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For Spring
"Belle Cologne" is the first and so far only fragrance from the British fashion label Jigsaw. Although labeled as a Cologne, its longevity is more akin to that of an Eau de Parfum. The Cologne aspect only reveals itself initially through citrus notes, but then it becomes predominantly floral.
My first impression upon getting to know it was that it bears a striking resemblance to "L'Ombre Dans L'Eau" by Diptyque, one of my favorite fragrances. Both scents share the rose notes and the fruitiness of blackcurrant. While a similarity is still present, the more often you wear a fragrance, the more the differences become apparent.
However, rose and blackcurrant are more dominant in "L'Ombre Dans L'Eau"; they are presented in a more lush, softer, and harmonious way. Particularly, the blackcurrant takes a bit of a backseat in Belle Cologne; alongside the rose, I also detect lily of the valley and fresh green notes. The overall impression is that of a floral, spring-like, slightly green composition, but unfortunately, in comparison, it also comes off as a bit sharp and not quite as rounded and harmonious as with Diptyque.
But what are all these comparisons for? Despite the slightly sharp note for me, this is still a very pretty fragrance, perfect for a lovely spring day.
Belle Cologne arrived in a beautiful bottle with a lovely green box at a relaxed price; unfortunately, production has been discontinued. If I remember correctly, the clearance sale started in 2010. It's somewhat of a shame, as there are definitely even more beautiful fragrances out there, but there are also many worse ones!
My first impression upon getting to know it was that it bears a striking resemblance to "L'Ombre Dans L'Eau" by Diptyque, one of my favorite fragrances. Both scents share the rose notes and the fruitiness of blackcurrant. While a similarity is still present, the more often you wear a fragrance, the more the differences become apparent.
However, rose and blackcurrant are more dominant in "L'Ombre Dans L'Eau"; they are presented in a more lush, softer, and harmonious way. Particularly, the blackcurrant takes a bit of a backseat in Belle Cologne; alongside the rose, I also detect lily of the valley and fresh green notes. The overall impression is that of a floral, spring-like, slightly green composition, but unfortunately, in comparison, it also comes off as a bit sharp and not quite as rounded and harmonious as with Diptyque.
But what are all these comparisons for? Despite the slightly sharp note for me, this is still a very pretty fragrance, perfect for a lovely spring day.
Belle Cologne arrived in a beautiful bottle with a lovely green box at a relaxed price; unfortunately, production has been discontinued. If I remember correctly, the clearance sale started in 2010. It's somewhat of a shame, as there are definitely even more beautiful fragrances out there, but there are also many worse ones!
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Monsieur, have we met before?
My dear sir, you seem so familiar to me, almost like an old friend. This light, Mediterranean aura, this classic understatement, you always maintain style and radiate a timeless freshness, making encounters with you a true pleasure. We should meet in the summer.
Or was it perhaps your father that I had the pleasure of meeting, who resembles you? No, probably not, unfortunately, I was never introduced to the gentleman Eau de Monsieur from 1980. Your last name is Goutal? Yes, you clearly carry the Goutal signature. Perhaps I simply confused you with your relatives named Monsieur Eau du Sud and especially Monsieur Eau de Hadrien.
You are very charming, but I would have imagined you to be a bit more "masculine" based on your name; I thought you were cut from a different cloth. Since you unfortunately cannot offer me anything sparklingly new, you probably won't be moving in with me. The water of the south has a better chance of making a return. But my dear sir, why are you disappearing so quickly?
Nevertheless, it was a pleasure to make your acquaintance!
Or was it perhaps your father that I had the pleasure of meeting, who resembles you? No, probably not, unfortunately, I was never introduced to the gentleman Eau de Monsieur from 1980. Your last name is Goutal? Yes, you clearly carry the Goutal signature. Perhaps I simply confused you with your relatives named Monsieur Eau du Sud and especially Monsieur Eau de Hadrien.
You are very charming, but I would have imagined you to be a bit more "masculine" based on your name; I thought you were cut from a different cloth. Since you unfortunately cannot offer me anything sparklingly new, you probably won't be moving in with me. The water of the south has a better chance of making a return. But my dear sir, why are you disappearing so quickly?
Nevertheless, it was a pleasure to make your acquaintance!
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Dark Seduction Wrapped in Wood
You often hear the statement that the namesake main component of Le Labo fragrances is not actually present. With Rose 31, there is definitely rose in it. The scent immediately exudes the finest, very natural-smelling rose essences, clearly perceptible, accompanied by spicy, almost peppery notes.
There is no rollercoaster scent progression; the most important element is this multifaceted woodiness, not soft-creamy like sometimes with sandalwood, but rather of a stronger nature like cedarwood. In all this woodiness, the incense somehow gets overshadowed. What else is in it: for me - besides Iso E Super - definitely oud. I am neither an oud fan nor an expert, but here I like it exceptionally well. In fact, there is another fragrance note listing on the Le Labo homepage besides the one above, without classification, that includes oud (and also vetiver).
The only downside is that the beautiful rose bids farewell far too quickly. But as a rose soliflore, Rose 31 definitely isn't suitable anyway. The issue with the fading rose is even more pronounced in the matching massage and bath oil; still incredibly beautiful for pampering, but did they perhaps actually miss adding the right amount of rose oil here?
Le Labo markets Rose 31 with "Roses for Men." The endeavor to create a fragrance from this flower, which stands for sensual femininity, that also conveys strength and masculinity is, for me, successful. A rose that is wearable by anyone. Longevity and sillage are very good.
Rose 31 is rosy, velvety, dark, seductive, noble, spicy, mature, sensual, very woody, not for every day, and overall, for me, irresistibly beautiful.
There is no rollercoaster scent progression; the most important element is this multifaceted woodiness, not soft-creamy like sometimes with sandalwood, but rather of a stronger nature like cedarwood. In all this woodiness, the incense somehow gets overshadowed. What else is in it: for me - besides Iso E Super - definitely oud. I am neither an oud fan nor an expert, but here I like it exceptionally well. In fact, there is another fragrance note listing on the Le Labo homepage besides the one above, without classification, that includes oud (and also vetiver).
The only downside is that the beautiful rose bids farewell far too quickly. But as a rose soliflore, Rose 31 definitely isn't suitable anyway. The issue with the fading rose is even more pronounced in the matching massage and bath oil; still incredibly beautiful for pampering, but did they perhaps actually miss adding the right amount of rose oil here?
Le Labo markets Rose 31 with "Roses for Men." The endeavor to create a fragrance from this flower, which stands for sensual femininity, that also conveys strength and masculinity is, for me, successful. A rose that is wearable by anyone. Longevity and sillage are very good.
Rose 31 is rosy, velvety, dark, seductive, noble, spicy, mature, sensual, very woody, not for every day, and overall, for me, irresistibly beautiful.
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Quite Successful
This fragrance can be described quickly: thoroughly lily of the valley, it brings spring feelings all on its own. Lily of the valley scent can quickly come off as somewhat artificial, which makes sense since it is always artificially constructed.
I think Marks & Spencer has executed this well. Floral, light, green, and fresh, with a slightly soapy quality, this fragrance hardly undergoes any development; you get what the name promises, and with good longevity!
In multiple direct comparisons with Penhaligon's Lily of the Valley, this little flower performs slightly worse; the Penhaligon's version definitely smells more harmonious and, above all, more elegant and authentic, especially when I imagine - unfortunately only from memory at this time of year - the scent of the real flower.
Given the significant price difference between the two brands, lily of the valley fans should definitely give this "cheap" variant a chance. The fragrance is truly unbeatable in price, available in 30 and 100 ml bottles. The bottle and packaging are, in my opinion, exceptionally beautiful. While the content is more important than the form, the eye "eats" as we know. At these prices, the entire series makes the perfect holiday souvenir from a trip to the UK for those who stayed behind. Only the very high art of perfumery cannot be expected, but rather a successful, solid interpretation of lily of the valley.
I think Marks & Spencer has executed this well. Floral, light, green, and fresh, with a slightly soapy quality, this fragrance hardly undergoes any development; you get what the name promises, and with good longevity!
In multiple direct comparisons with Penhaligon's Lily of the Valley, this little flower performs slightly worse; the Penhaligon's version definitely smells more harmonious and, above all, more elegant and authentic, especially when I imagine - unfortunately only from memory at this time of year - the scent of the real flower.
Given the significant price difference between the two brands, lily of the valley fans should definitely give this "cheap" variant a chance. The fragrance is truly unbeatable in price, available in 30 and 100 ml bottles. The bottle and packaging are, in my opinion, exceptionally beautiful. While the content is more important than the form, the eye "eats" as we know. At these prices, the entire series makes the perfect holiday souvenir from a trip to the UK for those who stayed behind. Only the very high art of perfumery cannot be expected, but rather a successful, solid interpretation of lily of the valley.
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A Dream in Purple
The namesake lavender appears not only in the heart note but shines from beginning to end. An authentic lavender scent, highly recommended for fans of the plant. The composition is green, herbal, fresh, clear, and strong. It is not a dusty-dry, powdery version of the theme, but rather a very juicy one. Even tonka bean and vanilla in the base do not manage to turn this into a typical fougère. Worth mentioning is the light, but for me clearly perceptible lily of the valley note, which fits harmoniously. Men should not be deterred by this.
A very successful little water, which I would not have expected from the traditional company Penhaligon's in such a "de-dusted" form. Speaking of little water, the longevity and sillage of this Eau de Parfum are excellent and have far exceeded my expectations. Still, it was probably a mistake to only purchase the 50 ml bottle, as the addictive factor is very high.
Lavandula is a refreshing-herbal alternative to the classic citrus Eau de Cologne, especially in high summer temperatures. The lavender-containing Estivalia by Puig used to fulfill exactly this function for me.
A true delight!
A very successful little water, which I would not have expected from the traditional company Penhaligon's in such a "de-dusted" form. Speaking of little water, the longevity and sillage of this Eau de Parfum are excellent and have far exceeded my expectations. Still, it was probably a mistake to only purchase the 50 ml bottle, as the addictive factor is very high.
Lavandula is a refreshing-herbal alternative to the classic citrus Eau de Cologne, especially in high summer temperatures. The lavender-containing Estivalia by Puig used to fulfill exactly this function for me.
A true delight!
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