Violette Précieuse

This fragrance is so soft and unremarkable* that I've often wondered whether it would be a worthy signature candidate. Lately I've been reaching for it so often and have come to identify so much with this smell that I decided it deserves an honored place on my shelf (yes, I am that one person who 'signature'd it). I fully agree with dsty who described it as "classically feminine, elegant" and "with a real vintage feel to it" - but softness is probably the quality that makes Violette Precieuse so versatile and easy to wear for me, despite its vintage feel. Hot, dry, humid, cold weather? Easy to wear. Tired? My liver can take it. Bad mood? It comforts me. Energetic? The raspberry note is suddenly lighting it up and matching my mood. I like it on all occasions and in every possible situation. *I should mention that I do get compliments when people come close and sniff, but otherwise I am the only one who enjoys it all day long and I am perfectly fine with that.

It reminds me of those after-bath dusting powders for the body that come with a giant powder puff. Indeed, the scent is very powdery, a light floral. It starts out very iris-violet, but as time goes on, it smells more of iris, musk, and sandalwood. I didn't like this one at first, but I've been using my sample and it has really grown on me. I would like a full size once I've used my sample. ETA: I'm not sure which version I got a sample of

Musk and light raspberry tones add interest to the delicate powdery violet.Sandalwood lends a warmth to the base. Very charming. A lighter fragrance, fairy like. Silage and longevity is moderate

I'm not sure which version of this fragrance I have, since my hand-made sample just says "Caron Violette", but since this is the most recent version I'll go with this one. I don't detect any lily of the valley, though, so I might be wrong - but on the other hand the most prominent note to my nose is definitely musk, which is missing from the other incarnation. I guess I'll never know, because I don't plan to research Violette Précieuse any further now that my sample is gone: I like it, but it's not my kind of thing. As I said the musk note is dominant, and it has a definite animalic character to it, although it is also sharply, soapily clean: artfully done, and recommended for those who love the note, but I don't (particularly). It does go together well with the nice, albeit rather weak, violet note; all in all it makes for a classically feminine, elegant scent with a real vintage feel to it. Not for me (I think I would have liked it better if the musk-violet ratio were reversed), but absolutely worth a try.

A hidden treasure of pure, noble bitterness. For years, this bottle sat neglected in my collection, completely misunderstood. But now, my perception has shifted, and I’ve finally unlocked its true soul. On the outer side of my hand, where the skin is cooler, it reveals a spectacular, bone-dry, almost medicinal bitterness of violet leaf and vetiver. Some reviews mention a hairspray vibe, but to me, it is the smell of absolute, sophisticated detachment and clean space. My favorite way to wear it now is layering it under Miller Harris Tea Tonique (1 light spray of Caron under 2 generous sprays of tea). The icy bergamot and black tea completely dissolve the powdery "hairspray" wall, turning Violette Précieuse into a magnificent, moody, gothic violet tea. A rare, hauntingly beautiful masterpiece that waited years for its moment.