French Portrait

Bottom Line

This fragrance is best suited for cooler evenings, or perhaps a casual fall outing. I struggle to see it working in warmer weather, as the sweetness might become overwhelming. The unbalanced spice notes do not lend themselves to any professional setting.

First Impressions & Dry Down

French Portrait opens with an aggressive pink pepper, almost sharp, layered over a sticky raspberry accord – not fresh berries, but more akin to a mass-produced fruit syrup. The black currant is faint, lending a slightly acidic undertone, overshadowed by the cloying sweetness. The heart attempts a Turkish rose, but it’s a diluted interpretation. The rose leans powdery, devoid of the original's depth. Clove is prominent, nearly overshadowing the cinnamon, creating an unbalanced spicy edge. The drydown introduces incense, detectable but muted, blended with a creamy, but synthetic sandalwood. Benzoin adds a resinous touch, yet overall the base feels thin, lacking the substantial richness of its muse. It diverges significantly in the drydown where the incense becomes chalky.

Projection Power

Longevity is moderate, clocking in around 6 hours. Projection initially sits at about an arm's length, softening to a skin scent after 2 hours. I tested this at the office. Within 30 minutes, a coworker noticed the scent and made a face.