JusBox Perfumes Carioca Heart Review (Julien Rasquinet) 2023 + Chega de Saudade Giveaway

JusBox Perfumes Carioca heart

JusBox Perfumes Carioca Heart by Olya Bar©

“The charm of Copacabana, the narrow streets, happiness seasoned with a pinch of nostalgia… a beautiful dream already”. -@V-Monkeys, Milan 2020

How about an olfactory trip to Rio’s heart, a celebration of its music, beaches, night, and soul? Every spritz is like a new verse in a Bossa Nova song, full of passion, romance, and a zest for life. Master perfumer Julien Rasquinet pays tribute to the joy of life and the freedom to be oneself.

Rio via Unsplash

The first spritz of JusBox Perfumes Carioca Heart is like diving into a refreshing, citrus-infused waterfall. The primofiore lemon oil hits you with a vibrant, zesty punch as refreshing as a morning jog along Ipanema Beach. For breakfast, a basket awaits; it’s full of ripe, juicy fruits – pineapples and mangoes, sun-warmed and dripping with sweetness. It’s a tropical explosion that’s playful, lively, and in the most vivid, bright colors. As the scent settles, you’re taken to a moonlit Bossa Nova club, where romance and music intertwine. The peony in the fragrance’s heart is like a sultry singer’s voice – soft, captivating, with a hint of mystery. Then comes the twist – a blend of sandalwood and rum absolute, adding depth and warmth, like a smooth, aged cachaça warming your insides. It’s a precise mix of elegance and edginess, like a dance between lovers who know each other’s every move.

Best Bossa Nova songs

Copacabana Nightlife via Pexels. 

I want to pause briefly and pay extra attention to the rum’s absolute accord. The aroma of aged rum is a rich symphony of scents and flavors that evolve on the palate. The prolonged barrel aging imparts a distinctive oaky character, often accompanied by a toasted or charred wood flavor, adding a robust foundation to the rum. ​​The inherent sweetness of rum, derived from sugarcane or molasses, matures into deeper flavors like toffee or butterscotch, adding a rich, velvety smoothness. In some older rums, there are even undertones of leather and tobacco, adding an intriguing and sophisticated edge to the flavor profile. You often pick up on ripe banana and pineapple notes, adding a layer of fruitiness that reminds one of its tropical origins, making this the perfect heart accord for Carioca Heart. The perfume moves slowly across the olfactory palate, allowing all the complexity to unfold – the spiciness of the wood, the richness of the caramel, and the subtlety of tropical fruits intermingle.

Odeon Chega de Saudade album cover via common use

As the sun bathes Copacabana’s sea in golden light, the vibrant energy of the Carioca night greets the dawn. For the grand finale, Carioca Heart wraps you in a velvety blanket of vanilla as a creamy, decadent dessert served at a beachside café, indulgent and comforting. The blend of labdanum, operanide, and ambroxan is like the soft strumming of a guitar, a gentle rhythm that lingers long after the music has stopped. It’s sophisticated yet playful, leaving a trail of warmth and intrigue. It’s the summer of 1958, and within the lively confines of Beco das Garrafas’ clubs, a revolutionary rhythm begins to pulse. This is the era when the Odeon label immortalizes “Chega de Saudade” on a 78-rpm vinyl, a recording where the poignant emotion of “saudade” weaves a love narrative, heralding Bossa Nova’s birth.

Notes: lemon primofiore, pineapple, mango accord, peony, rhum absolute, sandalwood, vanilla extract CO2 LMR, labdanum, operanide, ambroxan.

Olya Bar, Editor

The bottle of Carioca Heart was kindly gifted to me by Twisted Lily where I am the head of Communications and Digital Strategy but opinions are always my own.

 

JusBox Perfumes Carioca Heart by Julien Rasquinet

JusBox Perfumes Carioca Heart via the brand

Thanks to the generosity of Twisted Lily we have a 78 ml bottle of JusBox Perfumes Carioca Heart for one registered reader in the USA Only. You must register or your entry will not count. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what sparks your interest based on Olya’s review and where you live. Do you have a favorite JusBox Perfume? Draw closes 12/26/2023

Please listen to this Spotify playlist created for Carioca Heart

Follow us on Instagram @cafleurebonofficial @olyabar @v_monkeys @jusboxperfumes @julienrasquinet 

Please read JusBox Perfumes Sirens & Sailors and Beat Café reviews by Lauryn Beer

JusBox Perfumes Visionary Eye review by Karl here

JusBox Use/Abuse review by Editor Emeritus, Robert Herrmann (RIP) here

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47 comments

  • tea cobb says:

    A scent inspired by Brazil, the beaches, nightlife and the music. The focus on the rum’s absolute accord with an aged rum with a pronounced oak accord. The sweet and juiciness he describes it a tropical explosion. A perfect scent for the summer. USA

  • Ramses Perez says:

    Olya hit the nail in the head with this review. I’ve been to Brazil and Copacabana and she truly captured the feelings/emotions you get being amongst the Brazilian people and sun. And if Carioca Heart it’s as Olya described here, it’s for sure gonna turn in Jusbox’s bestseller in no time (probably by January 2024). I have never tried any of Jusbox fragrances but dying to get this one! Cheers from NJ, USA.

  • Sylvia says:

    Mangoes? Juicy pineapple-vanilla dry down! Carioca Hearts perfume sounds like the perfect bottled beach vacation! I’d love to try this. Thank you!

  • FragranceIsMe says:

    Olya’s description of this Jusbox creation has me at the Copacabana…such a wonderful journey. The notes of pineapple, mango, rum, and vanilla have me longing to get this under my nose as soon as possible. In the meantime, I’ll be listening to Bossa Nova 🙂
    USA

  • MatthewKeilwitz says:

    Living on the cusp of the tropics often makes me yearn for something a bit more “pure.” Human nature tends to push us to chase a traditional ideal. Perhaps it’s nostalgia for the way the palm trees that I watched in Hawaii 5-0 reruns made me feel as a child that I’m yearning for, or that certain hue of Vinoy Pink on an old hotel postcard that’s inspired a lust for that simple postwar, mid-century modernity? Or maybe it’s Carioca Heart that I seek? Would an homage to the spirit of Tiki cure my fernweh?

    Anemoia is such a strange phenomenon. Even stranger still is the fact that a scent can transport us to times and places that we’ve never witnessed, or perhaps never even existed. Nevertheless, I’d certainly love to give it a try.

    FL, USA

  • johnmadison says:

    JusBox is one of my favorite lines as of late, and Carioca Heart sounds fabulous and definitely one I would love to add to my fragrance wardrobe. A citrus infused waterfall, absolutely heaven. Thank you for the review, Olya and this great draw!
    John from USA

  • Eg6964 says:

    Rum, toffee, leather and tobacco are fantastic notes, and this review describes them in a way that makes me want to absolutely try this fragrance. I would love that opportunity. I live in CT, US.

  • Karen Ruano says:

    What sparked my interested was in reading this review it literally took me to the streets of Copacabana. I was thinking about relaxing in the sun and having fun with a nice pineapple and mango tropical drink! I would be super excited to win this! I live in New Jersey!

  • NewSmells says:

    Beautifully descriptive review by Olya. Really into citrus fragrances currently and the Carioca Heart‘s blend of notes really caught my eye. The notes in sound incredible and well matched with each other, and I’m very curious about the lemon primofiore. First time learning about JusBox Perfumes so unable to choose a favorite, but will definitely be in my radar.
    From TX, USA!

  • C K says:

    I enjoyed Olya’s review of JusBox Perfumes Carioca Heart. The scent sounds interesting and has some notes i enjoy. What struck my interest the most was her description of the complexities of rum and the rum accord in Carioca Heart. I don’t have a favorite JusBox currently. Thanks for the generous draw from the U.S.

  • David Furman says:

    This sounds lively and sacred. From the opening of the article I was stuck at how vivid Olya’s interpretation of this. Jusbox is new to me, never smelt or experienced the fun qualities of this brand. Heard nothing but great things and this is one I may go out on the limb for a blind buy. Thank you for your creativity and mindfulness each and Everytime. From Jacksonville, NC

  • ianbradleyandrews says:

    Jusbox is one of my favorite house and Julian one of my favorite perfumers. I love aged rum. So this sounds like it would be a favorite of mine. I’d love to win and live in Indiana.

  • Melissa says:

    I’ve never heard the complexities of rum described quite this way. It’s intriguing and it immediately made me want to try this fragrance. I’ve never tried anything by JusBox either, so this is doubly tempting. I’m in the US.

  • Steve A says:

    My interest was sparked by the undertones of leather and tobacco paired with the ripe banana and pineapple notes. US

  • roblexky says:

    A fruity floral with a rum note sounds amazing. Count me in! I am ready for summer and it’s still December! This would definitely speed things along. Ky/USA.. I haven’t yet experienced any other offerings from JusBox.

  • Dosva says:

    Bravo Olya for this beautiful review!
    Sounds really amazing! Haven’t been in Brazil but this description made me want to visit Brazil and have this tropical and fruity beauty full of happiness in my collection! Unfortunately not familiar with JusBox.
    US, DE

  • Marlene says:

    I love everthing about olya’s review of Carioca Heart. Big jusbox fan as my favorite Use /Abuse. Tropics sound great and Julien Rasquient can’t do anything but a fabulous fragrance. Thanks for the chance USA

  • Sngash says:

    Being familiar and absolutely loving some of Julien Rasquinet’s creations (notably Royal Oud for Creed and Russian Tea for Masque Milano), any review of his work instantly grabs my attention. Thank you Olya for this review and it sounds like Carioca Heart captures the essence of what I imagine of Brazil having been to different tropical paradises. I’m in TX USA

  • Venus says:

    “The perfume moves slowly across the olfactory palate, allowing all the complexity to unfold – the spiciness of the wood, the richness of the caramel, and the subtlety of tropical fruits intermingle.“ Oh I would love to experience how the note unfolds. Carioca Heart has been on my wishlist for a long time and I would love to wear this in summer. If I get to win this giveaway, it would be the perfect Christmas gift! Happy Holidays from Seattle WA, USA!

  • skye says:

    I was in Rio many years ago but Brazil certainly has a rhythmic vibe all its own that makes you want to stay. The tropical fruit and flowers plus the rum accord definitely says Carnivale to me. The labdanum, operanide and ambroxan base “like the soft strumming of a guitar” speaks to the softer side, I’m in MD, USA.

  • Frank G says:

    The way the notes evoke imagery of diving into a waterfall, taking a jog along a beach, partaking in a moonlit Bossa Nova club, the sultry singers voice, a decadent dessert served at a beachside café, peaked my interest. I’ve never tried any JusBox Perfumes. Thank you for the opportunity. New York, USA.

  • AlisaA says:

    So beautiful description! I think this perfume can really cheer up !
    Pineapple, mango, sandalwood and vanilla- would be like amazing fruity perfume!
    Haven’t tested any JusBox, but this sounds beautiful.
    US

  • WaltherP99 says:

    I’ve been a fan of Chiara and Andrea Valdo for a long time, the CEOs and masterminds behind Jusbox Perfumes , Costume National and V-Monkeys lab . I know all Jusbox Perfumes fragrance, including Carioca Heart, and if I have to rate my favorite ones:
    1. Golden Serenade
    2. Carioca Heart
    3. Beat Cafe
    Carioca Heart surprised me in a good way, it’s modern in a good way, delicious, joyful and so Carioca . I fully agree with Olya today, Carioca Heart is mouthwatering juicy fruity, leaning on the mango and pineapple , peony , rum and party time .
    I’m a big time fragrance nurd, but also teetotaller and I really enjoyed the extra rum information I was not aware of , thank you Olya for sharing it with us.
    All profiles I already follow, @waltherp99bg
    Thanks a lot
    USA

  • glowup says:

    Waterfalls are my favorite so if at first spray it transports you there then that’s exactly what I need. Always wanted to visit Brazil, this may get close for now, at least until I actually go.

    Indiana USA

  • Giovannip says:

    The beginning of it sounds amazing I love citrus and it sounds just amazing, my favorite form them is good morning, fom Washington.

  • AromaDulce73 says:

    Don’t have any JusBox fragrances in my collection. This would be a great one to have. I’m a big fan on Brazilian music & culture. The notes of fruit, rum & tobacco all sounds so good to me, especially pineapple.

    Los Angeles CA USA

  • roxhas1cat says:

    That rum sounds fine tuned. Take me back to 1958!!! this fragrance sounds amazing. The night life in Rio is where I’d love to be in This dreary beginning of winter. I have not smelled any from this line. Thank you for the chance. USA.

  • SocialQus says:

    This fragrance sounds like a tropical mojito in a bottle. I can’t wait to get my nose on it. USA

  • bigpapa says:

    Great review. I always like a fragrance that takes you on a journey as it evolves on your skin. I like that the rum gives off more of its fruiter nuances instead of being just a “boozy” note. NYC

  • bhernandez says:

    Oh my. This sounds delicious.
    The trip to Brazil through the description of JusBox Perfumes Carioca Heart was a lovely ride.

    Happy holidays to all Çafleurebon team.
    From Massachusetts.

  • foreverscents says:

    I spend a lot of time in Brazil, and Olya’s review most certainly captured the zest for life that every Carioca has. I love that Carioca Heart, in its grand finale, suggests the soft strumming of a bossanova guitar. How interesting that this fragrance starts with a fruity splash and then ends with comforting vanilla and labdanum.
    I haven’t tried any fragrance from JusBox, but I have heard great things about Green Bubble, the tribute to reggae music.
    I live in the USA.

  • IvanVelikov says:

    Jusbox Perfumes is one of those brands who’s owners think outside of the box . Beat Cafe i discovered at the tailor store while working with a client , he smelled so good i had to ask him what he’s wearing . The composition impressed me so much , I had to buy it it too.
    From Carioca Heart i expect really good sweet, and juicy fruity gourmand, all the unique older rum nuances Olya Bar told us about, Brazilian vibe ,and it’s important that just like Beat Cafe with Dominique Ropion , is made by one of the best perfumers in the world , Julien Rasquinet.
    Thank you Olya Bar, JusBox Perfumes
    USA

  • Gig84 says:

    I don’t know much about Rio de Janeiro music scene to be honest, but I know Jubox , quite a funky and interesting brand with different size bottles, design. I like all the unique things they do bring to the table. Of course not every fragrance is appealing to me , but Green Bubble, Night Flow , Beat Cafe , Golden Serenade, Siren & Sailors are all really good.
    In Carioca Heart I like the passionate look on juicy pineapples and mango , the subtle oaky character, toffee sweetness, and the older rums cuddling touch.
    My favorite Jusbox fragrance is Golden Serenade
    Thanks for the draw
    USA

  • mmerline says:

    Carioca Heart sounds like a fun take on tropical fragrances. A strong lemon note can be really refreshing and some bright, tropical fruit will be a nice shot of joy on dreary days. The rum accord sounds like the standout aspect of this JusBox fragrance—woody, smoothly sweet, and textured—especially over that comforting vanilla, labdanum, operanide, and ambroxan blend.

    I’m in the USA. I haven’t tried any JusBox perfumes.

  • James David says:

    Carioca heart sounds like it smells delicious! Very tropical with notes of rum. Sounds great! Never had a jusbox fragrance before. I live in Maryland, USA

  • dagod44 says:

    What an amazing description of a captivating fragrance! I’ll surely get a sample bc the fruity rum vanilla combo has me more than intrigued. Don’t have any samples from this house yet.
    New Jersey, USA

  • Vahagn says:

    Beautiful review !
    Leather and tobacco with rum and toffee are amazing combination of notes.
    This review describes them in a way that makes me want to try this fragrance. This perfume seems really has tropical happines and sunny vibes.
    Would like to have this perfume. I am not familiar with JusBox.
    USA, DE

  • Uncle1979 says:

    Music , touches , feelings from adifferent timeline , and also unique bottles and timeline to be inspired from. Jusbox is a house everyone should try.
    Olya Bar take on Carioca Heart made me think of being in Rio de Janeiro, making Mango and Caramel Cheesecake , drizzled with Rum and later on eating it on the beach with freshly squeezed pineapple juice, enjoying the atmosphere , and the music from the local performers.
    I know he’s no longer part of Cafleurebon for a few years now , but aftet watching Sebastian Yara Green Bubble video for Cafleurebon, I bought Jusbox discovery set from Twisted Lily , I think it was right around the time when merging with Europerfumes happened .
    In my Pastry Chef mind I do believe the two best Jusbox fragrances are Beat Cafe and Golden Serenade
    Appreciate the uplifting review, and the giveaway campaign
    USA

  • jpark says:

    The immersive journey described in Olya Bar’s review of JusBox Perfumes Carioca Heart is nothing short of a captivating olfactory symphony, masterfully composed by the talented Julien Rasquinet, one of my favorite perfumers. As an avid lover of Bossa Nova, I find the parallel drawn between the fragrance and the soulful Brazilian music genre truly interesting.

    Bossa Nova, with its smooth rhythms and heartfelt melodies, has always been a personal favorite, and the mention of the moonlit Bossa Nova club in the fragrance’s narrative immediately transports me to the intimate, rhythmic ambiance of classics like Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “The Girl from Ipanema” or João Gilberto’s “Chega de Saudade.” The comparison of the peony in the fragrance to a sultry singer’s voice adds a poetic touch, reflecting the sensuality and mystery inherent in Bossa Nova music.

    The meticulous attention to detail in describing each phase of the fragrance mirrors the complexity and evolution of Bossa Nova compositions. The initial burst of primofiore lemon oil, reminiscent of a refreshing waterfall, reflects how uplifting Bossa Nova melodies can be. The tropical explosion of pineapples and mangoes evokes the vibrant, colorful spirit of Brazil, akin to the lively beats of Bossa Nova’s instrumentation.

    The incorporation of rum absolute in the heart accord is also something worth noting as brilliant, reminiscent of the rich, layered notes found in a well-aged rum. This nuanced blend of wood, caramel, and tropical fruits perfectly captures the multifaceted essence of Bossa Nova, where diverse elements harmonize to create a sophisticated and enchanting experience.

    The grand finale, with its velvety blanket of vanilla and the blend of labdanum, operanide, and ambroxan, beautifully mirrors the lingering warmth and intrigue that Bossa Nova leaves in one’s soul, while grounding it in modernity. The comparison to a creamy, decadent dessert at a beachside café is a sensory delight, invoking the indulgence and comfort one feels when immersed in the timeless melodies of Bossa Nova.

    As a Bossa Nova enthusiast, I am genuinely intrigued by the prospect of experiencing this fragrance and letting it transport me to the sun-drenched beaches and soul-stirring rhythms of Rio de Janeiro. I reside in New York,, and my fingers are crossed for the opportunity to experience Carioca Heart! Jusbox has been on my radar for a longtime, from the easter egg of making their bottles 78 mL, to each fragrance somehow perfectly representing a certain genre. It is such a unique and playful idea of a fragrance house that I would love to finally say I own.

  • Emily says:

    Ouh! This review sparks a longing for summer vibes! I’m usually more of a woody/earthy kind of person but I’ve really been wanting to lean into a bright citrus!
    Iowa, USA

  • Lisa Collins says:

    I’ve been to Brazil so I can really conjure that scent memory from the description, so I can’t wait to get my nose on this one. I live in the South of the USA

  • wallygator88 says:

    THanks for the nice review, Olya!

    The enchanting portrayal of JusBox Perfumes’ Carioca Heart in your writing exquisitely captures the essence of a sensory journey through the vibrant spirit of Rio de Janeiro. The vivid description unfolds like verses in a Bossa Nova song, weaving passion, romance, and a zest for life with each spritz of the fragrance.

    I enjoyed reading about the portrayal of the tropical explosion of ripe pineapples and mangoes, dripping with sun-warmed sweetness, creating a vivid imagery of vibrant, playful colors. The transition to a moonlit Bossa Nova club, intertwined with the sultry essence of peony and the depth of sandalwood and rum absolute, beautifully mirrors the dance between elegance and edginess.

    I haven’t had a chance to smell anything from this brand.

    Cheers from WI, USA

  • Bubeto_GG says:

    I can’t get enough of Olya Bar reviews , I just can’t , not to mention she’s a liquor lover and connoisseur like me 🙂
    The Jusbox bottles are really nice especially the vinyl cap . What i like about the brand is the fact they follow their own path , and do not follow trends .
    My favorite Jusbox is Siren & Sailors.Peachy , boozy , musky scent inspired by the late Amy Winehouse RIP.
    Hello Carioca, Hello Rio de Janeiro and mouthwatering fruity concoction called Carioca Heart. Music , beaches, molasses, caramel , basket full of fruits and Olya lecturing all about, I’m so impressed by the energy coming from Carioca Heart ❤ We all love Julien Rasquinet too .
    Lovely opportunity , thank you
    USA

  • petergigov says:

    Jusbox Perfumes Carioca Heart i have not smelled, but Black Powder i own . Dense, dark and sweet fruity leather , with high compliment factor. I’m a vain guy, and Black Powder is one of my most complimented fragrances ever.
    I wonder how good Carioca Heart is if even Olya is thrilled? Her review was like a trip to the Ipanema Beach with a big bowl of dripping sweet tropical fruits, good music and aged cachaça warming me even more from inside.
    Overly exciting giveaway, USA
    Regards

  • Michael Prince says:

    What sparks my interest based on Olya’s review of JusBox Perfumes Caricoa Heart. The combination of fruity notes as well as the sweet and resinous enveloping vanilla sounds truly amazing. I love how Olya can describe this amazing fragrance in perfect detail. I am from the USA.

  • lavieest says:

    Well all fragrances that have summer vibes attract me. Getting ready for a vacation in a hot island I would love to pick this baby with me. Hopefully my review will be counted.
    If not thanks for a great review Olya.
    Live in USA