Barbara Bui Le Parfum and Sonia Rykiel Woman
June 22nd, 2006
Barbara Bui Le Parfum and Sonia Rykiel Woman (Not For Men) - both created for two female fashion designers by the perfumer Anne Flipo, the nose behind such scents as L’Artisan La Chasse aux Papillons, Rochas Poupee, Trussardi Skin (courtesy of Now Smell This). While one isn’t a spitting image of the other, there’s definitely a sibling relationship. That is to say, while sharing similar notes and bearing olfactory resemblance, each possesses its own peculiar characteristics. Both are minimalist and demure in nature. Barbara Bui is powdery incense and creamy sandalwood, with soft heliotrope undertones. Rykiel Woman - peppery floral and woody leather. Just as incense and sandalwood are tamed in Barbara Bui, so are florals and leather in Sonia Rykiel. Both conjure up an image of a composed, confident woman.
Barbara Bui notes: spices, incense, jasmine, musk, amber, sandalwood, heliotrope, cedar.
Rykiel Woman notes: pink pepper, violet, date, jasmine petals, Bulgarian rose, black pepper, olibanum, agarwood, leather, amber.
Barbara Bui can be purchased directly from the signature boutique in New York (212-625-1938). Rykiel Woman is available at Imagination Perfumery, Parfum1, and Scentiments.
Image source: www.parfum1.com, www.osmoz.com
Entry Filed under: Smell-alikes
15 Comments Add your own
1. The Scented Salamander | June 22nd, 2006 at 11:31 pm
I have been wanting to try Barbara Bui for ever. Now that I see the details of the notes it is becoming quite urgent!
2. Judith | June 23rd, 2006 at 5:53 am
These both fall into the category of “like ‘em, but don’t wear ‘em much” for me. Perhaps they are too minimalist, demure, composed, and confident:)
3. Marina | June 23rd, 2006 at 8:00 am
Bui was too bland for me. As Judith says, too minimalist and demure, perhaps
The Rykiel one sounds like it might have more potential, I should try that! Thank you for the great review!
4. Ina | June 23rd, 2006 at 8:12 am
Helene, Barbara Bui is really worth a try.
5. Ina | June 23rd, 2006 at 8:12 am
Judith, I see what you mean. I don’t reach for them much myself but when I do, I never regret it.
6. Ina | June 23rd, 2006 at 8:13 am
Marina, Bui worked best for me in winter. Rykiel could be worn all year round, though. I know, I’m so far from being a minimalist when it comes to perfume!
7. Elle | June 23rd, 2006 at 8:15 am
I definitely see the connection between these scents. I need to try and find my Rykiel Woman sample (thanks to you!) and give it another try. Wonder how it would layer w/ other leather scents. Must experiment!
8. Ina | June 23rd, 2006 at 8:21 am
Let us know what you come up with, oh the Layering Queen!
9. Carolyn | June 23rd, 2006 at 2:16 pm
I love Barbara Bui. It is one of my all-time favorite HG scents. I wear it in all seasons for pretty much all occasions. I had read that the Rykiel was similar, and was hopeful that I could find a cheaper alternative, but unfortunately the Rykiel didn’t work on me. It had a touch of dill or some other similar note to it that I didn’t care for. I don’t know why I tried to find a substitute for the perfection that is Barbara Bui, though! I agree with your description of it too.
10. Ina | June 23rd, 2006 at 2:21 pm
Hi, Carolyn! Good to see you!
I agree, it’s virtually impossible to find a substitute for Bui.
11. Cait | June 24th, 2006 at 3:01 pm
Dear Ina,
What an elegant comparison you made with this review. I liked very much and it made me want to explore the tamed quality you noted. Thanks!
12. Ina | June 24th, 2006 at 5:31 pm
Thanks, Cait!
13. Jordane | January 19th, 2007 at 5:45 pm
hey, I already bought several times Bui in Paris (that’s where I live) but the Champs Elysées Sephora just told me that they didn’t sell it anymore, I feel so desperate, it was my alltime fav’ perfume !! Anything similar ? I’l try Rykiel but I feel so nude now…
14. Ina | January 19th, 2007 at 11:09 pm
Jordane, do try Rykiel. It’s quite similar.
15. Brandi Garcia | April 26th, 2007 at 10:33 am
I recieved a sample from my Avon lady, and I really like the Barbara Bui scent, It`s so different from anything i`ve smelled before. I am going to buy it!!!
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