dry moss accords give it a distinct unisex appeal. Anyone who enjoys old-school spicy orientals can pull this off easily.
Who is the ideal audience for this Jovan release?+
This fits vintage enthusiasts who collect 1970s drugstore classics. Connoisseurs who appreciate heavy balsamic notes like myrrh and benzoin will enjoy its retro charm, while modern gourmand lovers might find it too powdery.
Can you layer this fragrance with other scents?+
Yes, its simple musk and incense base makes it excellent for layering. Try pairing it with a clean vanilla oil to soften the sharp aldehyde opening and enhance the sweet raspberry top note.
How does it compare to modern incense fragrances?+
Modern incense scents tend to be dry, cold, and church-like. This retro formula is much sweeter and softer, utilizing honey, cinnamon, and warm benzoin to create a comfortable, powdery finish.
Is this bottle a good value for the price?+
It offers solid value if you can find it at vintage pricing. The moderate longevity and complex note pyramid of carnation, myrrh, and musk punch well above typical cheap drugstore standards.
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Dupes & Alternatives
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Look to Estee Lauder Youth-Dew for a much heavier spice profile, or Dana Tabu if you want a dirtier, more animalic amber.
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