Scents are just as personal to a man as they are to a woman and need to make a great first impression. The right cologne is distinctive, masculine, and memorable, yet isn't offensive — and it should give a sense of who you are.
Since the inception of Mont Blanc Starwalker, it's fallen a little under the radar. However, Starwalker has enjoyed a resurgence of sorts to the tune of rave reviews. The fragrance is positively intoxicating, so I thought it deserved a closer look.
Who Makes It?
Starwalker, curated by Michel Almairac's extremely experienced nose, was launched back in 2005 by Mont Blanc. Perfumer Michel Almairac, born in Grasse, France, attended Roure Bertrand Dupont, where he learned about the world of perfume.
"When I was 13/14, I asked to visit a perfume plant and was fascinated by the atmosphere, all the people in their white coats dipping and mixing scents."
- Michel Almairac
Mont Blanc, under the Richemont group umbrella, is a sister company with well-known brands like Baume et Mercier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, and Chloé.
The company started out producing elegant writing instruments in 1906. Today, the Mont Blanc brand is on other products besides pens, including leather goods, watches, jewelry, fragrances, eyewear, and other luxury accessories.
Scent Notes
Mont Blanc Starwalker is a woody and spicy cologne for men. I cited the truly unforgettable opening top notes like bamboo, bergamot, and mandarin orange first. The bergamot gives Starwalker a unique vibe, as it's not an ingredient commonly found in most men's colognes.
The middle notes were equally impressive with cedar, white musk, and sandalwood, while the drying-down phase fostered base notes of fir resin, ginger, amber, and nutmeg.
Packaging
Because cologne is sourced in different batches, sometimes the packaging varies. Interestingly, since the fragrance is an ode to the Mont Blanc Starwalker pens, they are exactly what the cologne's packaging represents.
I found its encasing both attractive and attention-grabbing. The cologne comes presented just like a gift in futuristic blue packaging and inside a clear, simple bottle with a silver top. The Eau De Toilette comes in 2.5 or 1.7-ounce sizes.
Personal Impressions
The overall impression of this Mont Blanc cologne is that it's a fantastic fragrance for the price. I'm especially partial to the citrus and bergamot combination.
With its citrus and woodsy fragrances, I found that Mont Blanc Starwalker has similarities to Versace Man Eau Fraiche EDT.
As the cologne wears, the woody notes of cedar and sandalwood finish it off nicely. The addition of the zingy ginger is also worth mentioning. All in all, I'd be happy to purchase this as a gift for the men in my family. Don't tell the guys, but this fragrance is so versatile, I feel women can wear it too.
Performance
It's important how a fragrance wears. Some wear off so quickly the buyer feels they've wasted their money.
Performance-wise, Mont Blanc's Starwalker a so non-intrusive and light; you'll know it's there, but you don't get enveloped by the aroma. It starts a little strong but abruptly settles into a three to four-foot radius for the sillage.
Starwalker wears relatively steady for at least four to five hours, which is good comparative longevity with other men's fragrances I've reviewed.
Who Would Like It?
Although it's been in production for years, Mont Blanc Starwalker is a fragrance that appeals to a new generation of men and those of all ages would enjoy it.
This cologne gives the impression of a self-confident man, certain of his goals, with a positive attitude and a zest for life. Someone magnetizing.
Give it as a gift for any occasion — the men in your life won't be disappointed.
Where Should You Wear It?
A marker of an outstanding men's fragrance is how versatile the wear is. Mont Blanc Starwalker is one you can wear either on a daily basis or occasionally on vacation, for formal meetings, and also for informal gatherings.
Other reviewers say it's a fragrance for spring and summer due to its citrusy overtones. When I tested Starwalker for myself, the impression I got was the versatility for wear during any season. With that said, the upcoming holidays are a prime opportunity to give this fragrance to the men in your life.
In closing, I find Mont Blanc Starwalker is a well put together fragrance, not stuffy or overbearing but at the same time, it's invigorating enough to command attention.
During my research, I discovered Mont Blanc's other signature fragrance, Individual, which began marketing in 2003 and is now presently discontinued. I hope Starwalker doesn't suffer the same fate in the future.
Shop for Mont Blanc Starwalker now.
Born and raised in Austin, David is a dedicated writer and avid fragrance lover. When he's not trying out perfumes, he enjoys traveling and exploring new restaurants.
