Voile d'Ambre (Yves Rocher)

By Dane

Once upon a time, Yves Rocher made high quality fragrances (apparently). Like Coty and other soon-to-be mass market brands, YR took a left at the corner of Avon & Body Shop and went downhill. Mr. Rocher has paid himself a compliment and a line of higher-end fragrances was launched in 2005 called Secrets d'Essences, which included Voile d'Ambre.

Amber isn't my favourite focus in perfumery. It's often heavy, heady, and cloying. Its one of the few ingredients that can actually make me feel ill. VdA, on the other hand, isn't all about amber (which in itself is actually a combination of ingredients), and maintains a sheer quality throughout. With a slightly spicy opening note of citrus, and a warm vanilla/amber/sandalwood heart with a hint of incense, VdA is a high-quality scent at an affordable price.

As usual, the series is marketed towards women, but VdA would more than likely be enjoyed by both men and women. I like how the listed notes are honest and don't pretend to include the now rare and endangered Mysore Sandalwood instead of its Australian substitute.

Year: 2005
Notes: Italian Green Mandarin, Cardammom, Myrrhe, Incense, Opoponax, Madagascar Vanilla, Australian Sandalwood, Patchouli