Written by Kristina Kybartaite-Damule

The newest release from Roja Parfums, Elysium Pour Femme, draws attention with its bright and colorful bottle that changes colors like a kaleidoscope. It's truly eye candy. Let’s dive into what’s inside it.

This new fragrance is meant to be a partner to Elysium Pour Homme – a very popular scent that is also one of my all-time favorites for men. It holds a personal significance to me too, as my husband wore it on our wedding day. So, I was very curious about how the other half of this supposedly perfect couple would smell.

The initial spray left me confused. As a fan of Roja Parfums for years, this fragrance was not what I expected. Usually, when smelling a new perfume, I can easily tell when it comes from Roja – and this is not the case with this one.

While it does smell nice, testing it for the first time, the new Elysium seemed to lack the complexity, uniqueness, and signature depth of Roja Dove's luxurious creations. However, it does smell more airy, easygoing, and perhaps even more likeable to a wider audience. There is nothing offensive or unpleasant about the scent. On the contrary, wearing it garnered me a couple of compliments; people around me seemed to enjoy it.

Reflecting on my thoughts, I kept that magnificent bottle on my desk. I didn't hate the scent, but I didn't love it either. Yet, every time I looked at it, it invited me to spray it again. Each time, I liked it a little bit more.

The fruity floral composition smells fresh and clean. There are some sharp edges, possibly from magnolia or jasmine, but they soon mellow into musks and a base of vanilla. The composition is very feminine, pleasant and easy to wear, especially in the heat. This is the kind of scent you reach for when you don't know what to wear—an easy grab.

Imagine an early morning. The sky is bright, promising a beautiful day. You've just had your first coffee, taken a shower, and slipped into a clean white shirt. This is the exact mood where Elysium Pour Femme would be a perfect addition.

Yes, the fragrance is different from what I'm used to with Roja Parfums. But maybe that's not necessarily a bad thing. It is unpretentious, yes, and even a little designer-like, but I also think it would make a good entry for those just getting into haute perfumerie. It is well known by now that the community of fragrance lovers is getting younger, and this release might well be a response to this phenomenon.

[PR bottle, opinion my own]