Our take
What does Rêve Élixir smell like?
A year after the Rêve line was introduced in 2013, Van Cleef & Arpels added Rêve Élixir in 2014. Nathalie Feisthauer composed this eau de parfum, which the house files under fruity florals. It opens on crisp pear and bright neroli. Some of the brand's descriptions add peach blossom to the mix. The heart is more interesting than it first seems. Osmanthus brings its smell of dried apricot with a faint leathery shade. Frangipani adds a creamy, almost sunny roundness. Iris holds back the sugar with a powdery touch. The base is quiet. Cedar, sandalwood and amber make a clean platform that never tries to take over. Next to First, the house's big aldehydic floral from 1976, Rêve Élixir feels very young and very soft. It's aimed at someone else entirely, who wants polished fruit rather than a grand evening flower.
When to wear it
A spring and summer scent for daytime or a long lunch outdoors. Sprayed on the hair, it carries further.
It belongs to the Floral, Fruity family. Rêve Élixir is one of 20 creations by Van Cleef & Arpels in our encyclopedia.
