Aug 9, 2017Incentivized review
My expensive perfume.
I received a sample of this perfume and I fell in love with it. Although I couldn't afford it my children pitched in and bought it for me. I absolutely love it!!!
Superlup
53found this helpful
Details & care
What it is: A baroque, sumptuous and symphonic perfume that required hundreds of trials to balance its expressive formula.
Fragrance story: A cross between a couture evening dress and the tales of 1001 nights, Portrait of a Lady is undoubtedly the perfume containing the strongest-ever dosage of rose essence and patchouli heart. Perfumer Dominique Ropion composed an scent based on an accord of benzoin, cinnamon, sandalwood and, above all, patchouli, musk and frankincense. A perfume evocative of sensuous beauty that attracts people like a magnet. A modern classic.
Style: Woody, crisp, citrus, fruity.
Notes: Rose, red fruits, cinnamon, benzoin, incense, patchouli, sandalwood, castoreum.
Mood: Sensuous, magnetic.
- Made in France
- Item #5261742
- Core Product ID 33333423PC
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FREDERIC MALLE
In 2000, Frédéric Malle established his eponymous fragrance house, bringing together a team of celebrated perfumers to create stunning artisanal scents and bath and beauty products unparalleled elsewhere. Dedicated to a back-to-basics approach, the brand's fragrances reflect the distinct personalities of its noses, yet are all polished to perfection and free of superfluous notes.
Reviews
(207)2074.3 out of 5
Most helpful positive review
Most helpful critical review
Aug 23, 2021
just awful
great if you want everyone around you to throw up. I got it as a sample and it was so strong it stinked up the whole package. I had to take it outside because I could smell it from a mile away. Smells like old ladies and nail polish. Worst perfume ive smelled and please seek help if your walking around thinking it smells good.
nosir
39found this helpful
Customer photos
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5 stars77%
4 stars5%
3 stars3%
2 stars1%
1 star14%
Pros:
Cons:
Oct 1, 2020
Nice; but its been reformulated
I adore this fragrance; and fell in love with it the very first time that I encountered it 2 years ago. However, it is no longer the same scent-and has definitely been reformulated. It's weak and is nothing more than a skin scent. Quite disappointing considering the price. The old POAL was bold and fierce. This one? Not even close.
Verified purchase
DrJim93
134found this helpful
Feb 23, 2020Incentivized review
Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady Parfum
I received a sample of Portrait of a Lady Parfum and fell in love with the scent. Because of the cost of the fragrance I hesitated buying it, but decided "what the heck". I tried to order it last year but it was out of stock and would not be available until this year.
Finally I ordered the fragrance and had a short wait. Received it on a Monday but did not use it until Saturday - one short spray. This did not smell like the original scent which I feel in love with.
I was extremely upset that I had to return it, but it was not as excepted.
Verified purchase
Flower64
80found this helpful
Aug 9, 2017Incentivized review
My expensive perfume.
I received a sample of this perfume and I fell in love with it. Although I couldn't afford it my children pitched in and bought it for me. I absolutely love it!!!
Superlup
53found this helpful
Apr 13, 2020Incentivized review
Love this fragrance
Some may get discouraged by cost, as I was first time I bought. However, a little goes a long way; pretty much used daily and bottle (1.7 size) lasted a good 8.5 months! Plus, the compliments from strangers... can’t put a dollar sign on the added ego-booster!
Verified purchase
EverSoHappy
42found this helpful
Aug 23, 2021
just awful
great if you want everyone around you to throw up. I got it as a sample and it was so strong it stinked up the whole package. I had to take it outside because I could smell it from a mile away. Smells like old ladies and nail polish. Worst perfume ive smelled and please seek help if your walking around thinking it smells good.
nosir
39found this helpful
Jan 27, 2022
Favorite
I realize this is a blind buy for many Nordstrom customers; this fragrance is available online only for my area. So this is one where less is more; one spray does just fine and it’ll lightly scent your wardrobe overtime. I love this perfume. Others I like are Pomegranate Noir by Jo Malone and Coco Mademoiselle; if you like them, you may like this one!
Verified purchase
Hannamichele
30found this helpful
Oct 23, 2017Incentivized review
Excellent
Love it, Love it, Loooooove it! This is a very nice rose fragrance. Leaves a sweet taste in my mouth after I smell it. So glad that I purchased the large bottle. This is my favorite fragrance...right now. It's very unique.
Mikesgurl
23found this helpful
Jan 25, 2024
Show in the photo how what you are going to buy lo
The photo does not represent the product you purchased
Verified purchase
Anonymous
22found this helpful
Jan 22, 2022
Not the same formula as the sample
I ordered a sample of Portrait of a Lady directly from Frederick Malle in May of 2021. I loved it so much I asked for some for Christmas. My husband purchased the 3.4 oz bottle from Nordstrom. When I put it on I knew it was definitely not the same formula. Very harsh, with a strong clove smell! I was very disappointed. Luckily, Nordstrom allowed me to return it as it is quite pricey.
SBIndiana
21found this helpful
Oct 1, 2017Incentivized review
Sexy and Sophisticated Scent
I have been wearing this fragrance for years now. It's such a beautiful and complex perfume. I receive compliments every time I wear it.
ProShopper119
17found this helpful
Aug 9, 2017Incentivized review
lovely perfume
This perfume is well worth the price. It stays with you through the day, a beautiful, soft scent. I love it!!
yummy1
16found this helpful
July 16, 2021
OBSESSED.
My signature scent that truly does captivate all those around you with it’s sophistication and wonder. If you could put class in a bottle, this would be it. Lasts forever and smells intoxicating yet curious. Love it and love you Nordstrom!! <3!!!
jemapelledenny
15found this helpful