J'Adore Absolu

The previous editions of J'Adore never appealed to me, but I am very impressed with the 2018 J'Adore Absolu. I own Michael Kors and Gucci Bloom, and while similar, it is distinct enough, and I think sufficiently superior, to become an edition to my wardrobe. J'Adore Absolu is far more subtle than Michael Kors (a mainly Tuberose, Jasmine and Freesia fragrance on my skin), and rounder and longer lasting than Bloom (Tuberose, Jasmine and Honeysuckle). Whatever the "nectar" note is, I think this is what makes J'Adore Absolu 2018 a more pleasant fragrance than the others I mentioned. To see if I really need yet another Tuberose/Jasmine dominant fragrance in my wardrobe (who am I kidding - I'm getting it), I have worn my sample of J'Adore for the past three days. Today I have it on my left wrist and elbow, with Bloom on my chest and Michael Kors on my right arm. If my house went up in a perfume fuelled inferno (shudder), I would use the insurance payout to buy J'Adore Absolu, but I wouldn't replace the other two. I prefer J'Adore Absolu over them both. While it is not a dupe of Prada La Femme (which has bees wax as a note, while this has nectar), J'Adore Absolu has a similar dense, sweet, opulent loveliness. It is utterly feminine. Sillage is slightly more than arms length, using three sprays, and longevity is fantastic, easily staying on my skin overnight. Dior can concentrate on marketing this one and shelve Joy in my opinion. I see that other reviewers have called J'Adore Absolu "elegant". I agree. This is a class act.

This is on a completely different level than J'adore and it's other flankers! I never cared for the original. There was something cloying and artificial about it. I think it might be due to the pear and the melon. This is a pure floral delight. It does bear a resemblance to the original when first applied, but within 10 minutes it becomes it's own fragrance. The jasmine is so clear and pure - not the least bit headachy - and the tuberose lends a nice, creamy support. It behaves well, and does not suffocate the other floral. The note pyramid belies a definite fruity effect in the composition, which I attribute to the orange blossom and a very slight lemony effect undoubtedly from the magnolia. I believe that this is what underlies the nectar quality- it's almost like honey devoid of anything animalic or earthy. Not that this is all those two notes contribute! They blend in seamlessly with the other white florals, creating something greater than the sum of it's parts. The only note I can not detect is the rose. I'm sure it plays a role, but with all of that white floral goodness going on, I can't say I miss it! If you haven't tried this because you don't care for the original or any other flankers, you may find that this is the exception. I must thank the gracious Ana for sending me a decant. I would have never given this a second thought had it not been for her. It really is extraordinary!

This isn't necessary a review, but more a comparison between the old and new formulation. I am by no means good at describing perfumes or a perfume connoisseur. To me the old formulation is definitely more potent than the new version, especially in the opening, and the Ylang Ylang is very prominent to my nose in the old formulation, which is also the immediate difference between the two. The newer formulation being softer and less dimensional and the Jasmin/Tuberose seems to take more center stage with noticeable sweetness peaking through, which probably comes from the nectar. The sweetness in this to me is not a candy, syrupy nor synthetic kind of sweetness, but it is natural, a bit comforting and well blended. There is a similar DNA between the old and new formulation, however to me the new formulation stands on its own and smells like a different kind of perfume. So if you prefer the old formulation I would suggest to see if you can still get your hands on it, because that scent is now gone. However in my opinion this perfume is softness, feminine, classy and pure elegance. I can see someone receiving a lot of compliments from wearing this. It seems to be more of a day perfume than a night perfume, however I wouldn't call it an office perfume either. It makes me think of a confident woman wearing a white lace dress having lunch at a cozy cafe in spring with a handsome gentleman.

This is elegance and beauty in a bottle. It's just stunning. Not often will I smell a white floral and think of it as feminine, elegant, sophisticated, intoxicating, soft, clean, creamy and SEXY. I don't think I have ever described a white floral perfume in this way before but this is what J'Adore Absolu gives to me. It is natural smelling, well blended and there is no screetchiness that you can sometimes get from florals. There is a hint of something that is not listed in the notes that adds a tad of sweetness like honey or vanilla and in my mind it smells golden like the juice in the bottle...IMO it does have a similar vibe to Chanel Gabrielle Essence which I also have but this leans more floral, a bit more elevated, more womanly and sexy whilst the other is a bit sweeter, fruiter and more of an every day fragrance. In terms of performance, J'Adore Absolu remains quite linear on my skin. The sillage is about arm's length initially and then it maintains a scent bubble around you. Longevity is moderate on the skin but on clothes you could get up to about 6 hours. Although I do smell it also on my clothes the next day but again the scent is soft. There is something quite captivating about this perfume for me. It makes me feel good wearing it and although it's not a massive projector when people come really close to you they will enjoy it too!

This is a gorgeous perfume, a deeper expression of the original J'Adore - almost as if this is the INTENSE Version. The advertising is fabulous - Charlize Therone soaking in a Turkish Bath with goddess like women relaxing around the water. The video ends with a stylish fashion show with models in transparent gold gowns marching forward on runway. I tried Infinissime, J'Adore In Joy, and Absolute Dior on... spritzing them at the mall. Infinissime and Absolut Dior share the same DNA of the original J'Adore... J'Adore in Joy is more of a salty/marine chord after the first spray begins to absorb into the skin. This is classic (NOT "old lady")!!!!!!! LOL... But I'm beginning to figure out that a number of perfumes that people refer to as "old lady" - may actually mean that the perfume smells more like "old money". This smells expensive, tasteful, refined, something that a cultured woman would wear... yes - someone who even has millions in the bank. This is beautiful - truly ageless and timeless. This could definitely be in the running for a "signature" perfume. I feel a similar vibe with Infinissime, only Absolut is a bit more clear and direct in the opening notes. If you like this - try the original J'Adore - and Infinissime. They all share a similar DNA.