Once Upon a Time Aphrodisia

Yes, it's fit for a fairy tale, but surely not a Disney one. This one feels so special. Truly stunning to me, and I don't use that word lightly. It's one of my most treasured fragrances. I would describe it as intoxicating, magical, mysterious, and luscious in the most sophisticated way possible. This is not a versatile, daily fragrance. Not something you'll likely be in the mood for all the time. This is for nights when you want to feel your absolute best, like a fantasy version of yourself. Upon first trying it, I was immediately wowed, and then brought back to the time in my life when I wore the original Dior Addict. I can't claim it literally smells similar, but it has a slightly similar vibe. Addict though is more "designer" while this feels more exotic.

Aphrodisia is a minimalist gourmand floral where crisp jasmine is drowning in musks and almondy heliotrope. So simple, beautful and masterly. Designed by Maitre Maurice Roucel (the author of Gucci's Envy, Rocha's Tocade, Frederic Malle's Dans Tes Bras, Guerlain's Insolence, and so on).

This has so many layers and yet it's gentle. Admittedly I sprayed a few times but it's lasted all day, has been delightfully tantalising to me with many notes whispering sweet secrets. I find the Aphrodisia title a tad confusing as it's not a scent I'd wear to appeal, especially sexually, to others. I don't think it has that magnetic charm to it. It's delicate and soft, clever and exquisite, like a wonderful dream that is just for me, by virtue of the panoply of notes which float from it unexpectedly all day long. I purchased several small sample bottles and am wholly prepared to invest in a big bottle. Would I go on my dream date in it though? No. I'd wear it on a day of heartbroken despair to lift myself back up and turn my eyes to the wonder of clouds and sunshine and baby birds taking first flights from nests.

Almondy floral scent. Similar to Kilian’s Rolling in love. Bright ylang-ylang and jasmine notes in the middle. Very powdery and feminine. Has some mature vibe. Follow me on IG: scent.guide

This is truly fantastic vanilla. It starts in a very complicated way not straight forward vanilla, it is sweet, but not sickly sweet, on my skin stays heavenly beautiful, makes me feel very attractive and feminine. From this one I want definitely a FB. It also reminds me of a perfume I used to wear, but no matter how much I am trying to push my brain to remind myself which one it was, I can't recall any name. In this one there is something from the original Hypnotic Poison, Dior's one maybe, not sure, not the same, something in the background, perhaps. I would say this is as attractive as HP one. Half an hour since the first application and I can't stop sniffing my wrist. Beautiful...

This smells purple, and could almost be a dessert, not a particularly sweet dessert, a light mousse in an experimental restaurant. A pale violet coloured floral mousse served in a glass dish run around the edge with bergamot peel like a good gin and tonic. A tiny biscuit on the side hold a few vanilla seeds on top like caviar in miniature. There’s a rosewood spoon to eat with. I expected something along the lines of the pink Shalimar. It kind of is..: but I prefer this. It’s an absolute bargain for the price, wholeheartedly recommend.

Brocard is such an underrated house. Lovely ylang and heliotrope and I get a tonne of cirturs - bergamot although not so distinct bergamot more of a floral citrus - very nice scent. Citrussy spring floral, light and fresh, but with a tropical / italian twist. Not too sweet like ylang can be.

Weeeeelll whaddya know... a few hours in this is so so sweeT and vanillary. I guess underneath that floral mousse is a vanilla syrup, it’s insanely different now. I like both parts but I think it is like two totally different perfumes. That’s okay though. Two for one.

I love Maurice Roucel's genius, but Aphrodesia, and Neroli by Laura Mercier have a similar note that makes my skin crawl. Maybe the orange blossom?