Eau Capitale Eau de Parfum

I recently reevaluated an old sample that had initially left a bad impression on me. To my surprise, I now find it quite enjoyable! The perfume's upfront nature, which initially overwhelmed me, is actually what draws me to it today. The opening is bold and attention-grabbing, with notes of wet rose petals, pink pepper, and patchouli that hit the senses like a firework. As it dries down, the patchouli darkens and provides a base for the rose, which mellows out from its initial intensity to become softer and more jammy. This reminds me of Portrait of a Lady, but aside from sharing a similar rose note, they're distinct fragrances with different effects on my skin. While POAL is elegant and understated, Eau Capitale is playful and bubbly - I could see myself reaching for the latter on a bright spring day.

I was apprehensive about this scent due to my mixed history with roses, but ultimately fell in love with it. The rose is rich and dark red, boasting earthy, warm, and peppery undertones that still exude elegance. As I'm not familiar with Portrait of a Lady, I can't draw comparisons. Nevertheless, for those who adore both rose and patchouli notes, this is an excellent combination.

Diptyque's solid perfume captures my quintessential notion of a seductive scent tailored to my preferences, hence it's no surprise I was drawn to it at the store. I purchased the solid formula, as I've heard concerns about longevity with the sprays, and I absolutely adore it. A sultry blend of rose and spice, wafting subtle whiffs from my wrist evokes a sense of femininity and confidence - the rose embodying the feminine aspect, while the peppery patchouli exudes determination. This scent doesn't evoke a classic film noir femme fatale, but rather a modern woman who knows her worth and strives to achieve her goals. A yuppie enchantress, perhaps? I may be projecting my ideals onto this fragrance, but it speaks volumes about its impact when it sparks daydreams about the kind of person I aspire to be.

Smells refreshingly clean on my skin. I find it pleasant, though not captivating enough to justify a large quantity.

To me, Eau Capitale is reminiscent of 80's chypres, yet with a modern twist, featuring its ups and downs. It echoes fragrances like Diva, Scherrer, Parfum de Peau, Knowing, Jacomo’s Parfum Rare, and even Superstitious. While it has the feel of a proper chypre, it lacks the oakmoss, stamina, and captivating essence that made you either love or hate them.