Rubj Voile d'Extrait

I believe Vero chose the name “Rubj” to hint at the blood-red gemstone, ruby. And while smelling the perfume doesn’t signal anything red to my olfactory cortex, but rather shades of brown, green, and white, the essence of what Ruby evokes most certainly hints at the symbolic meanings behind the color red, such as passion, desire, love, and strength. Aesthetically, Rubj fits perfectly among other mischievous, carnal musky-floral compositions such as Bal à Versailles, Salome, MAAI, La Tsarine, and Muscs Koublai Khan (due to the interplay of musks and spices). It is not as overly complex and intellectual as Onda, Rozy, or Naja. Rather, it is straightforward and ready for some boudoir action. It is Chris de Burgh’s Lady in Red. It is pure eroticism. To break it down as a scent, for me, Rubj is a spicy, musky, and floral perfume with some Oriental motifs such as warm woods and incense. The star of the show is the orange blossom, a flower I’m not particularly fond of. However, the way it is handled here makes me an admirer. It is strongly supported by an equally naughty, indolic jasmine, and supposedly, tuberose and neroli, but I’m not picking up much of the last two. The opening is briefly green, followed by an aromatic and intensely spicy embrace with basil, coriander, and my Holly and most beloved, cumin. Yes, the abhorred “C” word. And while Vero has claimed many times that she never used cumin in either the Voile or the Extrait versions of Rubj, I am getting it clear as day. I tried forcing it out of my mind, but there is no dismissing it. It is here to stay, and I am up to take it all in. I’m also picking up some basil and perhaps other spices along with an array of green elements. They work brilliantly to introduce the star of the show, the orange blossom; the latter is lush, waxy, and indolic, backed by a fruity and honeyed jasmine. They sure make for a dazzling pair. The base is dominated by cedar, which, alongside cumin, instills a rather dry quality to Rubj, incense, and a fatty musk cocktail with prevalent use of civet. Civet is always a great choice to pair with florals, and it works magic in Rubj. Seemingly, she is not holding anything back: cumin, indoles, and civet. But what sets it apart from the other perfumes mentioned, and with which it has a resemblance in aesthetic, is the artist’s touch, the way Vero handled these materials that can easily off-balance a composition and steer it into “not safe for work territory.” Rubj is like the beautiful lady in the red dress, slowly making her way through the crowd. She doesn’t have to say anything or try hard to get all the attention. There is nothing overtly sexual about her appearance, either, but the way she moves and acts will make your mind wander. That is how Rubj is. It sparks your imagination, while always poised, and the restraint is impeccable. Gallantly unfolding, the mingling of notes and accords is suave, while the synergism feels effortless. All of Vero’s perfumes hide an erotic side, as she wholeheartedly believed they should. Rubj, more than all others, is a fine example of that. IG:@memory.of.scents

Ridiculously beautiful! I have not wanted to own a fragrance this painfully since Malle's POAL. It starts off VERY strong and very indolic, to me, but the drydown is so beautiful. Sweet, rich and captivating. Truly a winner for anyone who loves white florals. I will mention that I do not get much, if any cumin from this -- which is a huge relief as I hate the sweaty "BO" smell that cumin usually imparts on fragrances. Just beautiful, beautiful jasmine and sweet tuberose (though I see tuberose is not listed on the notes, I could swear I smell it in here..) Now I'm curious about the EDP version... Edit - There IS tuberose in this version. I am looking at the note list on my box of voile d'extrait - listed notes are orange blossom, tuberose, jasmin, musk (though I am sure there are others most likely as well)

Absolutely astounding composition. The fragrant notes blend effortlessly with each other. After the initial spray onto the skin you detect the floral top notes quite clearly however after a while these subside a little to blend with the heart notes, I can particularly detect the more spicey notes. The heart notes blend perfectly with the base notes after a fairly respectable time leaving you with the most fantastic scent, not too weak not to strong Just the most perfect classy scent that can easily be worn anytime and for almost any occasion. Definitely a winner from this house. Thumbs up for a classy, unique and versatile fragrance. I would recommend anybody to give this a try!

I have been hoarding my little spray sample of this for ages, luckily one spritz is all I need to get me dreaming ..... and this is from someone who abhors conventional White Floral perfumes! Perhaps this is the ultimate Narcotic Floral for non-floral Perfumistas like me. It is so masterfully blended that it becomes more than the sum of its notes, which is something I am always after, and very hard to find. Vero Kern is a true Alchemist! PS Let me know if you have any available, thanks!

"Rubj voile d'Extrait" is an indolic and weirdly pleasing scent for me balancing on being a bit too indolic and therefore unwearable. I do get the excellent comments here - "Rubj" is a very well done and interesting scent. First of all I get loads of jasmine and very soapy orange blossom. There is some sweetness to it, but mostly it's soapy and citrusy and indolic. Base brings more soapiness and a very, very clean musc. Staying power was excellent for me and it radiated really good from my wrist. Due to soapiness not really my cup of tea, but I appreciate the composition.