Exquisite Eau de Parfum Intense

I love Bella Bellissima’s ‘Exquisite’, but it just doesn’t last for more that an hour. This would have been my signature scent as I adore sparkling soapy florals. But it’s just not worth it if 10 sprays still don’t last my hour’s drive to work. If anyone knows of a similar scent which lasts then please let me know. Boadicea The Victorious’s ‘Divine’ is the closest that I’ve found and lasts far longer. Edit: I’m still having an equistite love affair with this. My hand keeps reaching for it to cover myself in 10 sprays, however fleeting I know it’s going to be. It’s taken me a while to realise that it shares a distant similarity to Maison Francis Kurkdjian‘s ‘Baccarat Rouge 540’. It must be the jasmine and guaiac wood combo (although it’s jasmine and cedar in the latter). If Baccarat Rouge was layered with Boadicea The Victorious’s ‘Divine’ to make it more airy and soapy, then that’s my best description for Bella Bellissima’s ‘Exquisite’. To the fragrance Gods of Bella Bellissima: Please make it last longer, just for me, and then it WOULD be the signature scent I’ve been dreaming of.

On the opening it reminded me of some camellia perfume oil I bought back from India a few years back. Really strong and possibly migraine inducing. You have to have some patience whilst it sort of settles! I agree with indigo that there is a resemblance to Arpege. Once it settles you can easily pick out the ylang, Lily and then sandalwood base. It is very soapy! If that's your thing then you will love this. Gradually you can make out the jasmine. It is certainly a heavy hitter. It's a shame the soapiness doesn't ease off at all. I guess it's the ylang and Lily clash. The longevity is very good and the sillage is pretty good. I'm glad I only sprayed a wee patch otherwise it would be scrubber. I wouldn't want to tempt fate and give myself a migraine.

Exquisite is a light creamy inoffensive floral. It's very clean & soapy, & reminds me a bit of vintage Arpege (must be the Ylang Ylang?).Stays close to the skin & smells very "gentle", the rose (on me) is quite subtle. Longevity is average (5-6 hours) & for the price I would have liked it to be a bit stronger & last a little bit longer. I can't imagine anyone disliking this, although evidently one person already does :) It is elegant & ladylike & has a "classic" feel to it, imo. It definitely needs testing on skin, when I sniff the bottle I don't like it at all, but in the actual wearing it seems less sweet, & I do like it very much. I think it's very good quality & nicely blended. Edit: I think Bella Bellissima perfumes are exclusive to Selfridges at the moment. I tested quite a few & I look forward to trying some more next time I visit. The whole line is worth investigating ..imo - Also I want to add that the bottles & accompanying presentation cases of the range is top quality, & absolutely beautiful !