New Niche Fragrance Review: .vero.profumo. Voiles d’Extrait: .kiki., .onda., .rubj., and .mito. + Evocative Draw

Vero profumo voile d'extrait header CaFleureBon

Vero Kern and her dog Isidor

Vero Kern is a perfumer who has rocked the perfume world with a small but mighty body of work. Launching her .vero.profumo. line with three extraits in 2007, .onda., .kiki., and .rubj.; adding Eaus de Parfum of those three in 2010; and then a fourth fragrance in EDP, .mito., last year. This year, she brings us all four in a new concentration, Voile d’Extrait. With the same scent profiles as the extraits, but a lighter concentration and lower price, these are a welcome addition to the line. I have decided to review these as I would fragrances I have never smelled, to start fresh, and avoid the kinds of comparisons and contrasts to the existing versions that are bound to happen.

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Oak Tree Meditation by Laura Iverson

I started with .kiki. Voile d'Esprit on an evening that was the end of a rather blue day. I have a touchy relationship with lavender: too much of the herbal side and I am sneezing, but I adore the floral, aromatherapeutic aspects. This is a perfect perfume for someone like me. When I sprayed some on, I felt almost immediately soothed, but also revived. It is pungent, and has herbal qualities which are softened by geranium and sweet opopanax. If a fragrance can be described as “spiritually uplifting”, then that is how I would describe .kiki., although it is light years more complex, interesting and beautiful than a mere aromatherapy oil. It envelops you in a perfect cloud of scent, and has decent longevity.

Notes: Bergamot, Citrus, Cassis, Lavender Absolute, Geranium, Opoponax, Caramel, Patchouli, Musk

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Artwork for Peerless Tobacco

Perfumes that can scoop memories out of my mind and let me live them again are coveted and rare, and one of the best is .onda. Voile d'Esprit. When I wear it, I go to a place of comfort that is largely populated by my father, who always smelled good; a bit of cigar, some good cologne, a skin scent just like my own. This perfume takes me to the tobacconist’s shop, even though it has no tobacco notes, and to the big walk-in humidor I loved. It had a moist, earthy smell born of the wooden boxes and the finely rolled cigars within them. I would stand there inhaling while my Dad picked out his favorites, and some new ones to try. I think this perfume is so sensual that it can’t help but conjure memories of my sensualist father, who loved fine perfumes and spirits and color and texture and art. People describe this as a vetiver fragrance, and it is, but it is more complex, dark, peaty, and earthy than any mere vetiver could ever hope to be. The sillage is quite potent, and longevity is terrific.

Notes: Bergamot, Citrus, Mandarin, Ginger, Coriander, Basil, Iris, Ylang ylang, Honey, Vetiver bourbon, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Musk.

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Precious Stone: Ruby by Alphonse Mucha

Neroli and orange blossom perfumes are high on my "love" list, and .rubj. Voile d'Esprit was instantly added to my favorites in that genre. It is not dewy and bright and green, but ripe and rich, like a blossom that has reached its absolute peak before sliding into decay. As the scent progresses, the aroma takes on an aspect I can only describe as waxy. It makes me think of some kind of floral unguent that might have been used way back when. This is not unpleasant or medicinal, but rather comforting and sweet. It’s a different kind of drydown than what I normally experience with orange blossom scents, and I like it. It wears fairly close to skin, and lasts several hours.

Notes: Bergamot, Mandarin, Neroli, Orange flower absolute, Tuberose, Jasmin, Cedar, Mousse de chène, Musk.

Vero profumo mit voile d'extrait CaFleureBon

Magnificent Magnolia by Meredith Haley Sonsen

There is something about .mito. Voile d'Extrait that flings me back in time. It feels old-school and elegant, which magnolia perfumes can do for me. The fruity top notes add a lovely crispness to the sultry florals, and the galbanum adds mossy green notes. Again, the flowers are at their peak, and the champaca brings a tropical moistness. As my day went by, even though I was doing nothing exciting, I felt glamorous, like I should have red lipstick on. This is a very enjoyable fragrance, with moderate sillage and longevity.

Notes: Citrus accord, Peach, Magnolia Grandiflora, White Magnolia, Champaca Absolute, Tuberose, Galbanum, Hyacinth, Labdanum, Musk.

vero profumo voile d'extrait bottles cafleurebon

Ms. Kern is one of my personal role models for style, and her perfumes are just as stylish and timeless as she is. Every one, even if it is based on a commonly used heart note, has a unique edge. Wearing one of her creations is akin to wearing evocative, beautiful art on your body.

I received my samples courtesy of .vero.profumo.'s Italian representation Campomarzio70.

Tama Blough, Senior Editor

Thanks to the generosity of .vero.profumo. and Campomarzio70 we have a set of generously sized samples packaged in a beautiful purple pouch tied with red satin ribbon for one of our US readers. Leave a comment about your favorite in the line, or which of these appeals to you the most. Remember to let us know you are in the US. Draw ends November 1, 2013.

We announce the winners only on site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

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60 comments

  • Rubj was my favorite of the line, but I’d love to try the rest of these Voiles d’Extrait to see how they compare. I’m in the US, for what it’s worth!

  • Rubj is also my favorite, but must say Kiki is right behind 🙂 I am in the US and would love to sample these

  • OH gosh, eenie meeni miney mo! They all sound beautiful, but I would said I cannot decide between Mito and Rubj. I’m in the US, thank you!!

  • Anyone that knows me, knows my love for Mito edp. I love Rubj and Kiki. Onda and I have not seen eye to eye yet, but there is still time.

  • Have both Robj and Mito on my “to sample soon” list, these all sound great. I’m in the US.

  • I wore Mito to a friend’s wedding in July and it was perfect for the venue; a casual but elegant club on the beach. I hope to always think of that fun evening when I wear Mito. I am in the US. Thanks for this wonderful draw 🙂

  • Kiki is the one that is making my heart race. I love lavender, especially when it’s just a component of a great perfume. I’ve wanted to try these for some time. I am in the US. Thanks!

  • I’m in the US. I think .kiki. sounds fascinating, but I would like to see how they all tie together as a body of work.

  • I love them all, but Kiki is my favorite. I have the small extrait and it’s such a jewel that I rarely wear it. I am hoping that these will allow me to be a bit more generous with my wearing. Thanks for the draw. I am in the US of A!

  • Elizabeth T. says:

    I’ve never tried anything from this line, but .onda sounds right up my alley! I live in the USA, and thanks for the draw!

  • Rubj is the only one I have sampled and it is gorgeous. One if these days I would love to try all of her scents in every incarnation especially Kiki and Onda. I am in the U.S.

  • I’ve sniffed Kiki in EdP before, and it’s lovely — but I’d really like to try Onda! I’m in the US; thanks for the draw.

  • Onda with the vetiver, nutmeg, etc. Sound so nice. Really would love to sample it and the others for that matter. All are great I’m sure. In the USA. Thanks.

  • I have been dying to try these, in all concentrations! I think Rubj and Mito would be my favorite. But, I’m sure I will love them all, knowing the state of my wallet LOL. Thanks for the draw! I’m in the US.

  • Rubj EDP is definitely my favorite, although I adore Kiki as well. Thanks as ever for the draw–I’m in the US.

  • I have loved kiki for a long time. It’s amazing. I like onda as well, and I don’t think I ever tried mito. So pick me in the draw! I live in the US.

  • I’ve not tried any of these yet although they are on my wish list for decants! I am most intrigued by Rubj. I’m in the U.S. Thank you for the draw!

  • Pick a favorite in the line? I don’t think I can do that! I love them all, and each one is special for different occasions. Onda is compelling to me, while Rubj is simply sensational. Kiki is the most fun and Mito the most elegant. See? Who can choose?
    I live in the U.S.

  • I live in the US; all of these sound interesting, but .kiki is really grabbing my attention. Thanks for the draw!

  • Onda was my first love when I discovered niche perfume. It blew my mind! I have not smelled it in extrait but I am confident my love will endure. I agree that Ms. Kern is an artist and Onda does make me feel like I’m wearing beautiful art. I live in the US.

  • Fazal Cheema says:

    My favorite is Onda which is pretty dry. Vero Kern doesn’t only make beautiful perfumes but also has beautiful taste in classical perfumes (I share her love for Shocking). I am in the U.S

  • Tama, this is one of the best reviews I have ever read.

    I have not had the pleasure of trying any of the Veros yet but would like to start with Onda.

  • I have never tried anything from this line, I have missed something. .Kiki sings to me, I am in the US.

  • Kiki appeals to me very much. I’ve never tried any of these, and I would love to do so. I’m in the US.

  • I haven’t had the pleasure of smelling these scents, but I’ve heard so much about them. Kiki sounds delightful and I would love to have something “spiritually uplifting”. I live in the U.S.

  • This is a line that I have really been wanting to explore and I can’t believe I haven’t yet. *Sigh* All of these fragrances appeal to me, but I suppose I’m most curious about Mito as I can’t think of any magnolia centered perfumes that I’m familiar with. I live in the US. (As always, I love your review Tama – you’re one of my favorite fragrance writers!)

  • I haven’t gotten the chance yet to sample Onda, but of the other three, Rubj is my favorite- which is a miracle, because usually my skin amplifies cumin like crazy and smothers everyone in a hundred-foot radius. I’m in the US.

  • We need more perfumers like Ms. Kern; she creates immediate classics. There is an elegance to her fragrances that you just don’t get in most modern perfumes.

    My favorite is Onda, but I suspect that’s because I haven’t tried Mito yet!

    Thanks for a chance to win ( that purple pouch sounds so lovely!) and I live in the US!

  • Wow. Tama, those were wonderful reviews. Your writing really brings out the beauty in all the scents. .mito. is the only one that I have tried and it is lovely. Thanks for the reviews and the drawing.

  • julesinrose says:

    I’m in the US and am most curious about .onda. Tobacco w/o a tobacco note? Sounds intriguing, to say the least. Thanks for the draw!

  • Chris Schaefer says:

    Mito…..fascinates me! All the rest sound absolutely delightful. I really enjoyed the review and I am keeping my fingers crossed. Thanks for the drawing. And I am in the US.

  • I’ve not been lucky enough to try this line but its on my “must try” list! From all the articles I’ve read I’d have to say I’m most interested in Rubj and Mito. But Onda is running a close third. I’m in the US ( Tx). Thanks for the great writing, I’ve spent may a afternoon reading thru!

  • I love Onda and Rubj best, but would love to try Mito. I am in the US. Thanks for offering the draw!

  • susie frankel says:

    .ONDA with vetiver bourbon..I’d like one of those, please, altho they all have my interest. thanks for the insightful descriptions and draw. USA

  • I love the Rubj edp, it is one of my favorite scents to wear. I cannot wait to try these versions of her fragrances. Thanks for the draw. i am in the US

  • I am fairly new to niche perfumes and I have already heard so many wonderful things about Vero Profumo ~ Kiki was actually one of the very first scents that I put on my constantly growing ( and most likely never ending ) list entitled ” Creations That I Must Try – NO MATTER WHAT!! ” 🙂 I would be thrilled beyond belief to be given the chance to try these versions of her fragrances.I live in the USA ~ Thank you very much for the chance to win.

  • I’ve tried samples of the edps and really liked Rubj. I want to explore the extraits and voile d’extrait versions more, especially kiki. Thanks for a great review that has got me longing for some .vero.profumo.!!
    I live in the US.

  • If I had to choose one that I’m most excited to try, it would be Rubj. I do love the smell of orange blossoms, and am in the US.

  • I would be most excited to try Rubj, because I love orange blossom. Thank you for the draw1 I am in the US.

  • Oh, I’ve never been so lucky to smell any, but Rubj sounds terrific…(and Mito, too, I have to admit). I live in the U.S.

  • I’ve yet to try any of these, but .rubj. appeals to me the most. I’m very excited to have a chance to try these! Thanks for the draw. Located in the U.S.

  • Thank you for the reviews and draw! There are things about each which appeal to me, guessing my favorite would be kiki or onda.

  • Jennifer Dysart says:

    I’m in the US. Like the sound of all, but .mito intrigues me, magnolias have a nostalgic effect for me

  • Oh my, I am in love with Vero’s work. I especially love Rubj EdP (dirty orange blossom goodness!) and Kiki parfum, the perfect gourmand lavender scent! I am in the US.

  • Dubaiscents says:

    It is so difficult to pick just one favorite from this wonderful line but I will go with Onda. I would to try these versions! (US)

  • Kiki and Onda both sound great as do the others. I have never had the pleasure of sampling these works of art. After visiting the Vero website. WOW and WOW. In the USA.