Love No Shame: A Delicious Dessert With a Vintage Twist
Written by Kristina Kybartaite-Damule
The cherry note has been having its moment for quite some time now. It has appeared in countless perfumes across both niche and designer lines—so much so that it sometimes feels overdone. Yet, some fragrances manage to offer a fresh perspective on cherry. One such creation, launched earlier this year, is Love No Shame by the French house Plume Impression.
Photo from author’s personal album
The first sniff of Love No Shame feels like biting into the most exquisite, meticulously crafted dessert. The cherry note is prominent, but it’s accompanied by strawberry, almond, and a generous swirl of whipped cream. Just from the scent alone, I can almost feel the fluffy texture of the cream enveloping the red berries. The almond note adds a dreamy hint of amaretto, making the opening undeniably delicious.
If you’re rolling your eyes at yet another gourmand—especially with the market flooded with sweet, dessert-like fragrances lately—let me assure you: this one offers something more. Perfumer Stéphanie Bakouche has infused it with a remarkable twist.
After the indulgent, almost edible opening, the fragrance takes an unexpected turn toward florals, particularly rose and violet. The violet is strongly pronounced, lending the scent a slightly vintage feel. It’s sweet and powdery, with a subtle dustiness enhanced by a pinch of cocoa. The result is deeply romantic, evoking scenes from an old French love film. But in my mind, I become the star of that movie—wearing oversized sunglasses and a silk scarf, riding through the French Riviera in a convertible, heading into the sunset with my love, anticipating a long, enchanting evening ahead.
Photo from author’s personal album
But back to reality—or rather, back to the perfume. After the dreamy vintage violet phase, the dry-down settles into a warm embrace of musky vanilla and creamy sandalwood. Unlike some gourmands that leave a heavy, sticky feeling on the skin, Love No Shame fades gracefully, wrapping the skin in a soft, comfortable warmth.
Ultimately, Love No Shame is a fragrance that blends indulgence with elegance, offering the best of both worlds: a mouthwatering dessert-like opening with a nostalgic, romantic heart.
[bottle kindly gifted, opinion is my own]