ÉCLAT 705 VIP

First Impressions & Dry Down

ÉCLAT 705 VIP starts with a blast of soapy rosemary, kind of like an upscale men's shaving cream. The pink pepper adds a slight tingle, but mostly it's a clean, herbaceous opening. The heart quickly moves in with a powdery orris root. There is that classic jasmine/neroli combination, but it’s dialed down and somewhat blurred with the heavy powder. The drydown shifts from powdery to a more woody base, with cedar being the most prominent. It differs from the original in that it lacks the luxurious creaminess, leaning slightly sharper and more synthetic overall. The smooth amber isn't present and the woods are more dry and pencil-shaving-like than sandalwood rich.

Is it Worth It?

This is a solid choice for spring and fall days. It's office-appropriate and versatile enough for casual daytime wear. It could also work for a date night, as long as you don't overspray. It’s a daytime fragrance for someone who wants to smell clean and put-together without making a loud statement.

How Long Does it Last?

I got about 6 hours of wear out of this, which isn't bad. It projects moderately for the first two hours, extending to about an arm's length. After that, it settles closer to the skin. I wore it during a day of running errands and then out to dinner. It held up okay, but I wouldn't count on it lasting through a long night out.