It Brings The Mediterranean To You (Christian Dior: Eau De Dolce Vita, Eau de Toilette)

Member Name: DiamondCat

Product:	Christian Dior: Eau De Dolce Vita, Eau de Toilette
Date:	06/05/08 (19 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: lovely distinctive fragrance, nice bottle

Disadvantages: none

I decided that it was time to do some perfume research again, meaning testing and sniffing. The result is that I have to write three more perfume reviews this weekend. I'll start with the one I liked best. I will dwell on my personal impressions somewhat, this scent has occupied my mind for a while now. If you're impatient, please don't read on.

A few months ago I thought I should explore Dolce Vita after reading many enthusiastic reviews of it. The Dior website refers to it as a scent of joy.The first time it was only sprayed on a paper strip, and I wasn't that impressed. But I was probably just unable to appreciate it because I also tested another, rather awful fragrance on the same day.
This month I couldn't resist buying a 5ml miniature on ebay, just for the bottle. The fragrance was noticeable even with the closed mini bottle, and I decided that I had to explore it further after all.

Generally Dolce Vita is classed as a fruity perfume with an edge. I don't agree entirely. There are certainly fruit notes at the outset, but they are quickly replaced by aromatic woody notes. It seems more spicy than anything for most of the time. After an hour or two there is an unusual twist. At least I got a lemony impression from it after a while. Normally citrus notes are the first to fade. On the whole it is a very unusual perfume, I couldn't compare it even vaguely to any other fragrance.
What I like best is the distinctly Mediterranean impression it creates in my mind. For a while I was convinced that it reminded me of a holiday in a warm place. But now I would say that it's the scent itself. It literally conjures images of citrus fruits, pine trees and their resin that give the air a dry pleasant harshness, dust, and even fresh sea air. Even the gold coloured liquid and bottle support this image.
Many lovers of this perfume discourage from using this in the summer months. They have a point, the fragrance is intense. It probably does work well as a comfort smell in cold weather. I would still wear it in the summer. Maybe not through the day on hot days, but certainly in the evening or on cooler days. And of course, in cold weather one can wear it to bring back memories of better weather.

The fragrance is available as parfum and EDT, as well as body products. I haven't been able to find a price for the parfum version.

EDT 30ml/ 50ml/ 100ml £30/ £42/ £57

body lotion 200ml £23

shower gel 200ml £17

body cream 200ml £39.50

soap 100g £12

The fragrance notes are:
top notes: lily, magnolia, rose
middle notes: apricot. peach, cinnamon
base notes: Sandalwood, Heliotropin, vanilla


A related fragrance called Eau de Dolce Vita gives the fragrance a floral twist. It is available as EDT and Deodorant.

EDT 30ml/ 50ml £21/ £31

deodorant 100ml £18.50

body lotion 200ml £18.50

As always I would recommend giving a fragrance a chance when you have time. Even give it more than one try. You might discover something wonderful.

Summary: this fragrance makes your mind travel