BLV Eau de Parfum II

The Verdict

Bvlgari BLV Eau de Parfum II is one of Jacques Cavallier Belletrud's more adventurous designer compositions -- a 2009 oriental floral that opens with a genuinely stunning combination of candied violet and star anise before gradually revealing its powdery iris heart. The perfumer himself stated he wanted to offer "a rich, clear and sophisticated fragrance which expresses quality of the house of Bvlgari" rather than recreating the transparent aromas of the 1990s. On that first count, he succeeded beautifully. On the second -- rich and lasting -- the fragrance unfortunately falls short.

BLV II is a fragrance that generates strong first impressions. The opening minutes are frequently described as divine, original, and genuinely captivating. The problem is that the magic fades relatively quickly, leaving behind a progressively softer and more watercolor version of what began so promisingly. Its discontinued status adds bittersweet irony to a fragrance already defined by fleeting beauty.

What It Smells Like

The opening is BLV II's crowning achievement. Violet and star anise combine in a candied, almost confectionery accord that is immediately captivating. Licorice deepens the anise quality, adding a dark sweetness, while mandarin orange provides citrus brightness that prevents the sweetness from becoming cloying. The effect is both likable and genuinely different -- clean and pretty while simultaneously unexpected.

The heart transitions into powdery sophistication as iris takes center stage. Patchouli and vetiver provide earthy depth, though reviewers note these notes become increasingly diluted as the fragrance develops. The iris accord is the best part of the mid-development, adding a refined, cosmetic elegance that bridges the playful opening and the softer base.

The base layers amber, benzoin, and tonka bean with labdanum, musk, and cotton flower. On paper this should be a warm, enveloping finish, but in practice the base becomes noticeably softer and more watery, losing much of the opening's vibrancy. The cotton flower adds a clean, laundry-like freshness that reads as pleasant but unremarkable.

When to Wear It

BLV II is a daytime fragrance best suited for spring and summer. Its violet-anise character feels particularly appropriate for the transition from cool spring mornings to warm afternoons. The powdery quality makes it naturally office-friendly, and its moderate-to-weak projection ensures it will not disturb colleagues.

The fragrance can handle hot and humid weather reasonably well, maintaining its fresh quality when heavier compositions might become oppressive. Evening wear is possible but the limited performance makes it better suited for shorter afternoon or daytime engagements.

Longevity & Projection

Performance is BLV II's most consistent weakness and the primary reason cited for its discontinuation. Reports range dramatically: some wearers achieve a respectable 8 hours from a single spritz with moderate sillage, while others describe the longevity as "non-existent." The community average settles around 4 to 5 hours, with the distinctive opening accord lasting about 1 to 2 hours before the composition becomes noticeably thinner.

Paradoxically, the fragrance can feel overwhelming with too many sprays despite its weak lasting power. The concentrated anise-violet opening is strong enough to saturate a close space when over-applied, even though it fades quickly afterward. One to three sprays is the recommended range.

The Community Says

The community appreciates BLV II's creativity while lamenting its performance. Fragrantica reviewers praise the candied violet and anise combination as "divine" and describe the opening as both unique and beautiful. Basenotes contributors highlight the iris heart as the composition's most sophisticated element, though they note the patchouli and vetiver become "so diluted they are barely there." Female Daily reviewers describe it as more spicy than floral, with a character that can get overwhelming with heavy application. The prevailing sentiment across Parfumo and other platforms is that BLV II is a beautifully conceived fragrance let down by its execution in terms of lasting power -- a common frustration with Cavallier's designer-budget creations from this period.

Who Should Buy This

BLV II is a worthwhile discovery for those who appreciate unusual violet and anise pairings in perfumery and who prioritize unique character over raw performance. If you are drawn to powdery, spicy-sweet floral compositions and do not mind reapplying throughout the day, the candied violet opening alone justifies experiencing this fragrance. It also makes an interesting study piece for fans of Jacques Cavallier's work before his move to Louis Vuitton.

Those who need dependable all-day wear or who dislike anise and licorice notes should pass. The performance inconsistency means sampling before committing to a full bottle is essential.

The Bottom Line

Bvlgari BLV Eau de Parfum II is a fragrance of beautiful contradictions -- an opening that captivates and a drydown that disappoints, a composition that feels both creative and incomplete. Jacques Cavallier crafted something genuinely original in the candied violet-anise accord, and for those brief, magical minutes when it is at its best, BLV II earns every word of praise it receives. That the magic does not last long enough is its tragedy, but it is a tragedy worth experiencing at least once.