Bijou Romantique

I avoided Bijou Romantique after a first test, dismissing it because it seemed so conventional, so safe and likeable. There was no slightly "off" note like in most ELdO's, nothing caught the nose as being remarkable. At least nothing that could justify the high pricetage (compared to other ELdO's). Such a thing might still be lacking to my nose, but after a closer examination I found that I adore this gorgeous fragrance that envelops the wearer in billowing layers of plush vanillic benzoin. Bijou Romantique opens with a bright opening of lime en pink pepper but right at the start the vanilla is present. The heart is dominated by the same unsweetened coconut that is used in Fils de Dieu by the same brand. Some lime laces through the coconut, brightening the fragrance. Then caramelised benzoin appears, with hints of creamy rich ylang-ylang and powdery iris. There's a white chocolate vibe at times, creamy and chewy. Rooty vetiver blends with the benzoin to create a smoky effect, ensuring that the fragrance does not become too sweet. What I like best about this frangrance is the fact that it manages to be both fluffy powdery and rich creamy. It's something that I also admire about Chanel N°5, although N°5 smells nothing like Bijou Romantique. Yes, Bijou Romantique is a very close relative of Shalimar, but there are differences. Shalimar has a gorgeous animalic note, while Bijou is very clean (but not uncomfortably so) and more modern. The darker facets in Bijou are thanks to caramelised sugar and earthy vetiver, while Shalimar boosts a great leather. I love both, but I prefer the more girly, less serious Bijou Romantique. A wonderful homage to a great classic, but full of humor, just like we're used to with Etat Libre d'Orange.

From the Etat Libre d'Orange US Site: Translation: Precious Gem Inspiration: This is a portrait of a real lady, painted in beautiful warm shades of pink pepper, creamy ylang-ylang, and soft powdery iris enveloped in vanilla. She can be seen in the feminine cameo, in the soft, delicate profile, in the dreamy image of an incandescent beauty. She is a jewel. Like the proverbial woman of virtue, her price is far above rubies or pearls. Revelation: We couldn’t have picked a better fragrance to celebrate Mother's Day than this Precious Gem. Queens for all days, this day is just extra special. Whether you have one mom to spoil or multiple generations of Queens to celebrate, give them a gift, that keeps on giving. She is both retro and modern at heart. She is soft and she is strong. She requires a scent with notes that come together in unexpected ways. The opening of bergamot mingles with peppery ylang-ylang dipped in coconut milk; the golden amber with a touch of tangy sage caresses delicate iris petals. After a few hours on skin, the fragrance settles into the familiar texture of leather bag interior, warm and suede-like with a resinous touch of vanilla and earthy patchouli. Treat her well, as She is a Gem, and she is Precious.

I'm not getting the comparison to Shalimar here. Shalimar for me is and always has been a very masculine perfume. I do not care for it. Bijou Romantique on the other hand is quite nice, very feminine and easy going unlike Shalimar. All the elements here blend in perfect harmony to create a very nice vanilla perfume, a vanilla that stays light, fun, and easy to wear year round but doesn't become foody. Warm benzoin grounds this light and fun vanilla coconut perfume and keeps it from becoming tropical. The sage here keeps it from becoming too heavy. Slightly herbal, slightly floral, slightly coconut w/ a lovely vanilla warmth that is quite addictive to this vanilla skeptic. I really like this the more I smell it. This is the type of perfume that is called huggable. People will want to hug you when you wear this. You will project a friendliness and warmhearted nature when wearing this. Just upgraded this to a love and I never do that w/ vanilla perfumes. Love this. If you want people to feel comfortable around you, wear this highly likeable perfume.

I happened upon a sample of this when I ordered samples of the more popular "Like This" and "Putain de Palaces" from the same house. This one ended up being a LOVE, in fact, it was my favorite. Someone below mentioned this being reminiscent of the 80's and I agree. At first application, it immediately transported me back to being a preteen and wearing the original Love's Baby Soft" although it doesn't really share any notes. I think it's more the feeling/vibe I had at that time, which was pure, innocent happiness. Lip smackers, wax lip candy & hope for the future. After the initial "Love's" vibe, the ylang-ylang, vanilla & benzoin stayed at the forefront for me. A coworker passed my office & exclaimed, "OMG, someone smells SO good. This scent made me happy in a nostalgic 80's way. Not loud 80's perfumes, but smells of the 80's and a happy time in my life. I want a FB of this, so I can recapture that feeling anytime. It's fantastic!

OOOOoooh! Yum This is gorgeous. Not exactly like Shalimar or the Kenzo Amour le Parfum but some shared notes. Its sweet but more spicey than the Kenzo and not vanillary or leathery enough to be Shalimar. Im puzzled by anyone seeing a similarity with Memo Manoa. Manoa is an oppopanax beast where as here it's just one component! BR is softer and more powdery than any of these three. Very feminine and pretty. I can see why people call it more of a classic fragrance but its got more than that. I think its the clary sage which makes the difference. Clary sage is used in Aromatherapy for lifting the spirits. Its bright, very aromatic and it can be piercing if not used well. You have the classic combo of benzoin, vanilla. iris, coconut, ylang ylang and then the twist from the clary sage. Clary sage is evident after 30 mins or so and takes this scent out of the predictable. Very ELdO. Moderate sillage and longevity.