A Fragrance Fades Fast: My Disappointing Experience with a Perfume

Hello there!

I picked up this perfume on New Year's Eve at Le Temps des Cérises for 2,649 rubles for 60 ml, which was a discounted price. I'd been eyeing it for ages, but the price was a bit steep. I decided to treat myself and see if my dreams would come true.

About the perfume

It's made in France.

From the very first sniff, this perfume feels calming. The natural freshness from the bergamot instantly soothes your senses, evoking the crunch of blackcurrant and the sparkle of pink pepper. On the second sniff, it's like a ray of sunshine. The lush white bouquet reveals its full femininity: the shine of impeccable orange blossom and jasmine, the velvety smoothness of orris, and the powdery softness of vanilla. The warmth of sandalwood and cedarwood envelops your skin as the fragrance reaches its peak.Top notes - bergamot, pink pepper, blackcurrant

Heart notes - orange blossom, jasmine, orris

Base notes - cedarwood, sandalwood, vanilla

I'm a total sucker for sweet scents. When I first met this fragrance, I was immediately drawn in. The scent seemed light, unobtrusive, and sweetly pleasant, perfect for young and dreamy girls like me. The main notes of the fragrance reminded me of bubble gum with grapes that we used to chew as kids. I fell in love with it, and I'd search for it every time I visited a perfume store, only to fall in love with it all over again.

My experience with it

I ordered the perfume for home delivery, and when it arrived, I opened it with wide eyes. The first whiff of this perfume left me wondering – I felt like I was trying out a completely new scent that I'd never encountered before. At first, it seemed quite heavy... There were floral notes present, but it was hard to pinpoint which ones. I sensed a hint of spice...

After a couple of days of use, the scent opened up in a different way – the florals faded, and I could definitely smell the grape notes (which I'd suspected from the start), although the label claims it's a raspberry scent. The smell wasn't overpowering, more like a soft, powdery, evening-perfect kind of scent that pairs well with a long dress.

The biggest letdown for me: after applying the perfume, I hardly ever notice it on my skin. No matter how much I spray it, it evaporates around me in seconds. I don't feel it on my skin or clothes, like I'm not even wearing perfume. The trail after using it is nonexistent. My husband usually comments on my perfume, but with this one, I've never gotten any compliments or even questions.

I've been using it from January to May. The scent hasn't changed with the seasons. Maybe I just didn't notice, given that the perfume lacks a trail, so there's nothing to compare...

I get the feeling that I got a fake version of the perfume (which is disappointing, since I trusted this store until the end). Firstly, I've come across several reviews saying that this store has been selling fakes more often lately. Secondly, the scent difference between the store version and the original bottle is radical. Thirdly, the perfume lacks any kind of longevity – no trail on my skin or clothes. Even deodorants last longer. I'm removing a star for this misadventure. Maybe it was a fake, or maybe this perfume just didn't want to reveal itself on me... But I'm not willing to buy it again from somewhere else to verify. I really wanted to like it, though.

And to make matters worse, the NSC Ниацинамид Глубокое Восстановление и Сияние кожи с Витамином С moisturizer has been a game-changer for my dry winter skin. I've been using it for a week now, and it really delivers on its promises. It leaves my skin feeling soft and supple. I've also been using the MEDB Busyo Busyo Black Head OUT Cleansing Oil, and I'm obsessed with the scent! Plus, it does a great job of getting rid of blackheads and other impurities.