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Volupté
by Oscar de la Renta
Volupté by Oscar de la Renta is a rich, opulent floral-oriental fragrance with a distinctive opening that can be initially challenging. It begins with a bold, slightly green and sweet melon note layered over mimosa, heliotrope, and freesia, which some find overwhelming or even unpleasant. However, this intensity settles into a beautifully balanced composition of white flowers—jasmine, ylang-ylang, lily of the valley, and peony—accented by a subtle, sweet fruitiness that evokes watermelon and melon without being gourmand. The warmth of sandalwood, delicate powdery notes, and a softly bitter patchouli base create depth and sophistication, while vanilla adds a gently sweet, creamy finish. Over time, it matures into a warm, ambery, lightly incense-laden drydown that exudes elegance and presence.
Pros
- +A remarkably long-lasting drydown with a rich, complex evolution that unfolds over hours.
- +Offers a nostalgic, vintage-inspired elegance with a sophisticated floral and oriental character.
- +Exceptional value for the quality, making it accessible and desirable.
Cons
- −The opening is intense and can be off-putting to sensitive noses, often described as unusually sharp or green.
- −Not ideal for warm or humid weather due to its dense, warming profile.
- −Some users report difficulty detecting the actual notes (like melon), which may affect expectations.