Spritz Me: Carven Le Parfum Eau de Parfum

Out of all the types of beauty product reviews I have done, writing about perfume is the most challenging. While pretty packaging is always a plus in my book, what it smells like is always difficult to describe to my readers. I thought I’d switch things up a bit and deconstruct every aspect of this fragrance.

Carven Fragrance Review - Politics of Pretty

The fragrance: Carven Le Parfum Eau de Parfum

The story: Carven is a modern House, founded in 1945 in the ardent post-war period. At the time, it offered women “a new perspective, fashion freed of convention.” Francis Kurkdjian created the fragrance.

The notes: Neroli, Mandarin Blossom, White Hyacinth, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, White Sandalwood, and a whiff of Sweet Pea.

The identity: According to the brand, “she is spontaneous, strong and fragile, all at once.”

The packaging: Thierry de Baschmakoff designed this bottle with the box as a symbol of freshness, subtly striped with green that contrasts with the rigor of the lettering. It’s a glass bottle topped with a high-fashion stopper. I love the Carven ribbon label that floats from the neck. It’s equal parts feminine and chic.

My thoughts: If I could describe this fragrance in one word: elegant. It’s airy and fresh but at the same time sleek and modern. I think this is the perfect fragrance to wear on the weekend or a special day occasion like a friend’s birthday brunch or bridal/baby shower. I’m not sure I’d wear this every day but it’s certainly going to take up a permanent residence on my fragrance tray.

Carven Le Parfum Eau de Parfum, 100 mL for $109

Photo by Kate Ann Photography

As a beauty ambassador for Neiman Marcus, I was gifted with a complimentary sample for review purposes. All opinions in this post are my own.