Monday 9 May 2011

Jean Desprez Bal a Versailles - a brief review

There's been a lot written about Jean Desprez Bal a Versailles. Looking on the web, it also seems as if it can be had for some significant knock-down prices. I got my sample from Les Senteurs and I must admit it surprised me on two counts. First, I was led to believe that it is very feminine. On my skin it did have these elements, but was far more unisex than I had feared. Second, it was nowhere near as skanky as I had read it was. 

To me Bal a Versailles smells rosy, with even a hint of spicy geranium and a touch of citrus and fruit to start. Underneath is a bit of musk and perhaps patchouli, quite earthy but not overtly so. As the top fades it becomes a bit more 'perfume-y' and feminine and a more recognisable chypre structure is evident, with a oriental twist - oakmoss, amber, a bit of patchouli and a smidgen of vanilla. It is nice, but not as challenging as I thought it would be. Having said that, this is the EDT that I've been trying, so possibly not the best concentration to try. In the dry down I detect a bit of leather and labdanum, which lends a nice earthiness to round things off.

So overall,  I like Bal a Versailles and was glad that it is more unisex compared to the reviews I have read. I only wish it had had a bit more 'oomph' to it on my skin, but nevertheless still enjoyable to wear.

3 comments:

  1. I'm surprised that this doesn't give you "oomph" - it pretty much knocks my socks off!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Really Frida? I was kinda hoping that would happen, but it didn't. Did you spray it, and can you recall which version you tried?

    Don't get me wrong though, I do like Bal, but I was just expecting it to be more forceful for some reason.

    Thanks for the comment as always.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I think you must have the new BdV, Michael. It was reformulated in 2011.

    ReplyDelete

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