Zadig & Voltaire, the French fashion brand celebrated for its effortlessly cool, boho-rock aesthetic, introduced its fragrance duo – “This is Her!” and “This is Him!” – in 2016. “This is Her!”, an oriental-vanilla fragrance for women, aims to offer a distinctive olfactory experience. In this detailed review, we’ll delve into what makes This is Her so special, drawing upon user experiences and expert opinions to provide a comprehensive overview of this popular scent. This fragrance review explores its unique character.
A Rule-Breaking Scent: An Introduction to “This is Her”
“This is Her” is more than just a perfume; it’s a statement. The brand’s vision was to craft a scent that departs from conventional trends, presenting a unique blend of notes. As Cecilia Bönström, Artistic Director of Zadig & Voltaire, stated to WWD, the goal was to strike a balance between “something really pure and something darker, more mysterious.” This fragrance was created by Sidonie Lancesseur and Michel Almairac, a duo renowned for their innovative creations. The slogan “This is Zadig!” reflects the confidence and individuality the brand seeks to convey. Launched in 2016, it quickly became a favorite. This fragrance review examines its longevity.
The Zadig & Voltaire Brand: A Quick Look
Before diving deeper into the nuances of “This is Her,” it’s helpful to understand the brand behind it. Zadig & Voltaire, founded in 1997 by Thierry Gillier, embodies a rebellious spirit with a touch of Parisian chic. Think cashmere sweaters paired with ripped jeans, leather jackets over delicate dresses – a blend of luxury and nonchalance. Their fragrances, naturally, follow suit. The brand’s focus is on accessible luxury and a rock ‘n’ roll edge.
The Fragrance Pyramid: Unveiling the Notes of This is Her
“This is Her” comprises carefully selected notes that intertwine to create a complex and captivating aroma. Understanding the fragrance pyramid – the top, middle, and base notes – is key to appreciating the scent’s evolution on your skin.
Top Notes: Pink Peppercorn, Sambac Jasmine, and Silkwood Blossom offer a fresh and vibrant introduction. Pink peppercorn adds a spicy zest, while Sambac jasmine introduces richness and sensuality. The silkwood blossom contributes a light, floral touch, making the opening effervescent and inviting. These top notes create an initial impression of brightness and sophistication.
Middle Notes: Creamy chestnut cream, vanilla, and a milky note form the heart of the fragrance, creating a gourmand and comforting sweetness. The chestnut cream adds a nutty, slightly roasted quality, while vanilla contributes warmth and sweetness. The milky note adds a soft, creamy texture, enhancing the overall gourmand effect. This sweet core is the distinctive characteristic of “This is Her,” making it irresistible to many.
Base Notes: Sandalwood and Cashmeran provide depth and warmth. Sandalwood is known for its calming and sensual properties, while Cashmeran adds a soft, musky, and slightly woody touch, enhancing the fragrance’s longevity and creating a cozy, comforting dry down. These base notes provide a solid foundation, ensuring the scent lingers on the skin for hours.
Understanding the notes is a vital aspect of any fragrance review.
User Experiences and Impressions: What People Are Saying About This is Her
Users have described “This is Her” as a smooth, milky, and feminine fragrance. Many highlight its silken, warm, and modern touch. It’s considered suitable for all generations, and wearers often receive compliments. Users also praise its longevity. It’s frequently described as a powdery-gourmand scent, placing it in a popular and appealing category. The aroma is frequently likened to a warm hug, making it a comforting and enjoyable everyday fragrance.
However, not all impressions are positive. Some users have reported that the scent can cause nausea, while others found it not strong enough for their tastes. Some have noted that the scent aggravates their digestive issues, while others were disappointed because it wasn’t sweet enough. Some have commented that the chestnuts smell like burnt plastic, while others have described it as extremely sweet and unpleasant. Some have found it bitter, which is contradictory to the general consensus.
It’s important to remember that fragrance is highly subjective. Skin chemistry, personal preferences, and even the weather can influence how a perfume smells on an individual. Therefore, reading a variety of fragrance reviews is essential to get a well-rounded perspective.
The Role of Skin Chemistry
Skin chemistry plays a significant role in how a fragrance interacts with an individual’s body. Factors like skin pH, hydration levels, and even diet can affect the scent’s development and longevity. What smells divine on one person may smell completely different – or even unpleasant – on another. This is why it’s always recommended to sample a perfume on your own skin before committing to a full bottle.
Pros and Cons: A Summary of Experiences with This is Her
| Pros | Cons |
| :———————————– | :———————————– |
| Smooth, milky, feminine fragrance | May cause nausea |
| Silken, warm, modern scent | Some dislike the aroma |
| Suitable for many generations | Not strong enough for some |
| Warm and sensual | May aggravate digestive issues |
| Good longevity | Not sweet enough for some |
| Powdery-gourmand scent | Chestnuts smell like burnt plastic|
| Receives many compliments | Extremely sweet and unpleasant |
| Unique and distinctive | Bitter for some |
Important Note: These pros and cons are generated using user reviews. We recommend reading full reviews and considering your own preferences before making a purchase decision.
Temporal Context and Comparisons: Placing This is Her in the Fragrance Landscape
“This is Her” launched in 2016 and quickly gained popularity. Its unique scent profile, combining oriental, vanilla, and gourmand notes, set it apart. Compared to other popular women’s perfumes, “This is Her” stands out for its unusual combination of notes and powdery texture. Some compare it to fragrances like Lancôme La Vie Est Belle because of the sweetness, but “This is Her” has a deeper and more complex base. Some may also see similarities to the warmth of Yves Saint Laurent’s Black Opium or the creaminess of Prada Candy.
Evolution of the Fragrance Market
The fragrance market has evolved considerably over the years. In the past, floral and chypre fragrances dominated the scene. However, in recent decades, gourmand fragrances have gained immense popularity, appealing to those seeking comforting and sweet scents. “This is Her” falls squarely within this gourmand category, but its unique combination of notes makes it stand out from the crowd. The popularity of gourmand scents reflects a broader trend towards comfort and indulgence.
Aesthetic Appeal: The Bottle Design of This is Her
The “This is Her” and “This is Him” bottles share a simple and modern design. The pure white bottle is minimalistic and edgy, reflecting the brand’s aesthetic. The half that is missing on the side is made to fit perfectly into the “This is Him” bottle.
The bottle’s clean lines and understated elegance make it a visually appealing addition to any fragrance collection. It’s a testament to the brand’s commitment to creating products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Alternatives to “This is Her”: Exploring Similar Fragrances
If “This is Her” doesn’t quite capture your heart, there are several alternatives worth exploring:
Lancôme La Vie Est Belle: A sweet and gourmand fragrance with notes of iris, praline, and vanilla.
Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium: A warm and spicy fragrance with notes of coffee, vanilla, and orange blossom.
Prada Candy: A sweet and powdery fragrance with notes of caramel, musk, and benzoin.
Mugler Angel: A controversial but iconic gourmand fragrance with notes of chocolate, caramel, and patchouli.
Tom Ford Lost Cherry: A luscious gourmand that also utilizes cherry and tonka bean for an almond, creamy dry down.
These alternatives offer a range of options for those seeking similar gourmand and comforting scents. Exploring different fragrances is always a rewarding experience.
Longevity and Sillage: Performance on the Skin
Longevity refers to how long a fragrance lasts on the skin, while sillage refers to the scent’s projection or how far it travels from the wearer. “This is Her” generally offers moderate longevity, lasting for around 6-8 hours on the skin. Its sillage is also moderate, meaning it creates a noticeable scent bubble without being overpowering. However, as with any fragrance, longevity and sillage can vary depending on skin type, application method, and environmental factors.
Tips for Enhancing Longevity
Apply to hydrated skin: Moisturizing your skin before applying fragrance can help it last longer.
Apply to pulse points: These areas generate heat, which helps to diffuse the fragrance.
Don’t rub: Rubbing the fragrance into your skin can break down the molecules and shorten its lifespan.
Layer with complementary products: Using a lotion or body wash with a similar scent can enhance the fragrance’s longevity.
The Final Verdict: Is This is Her Worth the Hype?
“This is Her” is a unique and captivating fragrance that has garnered a loyal following. Its creamy, gourmand scent is both comforting and sophisticated, making it a versatile choice for everyday wear. While it may not be for everyone, its distinctive character and good performance make it worth considering, especially for those who enjoy powdery-gourmand scents. Always sample before committing to a full bottle. This detailed fragrance review gives you everything you need to make the best decision for your unique situation.
Frequently Asked Questions About This is Her
What type of fragrance is This is Her?
This is Her is classified as an oriental-vanilla fragrance with gourmand elements. It features notes of pink peppercorn, jasmine, chestnut cream, vanilla, sandalwood, and cashmeran.
Is This is Her suitable for all ages?
While fragrance preferences are subjective, This is Her is generally considered suitable for a wide range of ages due to its blend of sweetness and sophistication.
Is This is Her a good everyday fragrance?
Yes, its moderate longevity and sillage make it a good choice for everyday wear. It’s not overpowering but still noticeable and enjoyable.
Is This is Her suitable for summer?
Some may find This is Her too heavy for hot summer days. Its warmth and sweetness may be better suited for cooler months.
Where can I buy This is Her?
This is Her is available at most major department stores, beauty retailers, and online fragrance retailers.
What occasions is This is Her suitable for?
It’s an everyday fragrance that is suitable for day and night depending on personal preferences. It’s a good work fragrance because it’s soft.
Does it contain allergens?
Always review the list of ingredients if you are concerned about allergies.
This detailed fragrance review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of “This is Her,” enabling you to make an informed decision about whether it’s the right scent for you.
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