Illusione Bottega Veneta 2019 Eau de Toilette

Bottega Veneta's Illusione was one of my biggest surprises this year. It caught me off guard, without me wanting it to. Few YouTubers even had it on their radar, and although there was a subdued campaign, it left me completely cold. Ultimately, it was a free fragrance sample that enchanted me.

My first impression back then during the sample was quite negative. I smelled a bitter, almost aggressive orange and I immediately told myself: "No! This is not for you!" However, this fragrance then developed into a direction I did not expect. Warmth, balm, coziness, sauna stay, fir forest ... Thoughts and memories rushed through my mind - I had to have it, and I needed it yesterday!

I work a lot in a smaller office with several people. Daily Aventus and I would have been quartered. The fact that Illusione starts off prominent, but then becomes calm and reserved, suited me well. And the fact that the fragrance is only really noticeable for 2-4 hours does not bother me at all. I actually find that to be its strength. I don’t want to be the scent tree in the car every day and be the center of attention for the noses present. Sometimes, yes sometimes, I just want to be there without being overly smelled. Like an illusion indeed.

When is the best time to wear it? In fact, I bought it in the depths of winter and I associate the fragrance more with warming coziness and fir balm in tow. It’s not a scent I would wear in the height of summer at 30 degrees. However, in my opinion, it can be flexibly worn in all seasons in many situations. Just not in the club, where it feels out of place, just like I do. ;) I even think it’s a fragrance I would recommend to the 30+ generation. It is neither cool, sexy, youthful, nor sporty. It radiates calmness, serenity, and elegance. Fitting for the brand image of Bottega Veneta. (That doesn’t mean there aren’t elegant, serene, and calm people under 30 ;)

The bottle is unique to me, mainly because of the cap, which isn’t really a cap at all. The marbled-looking top is open at the top and therefore doesn’t protect the spray head 100% from oxygen, giving it more of an artistic touch. The bottom is strongly curved inward, creating an illusion of water rising up. Lacoste must have found the idea intriguing as well, as the current fragrance "Match Point" looks similar at the bottom.

Overall, a beautiful, citrusy fragrance that drifts into a warming, balsamic, and serene coziness. Very light, almost non-existent, and therefore strong for some days.