Reviews of Volupté by Oscar de la Renta
I guess it makes sense ... those who excel in the floral bouquet would have trouble with the aquatics, and the strain is laid bare in Volupté.
A frankenstein monster of oversized chemical head and Grojsman's fluffy pink sweater, which - instead of being angora - is now made of nylon. Weirdly prudish.
A frankenstein monster of oversized chemical head and Grojsman's fluffy pink sweater, which - instead of being angora - is now made of nylon. Weirdly prudish.
A truly great fragrance by Oscar de la Renta. However, some of the tops on the newer bottles are screwed up and don't sit flush on top of the bottle. Who the heck is in charge of quality control at the manufacturer? They could at least make sure the bottles aren't defective when they ship out. I hope they correct the problem because the unique bottle is one of the features I love about this fragrance. If there's a big unsightly gap between the bottle and cap, it just puts one off. Get the bottle and its cap right. I might then think of purchasing Volupte again. Also, my older bottles say Made in France. The newer bottles say Made in USA. I prefer the Made in France version because they seem to be made by a superior perfumery.
ADVERTISEMENT
To my nose and on my skin this begins harshly with a dry and acrid note. This may be the tagete - why bother, I ask.
It quickly settles down to a heart of a slightly sweet and heady white floral melange, which smells to me very synthetic, a bit plastic. The vanilla and sandalwood notes that support it do nothing to efface this effect.
Not awful, but not entirely pleasant. I sampled the pure vintage parfum. I note the edt goes for pennies, so the quality of the oils used cannot be very great.
Pleasant enough for a drug store quality fragrance.
It quickly settles down to a heart of a slightly sweet and heady white floral melange, which smells to me very synthetic, a bit plastic. The vanilla and sandalwood notes that support it do nothing to efface this effect.
Not awful, but not entirely pleasant. I sampled the pure vintage parfum. I note the edt goes for pennies, so the quality of the oils used cannot be very great.
Pleasant enough for a drug store quality fragrance.
Lotus, narcissus, incensey smoke, and heliotrope form a very suave mix, indeed. Bolstered by an ambery sweetness, Volupte is a surprisingly pleasant scent - Despite being overly crowded it still comes across as airy and spread out. There is a lot going on but it seems to make sense. I'd like to think that this is the type of contemplative floral that would later inspire scents like Dzongkha and Timbuktu.
Review for vintage EDT:
This bottle is truly striking in person, very art nouveau, with clean lines and a nice heft. The cap on the 1.7 oz splash bottle is a touch strange, as the angled form needs to be twisted until it sits perfectly flush. However, the seal seems to be quite good once it is fit properly, and I'm not seeing any leaks, despite there being no threads on the stopper.
My skin tends to eat florals, and my initial application left me wondering where the famed Volupte power was. A second application, trailing from wrist to elbow brought enlightenment.
To my nose, Volupte opens with bitter narcissus very much forward, supported by osmanthus. Where osmanthus frequently has a suede like scent to me, and occasionally smells of plums, this osmanthus reminds me strongly of apricot fruit leather- dense, more tart than sweet, distinctly tangy. The sillage, for some reason, reminds me of buttered toast...served first thing in the morning, with tea, and apricot preserves (osmanthus) eaten sitting in the sunshine. I'm not sure where this accord is coming from, but it is quite distinct, and surprisingly joyous.
The heart opens slowly, after more than an hour. Soft, sweet mimosa, faint LoV, the slightest touch of carnation appear. Then jasmine and cyclamen move forward, supported by the fantasy peony note. Throughout this phase the fantasy freesia note is present, but not plasticky, adding a sense of "gloss" to the scent. Eventually a touch of tuberose shows up, demure, almost shy, very unusual for this note.
In the dry down heliotrope and melon step forward, supported by sandalwood and a touch of incense. Start to finish, I would classify Volupte as cheerful, surprisingly fresh, and thoroughly unexpected. The very sweet notes are carried by the almost herbal, very green, bitter narcissus base. The fruits are not the sugared versions that have been prevalent for the past decade, but rather tart. The floral elements are blended with a beautifully light touch, and the sweetness they bring is glorious, and never overwhelming.
I had expected Volupte to be heavy, a cool weather scent. Instead this is one of the most light filled scents that I have encountered, serenely joyous, energizing, the sort of scent that reminds you to stop and experience the world around you. Volupte, to my mind, is not so much about voluptuousness in the sense of sex appeal, but rather the voluptuousness of fully experiencing the world around us, dwelling in the present, and mindfully engaging with the multitude of stimulation all around. For me, Volupte is a meditation retreat in a bottle, perfect for those times when you can't disappear for a week, but you really need a break.
This is a go to scent! On my skin it needs warm weather to really be apparent in all it's glory, but it is wearable year round, and I think it will be a wonderful anodyne to winter blahs. Elegantly casual, effortlessly chic. I feel like this is the perfect scent to wear when one isn't sure what note to hit, but needs to impress. Tremendously versatile, and a joy to experience.
This bottle is truly striking in person, very art nouveau, with clean lines and a nice heft. The cap on the 1.7 oz splash bottle is a touch strange, as the angled form needs to be twisted until it sits perfectly flush. However, the seal seems to be quite good once it is fit properly, and I'm not seeing any leaks, despite there being no threads on the stopper.
My skin tends to eat florals, and my initial application left me wondering where the famed Volupte power was. A second application, trailing from wrist to elbow brought enlightenment.
To my nose, Volupte opens with bitter narcissus very much forward, supported by osmanthus. Where osmanthus frequently has a suede like scent to me, and occasionally smells of plums, this osmanthus reminds me strongly of apricot fruit leather- dense, more tart than sweet, distinctly tangy. The sillage, for some reason, reminds me of buttered toast...served first thing in the morning, with tea, and apricot preserves (osmanthus) eaten sitting in the sunshine. I'm not sure where this accord is coming from, but it is quite distinct, and surprisingly joyous.
The heart opens slowly, after more than an hour. Soft, sweet mimosa, faint LoV, the slightest touch of carnation appear. Then jasmine and cyclamen move forward, supported by the fantasy peony note. Throughout this phase the fantasy freesia note is present, but not plasticky, adding a sense of "gloss" to the scent. Eventually a touch of tuberose shows up, demure, almost shy, very unusual for this note.
In the dry down heliotrope and melon step forward, supported by sandalwood and a touch of incense. Start to finish, I would classify Volupte as cheerful, surprisingly fresh, and thoroughly unexpected. The very sweet notes are carried by the almost herbal, very green, bitter narcissus base. The fruits are not the sugared versions that have been prevalent for the past decade, but rather tart. The floral elements are blended with a beautifully light touch, and the sweetness they bring is glorious, and never overwhelming.
I had expected Volupte to be heavy, a cool weather scent. Instead this is one of the most light filled scents that I have encountered, serenely joyous, energizing, the sort of scent that reminds you to stop and experience the world around you. Volupte, to my mind, is not so much about voluptuousness in the sense of sex appeal, but rather the voluptuousness of fully experiencing the world around us, dwelling in the present, and mindfully engaging with the multitude of stimulation all around. For me, Volupte is a meditation retreat in a bottle, perfect for those times when you can't disappear for a week, but you really need a break.
This is a go to scent! On my skin it needs warm weather to really be apparent in all it's glory, but it is wearable year round, and I think it will be a wonderful anodyne to winter blahs. Elegantly casual, effortlessly chic. I feel like this is the perfect scent to wear when one isn't sure what note to hit, but needs to impress. Tremendously versatile, and a joy to experience.
Luscious, spicy violets with carnation, rose, freesia, heliotrope and amber very present in the mix, gradually fading into a sandalwood and patchouli base that retains the floral notes as well. I love this, and imagine it on a confident, feminine woman, most likely in a sultry tropical climate or mood. Vivid, colorful, and very sexy!
This harmonious and very well balanced perfume for me is a three-way paradox. First, I think it's sweet and juicy but dry. Secondly, it is a soft fragrance but also rich and strong. Finally, it reminds me of boiled peanuts and sweet bananas, but I don't feel like eating it. Do I like it? Yes, as well as the bottle it comes in (but darn that tricky lid).
Volupte is fairly green, powdery, and vanilla. It opens as a very fresh juicy floral, goes into woods, and then whispers along the skin as a powdery amber and vanilla.
This fragrance gets quite a bit of love on the Fragrantica forums. Volupte, while floral, is quite bold and ambery, a scent that will either charm you or revolt you.
It starts off okay, with a strong yet feminine floral opening, with a hint of sweet melon. As it settles it becomes sweeter and in some ways, harsher.
The complexity is pleasing, however I must admit that I found this fragrance too heavy on the sweet accords and the floral notes, especially in the heart. It's rich, thick aroma is one that will appeal to those with an acquired taste. I just didn't have the taste for this one.
The sillage and longevity are commendable, and before this begins to sound like a negative review, I do find this fragrance very unique and interesting.
It wasn't so strong that I felt like I was choking, yet it was one that made me feel a little dizzy every now and then, and I really applied lightly. The drydown was lovely however, a beautiful, powdery amber and incense blend with just a subtle hint of what had been featured before.
It starts off okay, with a strong yet feminine floral opening, with a hint of sweet melon. As it settles it becomes sweeter and in some ways, harsher.
The complexity is pleasing, however I must admit that I found this fragrance too heavy on the sweet accords and the floral notes, especially in the heart. It's rich, thick aroma is one that will appeal to those with an acquired taste. I just didn't have the taste for this one.
The sillage and longevity are commendable, and before this begins to sound like a negative review, I do find this fragrance very unique and interesting.
It wasn't so strong that I felt like I was choking, yet it was one that made me feel a little dizzy every now and then, and I really applied lightly. The drydown was lovely however, a beautiful, powdery amber and incense blend with just a subtle hint of what had been featured before.
Volupté is a stylish green from Sophia Grojsman. I was surprised to find that it was launched in 1992, as the both sleek bottle and the stylized floral scent strike me as being from the 1960s of "Mad Men". Perhaps with that clear emerald green plastic cap acting as a cue, I am struck first by green notes and cucumber, then violet and heliotrope. Gentle woods and lingering earthiness mark the drydown. It is a well-mannered perfume, not complex, and not particularly voluptuous in my book. It is a lovely fit with early springtime. Put on a trim dress and kitten heels and wear this to work.
____________revision__________
There is more to Volupté than I give credit. It became my go-to scent for the summer, precisely for it's notes, its well-balanced composition, and the fact that it doesn't give its secrets away all at once. I simply do not tire of it, as can happen with fragrances that are at the extremes of being either too bland or too quirky. It vibe is "put together sexy."
____________postscript to revision_______________
I finally figured out that Volupté is indeed voluptuous but in a vegetal rather than animal fashion. It has the complexity of Magie Noire done in an entirely different palette.
____________revision__________
There is more to Volupté than I give credit. It became my go-to scent for the summer, precisely for it's notes, its well-balanced composition, and the fact that it doesn't give its secrets away all at once. I simply do not tire of it, as can happen with fragrances that are at the extremes of being either too bland or too quirky. It vibe is "put together sexy."
____________postscript to revision_______________
I finally figured out that Volupté is indeed voluptuous but in a vegetal rather than animal fashion. It has the complexity of Magie Noire done in an entirely different palette.
I have the strangest relationship with this fragrance. There's so much I like about it, the uplifting start and the way it softens to an enveloping warmth, the way it lingers gently and the special something which makes me, like one of the other reviewers, keep sniffing my wrist when I wear it. But there's also something in there that hits the wrong note and I simply can't identify it. To me, that odd note has an 'old lady' vibe, a sort of past its sellby date talc - and it's enough to stop me picking it up each day.
A friendly green, peppery scent . One you could definitely wear to the office and feel comfortable going out on the town with.
There's plenty of body to Volupte, it's sweet, rich and floral with incredible lasting power. Everything sits on a base of ambergris, though I'm certainly not fan it's accompanied by plenty of patchouli, so one gets the character of the amber but not the oftentimes nausating fecal note.Volupte is indeed very nice and it carries a certain amount of feminine elegance and maturity.
It's gorgeous and full. The only thing I can identify is violets, but that isn't quite what it smells like. It is just a beautiful concoction of who-knows-what. I don't even know if all the rest is florals. I can never stop sniffing my wrist when I wear this, it's just fascinating. It's underpriced, for sure.
Voluptuousness indeed. Again, I'm not usually a heliotrope fan, but it works here -- it's blended in so artfully that it gives a powdery softness to this floral extravagance without doing it what it often does and stealing center stage.Amazingly good buy, this one.
Have been wearing this since it first came out, and it is now readily available in discount venues.Rose and violet are the two major notes on me, with hints of lily of the valley. Starts off quite strong but settles down quickly. A staple of my wardrobe when I want a floral blend.
My feeling about Volupté is, I'm not compelled to wear it, but if I could be hugged by a nurturing woman who was wearing this, it would smell like I was being welcomed to heaven. This floriental must bear resemblance to fragrances I associate with loving women from my childhood in the 1960s. Notes: top notes combine fresh fruit and florals like mimosa, freesia and tagette. Jasmine, heliotrope and carnation blend with a base of amber, sandalwood, incense and patchouli. Classy but approachable. I'm one of those strange souls who isn't a fan of oriental frags so I can quite give this an up thumb.
This seventy-plus lady just snagged an EDT of this powerhouse for minimum clams and is again happily reveling in its - voluptuousness. A refined voluptuousness. On my bod and to my nose it is like other DLR's in that it is seamless and sort of "settled" like it knows itself. A mixed bouquet of summer flowers in the late evening air.
Some weeks ago I smelled this on an very elegant old lady (maybe she had 70 years) and it smelled wonderfull. Flowery-powdery, full and rich, but not overpowering. I couldn't identify any single ingredient exactly, because ist was blended so harmoniously. (I think, there can be rose, civet, orris and tagete in it.) Maybe takemyhusbandplz and marritza had bad bottles or it didn't fit their chemistry. But it isn't stinky at all.It's an opulent, sophisticated perfume, better for the evening then for the office - and not only for 70 year old women.
Used to like it a lot because it smelled like violets without being powdery. After awhile it smelled a bit simple and was indeed getting somewhat stinky. Not bad though.
I don't really care for this one at all. On me it's a real stinker.