Divine is a perfume brand from the region of Dinard in the north of France. It’s niche in terms of distribution, which is pretty much only the Dinard shop in Brittany and a couple of online retailers, but if your definition of niche is avant-garde and quirky, then Divine doesn’t fit. The collection is classically themed and understated. What makes Divine such an appealing brand is quality and polish. Nowhere is it more obvious than in its latest release, Spirituelle.
Created in collaboration between Divine’s founder Yvon Mouchel and perfumer Richard Ibañez, Spirituelle is a rose. If you use perfumery jargon, an oriental rose, which merely means a rose laced with spices and incense. Since rose has a perfect affinity with dark, rich notes, there is nothing particularly unusual about Spirituelle’s theme. It hints at its sultry personality, but it’s still understated and soft. The allure of Spirituelle unfolds when lulled by its mild charms, you wear it to the office and suddenly, in the middle of another long, stressful day, find yourself wrapped in layers of petals and amber. It lingers for many hours on skin, changing ever so slightly, but every facet, every layer of it is delightful.
Spirituelle opens on the cheery accord of citrus and pink pepper. This commonplace combination could have been dull if it were not for the way it’s balanced against the floral notes that follow. Divine uses a combination of rose naturals and synthetics to convey the lusty feeling of warm petals as well as brightness and radiance, and the roses of Spirituelle smell like rosewater mixed with honey. They nevertheless remain crisp, sharply defined and sparkling.
So, imagine this crisp rose, and then add a few splashes of brown and amber. As time goes on, Spirituelle takes on a smoldering, dark guise, and the spicy notes and woods that in the beginning only teased you, now come into their own. The fragrance is languid, velvety, with mild accents of patchouli, sandalwood and clove warming up the roses. If you love this part, you’re in luck, because this is what gives Spirituelle its main impression.
Unlike bolder dark roses like Frédéric Malle Portrait of a Lady, Amouage Lyric Woman or Agent Provocateur, Spirituelle is easier to wear. It’s more transparent and more approachable. It’s not a “special occasion” perfume, but neither is it a bland wallflower. It’s like a well-tailored dress, which nevertheless still feels as comfortable as a T-shirt. Gentlemen, give it a try as well. The incense and amber balance out the sweetness, and nobody would question your masculinity when you wear Spirituelle (if such things matter to you, that is).
Divine Spirituelle includes notes of Sichuan and pink peppercorns, geranium, cistus, May rose absolute, Anatolian rose absolute, light amber, white musk, Texas cedar and incense. It is available as Eau de Parfum and Extrait de Parfum. My review is of the EDP. Luckyscent.com and First-in-fragrance.com carry the line.
Photography (top) by Bois de Jasmin
59 Comments
Sandra: I will have to sample this from luckyscent! I love the idea of rose & Amber!
I am in the mood for roses today- wearing Epic Woman- rose, sandalwood & frankincense..I like this more then Lyric.
Recently bought a rose face oil- a bit expensive but it’s healing my “winter skin”
One more day until the weekend- hope everything is coming up roses for everyone March 12, 2015 at 7:18am
Victoria: Amouage definitely has several big and dramatic roses, and Epic is another good one, especially if you want more incense than flowers.
What kind of a face oil is it? March 12, 2015 at 1:32pm
James1051: Divine L’Homme Sage and L’Homme de Couer are wonderful fragrances in an understated style. Can’t wait to try this one! March 12, 2015 at 8:47am
Victoria: Those have been among my favorites for years, and they were the perfumes I wrote about in the early years of this blog. March 12, 2015 at 1:32pm
Patricia: Oh my, this one sounds right up my street with its combination of rose, amber, patchouli, and sandalwood. I’m a Divine fan in any case, so this is a must try for me. March 12, 2015 at 9:43am
Victoria: If you like the house’s style store, then you should definitely try Spirituelle. I imagine that it might be a good rose for those who usually dislike roses. March 12, 2015 at 1:33pm
Austenfan: I loved this one as you know. It reminded me a lot of Mille et une Roses by Lancome. I haven’t worn them side by side though.
I was wearing L’Homme de Coeur yesterday and it made me appreciate Divine even more. Such a lovely and understated perfume from an understated line.
Glad you reviewed it, and even more pleased to see it got 4 stars! March 12, 2015 at 9:59am
Victoria: I completely forgot about Mille et Une Roses, but you’re right, they’re similar. Perhaps, a bit less rose in Spirituelle and more of other woody and smoky notes. What I love is that it remains radiant through and through. Not a quirky niche perfume, perhaps, but it has other charms. March 12, 2015 at 1:34pm
Austenfan: I don’t think any of the Divine’s qualify as quirky but so much niche doesn’t anymore. Divine fortunately still offers quality at a reasonable price!
It’ll probably make it on my “wanted” list at some point as I actually wear my Divines a lot. Want some L’Ame Sœur first though.
I had forgotten to mention it, but I must join all the others in their praise of that beautiful rose picture. March 13, 2015 at 6:19am
Victoria: That’s a good point. Somehow, I keep thinking that niche should be quirky and different, but you’re right, most of it is not. Some of it is frankly really badly, cheaply made (nevermind the high prices). So, a good, solid niche house that offers perfumes that are worth the money needs to be highlighted.
Thank you! I’m glad that you like the photo. I was draw to these roses because of their rich saffron color. March 13, 2015 at 10:39am
Elizabeth: I love your rose photograph! Such a lovely, rich golden color. There is a rose bush in my neighborhood whose flowers are golden in the middle and pinkish-red on the edges.
Spirituelle sounds great (love the name, too). I have ordered a sample and am waiting for it to arrive. March 12, 2015 at 10:15am
Victoria: Thank you! I love this deep, dark gold color, and I couldn’t help photographing the flowers.
Hope that you enjoy Spirituelle! March 12, 2015 at 1:35pm
briony hey: I love the Divine range and was wondering when they were going to bring out a new one. I have quite a few roses – Lyric, Epic, Agent Provocateur, By Kilian Rose Oud and I’ve got my beady eye on a couple of the Tauers – but it looks like I’ll definitely have to try this one too. March 12, 2015 at 10:57am
Victoria: Spirituelle is much more velvety and mild than all those fragrances you mentioned, but it still has character. It also has plenty of presence without being too heavy or too rich. March 12, 2015 at 1:36pm
OperaFan: You had me at rosewater and honey – I just love that combination! Sounds a bit like it may be the little sister to Lyric, which I lolve. 🙂
Off to order a sample…. March 12, 2015 at 11:00am
OperaFan: Oops…. That’s “love”…. March 12, 2015 at 11:00am
Victoria: It’s much softer than Lyric and less dark, but yes, they are in the same family. It’s a very pretty perfume. March 12, 2015 at 12:55pm
Julie: Hello,
What a beautiful review. The photo is
OUTSTANDING! A stunning rose with such a pretty color. I love the sound of this one. Hoping to order a sample soon. Thank you again Victoria. 🙂 March 12, 2015 at 1:14pm
Victoria: Thank you, Julie! If you try it, do let me know. I’d love to hear other opinions. March 12, 2015 at 1:40pm
angeldiva: Hello! Victoria, are you are commercial photographer?
$$$ Because, my crystal ball is indicating that there are big bucks for you in that field!
🙂
This photograph belongs in a museum. March 13, 2015 at 12:19am
Victoria: You’re making me blush. But no, I’m just self-taught! March 13, 2015 at 10:36am
angeldiva: That’s Good,
Seriously, I know you’re busy. But, there is MONEY where your camera is! 🙂 What can I say -my attitude is American!
And, I know you don’t advertise, but this website is worth it’s weight in gold!
It is to me.
P. March 13, 2015 at 6:55pm
Victoria: Gosh, you’re too kind! And thank you for your encouragement. 🙂 March 16, 2015 at 9:56am
Iodine: Now, I feel so dumb! A few years ago I was kindly given many Divine samples in a nice shop in Caen- Normandy. Don’t exactly know why- i was already into perfumes- I dismissed them almost without sniffing properly and left them in my Paris hotel. I hope at least the femme de chambre enjoyed them! I’ve read many beautiful things about Divine, afterwards, and regret not having given them any attention! 🙁
Glad you’re liking this one, V. March 12, 2015 at 1:29pm
Victoria: I’ve passed by many perfume lines, including two new roses by By Terry, which turned out to be excellent in the end. But I hope that you and Divine will cross paths again at some point. March 12, 2015 at 1:39pm
angeldiva: Hi Iodine,
Don’t feel bad! I was once given a box ( about half the size of a shoe box) filled with small bottles of Fendi circa 1989.
I placed the box on the sink at work, and it was gone in 60 seconds!
peace March 13, 2015 at 1:39am
limegreen: The photograph is stunning! And the review is so beautiful. (Thinking hard if I “need” another rose perfume…) March 12, 2015 at 1:30pm
Victoria: I can never decide at which point a rose perfume wardrobe becomes unreasonable, because I love these notes very much. 🙂 March 12, 2015 at 1:37pm
limegreen: I know exactly what you mean! Just when I think I have all the rose perfumes to fill out my wardrobe, another one comes along to tempt me. It’s the black shoes thing — gladiator sandals, low heel pumps, mid-heel booties, riding boots, everyday clogs, etc. 🙂
Following your lovely analogy, I have t-shirt roses (L’Occitane, Diptyque Eau Rose), quirky outfit rose (Lipstick Rose) and dress pants/leather jacket rose (Une Rose). BUT I don’t have a “tailored dress” rose, maybe it’s time to fill that void! So helpful in wardrobe building, thanks, Victoria! 🙂 March 12, 2015 at 2:40pm
Victoria: I love your idea of a rose wardrobe, and I agree with the descriptions. Lipstick Rose could also be a vintage style dress. Spirituelle is like a shift dress–easy to dress up and dress down. March 13, 2015 at 10:22am
limegreen: Quirky for me is vintage! Or faux vintage — lace skirt with jean jacket and maybe motorcycle boots. At any rate, Lipstick Rose is just plain fun. 🙂 March 13, 2015 at 2:04pm
Victoria: It sure is! One of the most flamboyant roses in my collection. March 16, 2015 at 9:52am
AndreaR: What a fun rose perfume wardrobe. I would wear Rossy de Palma for a quirky outfit. I have Lipstick Rose and Une Rose, but now want to sample Diptyque Eau Rose and Spirituelle.
Luscious photo of the rose, Victoria. March 13, 2015 at 12:30pm
limegreen: Ooohhh, Rossy de Palma (something else to think about…) 🙂
The Malle roses are so amazing, right? Eau Rose is simpler and linear — linen shirts and sundresses. Can you tell I’m craving spring and summer? March 13, 2015 at 2:10pm
Victoria: Thank you! 🙂
Rossy de Palma also qualifies as a quirky outfit for me. March 16, 2015 at 9:52am
Tati: This review comes at the exact right moment for me. I realize that my most of favorite rose perfumes — Malle’s Une Rose, Amouage Lyric, Sour de Lune, too many rose ouds to mention — are a bit much for day events. This might be perfect. As I write this I’m sampling Mohur, which also seems a lighter rose than the rest, though deliciously rich. Sending off for a sample.
Lovely photo. I’d love to hang it in my office for daydreaming purposes. 🙂 March 12, 2015 at 2:31pm
Victoria: This is what I kept thinking as I wore Spirituelle. I like dark roses, but often, I can’t pull them off because they feel too rich, too distracting. Spirituelle, on the other hand, doesn’t. It’s interesting, but it’s not too dramatic and overwhelming.
Glad that you like the photo! March 13, 2015 at 10:20am
Karen: Oh no! Just as I am smelling my just-arrived Rose Flash by Andy Tauer and a tiny sample spot of Lyric, you have added another rose that sounds like a must have! Should I thank you?? Well, I will! Thank you for adding more brightness and beauty to a gorgeous sunny day, Perhaps spring has finally arrived!
And Rose Flash is a beauty – I detect my gallica rose – Apothecary rose, sumptious but bright. March 12, 2015 at 3:31pm
angeldiva: Hello Karen,
Oh! Happy Day! Your Rose arrived!
P.
I couldn’t resist purchasing a .33 oz. glass tube of Pacifica Sandalwood perfume roll-on!
I had a coupon at Bed Bath $ Beyond. They have much better prices than Whole Foods + you can use the $5. off coups..
So, I layered it with the Serge Lutens A La Nuit (night blooming jasmine) and Viola! it’s as enchanting as Victoria said it would be in the review!
Today On Overstock.com:
1.7 Oz. Serge Lutens
Daim Blonde
$76.99 US
& OMG they carry Phyto Hair Products, now!
P. March 13, 2015 at 12:28am
Victoria: I haven’t tried Rose Flash yet, but it sounds great. Tauer already has a couple of really nice perfumes with strong rose notes. March 13, 2015 at 10:23am
Lynn Morgan: This sounds gorgeous. I will have to cruise by Luckyscent and take a whiff. Roses are an infinite need, like cashmere sweaters, perfect pumps and chocolate. Your photo is exquisite, too! March 12, 2015 at 6:31pm
Victoria: Thank you!
Yes on roses, cashmere, pumps and chocolate. 🙂 March 13, 2015 at 10:24am
maja: Why isn’t there a like button for this comment? 🙂 March 13, 2015 at 11:57am
angeldiva: Hi!
This is a very educational review! And, another amazing photograph. Does Texas Cedar come from Texas? If so -I’m getting a kick out of Texas being represented in this perfume.
I feel a little bit lucky that I’m not a rose perfume wearer. I mean my tastes leaf out in so many scent directions, that I can save a bit of money on the rose note perfume zip codes.
But, when I smell a rose note here, and there i.e. #5 Eau Premiere- it’s sooo beautiful in the mix.
P. March 12, 2015 at 6:34pm
spe: Frequently, I smell a rose fragrance on someone and think it smells great. A woman at mass wears Lumiere pour Femme beautifully. However, I’m not usually tempted by rose oriental fragrances, thank goodness. I just purchased Rose Amazone – it’s a citrus green rose. March 13, 2015 at 12:55am
Victoria: 🙂 It’s not a cedar at all, but a type of juniper, but yes, some of it comes from Texas. Perfumes are so international in their makeup!
I also smell rose No 5 Premiere, and while it’s blended well with other ingredients, it’s a great touch. March 13, 2015 at 10:34am
angeldiva: “Give me a T for Texas!!!”
Even though I’m a Californian.
P. March 13, 2015 at 7:00pm
Victoria: You made me laugh out loud several times in this thread. Thank you for that! 🙂 March 16, 2015 at 9:57am
maja: Great photo, I was staring at it for some time. 🙂 Ah, roses, anything rose scented is a must for me, probably my favourite flower after all. I’ve heard good things about Divine and now I have to explore the line a bit. Their sample programme is quite affordable.
On the other hand, I’ve discovered another great rose recently – Aramis Rose Calligraphy. I find it well made and really deep and balsamic. Great for colder time. I’ll think I’ll spray a bit this evening. 🙂 March 13, 2015 at 11:56am
Tati: I just discovered the Aramis rose and love it! Bought a back-up bottle it’s so well priced. March 13, 2015 at 1:18pm
Victoria: I haven’t tried Rose Calligraphy yet, but it’s on my list. It’s one of those fragrances that sounds so good, and your description only makes it seem even better. 🙂 March 16, 2015 at 9:51am
Cate: Victoria, I can’t find this scent (or Dinard) on LuckyScent or Perfumed Court. Do you know of another US distributor? This sounds like one I’d like to try — oh, let’s face it, your reviews make me want to try everything… March 13, 2015 at 5:12pm
Victoria: Perhaps, directly at Divine? They have a good sample program. Or maybe it only means that Luckyscent will get it a little bit later. March 16, 2015 at 9:55am
Tara C: I couldn’t find it on Luckyscent either. They carry the line but apparently not this scent. March 13, 2015 at 10:40pm
Victoria: Perhaps, they will get it later? I hope so, because it’s one of Divine’s best. March 16, 2015 at 9:58am
Raquel: Oh I love this picture, it looks like a painting. Congratulations. March 14, 2015 at 9:25am
Victoria: Thank you so much, Raquel. March 16, 2015 at 9:59am
Amer: This post just happens to coincide with me going through a rose phase. I have finally come to appreciate La Fille de Berlin to which I have been indifferent for so long and I am also revisiting my all time favourite Rose de Nuit. This also sounds right up my rosey alley… 🙂 March 14, 2015 at 2:07pm
Victoria: You’ve inspired me to revisit Rose de Nuit. It’s funny, it was one of the first Lutens I bought, but I bought it blindly and was very disappointed. It smelled nothing like I imagined. Now, several years later, I love it for everything I didn’t enjoy back then–woods, darkness, mossy touches, musk. March 16, 2015 at 10:03am