Review: Yves Rocher So Elixir Purple Eau de Parfum

Yves Rocher's perfumes are very hit or miss for me — usually more miss than hit. The original So Elixir with its spicy boldness forced me to love it, though, so when I discovered So Elixir Purple, I felt compelled to try it.

The description on Yves Rocher's web site calls it intoxicating and magnetic, with notes of tuberose, vetiver and patchouli in a floral-woody elixir.

Fragrantica's description of the scent is even more appealing:

"...very seductive and attractive, ideal for self-confident women full of power and energy. It is built around the central note of tuberose, which is milky and sweet like honey in the same time, creating this fresh, herbal and fruity composition.

So Elixir Purple opens with bergamot essential oil and continues with opulent tuberose complemented by a strong vetiver note. A base closes with benzoin, vanilla, tonka beans, frankincense, patchouli and woody notes, providing a warm, soft and woody trail."

Unfortunately, my experience with it was a little more like schoolyard memories than seduction. And not even in a "vanilla ice cream and Oreo cookies" way — more in a way that reminds me of the leftover candy flavors that nobody ever wants.

Test notes

Perfume: Yves Rocher So Elixir Purple
Released in: September 2012
Tested on: Sep 25, 2012
Concentration tested: eau de parfum
Weather when tested: warm, mid-80s, not too humid

Results

Longevity: about 6 hours
Sillage: 2 out of 4 (I can smell it, but others have to stand close by to smell it.)
Scent in the bottle: sour grape bubble gum mixed with the incensey, ambery personality of the original So Elixir
Top notes on me: light vetiver, a hint of spice, some woodsy notes, then the sour/sweet note like grape bubble gum again
Mid notes on me: sour grape bubble gum (yep!), a hint of vanilla, possibly benzoin, then the mids head for the same incensey, ambery scent as the original So Elixir
Base notes on me: a pleasant watery/fruity scent ... and the required occasional whiff of grape bubble gum

Character summary: Heavy on the grape bubble gum, with some amber and benzoin notes, and rather light on the vanillic, woody and herbal elements. (A bystander confirmed the grape bubble gum verdict, by the way, and actually was the one to identify the scent as grape bubble gum...)

Overall score: 2 out of 5