AlyRaven
Reviews
Detailed
Fleeting Scent
Zara's Apple Juice perfume offers a crisp, and light fragrance that captures the essence of freshly sliced apples. It's a perfect pick for those who enjoy airy, clean scents that don't overpower the senses. Especially for those hot summer days or for going to the gym. However, the scent is a double edged sword. While delightful at first, it unfortunately lacks staying power. The fragrance fades quickly on my skin, lasting only a few minutes before disappearing entirely. For this reason, I mainly use it as a light, fleeting scent to unwind in the evening, but it's not suitable for all-day wear. If you're looking for something with longevity or depth, this might not be your go to.
In short, Zara's Apple Juice is a lovely, light option for those who enjoy a fresh, crisp scent but don't mind reapplying throughout the day. It's best suited for use in quiet moments, like a pre bedtime spritz, or for going to the gym, rather than as an all day fragrance.
In short, Zara's Apple Juice is a lovely, light option for those who enjoy a fresh, crisp scent but don't mind reapplying throughout the day. It's best suited for use in quiet moments, like a pre bedtime spritz, or for going to the gym, rather than as an all day fragrance.
From Surprise to Delight!
When I first received this perfume as a gift back in 2016, I honestly never expected to fall in love with it, but here i was, absolutely enchanted by it! In fact, I still have a small sample to savor the memories it evokes and appreciate the fragrance's complexity from time to time. An excellent choice on my part really since it has been discontinued.
Typically I'm not drawn to gourmand/sweet fragrances, but this one defied my expectations. While the hazelnut cocoa spread note is prominent, it never becomes overwhelmingly sweet. Instead, it's beautifully balanced by the other elements, creating a fragrance that's comforting but still complex. What really surprises me though is the refreshing quality this scent carries. There is almost a minty freshness, but without that harsh, mouthwash-like feel you might expect from fresh notes sometimes. The blend feels sophisticated and modern, not too heavy or cloying, which is an absolute win in my book (unless you wear it on a hot summer day). The addition of pink pepper adds a much needed spicy kick that lifts the fragrance, making it more dynamic and layered as well.
In terms of performance, Angel Muse is a powerhouse. The sillage is strong, and the longevity is impressive and the scent sticks with you for hours. Because of it's intensity, I found that less is more, and a couple of spritzes go a long way. It's definitely a scent that commands attention, so using it sparingly will let you enjoy it without overwhelming those around you.
All in all, this perfume pleasantly surprised me. While it was marketed primarily towards women, I consider it as more unisex in nature leaning towards feminine. It's a multifaceted fragrance that's perfect for those who want something complex and different. It's sweet without being sugary, earthy and green without being too heavy, and spicy without being too harsh.
Typically I'm not drawn to gourmand/sweet fragrances, but this one defied my expectations. While the hazelnut cocoa spread note is prominent, it never becomes overwhelmingly sweet. Instead, it's beautifully balanced by the other elements, creating a fragrance that's comforting but still complex. What really surprises me though is the refreshing quality this scent carries. There is almost a minty freshness, but without that harsh, mouthwash-like feel you might expect from fresh notes sometimes. The blend feels sophisticated and modern, not too heavy or cloying, which is an absolute win in my book (unless you wear it on a hot summer day). The addition of pink pepper adds a much needed spicy kick that lifts the fragrance, making it more dynamic and layered as well.
In terms of performance, Angel Muse is a powerhouse. The sillage is strong, and the longevity is impressive and the scent sticks with you for hours. Because of it's intensity, I found that less is more, and a couple of spritzes go a long way. It's definitely a scent that commands attention, so using it sparingly will let you enjoy it without overwhelming those around you.
All in all, this perfume pleasantly surprised me. While it was marketed primarily towards women, I consider it as more unisex in nature leaning towards feminine. It's a multifaceted fragrance that's perfect for those who want something complex and different. It's sweet without being sugary, earthy and green without being too heavy, and spicy without being too harsh.
I Adore This
This perfume is amazing! In the opening you get that vibrant burst of citrus from that mandarin orange, layered with floral notes and vanilla in the background. As for the blend, it's perfectly balanced with an impressive longevity as well, especially on clothes. And to my nose, it has an elegant, timeless scent with a touch of sensuality, making me feel like I'm being hugged on a rainy autumn afternoon. Perfect for autumn and winter.
From Overpowering to Appreciable!
I had high hopes for Rose Gourmand, especially after all the glowing reviews i kept seeing and hearing everywhere. Since I don't shy away from notes such as white flowers, caramel, rose and vanilla (notes that Zara highlights) I gave it a try but unfortunately, my experience wasn't as pleasant as I had hoped.
I made the mistake of trying it on a hot summer day, and that first impression was a major letdown. It wasn't the longevity that bothered me (although when you dislike a scent and it is a powerhouse it can be a nightmare), but it was the scent itself. On that sweltering day, the perfume came across as repulsive. I was overwhelmed by an overly synthetic, heavy and cloying sent that left me confused. There was this sharpness to it that led me to believe there might be some coffee and/or some green note buried in the mix. Unfortunately, to my nose and preferences, the notes clashed horribly, making it an unbalanced/unpleasant experience that managed to be headache inducing.
However, since I didn't toss it out, I decided to give it another go when the weather changed. And wow, the difference was huge! While it still isn't to my taste, it no longer feels nauseating, and in fact, I began to appreciate it more. In winter, the notes seem to blend more harmoniously, evoking the scent of coffee and rose Turkish delight. So, I'd recommend wearing this in cooler months, perhaps even fall if you live in places where it's not too hot during that time.
I made the mistake of trying it on a hot summer day, and that first impression was a major letdown. It wasn't the longevity that bothered me (although when you dislike a scent and it is a powerhouse it can be a nightmare), but it was the scent itself. On that sweltering day, the perfume came across as repulsive. I was overwhelmed by an overly synthetic, heavy and cloying sent that left me confused. There was this sharpness to it that led me to believe there might be some coffee and/or some green note buried in the mix. Unfortunately, to my nose and preferences, the notes clashed horribly, making it an unbalanced/unpleasant experience that managed to be headache inducing.
However, since I didn't toss it out, I decided to give it another go when the weather changed. And wow, the difference was huge! While it still isn't to my taste, it no longer feels nauseating, and in fact, I began to appreciate it more. In winter, the notes seem to blend more harmoniously, evoking the scent of coffee and rose Turkish delight. So, I'd recommend wearing this in cooler months, perhaps even fall if you live in places where it's not too hot during that time.
