Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Diptyque Volutes Eau de Toilette review


          Volutes refer to swirls and whorls, epitomized by the spinning tendrils of rising tobacco smoke. Aptly named, Diptyque Volutes evokes memories of long voyages redolent of spice and adventure, with elegant ladies leaning on a ship's rails smoking Khedive cigarettes. This unisex scent was constructed around a Diptyque founder's childhood experiences in the Orient.

Notes: iris, honey, dried fruits, pink pepper, saffron, hay, immortell, opopanax, myrhh, styrax, and benzoin.
           The honeyed and spiced tobacco scent of Diptyqe Volutes unfolds like a well-worn map, revealing new points of interest as you smooth out its creases by candlelight. The fragrance opens with the crisp alacrity typical of citrus, in the form of the spicy woody resin scent of benzoin. This punchy note quickly steps aside to reveal a powdery (and not so green) iris. As the fragrance enters its mid-tone zone, tobacco becomes increasingly evident. The tobacco dances with different partners; it lingers with resin first, followed by a long pause with a savory honey, before settling into an intimate relationship with black pepper. The pepper adds a pep in the step of smoky tobacco in its final incarnation. There's also a subtly sweet contribution from dried fruit at the end.

         As I mentioned above, Diptyqe Volutes Eau de Parfum is meant to be worn by both men and women. With this in mind, the construction follows a somewhat expected formula: a floral whisp, savory middle notes, and wooden tones. Also to please both sexes, the scent falls into a middle ground when it comes to weight; its delicate character counters the warm and weighty contribution of spice.


           The construction of Diptyque Volutes is, admittedly, nice. I can see how this oriental scent is more like ladies smoking on the rails of a cruise-ship, as opposed to an adventurer's foray into the courtyard of a maharajah. The tobacco, honey, and spice fragrance features an array of discernible notes that are delicate enough to be approachable, yet spicy enough to be interesting. Being a unisex scent, Volutes does straddle a middle ground, giving it an uncertain identity. Mr. Lovey and I prefer more cleanly demarcated feminine and masculine scents, so it's not our cup of tea. However, if you prefer soft oriental, spicy, or woody scents, this relaxing blend will probably please.

          Thanks for reading! Have you tried Diptyque Volutes? What are your favorite Diptyque items? How do you feel about Unisex scents?

Love, Dovey.

10 comments:

  1. I am a bit fan of Dyptique! I haven't really smelled anything from Dyptique that I don't like, though I haven't got to try many on. I have a Roses candle and I can't really bring myself to use it up. It's really good :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Unisex scents are a little hard to make to be honest since it is so ingrained in us consumers to think that scents are clearly demarcated according to gender. I can't help but think of a man when I sniff sandalwood...though I think ckone was a fresh approach which sat well with both men and women but it became soooooo popular that I just didn't think it was special anymore.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Incredibly well written and photographed post. One of my favorite of yours!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I think unisex scents are perfectly acceptable - I don't think that scents preferences are confined to gender ideas, you know? If you like the smell of something, you like it!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am a huge fan of unisex scents. I love discovering something that I would deem as masculine works just as well on my skin. My skin does seem to hold on to musk, ambers, spices so scents like this doesn't scare me away.

    A great fragrance review - keep up the great work!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow I had no idea this was supposed to be a unisex scent! I finished a sample of this last month, and really enjoyed it - especially for as a winter fragrance. My husband loved it on me too, which is amazing because we almost never agree on fragrances! Anyway, it's on my purchase list now :-)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love your imagery! I guess I'll find out if the scent lives up to its description!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Diptyque is my favorite candles!!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I LOVE the way you photographed this post!

    ReplyDelete
  10. How did I miss this post? I've been meaning to sniff Volute for a while. From your description, I think I'll like it a lot though unsure about the long-term wearability factor. :)

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to comment! I truly enjoy hearing your thoughts!

Comments are moderated to prevent spam. Please note that links, promotions, and offensive / irrelevant / questionable comments will be deleted at my discretion.