Illusione for Her

I first became acquainted with this sent years ago when I bought a dupe from Zara called New York. I tried it because the name seemed intriguing at the time. I wondered how one would begin to bottle New York. There wasn't a drop left in less than a year, it smelled like a state of mind and I'm not a fan of photorealistic scents because I'm not that crazy about reality so I would prefer to escape it as much as possible. So let me share the story: imagine a rainy day in a major city, in November, you're in a hurry to get to work, to get to a bar to meet your friends, to go to an art gallery where someone you know organized their first ever exhibit. You have hundreds of options every day, your life is ahead of you and all you have to do is decide how to spend it. It's not New York necessarily, it's anywhere major where you have everything you could possibly want in your own city. And it's also the loneliness and isolation of the crowd, and nights of self reflection watching the lights of the city, when you have the luxury of being alone with others. It took me years to find the original, I had lost hope really, until one day I accidentally stumbled upon Illusione and it all came rushing back. I think the name does a disservice to this perfume. New York was better. On to the actual notes: (on me) it opens with a fine blend of bergamot and greenery, while the woody notes hang in the back and as it dries down, the wood moves to the forefront, blending with the green notes, mature leaves and tree bark, supported by the citrus and the slightest hint of bergamot. This scent is a light touch, it's slick and sophisticated, present but no intrusive, truly an urban animal. If you enjoy more insistent and overwhelming scents, you will be disappointed. It's fantastic if you live in an area where people prefer discreet perfumes. Performance: I tested Illusione on 1 wrist, Barenia on the other. Same performance, same sillange, 8 hours later, both there, same intensity, because I read people were worried.

Illusione is a beautiful chameleon of a scent. Every time I smell it, a different note dominates the fragrance: The fig leaf, black currant or orange blossom or a combination of them. It's fruity, floral, fresh, green, fluffy, slightly sweet and sometimes even woody. I think this is perfect when you want something summery that is neither a fruit cocktail, nor a simple cologne, but somewhere in between those. The black currant and bergamot are juicy and sparkling, and combined with the green fig leaf the whole scent also smells like fresh figs. I really enjoy fig scents that are more on the fruity side and not completely green and milky, just a little bit. The blend of orange blossom and tonka, which is soft, creamy and reminiscent of almonds here, makes me think of marshmallows without turning into gourmand territory. At first I found Illusione a little undefined and wasn't impressed, but after a few tries it grew on me so much. It changes dependent on the weather and developes from fresh to warm on my skin. The name is very fitting for this shimmering scent that shows you different facets so you can't be quite sure what it really is.

I get more of green ‘neroli blossom’ rather than orange blossom, then faint hazy fig, and a little bit of petitgrain. And I’m glad that black currant doesn’t make it too fruity in this one. Illusione is more aromatic floral than green. It’s quite cold and airy rather than warm, so it works all year round, not just in summer. A bit soapy and aquatic, I get very light jasmine and even lotus petal mixed in, in the drydown – this phase is so beautiful! Also, wouldn’t say it’s naturalistic, even though it’s not tarty, as it’s got a bit of designer edge like the upvoted Ange Ou Demon Le Secret. However, in terms of how it projects, I get a lot of cloudy and very airy sillage like Elie Saab; perhaps this quality is from IsoE not mentioned. I really enjoy wearing this (sample) – it gives that zen-ness and relaxation without being too meditative as though I'm sat in a serene oriental pavilion next to flower bushes near a lake covered with lotus flowers while watching a waterfall (holding a Bottega Veneta clutch, maybe??).

I just bought this perfume today. It's very fresh and on my skin it smells floral, fresh, orange blossom, a little bit like grass and woody after a while. I'm no expert but i would say it is quite unique and it smells expensive. I don't think it will give you headaches because it's very fresh. I think this one might be my main perfume for a while. It's nothing very special but I could see myself wearing it every day in this summer. I think it might be a compliment getter. The smell is definitely pleasant. However, I' not sure if it will last long or if people will smell it. It's not weak but I don't know how long it will last. I'm glad I bought it. Very elegant and fresh! My description for this perfume would be: dinner at a fancy terrace + near the ocean + there are some trees, plants nearby + in the summer - maybe in Greece Works perfectly on a younger person + it's for every gender (every perfume should actually be unisex:))

Unique, lovely and criminally underrated! This is a scent that is very true to the notes listed - what you read there is pretty much what you get! I can detect every note of the list in quite similar intensity - yet I find this to be masterfully blended and harmonious. Illusione is a semi-sweet juicy green fruity-floral without any harsh edges. It‘s a fresh perfume without pulling overly citrusy, aquatic or sharp - it does have a green-bitter aspect formed by the fig leaf and the olive tree, though. The tonkabean provides a little bit of sweetness and ties everything together to a beautiful fresh, but very feminine scent. The besaid juiciness from the bergamot and black currant is almost mouth-watering; combined with the tonka I feel like that‘s what draws people in. The bitter, sort of herbal notes create a nice refreshing twist. Illusione feels sophisticated and natural, fresh and put-together, happy and energetic. A keeper.

Elegant and sensual! I took a risk on a blind buy based on my love for the original BV for women. Not a Knot fan, though. Hope that helps if you're not sure about Illusione. I think the name is apt, as this is a light, transparent scent that goes on like a veil and implies (rather than shouts) beauty and good taste. I don't detect any single note, but in total I would agree with the listed components. The feel is lightly green and woody, with a subtle dark berry and fig. Absolutely captivating. Perfect for every day, especially as the weather gets warmer, destined to be a "go-to" everyday reach in the morning. Wish it lasted longer before becoming only a skin scent -- wish it were available in a purse spray so that I could re-apply at work in the afternoon. Just bought an extra, discounted bottle online since it looks like this isn't selling too well at the department stores in the U.S. and worried it may become hard to find.

I was immediately captured by this beautiful and unique fragrance, soft, sexy and sophisticated. It doesn’t remind me of anything I smelled in the past few years, certainly it’s very different from the trends of either green or oud or patchouly or rose fragrances I seem to smell a lot these days. It is also very different from the previous BV creations, which I had and loved very much. The opening is a sweet fig leaf, followed by the most amazing orange blossom and fresh sparks of bergamot, without being citrusy at all. The drydown is very soft and creamy, slightly aromatic, thanks to the sapient mix of olive tree and tonka beans. Sillage is not very strong, but this is understandable because of the ingredients used. It becomes a lovely skin scent, wished it had a better longevity. This will receive many compliments. I fell so in love with this scent that I bought the body lotion and an extra 75ml bottle.

Demi Rawling mentioned this scent few times in her videos and i decided to blind buy it, since it's not available anymore in stores to test it out. And im happy that i did! I love this perfume so much! Initial spray on my skin is green but after it settles down it becomes more warm and sweet and those green notes are not as strong. This is sophisticated but not too much. I can wear this anywhere. Very versatile scent. This is light scent, which i like. I got days when i dont need strong perfume. I just want to smell nice and fresh. Lasting power is not the greatest but i still got good 3 hours on my skin. It's mostly a skin scent, sillage is not huge. Edit. My coworker complimented me that i smelled good, after 7 hours of applying this scent. So i suppose i just got nose blind, this perfume lasts decent amount of time.

Oh wow! This is angelic, pure and uplifting. I knew I would like it by the description alone - but was surprised at how it caught me off guard, I was not expecting this. It's a summer day: sunshine and fresh air - delicate and bright and soaring through clouds but touching and skimming oceans. If this scent were a tune it would be Orbital 'Halcyon' (On and On). Part of me wanted a bit more depth - some balanced earthiness to ground it but then I reconsidered. This scent is sweet - in terms of innocence and playfulness but does have a warmth that brings longevity and a smile. It's a choral harmony. I'm in love. But wait - Bottega, where did it go? It dissipates too quickly. Please, please work on that. This is divine beauty. A must try. In a word: delightful.

I love this scent for the summer. I keep returning to it and I almost used up my bottle. It's quite generic, your run of the mill summer bergamot. BUT somehow my skin is an olive powerhouse and it rounds this scent up to something I really like on myself. I use this fragrance when I'm out and about and running errands or in the office and I don't want to hit people with some olfactory rollercoaster ride. Feminine and pretty, nonoffensive and good for day to day wear. Safe for a blind purchase if you like light scents, methinks. Funnily enough, it lasts on my skin for ages. Not on my clothes, from my clothes it disapears in 2-3 hours, but my skin just gets a really lovely synergy with this one. 9/10 I'll repurchase once I run out of it.

This is a really beautiful fragrance for spring and summer. I’m surprised that pink pepper isn’t one of the notes listed. I definitely get a slightly spicy “scratchy” note in the first few minutes, maybe it’s the olive tree note. I don’t think the black current is too syrupy sweet, it just nicely compliments the fig leaf note. I usually don’t like really fruity fragrances and this doesn’t come across as that at all. The dry down is woody and sweet and sits close to the skin. I sprayed a little on my hairline and really enjoyed picking up wafts of orange blossom through the day. Illusione is really nice for day or evening wear. It can be casual and sophisticated. If you would like to try a light modern chypre, this is a good candidate.

Bottega Illusione is what I would call "a citrus perfume with substance". Without looking at the notes, I would guess that this perfume opens with citrus, sweetens with orange blossom then dries down to a nice, slightly spiced, leather/suede. It is mostly transparent but has a firm ground in the base. More resinous and "oily" than an EDT. Now that I see the olive tree note......yes, I can feel the essence of something related to olives. This perfume sticks to my skin for hours and hours (in 90F, mod. humidity weather). Feels like an EDP of a fragrance in the Jardin series by Hermes. If you like that unique type of transparent fragrance, you probably will like this as well. A great addition to my collection. Gorgeous.

This is STUNNING Perfume! Underrated GEM. Very cozy, very comforting, very Zen and very aromatic at the same times. The amount of tea use and the type of tea is close to Chinese tea leaves. Is so well balance and is a skin scents type of Zen perfume. The best part is clean and transparent. I love this one! but the only weakness is they don't last long. Lasting hours is about 3 hours when people can smell it. You will able to smell it after 6 hours but very very weak. I wish the perfumer can improve the lasting power but still stay the smell exactly the same balance. I know this is hard for a chemist as the type of notes use are mild scents. This is one of my favorite perfume. I wish they don't discontinue.

i'm so thankful i managed to buy this perfume after i heard it was discontinued, even tho i have never smelled it. so basically it was a very rash blind buy, but it was so worth it. illusione for her smells so clean and fresh, it's elegant and timeless. i love it so much, but yet again it's a perfume that doesn't last at all. it's becoming a rule for fragrances i'm obsessed with. 😃 this fragrance makes you feel so well put together and luxurious, non-offensive and mature. definitely office-friendly and fit for any type of occasion. it's surely more of a day and spring-summer scent. oh i wish illusione for her was not discontinued. 😔 i'm gonna cherish my bottle for as long as i can.

Background: I don't like sweet scents/ strong vanilla/ honey /strong florals. I prefer something that won't be worn by everyone, and I found it, This is my signature scent. But I am desperately trying to find a scent that is similar (among mainstream brands), because I can't ship it from anywhere, and it's not sold in my country. I CANNOT find anything that envelops me and makes me feel the way this does. Sillage is okay for me, longevity meh, unless I just got too used to it. But if I could, I would buy bottles of this and spray this every few hours, it's so worth it for me. If anyone knows of a mainstream dupe, please let me know!

Wow, I can't believe I almost returned this one! When I tested it out at first I had mixed emotions about it. It starts as a very green, then develops into a sweeter black currant berry type scent, and finally settles into its tonka and woody base. At first, I thought this was too green and too musky but the more I wear it the more I fall in love with it. It is nothing ordinary it is actually quite sophisticated smelling (not in a mature way at all though!), yet also not offensive. Very beautiful green, woody, berry scent for everyday use. On me, it lasts quite a few hours so I'm happy with the longevity.

When I tested Illusione on paper last year, I thought it was pretty but completely dismissed it. Last week I decided to give it a proper wear and I am IN LOVE! It's so incredibly well-blended. It has a backbone while also feeling airy and delicate. It's fresh, a little green, I little tart, a touch sweet, with just the right amount of woodiness from the olive tree note to ground it. It's one of those fragrances that you put your nose to and don't smell much but can feel it wafting around in your scent bubble throughout the entire day. It's mesmerizing and the bottle truly captures its unique dichotomy.

Sophisticated, understated, green aromatic goodness <3 To me this is Italian elegance in a bottle. It's fruity, green, Tuscan woodiness blended beautifully, not a single thing I'd change about this scent apart from the longevity, but for the price I don't mind respraying. It has quickly become a staple for me and I'm so heartbroken to know it is being discontinued. Bottega Veneta please reconsider! I will be a lifelong customer if this scent stays in production, I'm already halfway through my bottle and don't know what I'll do when I can't get my hands on another

This is honestly the best perfume I've ever smelled in my life. It's sophisticated, interesting, nuanced, classy yet edgy and frsh. This will suit a business setting, a dinner, a formal event, a day out running some errands - if I had to chose one perfume to use for the rest of my life, this would be it. I wish longevity was a bit better on me, but tbh it's probably my skin's fault seeing how most perfumes fade on me after 2-4 hours max. And the scent is worth reapplying. But don't get it, let me be the only one smelling so good ;)

I'm not a super fan of green/citrusy scents. But I love this one 😍! Got it as a gift from my boyfriend 🥰 it reminds me a lot of Dior Fahrenheit for men, but in a softer way, with a hint of sweetness to it. I can smell a bit almond there as well? It's fresh, light, bit woody and sweet. It's so well blended, no scent overpowers the other. I really like it. It suits for everyday. Both for work and date. It's a soft, intimate scent. I think this scent works best for spring and summer. The longevity isn't the best though.

A sparkling, savoury aromatic scent that stands apart from the multitudes of vanilla florientals being released into the market by fashion houses nowadays. Illusione is clean, transparent and lightly spicy, with a dynamic green aspect. A worthy addition to Bottega Veneta's stable, which is strikingly classy compared to other collective offerings. Whilst it's not a sillage monster, it does last on me, close to the skin, without changing too much.

Reminds me a little of Gucci Accenti for some reason. Illusione is beautiful and very elegant, although I liked it more on clothes than skin. It's somewhat warm but not really! I can't quite put my finger on it. Pretty good sillage, not so good longevity. Also, got a compliment from my mom who hates almost every perfume I own. Very tempted to buy a full bottle, it would be perfect for any occasion. All-year-round, day and night. Nice one!

This shines its best on the skin. I wouldn't describe it as green: it has more of a dusty rose satin nuance. It has glistening perfumed water, clean skin, the freshest hint of bergamot and the most sensuous and natural olive tree base. It's bright but soft, dreamy; it's a lazy nap taken under a fresh patio in early or late summer. Beautifully Italian. A really underrated gem, the whole concept, bottle and fragrance are to die for.

Illusione for her is a soothing aromatic bedtime scent for me. This woody fresh spicy watery scent is so intoxicating and relaxing. The opening is very tart and green, but quickly moves to a smoothly blended fig and orange blossom combo with a woodsy base. If it’s a maybe on first sniff, I would recommend giving this a good trial. It definitely grows on you. As many others have commented, it smells expensive and sophisticated.

At first, I thought that it's an ordinary but well-done orange blossom perfume, but after a short while, fig leaves took the stage and it became more interesting. Combination of fig leaves with sweet notes started to smell like green little fig jam in the middle phase. Orange flowers came back sweetened on the base. Office appropriate, well balanced elegant perfume. Maybe the best designer perfume released since this summer.

To the ones who make the perfume: make it last longer please! Make an intense version! 😭😭😭 I finally found my everyday signature, unique, fresh and sophisticated but I am too broke in this economy, madame, to overspray it. 💰🧐 So please make it happen! ❤️ Perfect summer scent! It smells like nice spring/summer day in Italy next to the sea/lake and some olive trees at a restaurant.

I own a bottle since 3-4 years, it was love at first sniff, so i bought a backup too. I love this uplifting juice, it sticks to my skin all day long, i can smell it even after 10 hours. Very well blended and cozy perfume, unique scent. Not provocative at all but sexy, office friendly. When i wear it i feel just like a peach fuzz feather in the wind <3

I love this fragrance. It's feminine, luxurious, and sexy. It starts out sweet with a peppery note and then dries down to a creamy soft tonka bean smell. The perfume is modern without being unfamiliar. I get a lot of compliments when I wear this one, and it doesn't seem to be very popular so you will be the only one wearing this gem.

This smells wonderful and so unique. Pleasant and beautiful scent. When I spray this i imagine myself sitting in lake como, sipping a fresh cocktail and getting the smell of the breezy wind, scents from lemon and orange trees. Beautiful and classy scent that works everyday, year around! Sad it's Discontinued.

I think this fragrance is so under appreciated! It's so unique, but without any off-the-wall notes that are difficult to wear. Its very clean and refreshing but also sophisticated and bold. I don't agree that this is only a summertime fragrance as it has some bold, warm notes which make this really versatile.

Beautiful grapey orange blossom and fig scent on a woody base. In order to get good longevity and sillage you need to overspray a little, but then it packs a punch. Will be great for summer. Also pretty original scent, I haven't smelled something too similar even though I have tried a lot of fig fragrances.

I wrote a first review and now that I'm wearing it all the time, I need to come back and add: if your bottle lasts very little with no sillange, there's something wrong with the bottle. Mine fills a room after 2 puffs, for about 1 hour. 10 hours later, I can still smell it loud and clear on myself.

This is one of my favorites in my collection so far!! Beautiful and feminine with lots of compliments ontop of my enjoyment from wearing which is a huge plus ❤. I'm not good with notes I just know what puts a smile on my face when I smell it and apparently others around me love the scent also

This perfume is a unique standout from the fruity florals and gourmands that seem to make up the majority of recent popular feminine scents. A beautiful woodsy fig - not overly sweet. Immensely captivating and well balanced. I look forward to trying other fig based perfumes to compare.

I simply love this perfume, it's slightly green and fresh in the opening then turns sweet and smooth in the dry down. It's soft and feels high end and unique, not a common scent. My only complaint is that it doesn't have huge projection or longevity but I don't mind replying. Love it!

Heavily but creamy green, slightly fruity, subtle white flowers with a fine aromatic bitter woody edge. I only like fig if there is no sweet coconut touch. Here is perfectly done. Authentic freedom feeling and elegance a la Bottega Veneta. Think Italy! Lovely composition!

I love this fragrance.. A nice Chypre fragrance that give this earthy/fresh aroma with a sense of class and sophistication. While the fragrance fades after a couple of hours, I still love and spray on my cotton scarves to keep the fragrance on me longer. Very lovely.

This is so pretty. Summer holiday in Crete smells like this. You just take a sun bath at the beach. You have your sunscreen on. And you walk into a local supermarket which has all kinds of fresh fruits on the shelves. A lot of olive trees in the neighbourhood.

I love this creamy fig leaves creature. A subtle, inoffensive shy scent which is versatile to be used in all seasons and occasions. I love fig leaves scent and I have many perfumes with this note but this one is the best one.

It is gorgeous, woody and fresh with a little bit if sweetness. Just felt in love with this scent. This is the perfume I want to use when I visit Italy. Wish it lasted more though.

This is really good! I feel like I’m transported to the Greek Isles with this fragrance. That Olive tree note is just fascinating. Bottega is seriously an underrated designer.

This is what 'expensive' smells like. Love this perfume, i spontaneously reach for it all the time. Inoffensive, light, airy, not pretentious and in your face.

Yep!!! I officially cant stop wearing this....bergamot and tonka bean really do it for me in this instance

To me Illusione smells like a fig-based variation of Ange Ou Demon Le Secret. What's not to love?

This was my favorite fragrance ever!!! If someone knows a dupe please message me! Ty <3

Smells like a holiday in the Mediterranean. Might buy a bottle for the summer.

I struggle with black currant in fragrances. There is no middle ground, it either makes me nauseous (Lalique Amethyst) or, as in this case with Illusione, it's pleasant. I need to compare the notes within the fragrances and samples I have with black currant to pinpoint the notes or blends that work or not. I like the fruity opening, which dissipates quickly. The dry down is still fresh citrus & citrusy blossoms with green/leafy/slightly woody undertones. Some here mention it's tea like, yeah, I get that. I don't really find the tonka, I will test my sample again. Overall, it's enjoyable/low key classy for casual day use. I don't think it projects much or lasts long. I'd avoid if you aren't an orange blossom, citrus, or tea fan like me. Afterthought, I need to do a comparison to Hermes Un Jardin en Méditerranée. Also, as an alternative to buying a full bottle of Illusione, I might try layering either Ferrari Bright Neroli or Banana Republic Neroli Woods with Ferrari Noble Fig or Solinotes Fleur de Figuier.

It's rare that I venture into 'Ladies designer' stuff much anymore, but when I do I feel slightly confused by the various versions of seemingly the same scent (I didn't realise the other Illusione was for men.) Flankers seem to be more confusing on the ladies side. Nevertheless I staggered into the ladies section and this seemed to invite me. The figgy opening is luscious and ever so slightly green, but it's no Philosykos, neither is it a throwaway fig, but it leans more towards that. It's a very nice smell but not awe inspiring it has to be said. This is a fantastic brand with a real heritage for considered releases and not just banging them out for the sake of it, or endless flankers. I'd say this is a soft, fruity, musk with a kind of indistinct warmth in the base well all dried down. It has that italian cologne chic, a coastal feeling maybe reminding me of Fico di Amalfi.

Illusione is a pleasant perfume where the fig leaf takes centre stage. However, the citric and fruity accords in the opening make it sweeter and more traditionally feminine when compared to other fig classics like Philosykos or Un Jardin en Mediterraneé. Although pretty and perfect for spring and summer days, it lacks the character of Womanity. It projects for a couple of hours, but its lasting power is short considering its price (around 6 h on my skin). To summarize, it's a sweet fig alternative that can be worn to most occasions but, considering fig perfumes are among my favourites, this didn't impress me much. 7/10

Develops from the clean fresh bergamot and green "cucumbery" notes to warm sensual tonka bean and woody base leaning closer to the skin. Perfect to the day in the office - night out - one application from the same bottle, drastically changes in its own pyramid. Very different from the mainstream on the modern market. And the bottle design totally doesn't fit the fragrance style, to my mind - it shape is too heavy, and this perfume is on the lighter side. Gender perception is fluid - would totally work on a woman, man, etc.