Illustration by Greg Spalenka for Impromptu Lookbook

 In 2012, Roxana Villa of Roxana Illuminated perfumes released a botanical fragrance called Impromptu, which was limited to ten ounces and is now depleted. Working from a sample of the original for scent comparison, since there was no written formula, Roxana applied her considerable skills as a natural perfumer to blend and test several compositions until she created one that honored the original, which was, like its name, impromptu. Impromptu 2014 honors the spirit of the previous version and to my nose is a more complex and multi faceted fragrance.

"Divinus" by Greg Spalenka

Beginning beautifully, the new Impromptu surrounds with a lush shadowy forest vibe exhaling alternating breaths of balsamic bliss and earth-covered wood and bracken, while held aloft by breezes laden with aromas of lemongrass, tarragon and sage, brightening the heavier atmosphere of brooding woods. Delicate mimosa and sheer ylang-ylang add floral warmth and comfort to the mix, like warm evening sunbeams flooding over needle-laden branches and tangled thickets. The smooth leathery finish adds a whisper of sweetness; all-botanical animalic notes and a good dose of resins add a softly seductive feel. Composed of 30 botanical ingredients and three accords, this Impromptu is more complex than its predecessor; but Is also more finely balanced. Roxana has added a nonchalant grace and new depth to this reconstruction, showing inspiration can strike more than once, in the same place, and lead to two completely different mutually satisfying outcomes. Sillage: good. Longevity: very good.

Photo by Greg Spalenka

I reviewed Impromptu based on three versions: pure perfume, EDP, and solid. I favor the EDP most, due to  impressive sillage and longevity. The perfume is deeper and darker, while remaining closer and more of a private pleasure. The solid perfume melts gorgeously into skin and has the added softness of beeswax and jojoba under a fine veil of woody/herbal and leather-clad sensuality.

Ingredients/notes: Chaparral accord, musk accord, woody/earthy accord, plus birch, cedar, cypress, balsams, benzoin, galbanum, labdanum, myrrh, styrax, Artemisia, bay leaves, citronella, clary sage, clove, geranium, helichrysum, myrtle, rhododendron, petit grain, tarragon, ylang-ylang, mimosa, ambrette seeds, choya, cognac, mushroom, orris and vanilla

My samples were provided by Roxana Illuminated Perfumes. Impromptu is available on the Roxana Illuminated website.

John Reasinger, Senior Editor and Natural Perfume Editor

Through the generosity of Roxana Illuminated Perfumes, we have one set of Impromptu pure perfume, EDP and perfume solid samples to give away to one US reader. To be eligible, please leave a comment stating your favorite Roxana Illuminated fragrance or what appeals to you about Impromptu. Draw will end May13^th, 2014.

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.