Mainstream Monday – Sniffing a Popular Perfume
Josie is the “junior’s line” by Pinay fashion-lingerie designer Josie Natori. One of my favorite designer perfumes is Natori, a dramatic va-va-voom floral amber perfume. I thought Natori was a wonderful extension of the Natori brand. I actually didn’t realize that the Josie line had a perfume until a sample came with a gift with purchase. I really didn’t know what to expect with Josie. I know it’s a younger, more “boho” brand that Josie Natori still defines as “East meets West”. After seeing the Philipine-inspired note list of sampaguita and Asian pear, I expected a fruity-floral. That’s young, right?
Josie opens as a juicy, floral pear. It’s rather pretty and doesn’t come across like shampoo (as so many pear-scented things do to me). This Asian pear note quickly fades and what’s left is a fruity-floral with a burnt sugar accord. The fruity-floral quickly transforms. The heart is a jasmine with sandalwood. It’s like a warm floral amber. The base goes into a direction that I completely didn’t expect! It’s one of those that leaves me thinking “What did I put on? I smell great!” and then I remember, “Oh, Josie!” The base is musk, like that in Narcisco Rodriguez Musc but with more sandalwood (and patchouli). I guess I just didn’t expect for a fragrance that opens this fruity to end up smelling like a sex’d up musk.
I think this one also fits with the Natori Josie brand. It does have some “youthful” elements like fruits and a pretty floral, but it doesn’t come across as immature. It’s still playful but it’s not childish.
Notes listed include Asian pear, bergamot, sampaguita (jasmine sambac), freesia, wild orchid, sandalwood and white musk. Launched in 2014. PERFUMERS – Frank Voelkl and Honorie Blanc
Give Josie a try if you like musky florals. Or perfumes like Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream, Dior Miss Dior (Cherie), Chanel Coco Mademoiselle, Jessica Simpson Fancy, Penhaligon’s Empressa and/or Vera Wang Princess Night.
Projection is below average. Longevity is average (because of that musk).
The 1.7 retails for about $50 on Amazon. I suspect this has been discontinued because it’s not easy to find anymore. I though I’d review it in case you come across it as a discounter.
Victoria’s Final EauPINION – Jasmine, sandalwood and musk. It’s much better than I expected it would be. However, I do wish it had some more “umph”, like I wish it were louder (and I rarely ever say that). But, I also appreciate that it’s light because I could see how if it were amped up, it could be overwhelming.
Want more reviews? Try…
Fragrantica – Member reviews
Beauty in the Bag – More info on the perfume
*Sample obtained by me. Product pic from Natori. Biba outfit from Vogue UK. Post contains affiliate links. Thanks!
Cute bottle! Went down the rabbit hole, read your review of Natori, found it on one of the discount sites, and….. Guess I’d better use up some decants/samples to stick with my self-imposed rule of no purchases without finishing something.
The will power! I said I’d do this too but I’m not the best at it.
I love Natori and the bottles are so cheap right now. It is worth picking up if A. you know you like it or B. you think you will! I know I like it so I really should pick up a backup bottle :S
With Josie, I love the bottle. I’m drawn to anything that is graphic black/white. It’s catchy!
Well it definitely sounded like something I’d like, so I went ahead and got it. Now to douse myself with some of my samples/decants, then I won’t feel so guilty!
That’s the spirit! I’ll join you! I want room for more stuff, lol.