Dalmajen

This is the only fragrance that I have ever owned that laughs at me! No, I'm not freaked out at the bottle...I love that funny purple ultra modern approach. Its the Jasmine that scares me! When I first tested this, my eyes nearly popped out of my head! Strong..and Bold! Who do you think you are, type jasmine. I said to myself..I will never wear this sassy scent. It really is a fragrance that you can't decide, if you love it, or hate it. It laughs at me! I apply it, and it surrounds me. It makes me go back for more. It is one of the most interesting fragrances that I have owned in may years. I think it doesn't suit me..yet I get numerous compliments, which annoys me, as I have so many others that I love...yet, this is the entertainer...he makes you feel happy, and knows when to get the applause...Because he is the showoff of all the Jasmines, and he is the true Entertainer!

Don't ask me why this song came to mind, when I was wearing this wonderful perfume, for the first time yesterday. Well, it could be an age thing...the song is from 1967 after all...won't say anymore on that particular subject! I'll start by saying I had Shalimar, and had to swap it. It wasn't that I didn't try to love it, because I did...oh how I tried, but just could not get past the opening. It was just pure lemon..almost like lemon pledge on me. When the dry down finally came (which seemed like hours), it was just not worth the wait. So, when I read about this version, I was really anxious to try it. This is absolutely fabulous! The opening...a much softer citrus, perhaps the mandarin orange somehow fazes out the lemon accord), is lovely and fresh. But it doesn't last long at all, until a wisp of vanilla pushes through. I detect the iris, and patchouli, but couldn't really pick out much jasmine or rose for that matter. But that's fine with me, because at this stage I'm smiling and feeling oh so happy! I'm enjoying sniffing this lovely blend, when all of a sudden..the most lovely and gracious vanilla emerges! Wow, what a beautiful vanilla! It may even be the end of my quest, for the perfect vanilla! I detect just a slight dash of incense, and musk. Not overdone, nothing about this fabulous blend is overdone. It all merges together so softly, but leaves you stunned by the beauty of the whole thing. Oh yes, I feel like I am sitting in a lovely old courtyard, in a soft silk blouse, sipping a crisp glass of white wine, at sundown...with Nights in white satin, playing in the background.

I decided to try this today, as had a lovely large sample. I have had Lancome fragrances in the past, and can't say I like them all, but this is the first fruity one I have tried. I have to be honest and say, I really don't detect Rose at all! But, Berries galore! First opening, a blast of Raspberry...followed by more berries..a hint of citrus, and still more types of berries. Too sweet for my liking, and didn't detect any cedar. It seems to last, but I find it very berry boring! The dry down is a bit of a let down, but perhaps this fragrance is geared more towards the real fruity (not much floral) fans. The bottle makes you think it will be more of an elegant scent..but, not in this case.

I remember when I first purchased this fragrance...I first came upon this perfume, while visiting family in the U.S. (In the 90's) I loved it, it was so soft, yet...had character. I was very impressed with the lovely soft powdery aspect, and had several bottles. Then, something went wrong, My dislike for the citrus opening became stronger. I think this not out of the ordinary..somehow our tastes change, and we just go off certain notes. I have never loved citrus, but can tolerate it in small doses. Some of my very favorites, have bergamot, so I don't reject a fragrance based on the top notes. I purchased a bottle, and decided it wasn't for me at this time, so packed it away. I always think, if we loved it at some stage, and go off it...just pack it away, in the box, and forget about it for a while. So, decided to take it out today, and spend some time wearing it again. It's quite strange, but perhaps I have been wearing a few sweet fragrances..and it has changed my perception ...but I can somehow make a different judgment on this scent. Yes, the citrus opening is there, but somehow, fleeting. Then the suede comes in...and picks up on the powdery aura. Then, the vanilla comes in, but ever so lightly. Maybe I will wear you again...but the magic has somehow faded....

It has taken me two full days of wearing this, before I could write this review. I bought this fragrance blind, but had a brief sample sniff of the regular Infusion D'Iris from a friend. I was really looking forward to this fragrance, as wanted something floral, but a bit powdery for Spring. With the first few minutes, upon spraying, I was taken aback with an almost metallic, leathery note. Not very pleasant, but gratefully didn't linger too long. Then the nice notes started coming to the surface, a soft orange, and the lovely soft iris flower. This is when the powdery vibe kicks in). The drydown, for me anyway, is the greatest part of all. A lovely vanilla, drifting in and out amongst the floral. But, here is the disappointment. Not much lasting power at all. I do have a problem with lots of perfume no lasting a long time on my skin, unless it's a real power house scent), but this is too damn short. Projection is slight. Had to ask several family members if they could smell it. My son did, . only when I asked him to sniff my wrist, and neck. His comment was, "It's nice, but pretty old fashioned", They are more used to me wearing bold perfumes)So, all in all, I like it, after the first few minutes fades inwards, would wear it a lot, especially during the day, and a good workplace fragrance...but staying power is quite short, and don't think it has much of a sillage at all. A close to the skin scent, for sure. Also, a bit pricey, due to the short lasting power.