I approve of the philosophy behind Juliette Has A Gun: the brand tries to project niche coolness whilst making itself attractive to younger, more mainstream buyers… the very people, in fact, who are all too frequently cajoled into spending money on timid, celebrity soups. It’s a laudable policy, and it’s summed up quite succinctly by Romantina.
At the start, the scent is a sheer, suspiciously safe citrus floral, replete with pale, dewy petals, as well as a prominent lily of the valley note. However, the bouquet is never permitted to turn silly or pink, thanks to the inclusion of dark woods, musks and a distinct patchouli facet. Perfumer Romano Ricci’s message seems to be: “Let me take you by the hand, pull you away from your quaint Cath Kidston nonsense and show you a slightly edgier side of perfume.” Romantina requires a touch more energy to pull off its seduction ritual with total conviction, but as it stands, it’s a praiseworthy attempt to give us a floral that’s youthful and modern without being ditzy.
In brief… Narciso Rodriguez have added yet another flanker to their sizeable line-up with a limited edition Délicate version of For Her. For once, the name is accurate: this latest iteration takes the familiar patchouli + musk accord, softens it with gentle fruity notes and makes the whole softer and more approachable. Perfectly decent, if you like this sort of thing.
Mathilde Bijaoui‘s Bijou Romantique for Etat Libre D’Orange is another entry in the brand’s occasional forays into the past. Essentially a soft, vanillic ylang ylang scent, it channels bygone symphonic florals (think: Joy) but, needless to say, it also features a 21st century vibe in the form of an expertly-handled lemon note and a powdery facet that somehow manages to be chalky rather than sweet. This is Putain Des Palaces rescued by Richard Gere bearing a diamond ring. Lovely.
Persolaise.
PS Be sure to come back onTuesday Wednesday for an interview with Romano Ricci of Juliette Has A Gun.
PS Be sure to come back on
[Review of Romantina based on a sample of eau de parfum provided by Juliette Has A Gun; review of For Her Eau
Délicate based on a sample of eau de toilette provided by Narciso Rodriguez; review of Bijou Romantique based on a sample of eau de parfum provided by Etat Libre D’Orange; all samples provided in 2012.]
Délicate based on a sample of eau de toilette provided by Narciso Rodriguez; review of Bijou Romantique based on a sample of eau de parfum provided by Etat Libre D’Orange; all samples provided in 2012.]
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Aha, I'm glad that you like Romantina! It's my scent du jour.
@EscentualEmma
Emma, yes, I found it quite charming. Enjoy wearing it!
I read your take on Bijou Romantique this morning right after reading Perfume Shrine's review; now I really want to try it. For a niche line, they are pretty well priced.
Rosarita, I love it when a few sites review a perfume at exactly the same time. And yes, BR is well worth sampling.