Velvet Incenso by Dolce & Gabbana

Velvet Incenso is one of the entries from the ‘Velvet’ line of fragrances by D&G. This one was released back in 2018. I received a sample of it, with another batch order of other samples and testers, some months ago. But, I have been testing out this perfume to see what it’s all about. How does it smell? Perform? Is it worth a try?

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What does Velvet Incenso Smell Like?

Notes include: elemi, black pepper, labdanum, incense, benzoin, amberwood, vanilla, patchouli, cashmere wood

Click here to try: Velvet Incenso

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My Full Review

Velvet Incenso starts off with a kick of black pepper, smoke, and its resinous notes. Early, it’s elemi and balsam representing that aspect.

The incense is going to be a factor throughout. However, I’ve never found this perfume to be super smoky. Yes, it’s there, just not a heavy burning aroma.

That mix of balsamic, fresh and warmer spice is exactly what you’d expect out of a fragrance like this. You will also get a sweetness, which becomes more apparent as Velvet Incenso smoothens out.

The black pepper will begin to fade. In it’s place, vanilla will really peak through. Along with the amber and labdanum. Dry and warm, less of an intense punch like the early stages.

The amber, labdanum, benzoin, and elemi notes can be tough to distinguish at times from one another. Though, I do feel like each gets at least a little time in the spotlight, before they each recede back into the amber/resin/balsamic mass of notes.

As we dry down further, the becomes more about the incense. Incense embraced by a warm amber, some vanilla, and cashmere wood. It’s still got it’s smokiness, just without the spice of the pepper and some of the other notes.

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Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This one opens up strong, not insanely heavy ever, but the spice and smoke to hang around in the air well. I imagine with a full bottle, having the sprayer would help immensely.

Still, even with the sample this one projects well for that first hour. Then, it will turn moderate as we enter the middle act. Incenso does hold up well, however, never completely falling off in its performance. Just a steady decline.

With the longevity, Incenso lasted between 7-8.5 hours on my skin, each time that I wore it. It’s good, but never hit the double digit mark for me. I don’t think that’d be a problem for most people, however.

The versatility has its strong positives and some weaker points. Velvet Incenso is a true unisex fragrance. Anyone can wear this without issue.

It does have a better profile for colder weather. Yes, moderate climates work well, also. I wore it outside on a fairly mild evening and I thought that this perfume was lovely in those conditions.

When can it be worn? Well, that’s going to depend on when you want to smell like amber and incense. Probably not going to be a daily wear for most people. Not super formal or sexy, either.

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Overall Impressions of Velvet Incenso

Overall, do I like Velvet Incenso. I do. It’s a niche fragrance for those who love the incense note, but still very approachable for everyone else.

I will say, that I do kind of prefer Encens Satin, to this one. The performance of that Armani is also better, even if Velvet is no slouch.

This one is very good, though. It’s got a nice balance between different notes and aspects. You get your warmth, spice, sweetness, smoke, etc. It all comes in different phases and is pleasant to wear throughout.

The performance is good. Not ever reaching elite levels for me, but you’ll know that its there and it can last a full workday.

I’d say that Velvet Incenso is worth trying. The price is high, so, I’d definitely recommend tracking down a sample before committing to a full purchase. But, I don’t think you’d be disappointed, if you’re in the market for this sort of perfume.