Roxana Illuminated Perfumes Impromptu is an all-natural rustic, smoky, animalic fragrance. The brand sent me samples of all three of the concentrations which gave me an opportunity not only to review Impromptu, but to do a comparison of the perfume in different mediums.
EDP
It’s balsamic and green like crushed green leaves underfoot. It’s crisp and dewy, cool with a hint of citrus from lemon balm. To my surprise, Impromptu gets smoky, reminiscent of burning leaves. The dry-down is sweetly balsamic and resinous.
Perfume
The opening of this one is like a bright lemon and citronella that reminds me of galangal and lemongrass. It becomes a bitter green scent. In comparison to the EDP, the perfume is denser and richer. It’s a more vivid and smoother version of the EDP. Like the EDP, there is an unexpected contrast between the green-citrus opening and the deep, smoky heart and base.
Solid Perfume
The solid is earthy, green and balsamic. It’s smokier and with less “light” than the EDP. Being a solid, the top notes are diminished. This jumps right to the heart and dries down to sweeter, balsamic base.
I really like the texture of Roxana lluminated Perfume’s solids. They’re smooth and not waxy.
Actually, out of the three concentrations, my personal favorite is the solid perfume. And then the perfume followed by the EDP. I do realize that the solid may be missing out on some of the dramatic contrasts in Impromptu. It’s interesting to see that “bright” pushed up to the “dark” in Impromptu. The EDP and perfume progress like this: noon to dusk to midnight. The solid perfume is like dusk to midnight. It still has contrasts, it’s just less pronounced. I can see some people preferring the drama of the EDP or perfume over the solid.
Notes listed include Chaparral accord, musk accord, earth accord, birch, cedar, cypress, balsams, benzoin, galbanum, labdanum, myrrh, styrax, artemesia, bay leaves, citronella,clary sage, clove, geranium, immortelle, myrtle, rhododendron, petit grain, tarragon, ylang-ylang, mimosa, ambrette choya, cognac, mushrooms, orris and vanilla. Launched in 2014 (there was a 2012 version as well). PERFUMER – Roxana Villa
Give Impromptu a try if you like smoky, leather scents. Or if you like perfumes like D.S. & Durga Burning Barbershop, CB I Hate Perfume Burning Leaves, Sonoma Scent Studio Winter Woods and/or Roxana Illuminated Perfumes Hedera Helix. Impromptu is unisex.
The EDP retails for $70. The perfume retails for $100. The solid retails for about $61. Samples are also available for purchase. Impromptu is available at Roxana Illuminated Perfumes.
Victoria’s Final EauPINION – A bright, green scent that turns smoky and dark. If you like Villa’s style or are a fan of botanical scents, this is one worth trying.
Want more reviews? Try…
The Non-Blonde – Review of the 2012 version
Indieperfumes – Review of the 2012 version
Thanks for taking the time to experience and evaluate all the versions of Impromptu Victoria. Your comparison of each variation to the time of day is brilliant!
Thank you for sharing these with me. It’s always a pleasure to experience your perfumes.
soooo late to the party.
Roxana is clearly a unique talent! even within the realm of natural perfumery, there is an even more sense of the natural world which Roxana translates.
what a great treat to be able to experience a single concept/perfume/expression in all it’s forms. it’s also a great study in how each base changes, reveals different aspects of the perfume.
one of my faves- thanks Victoria!
Not that late, I’m just now getting around to approving comments 🙂 Now, I’m late to the party.
Experiencing the subtle differences was great. But, I admit that in an ideal world where money is no object, the best way to experience Impromptu is a layer of the solid, perfume then the EDP 😉
When my no-buy is finally over, I think I’m going to treat myself to Figure 1. Noir and maybe the solid of Impromptu as well.
Hey there Victoria,
I love Impromptu, and most of Roxana’s work. But I love her work less than I love her, what a super friendly, generous and beautiful person she is. I think the fragrances reflect her own warmth and depths.
Thanks too for the link-love.
Portia xx
The indie perfume world is filled with gems…of people. It really is. So many of the people creating these perfumes are truly wonderful people. And I agree with you about Roxana. She’s wonderful.
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