GB Fragrances

A Fragrance Blog

Categories: All Year Round Fragrances, Seductive Perfumes

BEST LONG LASTING PERFUMES FOR WOMEN

BEST LONG LASTING PERFUMES FOR WOMEN

FTC DISCLOSURE: this post has affiliate links. This means that if you click and make a purchase through the link you’ll find at the end of this post, I’ll earn a small small commission that will help me keep creating content for you to enjoy at no extra cost to you . Opinions are 100% my own, and I’d have the same opinions about these fragrances without an affiliate link . Thanks for your support!. Read full disclosure here.

LONG LASTING FRAGRANCES

 

Want to find the best long lasting perfumes for women? Everyone wants to find a fragrance that suits their individual style and personality. But how do you go about finding that elusive long-lasting fragrance that you’ll love for years to come?

Finding the perfect fragrance that suits you can be difficult and frustrating, let alone if on top of that you want a long lasting perfume. Choosing the right scent is a personal and individual journey, but it’s not impossible. You can definitely discover long-lasting fragrances that perfectly match your personality and style.

In this article you’ll learn how to find fragrances that will stay with you for a long time,  and even identify the best ones according to the notes in the composition. You’ll be able to find fragrances that will make you feel confident and beautiful each and every day.

So, if you’re ready to find a scent to make a great impression and will last while making you feel like a million bucks, then let’s get started!

This post is all about the best long lasting fragrances for women.

What Makes a Fragrance Long Lasting?

 

A long-lasting fragrance will stay strong on the wearer’s skin for an extended period of time. This is why choosing the right fragrance can help you stay confident and put your best foot forward in any situation, and being able to smell your own fragrance throughout the day is one of the most beautiful olfactory experiences. The right fragrance can transform any outfit into a polished, sophisticated ensemble, or add a hint of sophistication to your everyday look.

That being said, it’s important to understand that even the best long lasting perfumes for women won’t last for an entire day, if that happens, I’d consider it a generous bonus. Factors to consider when finding a long-lasting fragrance include the scent composition and the notes present in the formula. Some fragrances also have the added benefit of being strong but not too overpowering, which is a great feature for everyday use.

Now, the longevity concept is all theory, the reality is, lasting power also depends on how our skin reacts to the fragrance and even on weather conditions.

Last year, I went to Hawaii (see the beautiful pic below 😉 *sigh*) and I was on a mission to test “cold weather fragrances” under extreme weather conditions such as high heat and high humidity. Let me tell you, I was blown away by the results.

Many fragrances that didn’t have good lasting power, lasted at least two times more under this weather conditions and not only that, the fragrances themselves smelled different. One of my all time favorite fragrances is Santal Complet by Fragrance du Bois (which by the way, I bought way before the hype started). Yes, it doesn’t last long, however, the perfume is so beautiful that I never cared too much about its poor longevity since I was used to respray Santal Complet throughout the day. When I took it with me to Hawaii though, I couldn’t believe how different it behaved. I used to wear woodsy fragrances during the colder months, but after this experiment, I also started wearing Santal Complet in the summer and it’s been my best discovery ever.

Best perfume for hot humid weather

Personally, I’ve never considered lasting power a deal breaker for a couple reasons. Since I like to apply different fragrances throughout the day according to my mood and depending on where I’m going, I’m totally fine with a 4 hours lasting power, in fact, I’d be annoyed if I want to spritz something else, and the fragrance I sprayed on in the morning would still be lingering at 7.00 pm.

Aside from this, I tend to get bored about things in general pretty quickly, and I know myself: if I have a full bottle of a fragrance that lasts so many hours, and I’d need to scrub my skin in order to get rid of it, highly likely I won’t reach for that fragrance often. In short, I don’t care for fragrances that last 10-12 hours or even more. I’ve been carrying decants in my purse since I can remember, and I’m happy with this practice so doing it with Santal Complet wouldn’t be an exception.

Addressing Misconceptions

 

In order to avoid being disappointed we need to keep our expectations realistic. In the fragrance community it’s common to hear about “beast mode fragrances” which as the name implies, are  typically strong fragrances, usually very long-lasting and overpowering (some of them crossing over the line to the overwhelming and intrusive territories). I hear people talking about fragrances that last 12 hours, or until the next day, and that “it lasts days on clothes”, but let me tell you a couple things. Usually, fragrances are not meant to last that long, if they do, then great, in fact I have a few fragrances that last 10-12 hours but I can count them with the fingers of one hand; this is not the standard at least in traditional French and Italian perfumery, not even back in the day when the industry used real Ambergris as a fixative and fragrances were renowned for being long lasting.

The problem with this concept is that many people who are new to the fragrance world assume that if a fragrance lasts less than 10-12 hrs  it’s a “bad performer”. I even read a comment of a person complaining because they bought a fragrance that lasts “only” eight hours and they felt scammed. My take? If you have a fragrance that lasts “only” eight hours, my friend, you can consider yourself lucky.

My benchmark is about six hours, I never expect a fragrance to last longer than that, and anything beyond that mark is a bonus to me. On the other hand, sometimes I like to spray different fragrances throughout the day as I mentioned above, and for this reason, I don’t even want a fragrance that lasts that long. Now, aside from my personal preference and back to the previous point, please know that a fragrance that last 12 hours + is not the standard so keep this in mind when buying your next long-lasting perfume.

Another big misconception is to assess a fragrance’s lasting power based on how long it lasts on clothes or in your hair. Fragrance will always stick to porous surfaces so unless you wear plasticky-y materials, they will always last on clothes and hair even if it is a weak performer, so take this into account and again, never judge lasting power (let alone buying a fragrance) based on how long the scent lasts on your clothes or hair.

There’s another common misconception about long lasting fragrances being only night time scents, giving the idea that they’re too strong or formal for everyday use and this can’t be further from the truth. Lasting power is not necessarily related to the scent’s strength, they are two different things. For example, I have a very beautiful, mellow, ultra feminine fragrance by Reminiscence called “Patchouli Blanc”. It’s the most beautiful, powdery, musky and clean patchouli (I never thought that would even be possible, a clean patchouli? but yes, it’s for real 😉) and it’s super soft and delicate, however, it lasts six hours on my skin if not more.

Lasting power  depends more on the chemical part of the fragrance like the fixatives utilized in the formula, and our own skin chemistry. The strength though depends on a combination of several factors including the type of notes, oils concentration, and the dilution ratio among others.

I also have other soft scents aside from Patchouli Blanc that last 8 hours while other supposedly more potent niche powerhouses barely hit the 3 hours mark, so keep this in mind: lasting power and strength are too different things.

Long lasting fragrances can also be worn during the day to help you feel more confident and put your best foot forward. Don’t reserve them just for the night time. Whether you’re going for a job interview, meeting with clients, or meeting friends for coffee, a long-lasting scent can help elevate your confidence with just one spritz.

To wrap it up, it’s also important to know that not everything that is suppose to last long, really does, and we see this even in luxurious perfumes for women. There’s a misconception that EDP lasts longer than EDT and don’t get me wrong, there’s a lot of truth behind this statement, however, it’s not always the case and that’s why I consider it a misconception.

I used to have this discussion with my mom because she would only buy EDP, and if her favorite fragrance was sold out in the EDP concentration and she was given the option to buy an EDT instead, she’d not buy it, she would not even entertain the idea of buying an EDT. Even in her senior years she loves “beast mode fragrances”, and if they don’t knock someone’s socks off, she wouldn’t buy it.

However, often times, she would complain that such and such fragrance doesn’t last. And I’m gonna share with you what I used to tell her: I have extraits and pure parfums  which have the highest oil concentrations (even at a staggering 30% and more) that don’t last as much as I thought they would, while I have Eau de Toilettes like Yvresse by YSL and other EDT fragrances in the niche realm with performances that blow my mind in the best possible way.

Even though we can expect an EDP and extrait to last more than EDT concentrations, there are no rules, and the best way to go about it is by testing, testing and more testing. Don’t rush to buy the next release regardless of who’s hyping it, take your time to appreciate each fragrance and go with what works for YOU even if it’s a release from the 90’s.

Sampling Different Fragrances

 

When searching for a long-lasting fragrance you will want to look at the type of scent you are drawn to and try to find a pattern.

Is it floral scents that you are drawn to? Are you drawn to more masculine, green/herbal aromas? Or is the spicy, resinous, syrupy, and gourmand your type of thing? Once you have an idea of your scent profile, you can begin researching different fragrances that fit that profile.

One thing that has always worked for me was to find a pattern among the fragrances I love. For example, let’s say you noticed that My Way by Armani, L’Interdit by Givenchy, and Rouge Malachite by Armani Prive are fragrances that you love and last long on your skin. Guess what? Here we have a pattern: these three fragrances have a prominent tuberose note in the composition and usually, fragrances with tuberose tend to be long lasting.

It’s not a rule, but it’s not uncommon to see patterns among your favorite perfumes, so next time you look for a long lasting fragrance, it’d be worth doing some research and see what fragrances fall within the scent profile/s you like most. This is how I realized I love Iso E-Super. I noticed that many fragrances I loved, had Iso E-Super in the composition so after I found this pattern, I’ve always tried to find perfumes with this molecule which not only smells amazing but it also serves as a fragrance booster helping your favorite fragrance last longer and project more.

Identifying Fragrance Notes and Accords

 

When researching fragrances that last long, you will want to take the time to understand the different notes and accords. Each note and accord is responsible for different aspects of the fragrance and can help to make it last longer (or not) and it’s important to understand this in order to have real expectations.

It’s also useful to understand that even though people use the words “notes” and “accords” interchangeably, they are different things. Notes are the scent in single form so to speak (i.e: caramel, praline, chocolate), while accords are created with different notes, and can be a combination of natural, synthetic, or both types of notes.

This is the reason why in the notes description of a fragrance, it’s not uncommon to see listed “gourmand accords”; however, you probably won’t see “gourmand notes” (written as such); instead, you’ll see the actual gourmand note listed.

Making Your Fragrance Last Longer

 

Once you have found a scent that you like, the next step (completely optional) to make it last longer is to spray a fragrance booster. My favorites are Iso E-Super like Molecule 01 by Escentric Molecules, or Ambroxan. They will prolong the fragrance lasting power and projection, and it’ll also enhance your favorite fragrance you’re layering it with.

It’s also important to understand a basic “perfume housekeeping” principle:  make sure to keep your fragrances away from heat and sunlight. These two things can be extremely hard on a fragrance and can actually cause the perfume to lose some of its scent and lasting power.

I know they look amazing on a  big shelf or vanity, but unless you have blackout curtains, you’re shortening your fragrances’ life significantly. I spoiled three Chanel Les Exclusifs fragrances in less than a year just by leaving them on my vanity. They sure looked gorgeous, but I spoiled them just for the sake of having a nice aesthetic in my bedroom. Lesson learned, trust me.

The Notes And Scents Profiles

 

Best long lasting perfumes for women – When searching for a long lasting fragrance, it is important to keep in mind a few key factors, including the fact that not all fragrances are created equally. This can make all the difference in terms of how long the fragrance lasts, and how comfortable you are around the scent. When you are trying to find a long lasting fragrance, you want to make sure that you keep these things in mind.

When looking at the composition of a fragrance, you will want to consider how the various ingredients are combined. Some fragrances rely on one key note to help boost the performance of the fragrance like those with synthetic molecules such as Iso E-Super (also known as Cetalox), or Ambroxan, while other fragrances have a more complex composition.

In terms of notes, you will want to consider what notes tend to make a perfume last longer. You might be drawn to certain notes over others because they complement your skin chemistry better, but often times there’s a sacrifice to be made: a pleasant scent over longevity.

I get this question all the time: “please recommend me a citrus-y fragrance that lasts all day”. Bad news: this type of scents won’t last all day. Citrus-y fragrances, for the most part, are created for the spring/summer months and the idea behind the creation is to have something refreshing, uplifting, very pleasant and inoffensive so you’ll be lucky if a citrus-centered fragrance lasts more than 3 or 4 hours. Typical notes found in citrus fragrances are lemon, mandarin orange, Yuzu, and bergamot.

Fougere/Aromatic fragrances though (many people confuse them with citrus-y fragrances) are a different story and it’s not uncommon to have aromatic fragrances that lasts six hours. The most common notes in this olfactory group are lavender, oakmoss, Cistus Labadanum, vetiver (one of my favorites), sage, rosmary, green notes, and mint among others.

Florals Fragrances – There must be so many different types of floral perfumes as flowers are in the world :-), this is one of my favorites olfactory families. Florals can be long lasting but it really depends on what notes are involved. For example, aquatic florals with  Lotus or Water Lilly tend to be very soft and won’t last more than 2-3 hours unless they’re combined with other potent notes and fixatives, but for the most part they are very subtle and don’t last long. However, indolic white flowers notes like jasmine, gardenia, and tuberose tend to be notes that are present in the longest lasting floral perfumes.

Among the different floral families, Chypre florals are my favorites and also the longest lasting. You’ll find notes such as patchouli, oakmoss, and woodsy notes such as cedar in this olfactory group.

As for the queen of the garden, the rose, there are also many different types of rose fragrances. However, if you’re looking for a floral long lasting fragrance, try to find rose perfumes that have patchouli, oud and/or leather in the composition since these tend to be the longest lasting combinations.

Amber / (former called “Oriental” fragrances) – This olfactory group, in my experience, is where you’ll find the longest lasting fragrances. Typically night time scents, they are sexy, potent, often times overwhelming and head turners, and they usually have vanilla, tonka bean, sandalwood, guaiac wood, Palo Santo, and spices like saffron, cumin, nutmeg, cinammon. Leather and patchouli are also notes present in typically long lasting perfumes.

List of Long Lasting Fragrances

 

Best long lasting perfumes for women

 

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Opinions are my own.

This list include a few of my favorite, long lasting fragrances in no particular order:

1) Midnight Special by Ex Nihilo

2) Santal Blush by Tom Ford

3) Spirito Fiorentino by Tiziana Terenzi

4) Histoires de Parfums 1804

5) Crush on Me by Unique’e Luxury

6) Moon Dance by Juliette Has a Gun

7) Privarot by Len

Want more recommendations? Schedule a fragrance consultation with me.

Check my article about my most complimented fragrances! Click here to read.

Hope you enjoyed my article from today!

best perfumes for women

Categories: All Year Round Fragrances, Daytime Fragrances, Designer Fragrances, Floral Perfumes, Most Complimented, Seductive Perfumes, Sweet Fragrances, Vanilla Perfumes

VANILLA FRAGRANCES

Want to learn more and discover vanilla fragrances?

At the end of this article you’ll find a top 10 list with some of my best vanilla perfumes.

Vanilla Fragrances

 

Ah, vanilla vanilla!. It is the flavor of dreams, the scent of comfort, and the aroma of home. Whether it’s a milkshake, a cupcake, a room spray, or a candle, it has the ability to evoke nostalgia and bring a feeling of contentment. Vanilla fragrances are warm and cozy, making them great fragrances for any time of year. Whether you prefer a sweet, musky, spicy, tooth-achingly sweet, or fresh scent, I can almost guarantee there is a vanilla fragrance for you, and no matter what type of vanilla fragrance you choose, you’re bound to feel the effects of this warm and cozy scent.

Vanilla will bring a feeling of serenity and peace to even the most hectic of days. From floral and romantic to musky, spicy, and mysterious, these fragrances will put you in a dreamy mood no matter what situation arises.

This post is all about vanilla fragrances.

BEST VANILLA FRAGRANCES

 

FTC DISCLOSURE: this post has affiliate links. This means that if you click and make a purchase through the links provided, I’ll earn a small small commission that will help me keep creating content at no extra cost to you . Opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for your support!. Read full disclosure here.

Vanilla is by far one of the world’s most popular scents. The vanilla plant is a tropical orchid that produces fragrant and flavorful vanilla pods that are usually used to make desserts and baked goods, but they can also be used in a variety of things including soaps, shampoo, oils, body lotions, home fragrances like room sprays and reed diffusers, incense, and of course, perfumes.

I remember when I was living in Mexico, I went to “El Tajín”, an impressive archaeological site that was  close to a vanilla factory. I’ve always been fascinated by this precious spice. Since I’m a curious, avid learner, I needed to go and see what the hype was about, and let me tell you, the experience was mind-blowing. I learned a lot about the orchid plant, the vanilla itself, the differences between Mexican vanilla and other vanillas from around the world, and the whole harvesting process. If you ever go to Veracruz, Mexico, please do yourself a favor and go to El Tajín and the vanilla factory; you won’t regret. I wish I had a picture to post here but I couldn’t find a single picture of this amazing experience. This is without a shadow of a doubt, one of those tours I’ll take again and again and I’ll never get tired of.

Fragrances that contain vanilla are often described as addictive, gourmand, creamy, sugary, and warm. Vanilla makes a great scent for everyday wear, as it is light and versatile, working well with any outfit or setting, but depending on the blend, it’s also perfect for night time, in fact, most fragrances that will give you that “Femme Fatale” vibe have vanilla in the composition. Vanilla fragrances are an excellent choice for women, teens or men who are looking for a scent that is warm, and sweet, but be careful because vanilla fragrances can also be overwhelming.

Vanilla is one of the most mass-appealing notes in perfumery, and one of the (if not THE) most versatile notes in perfumery. Vanilla is always a safe bet. It can be combined with so many notes and it always smells in the range of good to amazing, but never less than “good”. Another great thing about vanilla-dominant perfumes is that they are perfect for layering.  Layering fragrances in the Western countries became major in the last few years, but in the Middle East layering has been part of their culture basically since they started wearing perfume, and vanilla in my opinion is a magical note and perfect for this purpose.

Different Types of Vanilla Fragrances

 

Let’s step back for a minute and talk about this highly coveted, gorgeous, and complex spice.

There are different type of vanillas. The most common ones used in perfumery are the Mexican Vanilla also known as Madagascar Vanilla, and Tahitian Vanilla. The latter is less common, more floral, and in my opinion less gourmand and more sophisticated. I’m not saying the Mexican/Madagascar vanilla isn’t sophisticated, but the Tahitian Vanilla to me has the power to take a vanilla fragrance to the next level. It’s still sweet and gourmand but usually, it’s not on the dessert / edible level as the traditional Mexican vanilla is.

There are a number of different vanilla fragrances available today, each with their own unique scent and character. Before you start shopping for your new fragrance, it is important to know what type of vanilla smell you are looking for. The following are some of the most common types of vanilla fragrances available today.

Floral and romantic

 

Vanilla floral fragrances are a sweet and floral mix that often contains notes of jasmine, orange blossom, gardenia, and/or rose. This type of vanilla scent is perfect for people who love a sweet, light, and romantic fragrance, however, it’s not uncommon to see other flowers (yellow and white), like ylang-ylang or tuberose in which case you can expect a creamier and more intrusive scent.

This type of vanilla fragrance is great for romantic occasions and day time wear, and they tend to sit close to the skin.

Musky and mysterious

 

These vanilla scents have a rich and creamy base with the warmth and sweetness of vanilla and a cozy musk accord. They often contain spices and woodsy notes, in particular sandalwood and guaiac wood or palo santo. They are perfect for those who love vanilla but prefer a more mysterious scent yet cozy and inviting. This type of vanilla fragrance is great for evening or night time occasions; for people who love a creamy, musky fragrance, while also enjoying a sweet and velvety cloud.

Sweet and seductive

 

These vanilla scents tend to be enveloping and dense. Also very creamy with a subtle sweetness, spiciness, and often times, earthiness because it’s common to find patchouli within this category. They are perfect for those who love a sweet fragrance with the power to knock everyone’ socks off 😉, so I’d say, this type of vanilla fragrance is great for dates or when you want to make an unforgettable impression.

Pure Vanilla Fragrances

 

Pure vanilla fragrances are smooth and creamy, usually blended with almond and coconut notes. This type of vanilla scent is perfect for people who love “edible” olfactory experiences. Very creamy and  yummy, they tend to be simple, linear fragrances perfect for daytime wear.

How to Store Vanilla Fragrance

 

To get the best lifespan out of your vanilla fragrance, it is important to store fragrances properly, and this applies to fragrances in general not just vanilla perfumes. However, I’ve noticed that vanilla-dominant fragrances and green/fougères seem to be more sensitive to light and poor storage conditions.

Make sure to keep the bottle out of direct sunlight, as this will cause the scent to fade and break down more quickly. Also, make sure to keep your bottle in a dark, cool, dry place. This will help to prevent the oils from spoiling, making your fragrance last longer, and whenever possible, keep it in the box.

How to Choose a Vanilla Fragrance

 

When it comes to choosing a new fragrance it can often be difficult to know where to start. With so many different scents available, it can be challenging to know which one is the best fit for you. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to make sure you get a fragrance that you love. –

Know Your Body: Your body chemistry will have a large impact on the scent you choose, meaning that it isn’t always best to go with your favorite scent. If you would like to find a fragrance that works with your body chemistry, start by researching different scents and then testing them out to see what you like best.

Know Your Mood: The mood you are trying to convey with your fragrance choice will also have a big impact on what you should buy. For example, if you are looking for a fragrance that is sweet and romantic, a floral vanilla will likely be a good choice.

Mind The Occasion: When shopping for a new fragrance, it is also important to consider the occasion for which you will be wearing it. For example, if you are looking for a fragrance to wear to a romantic dinner, a spicy, balmy vanilla may be a good choice. There are no rules and no write or wrong way to choose a fragrance, just go with your instinct and test, test, and test.

Don’t Mind The Season: The type of season you’re in can greatly impact the type of fragrance you wear. If you’re in warmer months, lighter and fresher scents are great for wearing. If you’re in colder months, heavier scents are better for staying warm. However, last year I decided to test cold weather fragrances under hot and humid weather conditions. I brought to Hawaii a few of those “sweater weather” fragrances, and was blown away by the results. Most of these spicy and woody fragrances performed much better under these extreme weather conditions, not only did they smell sweeter but also lasted longer and projected better, so the moral of the story is: there are no rules when it comes to wearing perfume. Wear whatever brings joy to your life.

Top 10 Vanilla Fragrances for Women

 

Trying to narrow down a list to the best vanilla fragrances is like trying to make a list of the best chocolate cakes, but these are some of my absolute favorites. I also tried to put together a list with a nice mix of designer and niche perfumes so it’s suitable for all budgets.

Let’s take a look at my top 10 vanilla fragrances in no particular order:

FTC DISCLOSURE: this post has affiliate links. This means that if you click and make a purchase through the links provided, I’ll earn a small small commission that will help me keep creating content for you to enjoy at no extra cost to you . Opinions are 100% my own, and I’d have the same opinions about these fragrances without an affiliate link . Thanks for your support!. Read full disclosure here.

1) Ruby N Vanilla Intense |EBK Paris

 

This is a vanilla perfume that I will always, ALWAYS keep in my collection. It’s the most luxurious vanilla fragrance I’ve ever tried, it’s opulent, velvety, and exudes class and sophistication. Different from the typical gourmand vanilla scents, this is to me vanilla on a whole new level with a beauty second to none. A+. Related post: Ruby N Vanilla Intense . Here you can also watch my YouTube video where I reviewed this stunning fragrance.

2) Shunkoin | Xerjoff

 

 

Shunkoin is a criminally underrated fragrance from the Italian niche house Xerjoff. I’ve reviewed Shunkoin several times when I was on YouTube, and also on my Instagram account (@gb_fragrances) because I truly feel it deserves to be discovered. I’ve recommended this fragrance to many fellow content creators and they loved it and so did many of my subscribers and followers so I wanted to include it here in this blog post for you to discover.

Shunkoin belongs to the “JTC” Collection. JTC stands for Join The Club, and it was meant to bring together people who own the same fragrance. Each bottle comes with a card that belong to this club  is a very soothing, relaxing, very creamy (almost buttery) fragrance, very calming, powdery and just beautiful. The notes are not disclosed by the house but to me this has vanilla, sandalwood, sandalwood, orris, and musk. A very “fluffy” vanilla scent with a beautiful and sheer trail. Related post: Shunkoin Xerjoff

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

3) Libre Intense | YSL

 

Libre Intense is the second flanker from YSL after the original Libre (nowadays there are three: Libre original, Libre Intense, and Libre Le Parfum). YSL Libre Intense Eau de Parfum is a feminine fougère fragrance that is the second flanker after Libre original. YSL added more vanilla to the original Libre perfume, and created this beautiful balmy and resinous juice. It’s a stunner, very sexy, opulent, dark, and misterious, it’s perfect for a night out, it’s the type of fragrance that blooms in colder weather. This is one of those beast mode fragrances, it performs incredible well, at least on my skin.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

4) Mon Guerlain Intense | Guerlain

 

A sugary lavender-vanilla fragrance, very beautiful and very “Guerlain”. I’m not a lavender fan, however, this one and Libre Intense by YSL won me over. In Mon Guerlain Intense though, the lavender is softer than in Libre Intense, and softer than in the original Mon Guerlain, while vanilla is more predominant. You can definitely smell the lavender, but even a non-lavender lover like myself, fell in love with it so don’t be discouraged in case you don’t like lavender either. I’d call this fragrance femininity in a bottle. It’s girly, flirty, a simple cozy and feminine fragrance that is a crowd-pleaser.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

5) Dior Addict | Dior

 

A vanilla that stood the test of time, a classic in any woman’s perfume collection. This fragrance is a heavy hitter, it lasts all day (literally), and I always get compliments when I wear it. It’s a head- turner and a vanilla fragrance that never goes out of style.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

6) The Only One Dolce & Gabbana

 

 

This vanilla fragrance is sweet and seductive, and it is perfect for date nights and romantic occasions. It’s a vanilla/caramel/coffee perfume, very addictive and intoxicating in the best possible way. It’s very comforting and sexy at the same time and it will turn heads every step of the way.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

7) Tocade |Rochas

 

One of my top compliment-getters. Inofensive, cozy, powdery, with a sheer, amazing trail. It’s a crowd pleaser, people ask me all the time what I’m wearing when I wear this fragrance. It’s smooth and well blended, creamy and sophisticated with a bit of freshness in the opening.

An amber vanilla that stood the test of time, a classic in any woman’s perfume collection. This fragrance is a heavy hitter, it lasts all day (literally), and I always get compliments when I wear it. It’s a head- turner and a vanilla fragrance that never goes out of style.

8) Vanilla 28 | Kayali

 

A beautiful sugary and chocolate-y vanilla that I consider the best for layering purposes, it’s my tool, however, it’s really beautiful on its own. It’s sweet and addictive, and sits close to the skin.

9) Vaniglia | Mazzolari

 

A delicate and feminine pure vanilla fragrance with caramel accords. Nothing groundbreaking yet beautiful and if you like sweet vanilla perfumes, you can’t go wrong with this one.

10) Vanille West Indies | Ligne St.Barth

 

I find it similar to Vaniglia by Mazzolari but it’s oilier and not so sweet. Also not groundbreaking but beautiful to wear on its own or layered with your favorite perfume. I haven’t had a chance to try the one sold in the island which many people say smells different and better than the one sold outside of St.Barth. It’s hard-to-find so if you want it and find it available online, get it.

Conclusion

 

Vanilla fragrances are a great choice for pretty much every occasion. They are warm, sweet and rich, and they can have a little bit of spice to them too. These fragrances are perfect for romantic evenings, snuggling up on the couch and even dressing up for a fancy night out. There is a vanilla fragrance for everyone, so it’s only a matter of finding the one that is perfect for you! Once you find your perfect vanilla fragrance, you will love wearing it every single day.

From the sweet, warm aroma of the tropical Tahitian vanilla bean to the more robust and spicy Mexican variety, vanilla has been a beloved scent for centuries. Not only does it evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort, but it has also been proven to have calming effects on the mind and body. If you’re looking for a fragrance that will take you away to a dreamy place, then you’re in luck! Here are some of the best vanilla fragrances for women that will help you relax and enjoy the moment. With these scents, you’ll be able to experience the alluring, sweet, and comforting aroma of vanilla every day.

Are you looking for a way to tap into your dreamy side? Vanilla fragrances are an excellent way to bring out your romantic, whimsical side without feeling too overpowering. With its sweet, comforting scent, vanilla has been a popular choice for women for centuries. Whether you’re looking for a light and airy scent or something a bit more intense and sensual, there are plenty of great vanilla fragrances to choose from. From classic, timeless scents to modern, unique interpretations, here are the best vanilla fragrances for women that will put you in a dreamy mood.

If you’d love to find your signature scent or you want to find a scent for a special occasion and you feel lost, re you lost? I’ve got you covered.  Book a fragrance consultation with me. Would love to help you!

This post was all about vanilla fragrances.

 

Other posts you may like if you love the vanilla note as much as I do:

 

Shunkoin Xerjoff

 

Ruby N Vanilla Intense EBK

 

best vanilla perfumes

Categories: All Year Round Fragrances, Floral Perfumes, Most Complimented, Rose Fragrances, Seductive Perfumes

BEST ROSE PERFUMES

Finding the best rose perfumes can be overwhelming; there are so many different varieties to choose from! The right perfume can accentuate your natural scent and transform your everyday normal into an occasion-worthy one. However, finding the right perfume, especially when it comes to choosing rose fragrances, might seem like a difficult task. I’d say rose is one of the trickiest floral notes.

This blog post is all about rose perfumes. Whether you prefer deep, opulent rose fragrances or lighter versions, chances are you’ll find your perfect rose scent that will make you smile, and if you keep reading, at the end of this post you’ll find a list with my top 10 rose perfumes, and a YouTube video where I go over my favorite rose perfumes. Now, not all the fragrances mentioned in the video are the same you’ll see included in the list since the video is two years old, but it’ll still give you an idea of other rose fragrances you can test.

THE BEST ROSE PERFUMES

 

 

best rose perfume

 

If you’ve ever walked past a rose bush, you know what a beautiful sight they can be. Whether they’re in full bloom or in more subtle shades of pink, whites, and reds, roses are a beacon of beauty and the perfume industry knows it.

When it comes to the queen of the garden, there’s a huge variety of blending options, leave it up to master perfumers and they’ll create a magnificent rose fragrance that will make you swoon. Many renowned designers including Chanel and Dior cultivate their own roses in Grasse, in the French Riviera, and for a good reason. There are thousands of perfumes that have rose in the composition, and the variety can be overwhelming when it comes to choosing the right one, not only scent-wise but also in style.

Traditionally, the magical and romantic flower has been associated with sensuality and femininity, and it has always been one of the top notes used in perfumery to make fragrances appealing to a female audience; however, in the Middle East, it’s very common that also men wear rose fragrances and more and more we see men wearing rose-dominant fragrances also in the Western countries. Now, let me tell you, the few times I sniffed a rose fragrance on a man it blew me away… rose smells absolutely amazing on them!.

 

The Most Common Roses Used in Perfumery

 

By far, the most common ones are the Rose de Mai which is the one cultivated mainly in Grasse, France, also called “Rose de Grasse” and “Rose Centifolia” because it has 100 petals. This rose is harvested only during May, hence the name.

It’s pink, sweet, and clean, and together with the Damascena Rose also known as “Damask Rose” or “Turkish Rose” mainly cultivated in Egypt, Turkey, and Bulgaria, is the rose preferred by the perfume industry.

The Rose de Mai is extremely delicate, in fact, it’s harvested in the early morning hours before the sun rises to avoid damaging the precious flowers. As soon as they’re harvested, they are first treated with a solvent and then distilled using a vacuum distillation process to obtain a substance called “Concrète”, which is then further processed to obtain the “absolute”, the coveted rose essence used in perfumery.

It’s sweeter with a light honeyed, dewy aspect than the Damascena or Turkish Rose which is fruity and more powdery, in fact, most powdery rose fragrances that remind us of a make up powder case have Damascena Rose in the composition. These type of  rose which is steam-distilled, it’s richer in oils than the Rose de Mai, and its essential oil is called “Rose Otto” which is has a very rich concentration, and it’s also used in the cosmetic industry, for therapeutic treatment, and aromatherapy, given it’s healthy anti-inflammatory as well as calming properties.

 

Best Rose Perfumes
Did you know that to produce only 1 oz of rose absolute requires around 60.000 roses ?

 

What Makes the Perfect Rose Perfumes?

 

In all honestly, there’s no right or wrong. The best rose perfume is the one that’s best and perfect for you, just for you, nothing else matters.

Now, “rose perfumes” is a topic of its own, that’s why I wanted to write this article since it can get a bit controversial because there are many people who love the flower but not necessarily the rose note including myself a while ago.

My mom and I have very similar taste in fragrances, but there are two notes that set us apart: leather, and rose. She never liked leather fragrances, and I’ve never been a fan of rose perfumes. However, over time, I realized that what I didn’t like was a very particular type of rose perfume and not so much the note itself.

I was convinced I didn’t like rose fragrances, but what I didn’t like were what I call the typical “rose-y rose” perfumes, those that are super clean, ethereal, more like tea roses; like a watered-down rose essence, or when they smell like old tapestry; you know when you start wondering if it’s actually the fragrance that smells that bad, or if it’s spoiled due to exposure to light or bad storage conditions? THOSE were the type of rose scents I never liked.

Over time, as I dove deeper in the perfume world, I discovered a myriad of fragrances that have rose in the composition that I LOVED, and I couldn’t even pick the rose, so I realized that most of my favorite rose perfumes (as ironic as it sounds), are those where you can’t smell the roses. I became an “expert” in these type of fragrances, and I can even write a list of “rose fragrances for non-rose lovers”, but here is where it gets tricky.

If you know someone who likes rose fragrances and you want to buy this person a gift, the safest way to go is with a typical rose fragrance because most rose fragrance lovers like the typical, photo-realistic rose scent, so my best advice is to never blind buy a rose fragrance, especially when it’s for someone else, if it doesn’t smell like roses. In this case, it’s safer to stick to the classics that you know for a fact, are rose-prominent perfumes.

Now, in the “rose perfumes for non-rose lovers” realm you have to be careful because it can get extreme. There are many extremely artificial rose perfumes where you can’t smell the roses at all, but you can’t smell anything in particular either, like a wishy-washy sweet-smelling thing and that’s it. They tend to be heavy, often times sickly sweet, bubble-gummy (especially when they have tuberose in the composition), or like hard candy, sugary drinks, and desserts, crossing the line to the gourmand territory. For this reason, it’s important to point out that if you buy a rose perfume with the rose note in disguise, highly likely a typical rose-lover won’t like it.

Here’s a list of my top 10 rose perfumes. They are all different, in fact, very different, but all of them have a dominant rose note.

Take into account that this is a 100% subjective opinion based on my experience and what I’ve tried over the years. These are just a few of my favorite rose perfumes. I have no doubt that I’m leaving off of this list many amazing rose fragrances,  but I have to narrow it down to my top 10, and here they are in no particular order:

MY LIST OF TOP 10 PERFUMES

 

FTC DISCLOSURE: I use affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through my links I’ll earn a small small commission at no extra cost to you, but will help me keep creating content for you to enjoy. Opinions are my own. Thanks for your support!. Read full disclosure here.

 

1) Oud Bouquet by Maison Lancôme – A strong Jammy rose fragrance, very sweet yet not tooth-achingly sweet, syrupy and addictive. I’ve heard the entire Maison Lancôme has been discontinued including this beauty, so if you find it, grab it before prices go up due to scarcity.

Click the image below to shop.

2) Delina Exclusif by Parfums de Marly – An ultra-feminine perfume that became a cult favorite in the last couple of years, just like the original Delina. It’s very addictive, sexy, flirty, and slightly bubble-gummy, and it’s almost guaranteed that whenever I wear this fragrance, someone will ask what I am wearing.

Click the image below to shop.

Delina Exclusif perfume

3) Rose Poetique by Manos Gerakinis – One of the best rose fragrances I’ve ever tried. Sweet, luxurious, and super sophisticated. Its previous formula was considered one of the top 5 best rose perfumes in the world, and the house went above and beyond to create something equally beautiful. I think Rose Poetique has been the blueprint and inspiration for many rose fragrances we find on the market.

4) Oud Satin Mood EDP and Extrait by Maison Francis Kurkdjian – Luxurious rose/oud combo, opulent, voluptuous and one of the most expensive-smelling rose fragrances on the market.

5) A Kiss From a Rose by Kilian – A green, dewy rose that smells like a fresh plucked rose from your backyard; a very photo-realistic rose perfume.

6) Radical Rose by Matiere Premiere – Exquisite and strong rose fragrance with great lasting power. If you love roses, this is a MUST try.

7) Rose D’Arabie by Armani Prive – The epitome of sophistication and class, and just like I mentioned above when I briefly described Rose Poetique, this fragrance in my opinion has also been the inspiration for many rose perfumes in modern perfumery.

8) Les Sables Roses  by Louis Vuitton – An absolutely stunning, unisex rose fragrance. If you like Radical Rose by Matiere Premiere, or Rose D’Arabie by Armani Prive, highly likely you’ll like this one. It’s drier, less feminine, stronger, and slightly more astringent than the typical rose perfumes, and also incredibly long lasting. I’d say it’s the longest lasting rose perfume I’ve every tried.

9) AERIN Rose de Grasse – One of the most photo-realistic rose fragrances you can find. In terms of scent, I haven’t found a more realistic rose perfume than this one. Simply stunning.

10 ) Black Rose Oud by Trish McEvoy – Dark, misterious, sexy, and velvety; a night time fragrance that I’d wear when I want to knock everyone socks off and then some more 😉

 

 

Conclusion: Which Rose Perfume is Right for You?

 

The rose is one of the most popular flowers for growing in gardens, and it’s one of the most popular flowers in perfumery. With the right rose perfume, you can experience the romance and beauty of roses all year round because it’s a very versatile note that fits in all age groups and occasions.

While many rose fragrances can be considered classy perfumes, other rose scents are more edgy and contemporary. Some are delicate, angelic, and bride-appropriate, while others are perfect for teenagers or for a more mature population. Others instead are dark, velvety, and mysterious, or gourmand jammy, sticky and even syrupy. The possibilities are endless, and luckily for us, we live in an era where scents from nature are celebrated as much as artificial, lab-created ones which allows to expand the perfumer’s creativity.

Let me know if you’ve tried any of these and what’s your favorite rose fragrance. Looking forward to hearing from you! 😉 – By the way, if you like floral perfumes, and if you haven’t yet, check my previous post about the best floral perfumes .

 

 

 

Categories: Best Gourmand Perfumes, Seductive Perfumes, Sweet Fragrances

ITALICA | Xerjoff

 

Today I want to share with you my thoughts and review of a fragrance that for years was considered a unicorn: Italica. Is Italica the best gourmand fragrance? I don’t know the answer; that would be the same as claiming “these are the best brownies in the world”, however, this fragrance is a gourmand lovers’ dream, period.

Italica was launched in 2016. Then it was discontinued until the house (Xerjoff) relaunched this gourmands’ lover dream for Valentine’s Day in 2021. It belongs to the Casamorati line. Casamorati was originally a fragrance house, and nowadays is the name of a collection that takes inspiration in the traditional Italian perfumery.

The first time I sniffed this fragrance was through decant, and I felt the exact same thing I felt when I received this full bottle: Italica is beyond a scent; to me Italica is a whole experience.

It reminded me of when I was living in Europe, and I’d go to an Italian coffee shop and see the baristas working behind those steaming espresso machines and the experience of that cozy atmosphere with an exquisite espresso aroma and the delicious and unbeatable Italian bakery.

 

Xerjoff Italica

This fragrance reminds of a blend of flavors, but one that truly stands out to me is the flavor of a typical Italian biscotti cold Cantucci, a type of cookie that it’s baked twice, usually loaded with nuts especially almonds, sometimes pistachios, and the Italians dip it in a dessert wine called Vin Santo. Italica to me is all these and more.

 

 

Italica xerjoff
Italica Casamorati by Xerjoff

 

Fragrance Profile

 

 

The top notes are saffron, Sicilian almonds, and milky notes. The middle notes are Bourbon vanilla and toffee, and the base notes are sandalwood, cedar, and white musk.

It’s very opulent, super rich, thick, syrupy, and what I’ve found strange when I first tested it was that I picked a fruity accord; not fruity in the sense of a raw fruit, but more like baked fruit, and it was weird because Italica doesn’t have fruit notes or accords in the composition.

For a few days I couldn’t figure out where that strong fruit scent could come from. I was literally picking caramelized or baked apples. Since I love cooking and baking I’m very familiar with these type of aromas.

After much thought, I realized it was the toffee what was giving me that caramelized fruits scent. Toffee is basically caramel cooked at a higher temperature for a longer time so it becomes very crunchy and brittle, and this is what was giving me this baked fruit accord as I mentioned above. When you bake pears, quinces, or apples for example, they come out of the oven very juicy and caramelized and this is what Italica reminds me of.

It’s super sweet yet not cloying if you wear it in the colder months, and it’s not a girly fragrance. Usually very sweet fragrances tend to lean on the feminine side. Although Italica pulls feminine on my skin, I think this is an addictive fragrance, intoxicating, and mouthwatering unisex fragrance.

There’s nothing you can find on the market that could be similar to this fragrance, but if you want to get similar vibes for a more affordable price, you should definitely check out La Danza Delle Libellule by Nobile 1942, and Atlas Garden Le Vestiaire de Parfums Collection by YSL. They have the same type of sweetness, and they’re also syrupy, thick, and addictive.

 

Wearability

 

It’s a 100% a night time fragrance that I would only wear during the colder months. In fact, this is the type of perfume that the colder the weather, the better it will perform. Now mind you, you can wear this or any fragrance anytime, and any season, but my best recommendation is to wear this particular perfume during the colder months, otherwise it can be cloying especially for people around you.

This is also a fragrance that I would wear not only during the night, but also on special occasions. I’m a firm believer in that WE make the occasion special, and whatever it means to you this is a fragrance I’d wear on special occasions even if that means staying home and cooking pasta Bolognese.

It’s very almond-y, nutty, and also very creamy probably coming from the sandalwood and the almond milk concoction; a deep, well rounded, and very well balanced fragrance.

It’s also slightly spicy, you can get the saffron which it’s a spice that I love both in perfumery and in the kitchen, very aromatic, deep, and velvety. Saffron is a very fragrant, yet not spicy spice, however, the milky note here tones down the saffron which makes it different than otherwise typical amber spicy fragrances.

It’s a very strong perfume. I recall the first time I sprayed it I filled up an entire room, and I only sprayed it five times. Projection is about two arm lengths and lasting power is stellar on my skin. After three hours (I set a timer because I wanted to give you guys accurate information), I could still smell it on on myself which is rare because usually I don’t smell anything on me after one or two hours. I only have a few fragrances that I could keep smelling for a few hours and this is one of those.

Sillage is above average, I’d give it a 7/10, I think projection is better than sillage, I would give projection a 9/10, the scent itself to me is a 10/10, and lasting power 9 /10. I don’t say 10/10 because for some people 10/10 would be a fragrance that lasts until the next day, and Italica doesn’t last until the next day but I get at least 9 or 10 hours which is still a great performance.

This fragrance smells very expensive I always say that it’s very difficult to create a very sweet fragrance like this one without smelling cheap. Sometimes when fragrances are too sweet the line between smelling cheap and expensive is very thin, so this one not only does not smell cheap but it smells expensive and luxurious.

Italica is a pretty linear fragrance which I appreciate because I love how this fragrance smells in the opening and in the following 20 minutes. Italica basically won’t change, only after four hours it becomes softer and closer to the skin when you will start smelling more of the musk, but it will still smell pretty close to you what it was in the opening.

Italica is one of those fragrances I’d never layer with anything. It’s just too beautiful and potent to layer, and I think it’s a risk. In first place, I don’t want to lose any of the gorgeous notes or compromise it’s beautiful DNA, and when you layer fragrances sometimes you’ll have to compromise on notes. I also think it’s rich enough and it has everything I ever wanted in a gourmand fragrance, there’s no need to layer it with anything (why fix it if it ain’t broken right? ).

Is it worth the money? Well, I’m no one here to say what is worth your money, you’re the only one capable of making this judgement. All I can say is that in my opinion this is an amazing fragrance and if you are a gourmand lover, if you like sweet fragrances that remind you of a delicious dessert or pastry, Italica is definitely worth trying.

If you want to buy this glorious perfume, you can use GISELLE10 and get a 10% discount HERE (Disclaimer: this link is an affiliate link, meaning that if you click through & make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!) – Read full disclosure here.

 

I’ve also dedicated an entire video on YouTube to review Italica which you can also check out here:

 

https://youtu.be/LbdUcVzlkhE

 

If you like gourmand fragrances, check out my review on A La Carte N0.6 by Leng Ling Munich here.

 

Categories: FRAGRANCE REVIEWS, Most Complimented, Seductive Perfumes, Top Long Lasting Fragrances

Baccarat Rouge 540

Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait de Parfum | Maison Franckis Kurkdjian

If you’ve heard about Baccarat Rouge 540 perfume and  you don’t get the hype, keep reading.

This post is all about the famous Baccarat Rouge 540 Perfume

 

Baccarat Rouge 540 EDP and Extrait de Parfum

 

Baccarat rouge perfume

Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau De Parfum and Extrait de Parfum

I became familiar with this incredible manufacturer since an early age because I grew up seeing and hearing the word “Baccarat” at home. My mom would throw fancy parties every now and then, and in every gathering, the gorgeous, meticulously carved Baccarat crystal glasses were a staple in my house, along with other stunning decor pieces also made by the same brand.

Fast forward to 2015, Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum was launched to celebrate the world-famous crystal manufacturer’s 250th birthday; what an excitement! Initially, it was going to be a limited edition of only 250 bottles, but given the success and the world’s positive reaction, Francis Kurkdjian, the perfumer, decided to keep it as part of his permanent collection. Quickly, Baccarat Rouge 540 became the most mass-appealing, sought-after, and cloned fragrance ever created.

When I heard the name “Baccarat” I felt I needed to get my hands and nose on it because it was a brand I grew up with and felt like “home”.  On top of that, when I learned this fragrance had saffron in the composition which is one of my absolute favorite notes in perfumery, I felt this fragrance was screaming my name, period; I needed to try it; and so I did the moment Neiman Marcus received it. I tried it not just once but several times, and you know what? I didn’t like it, actually it was totally off-putting !! At one point I wasn’t sure if it was the fragrance or the pushy sales associate trying to convince me to buy it, but it was definitely unpleasant.

Over time, BR 540 EDP grew on me and I ended up loving this beautiful perfume, however, what I find truly captivating is the bottle and all the details that have been incorporated.

The brand’s signature color often seen in their chandeliers, is a deep, bright red. To obtain this vibrant red color, melted (fused) clear crystal is mixed with pure gold, a mix that master artisans utilize to make the fabulous creations that Baccarat is renowned for. Once the creations are shaped, those pieces are heated at 540 degrees Celsius and here’s when the magic happens, and the clear crystal turns red. If you rotate the bottle and look at it from the back, you can see a red chandelier imprinted on the back side of the label as a symbolic representation of the famous brand.

After the huge success of Baccarat Rouge 540 in the eau de parfum formulation, the house (Maison Francis Kurkdjian), launched BR 540 extrait de parfum in 2017 (which is my favorite), with the same nose behind: the master perfumer Francis Kurkdjian.

 

Baccarat rouge 540 candlebaccarat rouge 540

Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait de Parfum and Candle

BR 540 (both EDP and extrait) are incredible blends of synthetic notes, a true example of modern perfumery which proves that conversely to what many people think, synthetic is not always a bad thing, especially in the perfume industry.

The notes present in this composition are saffron (actually a synthetic form of saffron since in natural form, this highly coveted spice has an allergenic compound), Cashmeran, Ambroxan, red cedar (which gives the fragrance with what many people recognize as “pencil shavings” smell, much creamier and less dry than other types of cedar used in perfumery), and Jasmine.

This master piece smells like nothing that has ever been created before, in fact, it’s hard to describe how it smells, and I think it’s part of what made this fragrance so disruptive when it appeared for the first time back in 2015. There are many fragrances on the market with the same notes and accords, however, Mr. Francis Kurkdjian mastered the art of blending just a few synthetic notes to perfection, and despite all the baccarat rouge 540 dupes out there, it’s still unique and the only one that is 10/10.

BR540’s smell has been described as “burned sugar”, well… not to me. I love cooking and baking and I’m very familiar with the smell of burned sugar which tends to be slightly bitter. In this case though, there’s no bitterness at all, if anything, it has a very subtle salty smell lingering in the background that perfectly balances the otherwise excessive sweetness. Every time I eat berries at home, I sprinkle them with brown sugar and the moment I bite a berry, Baccarat Rouge comes to my mind.

If you ask me what does it smell like, I’d say, it smells like candied berries with sprinkled granulated brown sugar on top (not the “sandy” and moist brown sugar; I’m talking about the dry, golden, crystalized one).

The extrait version is a bit different, but not dramatically different. In fact, someone who’s not into fragrances and smell them for the first time, highly likely won’t be able to tell them apart. However, Baccarat Rouge 540 extrait has a different opening, which is nutty and not as sharp as the opening of the EDP sister. This strong bitter almond accord, in my opinion, is one of the main differentiating factors from the original version.

It’s a pretty linear fragrance that slowly transitions without much change until it settles in the dry down, where you’ll get a less nutty but more woodsy, slightly smoky, and denser fragrance that lasts for at least six to eight hours on my skin. I’d say the extrait is a more mature type of scent compared to the EDP and yes, this is one of my top compliment getters.

 

Fragrance Profile

 

Baccarat Rouge 540 extrait screams “I am expensive”. It’s luxurious and over the top, however, it’s not overwhelming, intrusive, or intimidating.

This might come as a surprise to many since it’s an extrait de parfum, but this perfume is not what in the fragrance community we call a “beast-mode” fragrance with incredible projection and a mind-blowing sillage, conversely, it’s a scent that sits close to the skin. People think that when fragrances are in their purest form which is extrait (or parfum), they are stronger, they project more, and the trail is impressive, and I’m here to tell you that this is not 100% true. Due to the high oils concentration in extrait de parfums, this type of formulation tends to last longer, but usually extraits are skin scents with moderate projection and without a remarkable sillage.

Conversely, lighter formulations like eau de toilettes, since they have higher amounts of alcohol and a lower percentage of oils concentration, will leave a beautiful trail when you walk, and will project from a longer distance, even though they won’t last nearly as much as an extrait de parfum. 

Since oils concentrations vary from house to house, not all fragrance formulations will behave the same way even if they belong to the same category. For example, Tom Ford’s private blend which offers an amazing selection of eau de parfums, has a higher oil concentration than the standard eau de parfums we see on the market so any fragrance from this line will perform better than other eau de parfums with a lower oil concentration.

 

Tell me more about Baccarat Rouge 540 !

 

It appears to have a particular molecular structure because many people experience a “Hide & Seek” game with BR540 EDP. What I mean by this is that after a while, many people can’t smell it anymore on themselves, but people around them can smell it. Unfortunately, this has not been my case. It seems my skin “eats” this fragrance and it disappears after an hour or so and no one around me seems to even notice it, however this is not the case with the extrait version which I love and will always keep in my collection. 

Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait is a compliment getter and fun fact, most of the comments and compliments I get when I wear this fragrance come from men. If you want to check my blog post about my most complimented fragrances, click here.

This is definitely a night time type of scent, something I’d wear for formal events, and also when I want to feel like a “femme fatale” and red carpet-ready.

Baccarat Rouge 540 is absolutely beautiful in both formulations, especially the extrait. If you asked me a while back if it’s worth the hype, I’d have said yes, because it was a very disruptive scent that smelled like nothing on the market even though it wasn’t love at first sniff for me. Nowadays, there are so many similar fragrances (even dupes / clones) of BR540 that makes the original fragrance lack the exclusivity it once had. That being said, there’s nothing like the original, and personally, I do not like dupes nor do I encourage people to buy them.

Worth it or not, the hype is out there and if you have a chance, give it a try. This is not a safe blind buy so make sure you test it first. It’s very alluring, intriguing and luxurious, and for many people one of their most complimented perfumes of all times. I can foresee it becoming a modern classic and a staple in many collectors’ collections including mine.