Idyllic Istanbul

This is exciting! I am the first reviewer! I bought this blind, based off reviews by Paulina Schar and also Greta Beth. I almost always like their recommendations but I was also drawn to check this one out because of my interest in old Istanbul (Constantinople) where my great grandparents met and married at the turn of the 20th Century. So Viage's beautiful marketing, packaging and bottle design is a dream for anyone inspired by history, travel and old artefacts. First off can I say wow, speedy delivery! 4 days from Dubai to UK over the busy Xmas period here. Nice compact turquoise box with lovely gold embossed map detail and postcard style image of iconic view of Istanbul on the water. On to the fragrance. Paulina says this has a loukoumi note (not listed or wrongly listed as Turkish rose?) and yes, it IS there giving you a touch of Manceras Roses Vanille. What sets this apart is the salt and ozonic notes, totally reminiscent of the sea air. I love it! It perfectly balances the sweet sugary rose and takes you to a moment- absolutely makes you travel and I don't know if it's the patchouli (which isn't dominant at all) or just the overall blend but there's also something in there that is giving you pages of an old journal or the feel of exploring an historic building, pattering down the Galata streets in Edwardian shoes and a cream lace dress. Maybe I'm just a hopeless romantic but I think that this brands direction hopes to create nostalgic moments like these and they have really hit the ball out of the park and achieved it with this fragrance. It's not just for those who love the quaint and vintage though - it translates as a lovely modern, airy fragrance at the same time. A fresh take on a rose with the salty air. The drydown is a little benzoiny, is that the amber Xtreme? It makes me think of granite with sparkles - some sort of old stone steps. If this fragrance had a texture that would be it. I would say this is more of a Spring / Summer fragrance for UK wearers - perfect for holidays, that said, I am constantly wearing it already, veering into signature territory - beautiful beautiful scent. 10/10 ! Thanks for taking me to Idyllic Istanbul! Will definitely be trying more - I have my eye on Shimmering Shanghai. Oh and this seems to have very good longevity too. Mood : romantic, adventurous. 🌹🌊

I bought this perfume in the middle of a long winter while I was at the seaside. I was craving some happy and summery fragrance. And Idyllic Istanbul did the job. I love it. I know Istanbul pretty well - does this fragrance represent the city? Kinda yes and kinda now. But that again who would like to smell like kebab and gutted fish. II is very unique mix of salty sea breeze and pralines. Behind this you can smell rose and amber - they are not prominent. I don’t smell any patchouli on me. The only thing I don’t like is the silage. After I would say half and hour it is a arm length fragrance. The longevity is quite good. I will def repurchase another bottle because I have a feeling it will be my go to fragrance this coming spring and summer.