By Designer

Vanitas EDP by Versace

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So, I found some older samples in a box, that I had stashed in a closet. Among a few Amouage cologne sprayers, I had a women’s perfume by Versace, Vanitas EDP.

I figured that I might as well give it a try and write up a review, seeing as I never got around to it however many months ago. Continue reading below for my full take of this scent and whether or note Vanitas is worth a buy.

What does Vanitas EDP Smell Like?

Notes include: freesia, tiare, bergamot, cedar, tonka bean

Click here to try: Vanitas Women Eau De Parfum Spray by Versace, 3.4 Ounce

My Full Review

The opening of Vanitas Eau de Parfum is of course heavily-laden with the white floral notes of freesia and tiare. These two are what dominate throughout the fragrance. While there is a bergamot note added for a citrus effect, it lies underneath and isn’t all that powerful at first, in my opinion.

Anyhow, the bergamot definitely isn’t a powerhouse feature like it can be in many other perfumes. Although, I do find that it emerges a bit more during the dry down.

Vanitas is a bright, quite clean, and very classic floral perfume. As it dries down, the cedar adds a slight woodiness to the scent, which allows the fragrance to become more centered and less like a bouquet. It strikes me as a ‘green’ scent with the aroma of floral stems and a low-key musk quality to it.

The tonka bean affords the fragrance with a bit of a creamy quality to take some of the edge of the strong floral notes. There isn’t much development of Vanitas beyond this, it’s a pretty linear scent.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, I found it to be powerful. A few sprays was more than enough and any more than that just seems overboard to me. This is the type that can take over a room, if you let it. Not that much is needed, which will at least save some cash with fewer sprays.

This Versace perfume is most assuredly a performer with all working day longevity. It lasted on my skin for 9 or so hours. The EDP delivers plenty of value from this perspective.

Testing it out multiple times, that’s about what I get with it. It can go slightly over 10 hours, at times, but it’s not a sure thing.

I’d call this more a mature type of perfume. It is feminine but not girly and doesn’t have any of that teenage candy-like sugar aroma in it at all. It might be an avoid for high school or college-aged ladies.

Best worn casually, as a daily wear, or even semi-formal occasions during the spring and summer months. Vanitas has a very natural botanic smell.

So, it does have good versatility within that sort of climate. This can be a great go-to scent for those who live in a more tropical region. Not the sexiest scent, but attractive enough.

Overall Impressions of Vanitas

Overall, would I recommend Vanitas? It isn’t a super unique fragrance by any means, but it is pretty exemplary as a white floral perfume. It feels familiar and probably has a lot of similar scents to it out on the market, but it performs very well, for what it is.

The performance here gives you plenty of power and time to spend with it. Compared with a lot of other designer fragrances, this one doesn’t disappoint in that regard.

The aroma itself if good. It doesn’t completely blow me away, but I like aspects of it. The bergamot and cedar play their roles here well. I like the cleanliness and bit of sparkle that this one has.

Update: Looks like this one got discontinued. Bottles as of 2025 are like $200 each. So, if you loved this one, probably should grab what you can.

The tiare flower is nice up top. It does become green and musky during the latter stages, which isn’t my favorite. But, the edge is taken off by the tonka bean note. That creaminess is the best part of the tail end of the wear.

Nice scent. Not a sweet one, so, you get a change of pace versus much of the norm and a lovely fresh experience for the most part.

If you’re a floral lover, this might be a good option as an everyday wear or as another option within your collection. If you hate white florals, then it’d be wise to steer clear. Versace Vanitas isn’t the best perfume out there but it is well put together and has a classic appeal.

Insolence Eau Glacee by Guerlain

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Winding down on my current crop of scent to test out, I have today’s entry from Guerlain’s women’s collection, Insolence Eau Glacee. Now, I’m pretty sure that this one has been discontinued by this point in time, but you can still find bottles available online. I will of course cover how it smells, performs, what notes are included, and if it is worth a purchase.

What does Insolence Eau Glacee?

Notes include: red berries, apple, iris, violet, and citrus

Click here to try: Guerlain Insolence Eau Glacee Eau De Toilette Spray for Women, 1.7 Ounce

My Full Wear Review

Insolence Eau Glacee was marketed as an ‘icy’ aroma and while I have come across multiple men’s colognes which also go this route, this one doesn’t seem to strike the same ‘cold’ tone. I mean, it’s there but not nearly to the same degree.

Initially, I get a lot of violet and apple in particular which is supported by the iris note. This gives the fragrance a crisp yet powdery sensation, that is quite pleasant.

Apple is the main fruit note, but the berries and a very light citrus blend is there as well. The citrus isn’t a major factor in this Guerlain. All together, the fruity notes are more tart at the beginning, then it’s a tad sweeter during the dry down.

This is a pretty linear scent and after a few minutes, what you smell is what you get. More of the iris note development and some juiciness supplied by the red berries. Violet, apple, and iris, with the additional highlights of the berries.

It’s a watery sweetness, as if the fruit notes have been soaked in a vase of the floral notes that are present here. The iciness is a nice touch, that gives it the feeling of more depth versus what it actually has.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Eau Glacee is soft and understated. This isn’t a bold or in your face sort of fragrance, it is quiet but you’ll know that it is there. It’ll project maybe 3-5 feet from the skin and that’s about it.

While it isn’t a strong perfume, it is one that lasts a work day. During testing, I managed about 8 hours with a few sprays. The performance is good, as a low key scent, that isn’t going to take over a room.

It is interesting when you get a softer fragrance that actually sticks around despite not being a complete bomb.

Eau Glacee strikes me as a casual scent or one for a business type environment. It elegant and has a seriousness to it, that doesn’t come across to me as a ‘sexy’ perfume. Nonetheless, it is pleasant and has its own charm.

I’d also say, it’s probably best in the springtime or other days in which the climate is mild. Maybe venturing into the early days of summer.

Overall Impressions of Insolence Eau Glacee

Overall, do I think Insolence Eau Glacee, is worth a purchase? If you’re a fan of violet and iris and you happen to need something low key. I think it smells fine, it’s not harsh or ugly in anyway, but I don’t think it’s incredible.

It is a solid performer that is well blended and takes you on an easy and steady ride. I like the iris, berries, and that chilly quality that comes through. Nice, clean, tart/sweet, and plenty of powder.

Eau Glacee has some very familiar aspects found in many other perfumes. It’s not super unique, though, it’s nice enough for what it is.

Update: This one seems to be long gone and got discontinued at some point after this review.

Omnia Crystalline by Bvlgari

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In today’s review, I am going to be covering a popular ladies’ fragrance by Bvlgari, Omnia Crystalline. I’ve had a sample vial of this for a few months now, so I figured that it was about time that I try it out and report back with how it smells, performs, etc.

As usual, I’m going to cover my impressions and it longevity and whether or not I think that it is worth picking up a bottle.

What does Omnia Crystalline Smell Like?

Notes include: bamboo, lotus flower, nashi, musk, tea

Click here to try: Bvlgari Omnia Crystalline for Women Eau De Toilette Spray, 2.2 fl oz

My Full Wear Review

The opening of Omnia Crystalline is a rather interesting and somewhat unique experience, at least when compared to other popular perfumes. It’s light, clean, and has a bit of a soapy quality to it but with a distinctly Asian influence.

Lotus, tea, and a pear-like smell (provided by the nashi fruit) are the main attractions here, which gives this Bvlgari perfume a floral-plant type of outdoorsy scent.

Omnia Crystalline is quite a feminine fragrance and doesn’t seem to include anything that could be considered heavy or overwhelming, which should make this one a good choice for the warmer months of the year.

The tea note really reminds me of a men’s cologne that I cannot quite recall the name of (maybe by Roberto Cavalli?), it’s really distinct and green, in it’s aroma. I also detect a hint of Alien Aqua Chic in this composition.

However, the major player here is the lotus note…so, if you’re not a fan, look for another perfume. It does have a different feel than the usual rose, iris, violet notes that are so often found in other ladies’ fragrances.

There is a slight musk which gives it some warmth and body. The dry down is woody and green, with some remaining fruit sweetness, but mostly that lotus flower as the focus of it all. Bamboo and a bit of moss coming through.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, it’s a light fragrance but does a pretty good job at projecting itself. You will know that it’s there while wearing; but it isn’t going to choke anyone out. A few feet away from the skin, is what I got for most of the wears during testing.

It’s not one to leave a huge scent trail or fill a room. But, while it’s got its power, it will be picked up by those around you.

The longevity is meh, but usable. 4-5 hours seems to be the norm, maybe 6 under the right conditions. This is by no means a powerhouse or a workhorse, which means you should probably get it at a good price and not at retail.

I’d save this one strictly for the spring/summer months, as a casual scent for a day out or the office. I don’t find it to be particularly sexy or something that would scream attention to itself, rather, it is a clean and simple scent that smells good in a low key way.

It’s a good no-brainer daily wear that isn’t going to offend. Omnia Crystalline can easily be a go to during the warmer months for the right lady.

Overall Impressions of Omnia Crystalline

Overall, would I recommend Omnia Crystalline? I mean, I like it well enough. It isn’t an amazing perfume by any means but it will get the job done for what it is. If you like the listed notes and need a good casual scent, then this might be right up your alley.

However, if you want a bold type of fragrance, then it’s best to look elsewhere for something with that kind of quality.

The opening act with the fruit, bamboo, and lotus is actually very nice. The tea note, is the one that tends to stand out and delivers a nice experience while its around. The dry down is fine. Not something I’m completely enthralled by, but it’s likeable.

It’s a very straightforward, elegant, crisp, and pleasing scent. No more no less. It would be a lot better, if the strength was boosted up some more. Still useful, just not incredible.

Parisienne by Yves Saint Laurent

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I received two Yves Saint Laurent perfume samples with the last batch that I ordered. One, was Black Opium, which I’ve already reviewed. The second is today’s entry, Parisienne. This is a somewhat recent addition to the YSL collection and seems to be intended for casual wear.

In this post, I am going to go over my impression on how it smells, performs, when it should be worn, and if it is worth a purchase or not.

What does Parisienne Smell Like?

parisienne

Notes include: rose, musk, sandalwood, vinyl, vetiver, cranberry, violet, peony

Click here to try: Yves Saint Laurent Parisienne Eau-de-Parfume Spray, 3.0-Ounce

My Full Wear Review

My first impression of Parisienne is how much it smells like Midnight Romance, which I just reviewed a few days ago. The main difference between the two is that Parisienne is highlighted by the rose note, while the Ralph Lauren fragrance, is geared more towards raspberry.

Parisienne also has supporting berry notes which give it a bit of juiciness but this one does take on a much more powdery kind of aroma, as is to be expected with violet and rose together.

Parisienne is a softer type of perfume and while this EDP is noticeable, it is never ‘in your face’, and screaming out for attention. YSL made this one low key, sweet, and bright.

The vinyl is an interesting note to have in a fragrance, and adds a smooth familiar smelling layer, that lasts throughout the wear. On me, that note is never all that powerful, more so just lurking in the background as a consistent player.

It’s smooth, maybe has a bit of a plastic-like aroma. Though, it’s not bad for me. Perhaps, it could be a problem if it turns out stronger on your own skin.

Again, it does have that powdery essence to it, sort of like a collection of cosmetics. I really enjoy the blackberry and that tart cranberry at the top. Although, only the former really remains later on.

The final dry down period, consists of the rose/violet notes, with the berry playing a supporting role. Less powdery, more of the musk coming through during this period.

Then, there is a slightly woody/outdoorsy, base to Parisienne which gives it a bit more depth. It’s really never that powerful, just something you catch whiffs of, when wearing. It’s really a sandalwood and vetiver pairing.

To me, I get more of the sandalwood note on my skin. Just not a monstrous amount.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The projection on Parisienne is not bad. It isn’t a heavy fragrance but you’ll notice it is there. Eventually, it does start to fade into more of a skin scent, but the sillage is still within a foot of the wearer.

At it’s peak, probably in the 5-6 foot range of projection. Good and not overwhelming at all.

Longevity is also just decent, 6 hours give or take, is what I got out of it during testing. Not an all day beast, but not one that craps out 10 minutes after application either. I do wish that you could squeeze at least a few more hours of wear from Parisienne.

Parisienne strikes me as more of a fun casual scent with undertones of sensuality, than something that is ‘sexy’ or for romantic type of wear.

It’s got a somewhat youthful vibe, but not a total teenager’s fragrance. Actually, it probably be a good perfume to have as one moves away from those super candy-like fragrances into something more mature.

Much like, Midnight Romance, I see it as best in warmer weather but possibly not the extremes of summer…spring would be great. One could wear it in colder weather, though, it would kind of seem out of place. Cool to moderate temperatures is ideal.

It is a versatile daytime wear, that can go casual, while being light enough for the office. It’s not really a formal scent or a seductive nightlife fragrance.

Overall Impressions of Parisienne

Overall, is Parisienne worth a look? I’d say yes. However, when comparing it to Midnight Romance, I prefer the Ralph Lauren fragrance to this Yves Saint Laurent. The juicy raspberry note smells better to me than the rose.

If you enjoy rose perfumes, but want something that isn’t a pure rose straight through, this could be a great casual find for you. I like the berry note, at the top, and the violet/rose combination in the dry down is quite a nice floral arrangement.

Parisienne doesn’t blow me away, but it is a very good fragrance nonetheless. There are much better Saint Laurent perfumes than this one. So, it’s not a must have.

It’s not too complex, but is a solid fragrance all around. Performance is pretty middle of the pack, could be better, but not bad enough for any serious complaints.

Angel Muse EDP by Thierry Mugler

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Moving right along through these ladies perfume reviews, I have one today for another Thierry Mugler perfume: Angel Muse. Obviously, this is a flanker to the original Angel that was released back in the early 1990s, and has been a best seller ever since. Is this one worth it? How does it smell? Does it actually perform well?

What does Angel Muse Smell Like?

Notes include: patchouli, vetiver, hazelnut cream, pink pepper, wood

Click here to try: Thierry Mugler Angel Muse Eau de Parfum spray, 1.0 oz

My Full Muse Review

Angel Muse is a very interesting scent for me, as patchouli usually represents a wildcard for my nose, as to whether or not I’ll enjoy a fragrance. The opening is a blast of patchouli with sugary sweetness of the hazelnut cream and a fruit note in there as well.

Grapefruit is the citrus fruit note and has that sparkling sharp brightness to it. Mixed with the patchouli and pink pepper note up top, this one can start out pretty earthy, with a level of dirtiness to it. The opening isn’t all that fantastic, but this gets way better to my nose.

It reminds me of  I Love NY for Holidays by Bond No. 9, as it has that same sweet baked goods feeling mixed with patchouli. Of course, it also shares so much DNA with the original Angel, too.

However, I will say that Angel Muse does it better and ultimately differentiates itself from the Bond No. 9 fragrance. I think the inclusion of the vetiver note was a great choice, as it adds an earthy/woodsy aroma, for depth.

Angel Muse is so smooth while maintaining that unique earthy smell and it’s quite fantastic.

During the dry down, I get more of the vetiver and hazelnut. There is of course a creamy quality to the fragrance from the hazelnut cream, but I also think there might be some tonka bean in there. I

t’s warm and enveloping with a bit of spice from pink pepper and the dominant patchouli.

The dry down is really where it’s at with Angel Muse. Once the grapefruit has faded away, the whole composition fits together better. The hazelnut cream note, is the absolute highlight of the fragrance for me.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Angel Muse never strikes me as too loud or heavy, and I’d call the sillage moderate. Maybe, upper end of that rang. You won’t have to spray a lot and you won’t choke out the room. Mugler did a great job of balancing both the notes and the performance.

The projection itself will at least be a few feet from the skin for a vast majority of the wear before it finally tapers off.

Longevity is also awesome, it will last all day no problem. I’d say at its max, it hung around for 10 hours. Usually, falling into that 8-10 hour range, closer to the lower numbers most of the time. Yet, it still delivers plenty.

Climate wise, this one is for the autumn/winter, and probably won’t be great in the high heat of summer. One could wear Angel Muse casually, romantically, or even out in a night club scenario. It’s a very versatile fragrance.

Though, it’s not really a formal kind of wear. But, with some lighter application, it would be just fine at work or something along those lines.

Muse is warm, inviting, and has a certain sexiness to it. It is kept from being too sweet and overwhelming by the vetiver and patchouli, which makes this much more appealing and mature.

Overall Impressions of Angel Muse

Overall, would I recommend Angel Muse by Thierry Mugler? Yes. I like it a whole lot. I actually just now figured out what I like about the dry down and that hazelnut/cocoa aroma. It’s because of its resemblance to the opening of Dior Homme Intense, due to the shared vetiver note.

Angel Muse is much more feminine and sweeter, but there is a similarity there and I dig it. Ultimately, Angel Muse is dry and warm and sweet and great.

Some may not care for the opening act (I don’t really either). Also, patchouli and vetiver can be a turn off for other folks. That woody/earthiness works well, in my view. Others, may find it to be too much.

The good news is, that this perfume gets better as the wear moves along. It’s got solid strength and staying power.

The creaminess is fantastic and this one gives you a crowd pleasing yet pretty unique experience. This is one of the better Angel perfumes and an awesome gourmand.

Update: This one has been discontinued.