Vetyverio Eau de Toilette

I very rarely write a second review for a fragrance since i generally tend to stick to my initial views, but my opinion has strongly changed over the last year or so, so here it is. Let me start by saying that while it seems to be the general consensus that the EDP is the better of the two concentrations I find the EDT much more interesting and exciting, mainly because of the overall balance and complexity it provides. Vetyverio EDT is essentially a very tasteful opening mix of grapefruit and mandarin with florals (I mainly get rose without the harshness of geranium) some slightly powdery elements, slightly tart, but also quite sweet to my nose. What I found exceptional is the way it creates a very palatable root-like quality starting with the powdery carrot seed transitioning into the very clean green and dry woody vetiver in the base (the exact same vetiver that is put front and center in the EDP but in a smaller more digestible dose). The entire formula is as smooth as it gets landing from citrus into florals into smooth woods with a clear character and signature to it. The total is essentially an impressionistic picture of a large sunny green field of vetiver mixed with other flowers and plant life, capturing the aromatic, warm, but also dense woody qualities. While the EDP is more of a dense and rich vetiver, woody sligthly leathery, yet green and clean and smooth, it lacks all of the aforementioned complementary facets. Similar to the two concentrations of Eau Duelle, Vetyverio EDP is to my nose a soliflore take on a note, vetiver, that works amazingly in a bright and vibrant context and can be astringent or harsh when overdosed. Thankfully Diptyque is kind enough to the consumer to provide two options of the same idea, one ethereal impressionistic and complex in the EDT and one one dimensional and concrete and dense for those who enjoy the other school of thought, so there is a solution for everyone. I highly recommend the EDT version of Vetyverio as an very valid alternative to Terre d'Hermes EDT or other common woody citruses, its more sunny, youthful and approachable, while also very wearable without immediately evoking the remaining 90% of the male population (I swear TdH is the only fragrance I pickup on others in public here in Europe). If any of this sounds interesting make sure not to skip this one for the EDP, sample both and make up your own mind.

I like vetiver, but it is often done (or more often combined) in such a way that it becomes too traditionally masculine for my own taste. For that reason I wasn't expecting very much of my sample of Vetyverio, so it came as a very nice surprise how much I turned out to like it - although I should have guessed that of all brands Diptyque would be the one to make such a light, natural, wearable but still interesting interpretation of the note. I used up almost my entire sample this week, which says a lot because it's so rare for me. I like how the vetiver is done here, not bitter or dirty, but still crisp and full, easy. And it combines gorgeously with the grapefruit note that is, even more than the vetiver itself, the heart of this scent, at least to my nose. It's an extraordinarily soft grapefruit, nothing sharp about it although it's lifelike in a way as well, natural and zesty but just as smooth and mellow as that vetiver. The other notes are just background, providing a backbone of subtle sweetness and even more subtle woods and spices that all give the composition some extra depth without getting in the way too much. Best of all, it must be the longest lasting citrus fragrance I've ever tried - it retreats close to the skin after a few hours, but still, even in the evening I still get that same wonderful soft-natural grapefruit backed by crisp vetiver as I did in the morning. Not much development, sure, but who needs development when the original is so near perfect? It's a light scent, but substantial enough for all seasons, although it's probably at its best on summer days that aren't very hot. And because it's so easy and comfortable to wear, well suited to all kinds of settings as well. I'm going to get a big decant as soon as I can!

At work, I want my fragrance to offer a pleasant, mellow wave, not an in your face HELLO THERE. It is mainly for me, to activate my senses. Vetyverio EDT is perfect; it achieves the perfect balance of fresh and comforting qualities. I spray my wrists, neck, and once in the air and walk through to perfume my clothes—much more than I spray with floral leaning scents—and it stays light and is never overwhelming. Here, the citrus is gentle and sunny, not sharp, and does mostly fade within the first hour or two. The vetiver is green but soft. The musk is significant yet stays close to the skin, and is most prominent 5-8hrs in.. The ylang-ylang provides a beautiful creaminess to the character. I love rose but cannot pick it out here. The cedar is, again, gentle, and makes a woody bed throughout the experience. I catch slightly stronger glimpses of it as I inhale within the first five hours. I don’t like spicy scents, and Vetyverio never is. To me this is a well-blended concoction. I would say the longevity here is very good for an EDT. Note that the sillage does fade sharply in the first couple hours. While the musk will be most prominent as it fades to a skin scent at the end of the day, my clothes retain the freshness of the vetiver, soft cedar, and creamy notes all day long and then some...I’ll bury my nose in my sweater for a quick pick me up. It was the first spray on my neck and crew neck t-shirt that had me sold long after I left the Diptyque counter. Vetyverio is totally unisex. It is not a traditional cologne scent. Not too green, not too woody, not too pretty. As a woman, I can’t get enough.

Vetyverio is an honest take on vetiver which seems drenched in citrus juice. You have a melange of lemon and grapefruit juices with both the peel and the pulp - with more grapefruit, I'd say - on one side. On the other side, there is a fine vetiver note, with its usual rooty, slightly earthy quality. Those two work in conjunction for a solid period of time. The opening is a touch more hesperidic, and the drydown is more vetiver dominant, but the entire perception of smell changes only slightly. Being that I failed to spot any other note, and considering everything I already wrote, this is a definition of a linear scent(like a bunch of Diptyques, to be honest), but it's not that I need too much complexity out of a vetiver-themed scent. This iteration of it is fresh, pleasant and safe in a good way. Also, it feels very natural, with solid quality of ingredients. Longevity is excellent - in fact, I haven't had a better longevity from any other Diptyque(EDP or EDT) as it's easily double digits with Vetyverio. It projection is quite personal, though. I find Vetyverio perfect for office wear and for warmer seasons altogether. I haven't tried the most respected takes on vetiver, like MPeG or Frederic Malle. That being said, this is my favorite fresh version of it, as I love the natural quality of both citruses and roots and, especially, the way they mesh together. It deserved a high mark from me. Another pretty Diptyque. 8,5/10

This is a delightful , light, fresh but not acidic spritz of a scent. The biggest fear when people see a lot of citrus listed is that it will be evocative of some household cleaner or so synthetic as to be abstract when something more realistic is being sought. This is a beautiful edt, fresh, citrus, watery (not aquatic or marine) with a gentle wooded dry down. It is wood that is not reminiscent of anything sandalwoody, these days that’s worthy of a party popper on its own. It does not smell like but sits next to Bal d’afrique. I’ve never experienced a vetyver so lightly blended. It’s chefs kiss. Given how essentially cheerful (but not superficial) it is I was disappointed it didn’t project further for longer. It’s incredibly discrete and became a skin scent too soon. Now I’m battling whether to buy or not. Nothing lasts forever but I need to weigh if temporary delight justifies the ever climbing price point of life’s little luxuries, the cozzy livs is real. The rose is present and rounds off the fruit without overpowering, it’s just greater than the sum of its parts. I would bathe in an extrait. The EDP will be different again so I shall try that next. Gift safe, unisex, ageless. I would die on the hill that says this would struggle to offend, which does not make it boring, for a change.