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Today is a special day because I am about to quickly introduce you to one of my favourite fragrance houses, Jacques Bogart. The selected fragrance for this review is One Man Show (OMS) Ruby Edition, which forms part of the OMS line.
In addition to the Ruby Edition, the line consists of the original 1980 One Man Show, Oud Edition, Gold Edition and Emerald Edition. I have also heard of a newly released and mysterious 24K Edition’, but I have yet to find any reliable information about it, so I am not counting that one.
Where to buy?
This is quite an elusive fragrance; it comes and goes like the seasons. One moment you will see it everywhere before it quickly goes out of stock and disappears for six months, so purchase it while you can. The price will fluctuate depending on availability, but it is generally considered to be a cheapie.
When it comes to getting the best deal, your best bet is almost always the discounters — especially when they’re running coupon codes. And the one that’s never let me down is FragranceX.
They ship worldwide, they only deal in authentic stock, and they’ve got a solid 30-day return policy, which keeps things risk-free.
Prices do move around (sometimes daily, especially during holiday sales), so it’s always worth checking the current deal. 👇
Presentation
Those who regularly read my blog will know I am a sucker for classic fragrances, so it will come as no surprise to you that I love the overall presentation of this. The bottle design, along with the logo, has a retro 80s feel to it. I am not a massive fan of the colour, but it is the most appropriate given that this is a ruby-themed scent.
The scent
The notes, according to Fragrantica, are listed below.
Top Notes – Green Apple, Lavender, Orange Leaf
Middle Notes – Incense, Labdanum, Saffron
Base Notes – Honey, Agarwood (oud), Red Cedar
The opening is very sweet and fruity, and I can pick up mainly apple and berry-type notes. The base notes become more prominent as it matures, particularly the incense, honey and saffron. I can also detect a cheeky whiff of oud somewhere in there, although it is faint.
I have read other reviews saying this is a crowd-pleaser, and I beg to differ. I believe it’s a ballsy and somewhat controversial scent that attempts to stand out from the crowd and succeeds. It’s not something I usually gravitate towards, nor is it particularly manly, but it’s fun, and I do like it. This may suit a younger, flamboyant man rather than someone like me who prefers the more traditional scents. If you are the kind of guy who is daring and likes to take risks, you’ll love this stuff.
Performance
So when it comes to performance, this is a solid 10 out of 10 without a doubt. It has got to be, hands down, one of the most beastly fragrances in my collection. 2-3 sprays of this, and you will indeed become a ‘One Man Show’. Some will love it, and others will hate it, but if one thing is for sure, no one will be able to ignore it. It just pumps out all day and beyond, a rare quality for a modern fragrance, especially a cheapie. If you have been frustrated, as I have been, by reformulations and weak-performing fragrances, this could be the answer to your problems.
Want to try this fragrance on your skin?
If you’d prefer to sample it first, these are my two favourite
and most reliable places to get authentic decants:
When and where can it be worn?
Wear it in colder climates for the best results, as it will become too sweet and cloying in the heat. It’s also an occasional scent better suited for social events, nights out, concerts, etc. I would avoid it in the office, as it will be too overpowering, potentially annoying those around you. That said, these are my opinions, and you can wear it how you see fit, but remember, this fragrance is powerful and WILL turn heads no matter where you are.
Conclusion
This fragrance is outstanding value for money, and that is a statement I rarely make. If you are bold and open to trying something new, this could be a ‘blind buy’ for sure. The Jacques Bogart House is a great place to start if you want to get into niche fragrances without breaking the bank. This review will be the first in my One Man Show series, so stay tuned for my thoughts on the other editions. If you have tried anything from this line, do let me know in the comments, as I am always interested to hear what you think.
READY TO GRAB THIS FRAGRANCE?
If you’re ready to add this to your collection, here are two reliable places to check:
- FragranceX – usually the best prices, discount codes, and a wide selection. They also ship worldwide.
- Amazon – great if you prefer Prime delivery speed, just make sure to buy from a trusted seller.
👉 Pick the option that works best for you.
No matter where you’re reading from, smell good, spend smart.
WANT TO FAST-TRACK ALL OF THIS STUFF?
I put together The Ultimate Fragrance Cheat Sheet—a no-fluff guide that covers everything from notes and families to shopping smart and applying like a pro.
It’s built for guys who want to smell sharp without overthinking it.