- Brand: Frederic Malle
- for Women
- Type: Eau de Parfum
- 5 min
- No Comments
Portrait of a Lady highlights:
Portrait of a Lady fragrance is an Amber Floral fragrance for ladies by Frederic Malle. Portrait of a Lady scent debuted in 2010. Dominique Ropion is the perfumer behind this scent. Rose, Clove, Raspberry, Black Currant, and Cinnamon are the top notes; Patchouli, Incense, and Sandalwood are the middle notes; while Musk, Benzoin, and Amber are the base notes.
Portrait of a Lady fragrance is known for its rich and complex composition, which combines the sweetness of raspberry and black currant with the warmth of cinnamon and clove. The heart notes of patchouli, incense, and sandalwood add a touch of depth and sensuality to the fragrance. Finally, the base notes of musk, benzoin, and amber create a long-lasting and captivating trail that lingers on the skin. This fragrance is a true masterpiece that embodies elegance and sophistication.
Portrait of a Lady reviews:
Portrait of a Lady Eau de Parfum, despite its 2010 release year, seems timeless. Frédéric Malle, the perfume’s developer, described it as a “old world meets new world” smell. It has maintained its head-turning reputation for over a decade, with a fan following that simply keeps increasing, by combining the classic elegance of rose with a sophisticated patchouli and sandalwood base.
It initially perplexed me. When I originally heard about it, I assumed it was a females’ perfume, so I got a sample for my boyfriend.
However, although being promoted as a women’s perfume, it is actually a very unisex aroma. The name was apparently inspired by a 19th century book. Interestingly, my girlfriend decided she preferred Portrait of a Lady as a male perfume and returned the sample to me.
So, how does the perfume of Frédéric Malle’s Portrait Of A Lady smell? And what makes it so appealing? It’s certainly clever, stunning yet not overpowering. And the fact that enthusiasts of the smell approached me late into the evening of its initial use attests to its longevity. Consider velvety rose notes mingled with warm spices and earthy woods to boost the scent to a more expensive-smelling level than your ordinary flower perfume. The perfume has depth and body, which lends it maturity.
Do you want to go granular? The first spray has a strong cinnamon and clove scent, which fades to a wave of warm rose as it dries. A few minutes later, I perceive a patchouli backdrop, the sweetness of which is offset by a touch of creamy sandalwood. Portrait Of A Lady is so vibrant and wearable because of its symphony of warmth and freshness. Nobody would sniff it and think, ‘Oh, that’s certainly a day aroma,’ and no one would dismiss it as an evening-only perfume. It’s a one-size-fits-all product that has evolved into a true cult classic over the years.
Presentation
François Malle’s Portrait of a Lady opens with roses just before they blossom in the chilly, early morning air, with hints of greenery and woody stalks.
Like its perfect notes and accords, the shape of this mighty perfume resembles the sense. The fragrance evokes a sense of elegance and femininity, capturing the essence of a sophisticated and confident woman. As the scent matters, a woody and light brown shade of the perfume liquid holds still inside a clear, wider glass bottle with the name Etticket in black and red, bold in the middle.
Overall, there would be nothing more than exaggeration. A simple, minimal, and classic battle of this beautiful fragrance. So is the boxing; the perfume’s packaging reflects its simplicity and elegance. The box is sleek and black, with a subtle embossed logo on the front. Inside, the perfume sits snugly in a velvet-lined compartment, adding to the luxurious experience of unboxing it. The attention to detail in both the scent and packaging makes this fragrance a true masterpiece.
What Online Magazines Say About Portrait of a Lady:
| Online Magazines | Gender | Price | Longevity | Sillage | Popularity | Season | Overall Impression |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fragrantica | Women | Overpriced | Longlasting | Strong | Popular | Spring, Winter, Fall | 4.08/ 5 |
| Parfumo | Women | Good | Longlasting | Strong | Popular | Spring, Winter, Fall | 8.1/ 10 |
| Fragrancex | Women | 412.62€ for 100ml | “As eternal as lust” | – | – | Winter | 4.7 |
| Osmoz | Woman | – | – | – | – | – | 4/5 |
| Best men’s colognes | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Decantx | Feminine | 24.79$ for 5ml | – | – | – | Fall, Winter | – |
| Wikiscents | Women | – | 6/10 | 6/10 | popular | Fall, Winter | – |
| WikiParfum | Women | Expensive | – | – | – | – | – |
Notes:
- top notes: rose
- heart notes:Raspberry, blackcurrant, clove
- base notes:frankincense, patchouli, sandalwood
Portrait of a Lady is most known for its exuberant Turkish rose top note, which contains 400 blossoms per 100ml. Its heart notes include blackcurrant, raspberry, and clove, which provide a sweet counterpoint to the delicate floral top note and the warm patchouli, sandalwood, and frankincense foundation that inspired Malle’s original notion.
In the beginning, the perfume is given a punch by some stronger components, of which I can only fully discern rose, raspberry, and a combination of spices described on the olfactory notes as cinnamon and clove.
Even at the beginning, there is a strong incense heart tone. After the top notes fade, this incense is accompanied by sandalwood and a trace of patchouli.
The aroma remains long after some of them have dried away because of its musk and amber foundation. Benzoin is also mentioned in the olfactory notes; however, my nose is either not currently trained well enough to detect it or does not detect the balsamic vanilla smell that it contains.
I administered two sprays from a 2 ml sample vial on the underside and topside of my left arm’s wrist area for testing. I applied an unscented moisturizer before applying the smell because this is also my swatching arm (aka, terribly parched at any given time) and scent does not retain well here. It had a reasonable bit of projection for the first four hours and a lengthy trail of sillage for several hours into its wear, and it had an extraordinarily long-wearing smell that was still perceptible on skin the next day.
Performance:
What actually distinguishes this fragrance is its extraordinary longevity. The perfume remains on skin for hours with only a few spritzes (three at most). This durability is undoubtedly what triggered the flood of praises I received from complete strangers throughout my evening out.
Not only does the fragrance last for an extended period, but its unique scent also captivates those around me. The intricate blend of floral and woody notes creates an irresistible allure that leaves a lasting impression on anyone who catches a whiff.
Therefore the projection and sillage of Portrait of a lady perfume is beyond great. It is truly a masterpiece of fragrance. The complexity of the fragrance is further enhanced by subtle hints of spice and musk, adding depth and sophistication to the overall composition. This exquisite combination of notes ensures that the perfume stands out in a crowd, making it a true statement fragrance for those who dare to be different. The artistry behind Portrait of a Lady perfume is evident in every aspect, from its long-lasting performance to its captivating scent, making it a must-have for any fragrance connoisseur.
Where and When?
This is an excellent fragrance to complement your sense of elegance. Wear it while you’re getting dressed up. Wear it when you’re dressed up. Wear it when you’re feeling self-assured.
Portrait of a Lady is a smell that will go well with your personality and sense of style if you’re a bit of a dandy.
Allow me to set the scene. It’s Saturday evening. Frédéric Malle Portrait Of A Lady Eau de Parfum has been thoroughly misted. I’m heading to a party. A stranger asks me, ‘What perfume is that?’ as I go through the doors and begin moving into the arena. I respond, and then I hear, ‘What are you wearing? It smells fantastic!’ – another individual in the crowd moves in for clarification. That’s a good way to start the evening.
The perfume takes on a life of its own as the night progresses. It elicits comments from both friends and curious bystanders, all of whom are eager to Google the scent and join in on the fun themselves.
It is ideal for any event, even if it is little formal. Ceremonies (where one can spray without concern), evenings out (with an amount that depends on the situation), and office dress (if office implies suit and tie)-office with a superlight hand, of course.
Conclusion:
I’d want to conclude by beginning with disqualifiers rather than suggestions. First and foremost, if you are new to using scent, avoid this. It is all too easy to overdo it and not realize it until it is too late. Second, avoid this fragrance if you aren’t secure in your masculinity. You’ll get the occasional ‘isn’t that females perfume’ inquiry from strangers (particularly if you mention the brand), and if that bothers you, you’re not going to receive the satisfaction out of this aroma that you deserve from your scent.
An extravagant amount of Turkish rose – 400 blossoms per 100ml bottle, no less — stands out. A patchouli heart filled with sandalwood and frankincense lies underneath. For a final characterful brushstroke, a harmony of clove, blackberry, and raspberry ties the perfume together.
Yes. What actually distinguishes this fragrance is its extraordinary longevity. The perfume remains on skin for hours with only a few spritzes (three at most).
The price of this perfume is exorbitant, but it is one of the most costly scents I’ve ever smelled. That is, they are costly to produce. Because elements of this caliber are worth their weight in gold, if not more.
It is suitable for both men and women. In my opinion, this is a must-have.” “A sophisticated scent of Turkish roses, patchouli, blackcurrant, and sandal wood.” extremely discreet, yet when worn, it will leave a remembrance of
Know Portrait of a Lady:
Sillage
89%
Scent
85%
Longetivity
92%
Price value
42%
Pros:
Earthy patchouli, silky incense, and red rose
Rose scent that is both bold and spicy.
The smell is majestic and royal.
Exceptionally durable and long-lasting
Despite the name, this is a Unisex scent.
Excellent for a date or a special event.
Beautiful drydown
Gets attention and compliments
Cons:
Expensive price range
Some may find it too adult.
Sillage may be overpowering.
Some people find the aroma of patchouli offensive.
The scent of incense can be overwhelming.
Reformulated using less expensive components
Some folks dislike the moldy note.
Some people dislike the aldehydes in
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