Essa1311

Here it is at last. My first Shalimar. Since this fragrance is such a landmark in the perfume world I really wanted to own it. But the original is too much for me, so I waited for the right flanker. And now it is finally here. A good week I own him now and have him already worn 4 times. That speaks clearly for the fragrance.

Shalimar Millesime Iris starts quite briefly a little crisp fresh but already with slightly vanilla base. I get but less the bergamot, for me this is more a rose covered in dew on a cold morning. But as soon as the fragrance lingers longer on the skin, the combination of iris and vanilla unfolds. A wonderful, beautiful vanilla, probably my first real contact with the Guerlain vanilla. A subtle hint of lipstick I also get but only very subtle and background. Like smeared lipstick after you have kissed passionately. In addition, a slightly smoky note joins but really only slightly. This smoky supports this wonderful vanilla lipstick combination. He is in a very elegant way sweet and playful.
Let's just keep painting the picture: I'm sitting in a classy bar with beautiful old wooden furniture and heavy armchairs. I have a stunning black dress on. High-necked but figure-hugging and in addition red lipstick. After an elegant man has invited me to a vanilla-heavy rum, he smears me the lipstick in the secret kiss in the dim light.
That is the association that triggers this Shalimar with me. Forgive me that today I have to open the storybook to write this review but anything else is not fair to him.
I recognize despite everything still the Ur-Shalimar but much much lighter, much more subtle. Understated but still exciting. And yet somehow quite independent.
For me, Shalimar Millesime Iris is very sexy, seductive and sensual but all without crowbar.

Durability is pretty good I must say, he keeps all day and partly I smell him even the next day. Sillage is subtle, quite appropriate for this elegant fragrance.
From the bottle I am a little disappointed. The shape is iconic and really great but the whole presentation I find really cheap for the 122 euros. As long as you do not have him in hand but only stand sees it goes but.
All in all, a great flanker for which I am very grateful.

I've read a lot about the fragrances from Bottega Veneta. And only ever good things. So you click through from time to time, check fragrance notes and see if there's one that you really should try.
Then I stumbled across Illusione and promptly found two of my trigger fragrance notes, namely olive wood and fig leaf. It went straight onto my watch list. And then I waited a long time until I could get to the local perfumery again to try it out. At some point, my husband couldn't stand my whining any longer (funny, I often write that) and dropped me off in front of the perfumery so that I could finally try Illusione.
The knowledgeable saleswoman there told me they didn't stock the fragrance, I disagreed and lo and behold, we actually found it (oh no...listen to me)
Sprayed it on the paper strip and on my arm and quickly dashed out again. At first I found the scent nice but not groundbreaking. Nevertheless, my nose kept returning to the fragrance. And the more it developed, the more I realized what a treasure it is.

At first, Illusione is very sparkling, fresh and slightly fruity. Not sweet and fruity, but rather really crisp.
As it progresses, it becomes sensual, feminine and yet woody and somehow edgy. It is warm and yet cold. It lures you close and yet keeps you at a distance. That's pretty much one of the most interesting progressions I've had the pleasure of getting to know so far.
This is not your typical, sweet women's fragrance that usually dominates the big D. This one is for brave women, for boss ladies, for women who know what they want and go for it. Who are not afraid to speak their mind. But who are also very cuddly once you've broken through the hard shell.
A fragrance that smells so niche but isn't niche. That doesn't bother anyone but still somehow stands out.

Longevity could actually be better, sillage is just right as it is. Illusione clings to the skin but you still get smelled.
I'm still not sure about the bottle. The color scheme is beautiful and also suits the fragrance. The marbling of the lid is also great, but I don't like the way the lid sits on the fragrance at all.
However, with this amazing fragrance, it's worth it to me.
What a jewel of the designer world.