no time to write - too much going on - have also contracted writers block in my spare time - be back...
no time to write - too much going on - have also contracted writers block in my spare time - be back when i can...
Member since:16.09.2002
Reviews:65
Members who trust:60
After smelling this product in a magazine sample, I pestered my boyfriend to buy me a bottle for Christmas and haven’t regretted it since. As the newest addition to my collection it’s certainly one of my all-time favourites, although I am probably slightly bias seeing as my favourite colour is purple and this fragrance is the epitome of the colour in my opinion.
This perfume was introduced by the design house Paco Rabanne in 2000 and is a vision of the new millennium translated into the spiritual essence of modern femininity. Made in France, it describes itself as the harbinger of a new femininity. The colour - violet - being the chromatic symbol of femininity. The bottle is made from glass, silicone and metal in order to give a true tactile softness to the object and is made in a shape known as an ellipse.
This perfume has been described as ‘the expression of a woman who reveals a new fragrance attitude’ by Paco Rabanne and said to be ‘an inventive fragrance’ by retailers.
I’m
lucky enough to own the 80ml – eau de parfum vapoisateur natural spray (largest one of the lot!) This comes packaged in a 3 inch square by 4 inch tall box which is a gorgeous shiny deep purple colour which illuminates an almost rainbow effect when it catches the light – much more interesting than your average box I can tell you.
The bottle itself is slightly odd and definitely not what you’d expect. As I said the shape is described as an ellipse which consists of a half circle glass bottom which is transparent and reveals the violet coloured perfume inside. When the bottle is turned on it’s side and looked into from underneath, what looks like a mini cd (silver in colour) can be seen in the middle. The top part is a slightly flatter version of a half circle made from silver metal and the rim around the middle (on the outside of where the mini cd is) is made from silicone. All this is put together in such a way that means when you press lightly on the top of the bottle, a fine mist spray of perfume is released from a small spray hole in the top side.
My bottle was purchased from Boots who claim that this fragrance is a strong and assertive new femininity; a daring fragrance melting innovation and sensuality for a modern woman challenging conventions – and that by wearing it I can experience a new generation of fragrance expressing a modern and sensual femininity. Ultraviolet is a scent of seduction but also of freedom.
The 80ml bottle retails at £45. Although the eau de parfum spray is also available in two smaller sizes at 50ml for £35 and 30ml for £24. The 30ml bottle is smaller and more egg shaped than the other two (this can be seen in the picture below) so much better for transporting. Also in the range are:
Body Lotion Moisturising and protective, a light and fresh lotion that combines skincare properties with the glowing sensuality of Ultraviolet to leave the skin smooth, moisturised, soft and scented. 200ml - £23
Shower Gel Produces a generous, refreshing, luscious lather. It cleanses gently, respecting the balance of the skin and giving off the aroma of Ultraviolet. 200ml – £20
I am also informed that there is a 100mldeodorant available but have been unable to find any information or prices for this.
So, to the crucial part – what does it smell like? Well, the Paco Rabanne website is full of information on this product – visit www.pacorabanne.com to see for yourself.
On here this fragrance is described as breaking away from the classic olfactory pyramid. It has simple notes (see my earlier perfume ops if you’re not sure what ‘notes’ are) – these being:
Head Note – fresh pimento Heart Note – Osmanthus Base Notes – Amber, Vanilla
This perfume is said to be created around Osmanthus which is an apricot-scented white flower and subtlety set off by fresh pimento, vanilla and amber.
Now, seeing as I didn’t really have a clue about what Osmanthus or Pimento was I did a bit of research.
Osmanthus is a flower native to China and is valued for its delicate fruity floral apricot aroma. It is especially valued for an additive for tea in the Far East. The extract is usually prepared from the flowers and this in its absolute form is very expensive, so is only used in high quality perfumes and flavours.
I was very surprised to find out that Pimento was a large, red, heart-shaped sweet pepper. The flesh of the pimiento (which is the Spanish word for "pepper") is sweet, succulent and more aromatic than that of the red bell pepper.
Interesting…. So what do I actually think it smells like on me then?
Well, personally I think it smells slightly of parma violets. It definitely has a floral and slightly sweet smell but nothing that I can distinguish as any of the notes. I find this fragrance smells very warm and inviting. It’s a sexy but almost comforting smell (maybe that’s the foody note coming through!) It’s quite a classic oriental sort of perfume and I was surprised to find that one website I looked on described it as daytime/casual wear.
Personally, even though it’s a fragrance that I do wear to the office I think it’s a bit too special for dossing around in. At first, as with most perfumes, the fragrance is quite strong but not overpowering or sickly in anyway. I find that once this has had a little time to settle, it gets a lighter edge to it and its possible to smell the base notes slightly.
The fragrance lasts well, so it’s another that doesn’t need reapplying regularly and I can wear it from office to evening easily.
The only slight downside I can find it that it needs to be transported in the box at all times. Due to the size and shape of the bottle it will feel free to squirt itself inside your luggage if not contained within its packaging! The plus point for this is the fact that this little problem can be avoided if you purchase the 30ml bottle to take out and about with you (it’s also a lot better sized for travelling in handbags).
So, overall I can’t really find anything but praise for this perfume. I would definitely recommend women to test it when next near a bottle. There is also a male version of Ultraviolet available. A word of warning though – if by any chance you’re reading this and think that the male version must be nice just because this is – you could well be wrong – both myself and my boyfriend disliked it, which is a shame considering the female version is so nice.
Pictures of Paco Rabanne Ultraviolet
30ml
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Spend over £25 and get a free £25 cosmetics pack and free delivery. Paco Rabanne's ... more
Ultraviolet Man is an ultra-masculine scent. It is a powerful, refreshing fragrance, full of energy and panache. Virile, robust and extremely sexy, Ultraviolet Man is a modern woodsy scent with a great personality.
Postage & Packaging:£1.95 Availability:5 - 14 working days
Ultraviolet by Paco Rabanne celebrates the intimacy and reality of a woman's life as she more
and her family truly live it. This fresh fragrance has notes of bergamot, chamomile, sage, osmanthus, Bulgarian rose, jasmine, white lily, carnation, freesia, amber, sandalwood and peach.
Advantages: Long lasting , fabulous fragrance , suits a variety of ages , great colour Disadvantages: Not cheap , nor a classic , may be heavy for some
grafter123 01.03.2007 (29.09.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Paco Rabanne Ultraviolet
Advantages: Long lasting , fabulous fragrance , suits a variety of ages , great colour Disadvantages: Not cheap , nor a classic , may be heavy for some
grafter123 01.03.2007 (29.09.2007)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Paco Rabanne Ultraviolet
Aug 4th, 2004
exceptional by (15%):
very helpful by (85%):
