ROJA PARFUMS
ELYSIUM EAU INTENSE
2023
PERFUMER
Roja Dove
grapefruit
musk
rhubarb
artemisia
bergamot
lavender
lime
thyme
tuberose
apple
blackcurrant
grasse jasmine
lily-of-the-valley
rose de mai
orange blossom
black pepper
cedarwood
musk
Violet
ambergris
benzoin
cypriol
dry woody notes
galbanum
juniper
labdanum
leather
vanilla
vetiver
‘An iconic word in the perfume world, Elysium has remained an international success since launching in 2017. Expanding upon the Elysium universe, Roja Parfums are pleased to welcome a new addition to the collection: Elysium Eau Intense. Re-imagining the beloved Elysium accord, Eau Intense brings an even more refreshing experience. Uplifting the senses, it transports the wearer to a paradise of crystal waters and cloudless skies. Elysium Eau Intense – A new era for the revered Elysium experience. Reimagining the original Elysium formula, Roja Dove has intensified the Elysium experience by increasing its iconic fresh, woody and sensual characteristics. Pushing freshness a step further, the Grapefruit and Lime have been dialled up and layered with an addition of Rhubarb. This tart, sappy fruit makes the brightness appear richer and more refined, adding a succulent sensation that makes the mouth water. A note of tropical Tuberose lies in the heart of this creation. Lending volume to the fruits and connecting them in to the base, the Tuberose unfurls into the warmth of woods. Once built around Cedarwood, Eau Intense develops the complexity of Cedar with a bed of Dry Wood Notes. A considered change to the structure, Pink Pepper has been removed to welcome its more electrifying cousin, Black Pepper. The rosy warmth of the original becomes more impactful as its fresher and more woody nuances complement the intensified structure. From first spray till well into the day, Musks are the secret weapon of Elysium. Intensified for an even more compelling sensuality, Musks run the entire way through, from a weightless version in the opening to an animalic version in the base. To complete Elysium Eau Intense, Roja adds in a note of Violet. A bright and earthy material, it roots the fragrance into the natural world, giving the sensation of one’s feet standing in the Elysian fields as they gaze up at the Olympian skies.’ – Roja Parfums
That’s a whole lot of words and a whole lot of notes provided by the brand above… which hardly reflect this fragrance. That’s not to say that this is a bad fragrance, I quite enjoy it, but it’s arguably Roja’s most ‘designer’ fragrance, topping out the Elysium Parfum Cologne and Apex EDP in that regards for me.
This feels more herbal, more green than the other Elysium. It’s sharp and a tad harsh in the way aromatics sometimes are. I mainly get aromatic citrus notes, like lime and grapefruit. Mandarin is not among the listed notes, but in the mid of the wear, a mandarin-esque scent stood out to me.
What this flanker really nails is the icy freshness. Juniper is used to add this cooling, icy effect and it’s really well done. It’s also a rather long lasting freshness, but you do sacrifice some natural and smooth smelling experience for that.
As mentioned, without smelling like anything in particular, there’s a strong ‘Sephora masculine fresh designer flanker’ quality to Elysium Eau Intense. That being said, I think it’s nicer than the original Elysium and different enough to warrant its release.
I enjoyed my wearing of it, but it does not feel comparable in any way to many of the great Roja fragrances. I think the florals, which are often the star of Roja’s work, are barely noticeable; the tuberose is only the bubblegummy facet on my skin, the complexity isn’t there. This would’ve been an great release if it was a sub-100 euro Bvlgari flanker, but I don’t love this direction for the Roja brand.
