Velvet Orchid Lumière

I used to have a bottle of velvet orchid,bought it when it first came out and loved it for a while but after wearing half of it something in it started to bother me.probably I was also influenced by negative comments from others so I stopped wearing it and decanted away all remained juice and gave it to my friends.there's something in most tom fords that keeps me from loving them.something masculine,bitterish,something like a dirty incensy patchouli.I don't know.but I think that was the case with VO.also I felt longevity and sillage aren't as good as they used to be.long story short,I had a love,hate relation with that one. After about three years I decided to give another chance to VO line,this time with velvet orchid lumiere.I had it since last month of summer and I've been wearing it as one of my special occasion/night time fragrances during last six months.I felt I can never write a review for it as I can't find words to describe how beautiful it is.now I'm going to try I love "Nutka"'s review.VOL is about gorgeous florals,deliciousness and oriental,balsamic vibes at the same time.I can really smell all the mentioned notes.a warm,boozy opening,there's citrus sparkles but not too much to make it a citrus scent.there's very beautiful,softly powdered orchid and rose and there's this delicious,creating,balmy base of slightly smokey honey,vanilla,myrrh and sandalwood which wrappes everything.I love myrrh and I'm so glad that myrrh really shines here If you're not into sweet scents VOL may seem a bland sweetness to you but if you go deep down it you would face it's various facets.finally there's a tom ford which is 100% feminine(this one and orchid soleil are the only ones IMHO).it's deliciously sweet,velvety and loveable by other people,also mysterious and sexy.it's dark but it's smoothness and it's bright sparkles make it easy to wear and it lasts longer than VO on my skin and wafts it's magical aura for hours I can wear this only in fall and winter and just really cool nights of summer,spring and each time I use just three sprays so my bottle last forever.this is a great news for me since it's expensive and I want to always have it in my collection.it shows it's true beauty in a cold breeze.in warm weather it smells like syrupy boring honey-florals.no myrrh,no rum,no citrus sparkle,no mystery so I highly recommend to wear it in it's right weather Unlike VO I never received a negative comment on this one.it was described as seductive,rich and memorable in complements I received on it Velvet orchid lumiere is a 5/5 for me ❤❤❤❤❤

As a lover of TF perfumes, I am obliged to write review. But interestingly, this is the first TF I am reviewing, even though I use now several of them. First I would like to say that I got confused by several web sites that mislead me into thinking this is EDT. But luckily, this is EDP as rest od this flanker family. Except BO EDT which I haven't tried yet. So back to VO Lumiere.... it has nothing to do with Black Orchid EDP, and nothing to do with Velvet Orchid. And this is what I like most at it. I don't like to have several similar versions of the same perfume, as I cannot resist to buy all, yet never are all of them equally good. It starts very fresh. Clean and expensive. Even though all TF smell expensive to me, this one has this aura of luxury hotels, fancy businesswomen who are serious at day and sexy and seductive at night. It reminded me of expensive perfumes which I remember from the 80s when I was very small. All those ladies who wore YSL and Chanel had this clean but original, yet subtle sexyness..some easyness and happiness od life from that era...or yet this is how I remember it. Then after some time..20 minutes or so..you feel some lemon candies. It calms you down somehow. It's like knowing you are confident but at the same time joyful. I don't feel any rum, or orchid or vanilla. I might get a bit of rose. I hate rose in any perfumes, but this one I like. I can see it on a lady who wears classic style, like French, which never goes out of fashion. I say it is daily wear, as I like heavier perfumes at night But one could easily wear it at night as well. I don't see it wih glittery clothes, maybe with fur and satin.

I like Velvet orchid but not very much.there's something old in it and something bitter and not very feminine but velvet orchid lumiere has all good things of velvet orchid with a modern feeling.it's very beautiful strong very lux very feminine and delicious. First I can smell sweet champagne,like champagne and honey cocktail.then there's very beautiful flowers.a lovely rose and a powdery flower that I think is orchid.then creamy vanilla.it's one of the best perfumes I saw in a while.it's strange that most perfume shops don't sell it yet.any woman who wants a modern sweet and expensive and strong perfume will love it.longevity a complete day.sillage is great.it's the best tom ford perfume for woman 10/10 ولوت ارکید عطر خوبی هست اما یک‌چیز قدیمی و همینطور یک چیز تلخ در آن هست اما ولوت ارکید لومیر فوق العاده هست.تمام چیزهای خوب ولوت ارکید را داره و کمی هم ویژگی های بهتر.کاملا مدرن و خوشمزه هست.اول مثل کوکتلی از شامپاین و عسل هست.بعد گلهای زیبا و پودری ،رز و کمی ارکیده.آخر هم که وانیل خامه ای اضافه میشه.ماندگاری یک روز کامل.پخش خیلی قوی. مدتها بود که عطر به این خوبی و کاملی و جذابی ندیده بودم.خیلی عجیب هست که اکثر جاها هنوز موجود نیست چون عطری هست که هر خانمی دنبال عطر قوی و مدرن و جذاب و شیرین و گران قیمت باشه عاشقش میشه.بهترین عطر زنانه تام فورد ۱۰/۱۰

I received my bottle yesterday, and the bottle itself is beautiful, the frosted, purple glass is glorious. The fragrance itself is very nice. When I first spray it on it smells exactly like the original (which I love). So there were a couple of minutes where I did not see the point. However, it does not take long for it to exert its own very unique identity. A floral scent that is lightened everso slightly by the citrus top notes firmly confirms that this is indeed a lumière version. The original is immediately syrupy and heavy, this is light and fresh. The honey/rum/vanilla come out after 30 minutes or so with a much more delicate hand. A couple of hours later I'm left with a sweet, almost fragile smelling floral fragrance that is warmed by the vanilla and honey. As a previous reviewer said - it feels more whimsical, and that pretty much sums it up perfectly. If you believe in masculine and feminine scents (which I do not), then this is firmly in the feminine court. Longevity is not bad, I could still smell it several hours later. Sillage is on the low side, compared to the original. All up - very impressed with this addition to the Orchid range.

This is not an orchid dominant perfume. I see it as a deep purple or blue rose. Even though it might be a rare flower, more than that imaginary black orchid of Mr. Ford, it's velvet and it shines for sure. So, for me it's Velvet Rose Lumiere. It's like a blue rose in a glass of champagne. At the start it reminds me of Black Orchid, but after few minutes VO Lumiere gets its own unique beauty and shine. I was never blown away by original Velvet Orchid because it has some kind of old fashioned smell to me. But this is a modern take on Black and Velvet Orchid. If you like TF Cafe Rose, this might be a good option for you. It's a mixture of dark rose and light citruses with warm undertones. It goes from boozy rum start to rose heart and sweet honey finish. I love all the phases!

I love this out of all the Orchid offerings of Tom Ford I highly recommend this one because this is the most versatile and it's not too intense or arrogant or in your face. I can over spray this and it doesn't give that offensive vibe that some TF fragrances give when sprayed a lot. This is smooth and cozy. Half bottle update: I love it even MORE. I think this is one of those fragrances that you keep and spray and get to know. It went from love to one of my favorites! This really grows on you. If you like to get to know your fragrances as the time goes by - give this a try. I recently got a bottle of Black Orchid and that is the dark, earthy, with the hint of sweetness counterpart of this. Velvet Orchid Lumiere develops more interestingly if you ask me.

This scent falls into the category of first-date-perfume, the one you would love to wear during a chilly evening with your crush. The orchid dna is present, however Velvet Orchid Lumière is more fruity, boozy, brighter and has a less dark side than Velvet Orchid. Longevity is a major issue as mentioned, but I noticed that if you apply on your wrists a good moisturizer or even sunscreen it tends to last more than 2 hours. In general, expect regular top ups. Overall, a great fragrance from TF (I love also Velvet Orchid) which is however discontinued so I am pleased to be able to get my hands on this beautiful matte bottle for once.

Deep warm and slightly smokey. Unisex and mysterious. I don't get much rum, but this is a smooth orchid and myrrh. The patchouli is toned down from original Black Orchid. This isn't *as* loud as Black Orchid, but it's still intense! The honey isn't sweet, but it's there to make sure this doesn't veer into balsamic territory like black Orchid. Wearing this on an overcast Summer morning. I figured "luminous" would lend itself to a cooler Summer day especially since it's still damp from an over night rain. However, it still might be too warm and muggy for this Fall and Winter gem.

Blind buy as I saw someone selling their barely used large bottle at a steal. I absolutely love it! I tried Black Orchid several years ago and couldn't get past some of the notes, so when I read this one is a more tame and feminine version I jumped. Im so glad I did, as hubby only comments on my perfume when I wear My Burberry Black, but commented on this one too. Definitely a keeper for me. Edited to add that the dry down is so beautiful, I find myself constantly smelling my wrist.

This is a lovely scent, it is a sweeter version of velvet orchid. It carries the DNA of black orchid as well, but it is more feminine and wearable. The rum and honey note in this perfume is well blended and smells amazing. I would say if you already have velvet orchid you do not need this one as well, you could just layer a sweet perfume over the top of it. bottle 8/10 scent 9/10 longevity 8/0 projection 8/10 overall 8.5/10

First and foremost this is a lot sweeter than VO. The first thing I get is a wonderful perfumed sweet floral which I guess is the orchid. The citrus makes the top notes sparkle. I do get some booze but not overpowering just right. A lot of honeyed vanilla throughout. This will be one of my go out at night fragrances to be sure but would be lovely in the day as well. This lasted all day and the next on me.

For me this is the best flanker of Black Orchid, (or together with Black Orchid Voile de Fleur) This is the most feminine flanker of BO, and huge compliment getter. Perfume evolves, and develops on your skin during the day and each hour you can discover a different note. Amazing blend of vanilla, rum, floral notes, some freshness and these are all mixed with softly BO vibe. So sad it is discontinued.

After having Black orchid and getting for Xmas Velvet orchid (ultimate gorgeous seductive scent), I just discovered this little gem and it is next on my list. Almost the same as Velvet orchid but a bit lighter. Not weaker, watery or more fruity. Equaly rich and sexy but more velvety, creamy, sunny. Like a bit of milk and honey is added to the original. Perfect fume, easily becomes signature.

So much better than the original Velvet Orchid. Glad to have given it a chance. The opening is citrusy-boozy for only 10 minutes. Then I smell more flowers (jasmin-rose Combo), mixed generously with myhrr, woody notes and a tinge of honey (more beeswax actually) without the overwhelming sweetness of VO, vanilla almost non-existant. For colder seasons, flowery balsamic beauty!

I'm so inlove with this rose powder bomb! this is delightfully, classically feminine to me. I really like TFBO, but it reminds me of someone I would rather not remember. I dont like VO, smells like cheap cologne to me. This I bought blind and was so impressed. Back up bottle worthy to me... It smells like a more floral powdery version of VO.

More honey-forward than the original, complimented by brighter florals on a vanillic incense & myrrh base. There's an air of Black Orchid on the drydown, but not overwhelmingly so. Best suited in spring or autumn, there's just enough balance of hot & cold to compliment the scent. I get around 6 hrs on skin, a touch longer on clothes.

A bit more playful than it's predecessor Velvet Orchid. Starting with orchid, rose, a hint of citrus, and rum at first. Then drying down to a floral with more prominent honey and vanilla notes, with hints of myrrh and sandalwood. Also seems to get sweeter as time passes. Longevity is oustanding. Lumière is truly quite lovely :o)

I smelled a preview sample of this, and it is really nice! It has more of a vanilla vibe to it, and is a bit more whimsical and light in a way. Same notes as Velvet Orchid, but like I said, seems a bit lighter but more emphasis on the gourmand part of this scent. I think people will love this one! The bottle is matte.

This is my preferred Velvet Orchid. I owned the original and quickly sold it off as I did like it, but it just didn't last ... or project. This does all of that and more. Honey and beeswax... that 'orchid' we've come to recognise from Black Orchid and Velvet Orchid EDP. I get at least 9 hours. Perfection.

Love the drydown. Oh, it's soo good, just lovely. I was about to jump in the shower when I accidentally smelled my arm. The smell of this perfume has stayed for 2 whole days and through one shower. Impressive longevity. High quality. Intoxicating;) A lot better than VO. VOL has become one of my favorites.

Beautiful blend of honey, rum and orchid. It is not heavy, actually I find it very refreshing. As it dries down it gets fresher and fresher. Love it. The whole "orchide" colection is beautiful. I do not like how TF does rose-centric perfumes but I just love how it blends orchid. And patchouli.

Ultra soft, powdery vanilla and honeyed orchid- this is deliciously stunning. A delicately plush cloud that sticks with you for hours, light but not weak. The warming rum is rich but weightless. Lumiere is gentle, easy, romantic.

This is damn good. I blind bought this a few months ago and I will always keep this in my collection. It is warm, sexy and mysterious. I did not like BO or VO. This is absolutely stunning. Back up bottle worthy. Get it. Try it!

Additional observation. On the box it has full name: velvet orchid lumiere. And on thw bottle it says only: velvet orchid. It's like they had too much of VO gold plates so they recycled :) Apart from this, it's perfect.

It's gorgeous. Very velvety, and luminous. Seductive, sensual, feminine and rich. It's a fabulous bottle too, and the colour is magnificent. It's definitely one of my top favourite perfumes. Absolutely divine.

This is lovely! I'm in love. Just got it instead of Black Orchid or original Velvet. It's super feminine, seductive, floral but with more honey than original.

I love this perfume I enjoy the smell so much . I smell it on me all day long , and I work 12 hour shift and I only spray 3 pumps. Lasts all day.

The literal definition of a girl-boss perfume. love it, such a sensual and beautiful smell. It tends to be overwhelming, spray with caution.

I like this better than Velvet Orchid. I usually wear it layered with Tobacco Vanille. Strong projection and long lasting. Love!

don’t know what rum smells like lmao but the opening of this one seriously reminds me of ferrero rochers

The third one has n my life, I've found occasionally in the big cosmetics shop. Still in love 💖💖

Decant again. First spray is a bit of sharpness and masculinity, then settles down into a creamy earthy mix of vanilla and spice. A touch of acidic sharpness remains on me. It is pleasant and a "like" for me but I do feel a bit underwhelmed. It doesn't have that almost "sticky" blast of honey sweetness like original Velvet Orchid in my opinion. The drydown is also way too similar in spirit to my Goldea: The Roman Night Absolute to justify a purchase. Both fragrances have too strong of an earthy "dirt" (not skanky/animalic/BO but earthy...bitterness almost? I can't describe it) that just doesn't appeal to me like "cleaner" earth scents do (e.g. Poison EDT, Marrakesh original hair care scent). I have an unburned stick of genuine hand-rolled patchouli incense and love to sniff it for a sweet, smooth, clean scent if that makes any sense (baby steps for training the nose!). Anyway, I much prefer TF Noir de Noir for its sweeter composition, dark rose, and insanely smooth vanilla-oud drydown. Sadly the earthy smell remains on that one for me as well, but that is still a "like" and so very interesting!

This is a truly beautiful fragrance. It opens with a blast of honey and well aged scotch rather than rum; quite intoxicating. Even after 12 hours it was hanging in there. The drydown is warm and comforting due to the lashings of sandalwood and a gorgeous suede note that carries on throughout. A beautiful scent for a night out and sure to receive compliments. It smells expensive and demands that you save it for important occasions when you are feeling and looking your best. With that in mind, it is not appropriate for work or situations where you don't want to stand out. There is certainly a timeless quality to it, it reminds me of Calvin Klein contradiction, a fragrance I fondly remember my mother wearing when I was a child (they do share some key notes - jasmine, sandalwood, rose & orchid). The myrrh creates a resinous quality that exudes effortless sexiness. If the original black orchid is too much for you, like it is for me, this could be perfect for you. It loses the heaviness of the original and the vanilla certainly makes it more playful. Seduction in a bottle!

This goes on strong and sweet, perhaps too honey-sweet, and not especially sophisticated. It's like regular Velvet Orchid without the 'dirty' factor, and maybe a little generic. At this stage I didn't think I was likely to wear it. (But read on...) It dried down to a much more subdued skin scent within less than two hours. Hmm, poor longevity. So what's really in this for me? (Keep reading...) Then I'm going about my day, sitting at my desk or wandering up to the shed to get something, and there's this soft scent wafting from somewhere. Turns out to be me. Not a skin scent after all, but a pleasant feminine fragrance than emanates softly. Lesson: Give this one a chance.

Originally thought as another unnecessary flanker, but turned out better than the original! Velvet Orchid is too sticky sweet to me, which lost its "orchid-ness," more like a boozy-honey gourmand; this one retains the powdery floral impression of an orchid while satisfies the sweet tooth. I imagine this would be popular amongst younger girls who want an exotic Oriental touch. This is the safest of the bunch but no less enjoyable (I wouldn't use that word to describe the EdT though).

If you thought the original Black Orchid was too masculine and harsh, then you might like Velvet Orchid Lumiere version better. It's more feminine and softer. Also, instead of the cucumber-melon-truffle, here, you get honey and flowers. Cannot compare this to Velvet Orchid as my memory of that one is somewhat vague. Personally, while VO Lumiere is nice, it also feels too tame...I like the original Black Orchid more.

My friend gave this to me as a gift because her aunt got it for her and she didn't want it. It's quite strong, on the sweet amber side, and the dry down is quite powdery - can lean a bit old-lady depending on the wearer. I recommend one, maybe two spritz, as it becomes overpowering quickly. Lovely for a date night out to a jazz club or fancy dinner, just make sure you don't choke anyone out with it.

This was a blind buy for me and I'm happy with this purchase. Tom Ford always has this distinctive scent in the opening. Strong, dark, and sweet. The sweet scent of vanilla becomes stronger when it dries down. However, the longer this perfume stays on my skin, the more unpleasant the scent becomes. It's probably because I live in the tropics. I would advise to wear this perfume in colder months.

A well crafted, modern fragrance that is very Tom Ford. My only complaint is there is too much vanilla in the dry down and it's not a note that I can live with for long, I find it a bit nauseating but apart from that this the top notes and middle notes smell lovely. It's definitely classy and expensive smelling stuff.

I know orchids don't have a smell but like, this smells like an orchid. It doesn't make sense but if orchids smelt, this is what they would smell like

Orchid with some sweetness and myrrh. Pleasant, truly velvety, but something is missing for me here.

To me this smells very similar to Velvet Orchid, which in turn carries a lot of Black Orchid's DNA. So I get traces of the earthiness and patchouli and a lot of ylang-ylang in this, even though nothing of that is listed. Maybe the "black orchid" note they list isn't meant to describe a flower and simply means that the signature accord of Black Orchid, the perfume, is a note in this. I also clearly sense the rum, honey, citruses and florals right from the start, and a creamy-balsamic vanilla and myrrh blend in the base. Compared to Velvet Orchid this is somewhat brighter and also more powdery. I don't know if I would call it luminous though. This might be a super-unpopular opinion (hope I won't get downvoted for it), but the opening smells quite dusty and old-fashioned to my nose. The jasmine and phantom ylang-ylang are very indolic, and together with the strong honey note they come across as borderline urinous to me. I had the same problem, albeit much worse, with Black Orchid Voile de Fleur, so I assume something they do to at Tom Ford's to lighten up and floralize (is that even a word?) these Orchids doesn't agree with my nose and skin at all. Which is a shame, as I usually love this line. After an hour or two the dusty-fusty smell slowly vanishes and what's left is a honeyed, sunshiney, creamy myrrh and vanilla base with hints of sour oranges, rum and smooth patch, all covered in light floral powder. I love Velvet Orchid and I'm very surprised I don't really like Velvet Orchid Lumière. The drydown is pleasant, but it's missing the richness of the original. It's interesting how a few small changes can make such a big difference in how much we like something. I'm sure this smells better to and on others, but I'd still recommend Velvet Orchid over this by far in any situation.

Oh this is good. It’s definitely something different from my normal taste but I think I’m evolving lol. It’s dark, sexy, spicy, masculine. I get a lot of orchid, sweet rum & honey. Initial spritz is a punch in the face strong, but after 15mins it settles to more sweet, still strong though. This is not for the faint of heart or shy gal. You will fill a room with this & demand attention. I highly recommend to get a free sample from Sephora before you buy, not a safe blind buy because it’s not typical & more of an acquired taste. This is a dark, sexy, sweet, daring scent. Projection power, it will fill a whole room & even House! Lasting power is amazing, you can still smell it on your skin the next day. You get what you pay for that’s for sure.

I like the OG better. Lumiere has soapy aldehydes-like note, and on me it dries down grassy with slight bitter note. It’s a bummer because I was excited to find this, thinking it would just be a lighter version of OG VO.

Smelled and compared together with the original Velvet Orchid. Way too smiliar... waste of time and effort... I prefer to stick with the original Velvet Orchid. Try again TF

Pleasant, warm, oriental, Sweet. One of the better from Tom Ford in my opinion. Creamy, maybe beachy as well.

I have 2 50ml & 30ml bottles for sale. U.S. only

A bit of history. I don't own any Orchids from TF. I had a page of Black Orchid in a magazine, and it was so bad I had to rip it out and hide it in the garbage. I almost got a 100ml bottle of VO for a $30 steal, but by the time I made my order, it was out of stock. VO sounds much more "me" than BO of course. That magazine ruined BO for me. And I was willing to blind buy VO for $30 and try it, I could always resell. Since I didn't get my cheap VO, I gave up. Too expensive to blind buy- and I'm not sure I would have even liked it. I like gooey, sweet, gourmies- but I also like honey, booze, and vanilla in any way. Read up on Lumiere.... and it sounded more "me" so when a NWOB bottle popped up on ebay for $70-- I did it. Hehehehe. Well, my first impression was a good one... STRONG, boozy, floral.... very very sophisticated, expensive, classy, and probably best for an actual formal affair. Not lazy at home or work/daytime. My first impression goes downhill from there because I used too much. (3-4 sprays) It made me sick... headache and nauseous. Which has never happened before, and I wear perfume pretty much 24/7. I changed out of that shirt before I went to bed. It was just sooo strong. HUGE RUM, honey, and flowers. I'm not good at picking out flowers/notes because all flowers smell somewhat the same to me... haha.... This is quality tho... beautiful and strong. I still like it. I will wear it soon, but only 1-2 sprays! I have tickets to an Alice & Wonderland play- so it will be perfect for the theater date night. I wish I got more vanilla, but I prob used too much. And since I haven't smelled VO or BO, I can't comment on that. To me, there is nothing whimsical or light/fresh about this. *wink* Haha, the description: "heady floral heart" they got that right! To me, this is like Alien- a very strong sweet-syrup floral. Alien mixed with Miss Wild by Joop, some 212 VIP Herrera... and maybe even some FAME by Gaga. I wore it again gently, with 2 sprays on my chest/skin before dressing and it lasted all day. Very few perfumes work on my skin because I'm oily by heritage, but dry by climate. ;) I still get a very honey, rummy floral, but I do like it! Wear gently! I don't get any citrus.

Luminous and velvety indeed. Such an elegant and feminine fragrance, I like it even more then VO as it has a lush powdery-gourmand vibe that surrounds you like an aura. It opens with a blast of sensual rum and citrus sparkles, then it settles in a beautiful floral powder with a hint of honeyed vanilla followed by incense and sandalwood. The composition is a mix: floral powdery + gourmand + oriental balsamic. It's alluring, sensual, exotic, feminine and quite light and easy to wear. It's a like a soft silk scarf around your neck which embrace you tenderly and kisses you. The sandalwood and honeyed vanilla are gentle sweet enough for you to become addicted in just a few wearers.... It's strong but delicate, it's shinny but has a mystery facet, it's luminous but it has a dark side too, it's floral but has depth with its oriental touch, it's just a bit powdery but the powder is adjusted by mirth and citruses. It has a bit of all, delight! I think it the most beautiful 2016 release of Tom Ford from his mainstream line, it's suitable for young ladies, for everyday wear, day and night. It's appealing and easy to love, VERY well composed, I don't know anybody who didn't like it on me. I got the first compliment in the same day I sampled it, it never happened to me before :) Longevity is good, up to 8-9 hours on my skin, as for sillage, it's quite good too in the first 3 hours. I'd say it blooms in colder months. It's not a sillage monster but it's wafting for hours and it's noticeable for people around you. I highly recommend this utterly beautiful juice to anyone!

This is a super gourmand version of Velvet Orchid with an emphasis on the notes of honey, vanilla and rum. Delicious!! It smells like a delicious alcoholic beverage. I was not picking up on too many similarities to Velvet Orchid which is a gorgeous lush orchid-floral with other things going on. This perfume is not as floral with only the rose orchid and jasmine pairing. Instead this is bigger on the top notes of citrus and rum, like an orange scented booze, and the dry down of light Oriental base notes of sandalwood, myrrh and vanilla. I love vanilla as much as the next person but this fragrance only dries down to a big creamy vanilla at the very last stage. Before it gets there it's citrusy and with a honey-wine/booze sweetness. There is also a rose that steals the spotlight away from the orchid. This is a rose based perfume in the middle stage where the heart notes develop. I love roses so this was not a problem despite the name Velvet Orchid and not Velvet Rose. The sandalwood and myrrh are distinctive of Oriental fragrances but this is a light wood and a warm but not smoky myrrh/frankincense. It's a junior Oriental, a youthful Oriental. It's still pretty mature though. If you like Velvet Orchid the original this flanker is a delicious alternative with honey-vanilla and a rose to die for! Recommended as a statement perfume to wear to dinners, parties, weddings and formal events. She wants you to wear her with your best clothing, your best hair, make up and nails, your best behavior and your best taste.