Voux Spices

First Impressions & Dry Down

Voux Spices opens with a blast of dried herbs and a noticeable, almost medicinal, basil note. It diverges from what I expected, leaning more towards a kitchen spice rack than a vibrant spice market. The mid develops a creamy, but slightly synthetic sandalwood mixed with a damp, earthy patchouli – it’s less photorealistic, more like scented drawer liners. The drydown is where it smooths out somewhat, settling into a vanilla amber accord that’s pleasantly warm, but has a bit of a plasticky undertone. It lacks the nuance and richness of what it's trying to emulate, trading depth for a simplified, linear experience.

Projection Power

I got about 6 hours of wear with Voux Spices, projecting moderately within the first two hours, then settling closer to the skin. I tested it during a moderate temperature workday and again at an evening social event. It performed reasonably well in both situations, but I wouldn't expect it to turn heads.

Is it Worth It?

Wearing Voux Spices versus the original is like drinking instant coffee instead of a freshly brewed pour-over. You get the general idea of the flavor profile, but you're missing the complex aromatics and depth. It's a decent daily fragrance if you enjoy spicy orientals and don’t mind sacrificing some of the finer details. The simplification makes it easier to wear, but it also lacks character.