Vaara

I'm not particularly impressed by this perfume. It’s a fruity floral scent leaning heavily on rose, which feels a bit overwhelming and lacking in brightness. The overall feel is quite heavy and stuffy, with no freshness or uplifting qualities. Unfortunately, it also has a strong synthetic musk presence that I don’t care for. While I do enjoy Oriental scents, this one doesn’t have the depth or spice I’d expect, just rose and fruity notes. The longevity and sillage are underwhelming too—projection fades quickly after 15 minutes, and it only lasts about two hours. It’s definitely not a winner for me, though I really like their Iris Prima from the same collection.

Moving on from his current themes, I’m a bit tired of the woody and resin-heavy bases with that tangy green fruit on top. Here are some perfumes in the same vein that I’ve tried: Enchanted Forest, Aedes de Venustas EDP, Mohur, Fusion Sacree-Elle... Vaara smells very similar to these. The tangy fruit is quite strong and sticks around through the drydown. There's a clean rose note, making it a nice option for summer or spring. But I’d love to see something fresh from this creator instead of just more cassis variations.

I know it's subjective as all experiences are, but this perfume brings to mind images of Springtime, Easter, and the warmth of April sunshine. There’s something sunny, innocent, and joyful here—nothing overly sugary or silly. Instead, there’s a bittersweet quality that feels more emotional than olfactory. It reminds me of Jane Austen films, childhood gardens, and the vibrant saffron flowers carpeting the meadows of the Tatra mountains. Penhaligon’s has nailed it, capturing the essence of nature in their interpretation. The unique scent of quince fruit is what makes this one stand out, and it doesn’t resemble any other perfume I’ve tried before—it’s truly one-of-a-kind.

I really wanted to love this perfume but now it feels almost overwhelming. It started strong, but over time, I’ve noticed it’s just too much for me. I remember loving it when I first got it years ago, but now I’m having trouble finishing the bottle. That doesn’t mean it’s bad—it’s just very bold and intense. The scent is so loud that I can’t wear it at work, nor does it feel sexy enough for a date or a dinner event. Maybe I’ll save it for the opera tickets I have in November with my friend. It’s definitely too much for everyday life but could work well for a special occasion. It also has this soap-like, spicy vibe that’s pretty intense. It’s not for the faint of heart—definitely brave souls only. On me, it’s everywhere, like when someone steps into an elevator and their perfume fills the space. For me, that’s way too much. I think if someone is considering it, trying a sample first would be a good idea. It’s just not my thing, but I can see how others might enjoy it.

If you haven't had a chance to sample this perfume but are curious about its scent: Hermes Un Jardin Sur le Nil combined with rose equals Vaara. That was my first thought when I tried it before looking up the notes. I suspect carrot seed is largely responsible for that initial impression. It has a very fresh and clean aroma, and to me, it's 100% unisex. The rose stands out the most, with subtle fruitiness from quince adding depth. While it’s not a heavy fragrance, its gentle presence becomes more noticeable as you move around. I think it would be perfect for warm weather, but since it's cold where I am now, I feel like I'm not doing Vaara justice. I'll wait a few months before revisiting it.