This is a review of Roja Dove Enslaved Eau de Parfum, but it’s going to take me a moment to get there, so please bear with me.

Not long ago I heard a perfumer disparaged because his work was stale. According to the person I talked to, the perfumer had said what he had to say and wasn’t breaking any new ground with his newest fragrances. I understand this complaint, especially coming from someone who sees perfume as art. We already have so many beautiful fragrances. If you’re not adding to what’s out there, but simply creating more of the same, why bother? I won’t buy new art unless it challenges me and draws me in. I won’t stay up past midnight in a crowded club unless I know I’ll be listening to music that feels fresh and engaging. And I’m certainly tired of the landslide of berry-patchouli or screechy floral-musks out there.

Then, Friday night I was at a coworker’s going away party and I went to the bar to buy the coworker a beer. While I waited, a beefy, biker-type guy sat near me combing his long, red beard. “I like your scent,” he said.

My wrist flew to my nose as I tried to remember what it was. “It’s Jolie Madame,” I said…

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