Petit Violet by Zara

“Notes of: Violet, Verbena and Leather.” Perfume. (according to its original label, I hope they correct the olfactory pyramid indicated here on Fragantica) This almost hidden gem, or at least limited edition, perfume of fleeting passage (I saw it in store, it disappeared quickly, although it remained online longer) deserves a few good paragraphs and to be put in its rightful place. Only three notes, but they do a good job, that is the merit and worth of this scent. With little, it makes power and scent. If you like violet and even more verbena, it’s your scent. The verbena comes out powerful, a flower with a lemon scent, that’s its peculiarity. The violet arrives later, and the two envelop, without losing power. They stay there, a soft suede… how original, how spot on. Unusual scent, you won’t find it in the mainstream, totally unisex, in a niche style that doesn’t mark the gender difference of the perfume on you. In fact, I smelled it, it convinced me, I got it and I wear it without any regrets. Neither for that luminous verbena that would make me doubt my masculinity, nor anything close. Men, don’t be afraid of florals, and here you have a quality one compared to the final price paid. Something that is already becoming a habit at Zara. Remarkable performance, here is truly a Parfum version without stinginess. In fact, you shouldn’t overdo the sprays, you can invade other noses. The scent is luminous, brilliant, powerful, with enough strength for spring and autumn, day and night. Even a not-too-cold winter (I don’t recommend it for high temperatures, it’s very intense). If you want a scent of almost niche style (the same case as Fleur de Patchouli, for example), you have Petit Violet: well achieved, with longevity and projection, and also suitable for those seeking compliments from women, as they will be drawn to the scent you wear and also for them to use it themselves (if you search for reviews on Youtube, they are all from ladies and geared towards feminine perfume). Greetings.

I just bought this perfume. Yesterday I went to Zara looking for Ebony Wood, which is a perfume I love, and I didn’t find it, so I tested this one in store and abhorred it. What a horrible thing it seemed to me… Until about 30 minutes later, wafts of a wonderful aroma started reaching me. Fresh, spring-like, delicate but very present. Like that all afternoon until I got home and brought my hand to my face: It was that horrendous perfume I had tested at Zara! It was no longer that strange thing I had tested, it was PRECIOUS. On my skin at least it remains divine, so today I ran to buy it because this morning, when I woke up, before showering, I still had it on my skin. Upon spraying, it opens too citrusy, sour, a lemon mixed like with herbs… but then it turns fresh floral. A scent for all ages but not childish at all, nor does it feel like an elderly lady’s.

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DO NOT BUY THIS ONE. Awful. I had to log in just to comment on this. It might be the fake citron, but combined with the violets it smells exactly like the cheapest washing-up liquid ever. Horrendous.

I think it’s excellent value for money. A lovely thing for spring. It opens bright, with the verbena having green, citrusy accords. A violet, at first a little sweet like sweets, then more powdery. I don’t get leather, more a delicate suede.

Excellent value for money. A beauty for spring. It opens bright, with the verbena that has green and citrus accords. A violet, sweet at first like sweets, then more powdery. I don’t get leather, rather a delicate suede.

This perfume has something strange about it. The same thing happened to me as to two other female users: I went to Zara, I tested it on the blotter paper. I didn’t like it. I sprayed it. I loathed it. I went back to Zara another day, I retested it. I loved it. What’s the reason? The opening is incredibly shrill. It’s a strong verbena, with the smell of the legendary Ricola sweets with lemon and melissa. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing (in the end, it grew on me), but the first time you smell it, it’s an interesting shock. The fragrance has no evolution whatsoever. It’s verbena with a very light violet and a watery base that gives me the feeling of smelling like nougat. And that’s it. The only thing is that the citrus theme fades over time. To me, it’s a marvel for spring, although I think that’s the whole point. Zara is trying to put out perfect fragrances for each season with this whole new ‘Zara Seasons’ line. Several people have told me they love it, and no one usually comments on my Zara perfumes. In terms of performance and projection, it has quite a few airs of wanting to be like the men’s ones. I wouldn’t put on more than 4 sprays, and yes, I know it’s a Zara perfume (I believe it’s a parfum concentration and not an EDP). It’s a beast. 8 to 10 hours minimum on skin, and the sillage is more than generous. If you overdo it, turn everything off and let’s go. You’ll stink from afar. It’s 30 pounds for another limited edition marvel from Jo Malone. I’d go try it (a couple of times if possible, because the first time it might seem strange or undrinkable to you), in case it convinces you, so that the same thing doesn’t happen again as with Bergamot & Leather Spritz, which we’re all crying about not having bought.

I’m here to ask you please not to buy this blindly, like I did. I regret it because it’s a really strange combination and I can’t stand it, not even as an air freshener. Horrible, it’s so lingering that just thinking about it is like smelling it again.