Jun 28, 2014

Perfume Diary - Marchesa Parfum D'extase

I thought I would start a small series and see where it goes.
Fragrance is one of my first love and I have a pretty extensive perfume wardrobe, but lately I haven't felt all that enthusiastic. I still buy full bottles occasionally and I almost always pick fragrance samples if freebies are offered with purchase. So eventually I ended up with a boxful of perfume samples as well as some minis that are begging to be spritzed on.




This is my effort to more diligently and consciously try out new scents and have records of them. I'd like to write them in simple and casual words (mostly because I do not know the big poetics ones that seem to be required for good perfume reviews) with my very personal thoughts.
Yeah, more like a diary.


First up is Marchesa Parfum D'extase.

Marchesa Parfum D'extase (sample)



I almost bought a full bottle unsniffed. 
Of course, I love studying all the notes and imagining how it would smell based on my experience with each notes or the combinations (The truth is that you find very little magic in the perfume world nowadays). Normally I would test with a sample for days to make a wise decision, but once in a while, I gamble, because that is what a perfume fanatic does sometimes. 
But in this case, it was the bottle itself. Just look at it.


via web


Lucky for me, a legit sample was offered with a Sephora purchase. A case in which my pretty money was saved.

I like this scent, but I do not love it.
I think it well represents the designer's image especially of their classic (a little over the top) dresses, but it did not do much for me, just like that I would hardly wear Marchesa dresses in reality.


via web


What I really like is the subtle top note with white floral. White floral is the main thing I get when I first spray this on, and it is such a soft pretty thing. I mean, it did not interfere with my morning coffee, and how many white florals do that?
Pity that soft elegance is short-lived and does not really connect to the next stage. Marchesa Parfum D'extase has many floral notes, but the initial jasmine is the only thing recognizable, then brief seconds of nondescript florals, and it quickly morphs into a very soapy scent.
Yes, it smells like soap. It is not like ivory soap or fresh-out-the-shower kind (for that, I'd suggest Philosopy Pure Grace), but a very expensive soap maybe smelling a little dated.

There is no doubt that it is a very sophisticated and feminine scent.
I love florals with soft musk, but prefer something a bit edgier with sweet wood base. 
Parfum D'extase's long lasting soapy base is harmless and friendly, but I think it is a little annoying, although I don't aim to sound too mean.


Notes:
Iris Flower, Freesia, Black Currant, Young Violet Leaves, Lotus Flower, Night Blooming Jasmine, Bulgarian Rose Water, Orange Blossom, Iris Root, Ambrox, Captive Musks. 
Style:
Feminine. Empowered. Intoxicating.

(via Sephora)



Hope you enjoyed this post.
Please feel free to share your opinions on Marchesa Parfum D'extase or similar scents. :)





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