Prada Infusion d' Iris Eau de Parfum review

          As I've mentioned in a story oft told, I embarked on a self-imposed fragrance buying ban almost a year ago (started here). It was a remarkably successful experience (ended here) that was the catalyst for perfume becoming a regular feature on Cute and Mundane. The experience also required me to step outside my comfort zone and experience scents that I normally would not choose for myself. Well into my explorations, I encountered Prada Infusion d'Iris on a top shelf, nearly out of reach. Though it might not have been love at first sniff, this green woody floral scent became rooted in my mind and slowly grew on me. A few repeat sniffs and a sample vial later, I was the proud owner of a bottle of Prada Infusion d'Iris Eau de Parfum! Infusion d'Iris will always be a special scent for me, as it marked an evolution in my pursuit of perfume.

         To celebrate this special iris-themed post, I thought it would be fun to include an iris artwork of mine! Years ago, I was quite taken with Irises* in the pages of a Van Gogh book, so I free-handed my own, albeit more cheerfully colored and proportioned, version. I really love the contrast between the green with blue of the irises and the red tinged earth in Van Gogh's original painting.

*Incidentally, Van Gogh painted Irises the same year and location as Vase with Roses --- the topic of my most recent Inspired by Art post!

          Irises have such a whimsical shape, which you can appreciate in Van Gogh's painting. They look like birds in flight, and the scent makes your heart fly too! There is some debate as to whether iris perfume is actually consistent with the flower itself, or with orris (the roots of the iris plant, commonly used in perfumes). However, generally speaking, iris is a beautiful, powdery, uplifting scent that leans a bit earthy or green.

            Iris is a beloved scent that has starred in a number of perfumes, including Prada Infusion d'Iris. Other iris-focused fragrances include greats like Chanel 28 La Pausa, Serge Lutens Iris Silver Mist, Frédéric Malle Iris Poudre, Hermès Hiris, and Acqua di Parma Iris Nobile.

Notes: Mandarin, Galbanum, Orange, Orange Blossom, Iris, Cedar, Vetiver, Incense, Benzoin.

         Prada Infusion d'Iris Eau de Parfum is a powdery green floral with a cedarwood base. The scent opens with the acrid woody resin of benzoin, a scent that has a citrus-like alacrity. (It's certainly a departure from the light fruity or floral top notes I'm used to --- a similar opening concept is found in Prada L'Eau Ambrée, which I've written about here). The benzoin goes on to prickle the nose for a couple minutes. A gradual decrescendo reveals the first signs of iris, which is accompanied by considerable soapiness and cedar. At this point the fragrance is only lightly green. The soapiness then fades into a more smooth and powdery iris. The powdery feel is plant-like and not like that of baby powder (thankfully). At this point, the green contribution of Galbanum (a fragrant resin) begins to shine. The green fragrance is level and plant-like; it's thick like the leaf-ensheathed stem of an iris, quite unlike the tartness of a sliver of grass. At the heart of the scent, one can truly appreciate the uplifting green floral feel of iris. Orange notes are scarce --- at best, sweet wisps of orange blossom are tied closely to the iris. Finally, trails of incense mixed with the vegetarian veins of cedarwood spice and earthy vetiver coexist pleasantly at the base.

            To me, Prada Infusion d'Iris channels whole irises rooted in the red earth, much like those seen in Van Gogh's Irises. The perfume showcases an uplifting powdery and feminine interpretation of the iris flower, as well as the smooth leafy green scent of the stem. At the base, we get a mixture of cedar mulch, sticks, plant detritus, and earth; it's organic but fresh, much like when nature's garden is covered in cold morning dew. It's wonderful to find a construction that feels so clean and balanced from top to bottom (or should I say from petal to root?). This clean and minimalist (though not simplistic) construction is an aesthetic of Prada perfumes that I've really come to enjoy.

            They say perfume has the power to evoke memories and transcend the senses. For me, Prada Infusion d'Iris brings forth the feelings of creative freedom I had as a child, splashing paint onto canvases with joyful abandon. Those who enjoy art can probably relate to how truly free the mind feels in those moments spent with a brush or pen. Thanks for reading! Have you tried Prada Infusion d'Iris or other Prada perfumes? Do you like iris scents? What scent makes you feel alive?

Love, Dovey.

P.S. For more of my Prada perfume reviews, check out my posts on Prada Candy and Prada L'Eau Ambrée.