Pour Femme

The Verdict

Dolce&Gabbana Pour Femme, relaunched in 2012, is a fragrance that exists in the long shadow of its celebrated 1992 predecessor. Where the original was a bold floral statement, this reformulation takes a decidedly softer, sweeter approach. Created by Jean-Pierre Mary and Martine Pallix, the 2012 version leans into gourmand territory with its prominent marshmallow and raspberry notes, producing what the community describes as a sweet, feminine composition that prioritizes comfort over complexity.

Reception is genuinely divided. Fans of sweet, approachable fragrances praise its gentle beauty and excellent longevity. Critics, particularly those who remember the original, find it disappointingly safe and generic. As one reviewer noted, it represents fine-tuning rather than a true reedition, and that fine-tuning pushed the fragrance in a fundamentally different direction.

What It Smells Like

The opening delivers a gentle burst of raspberry softened by neroli and touched with tangerine citrus. There is a lightly aldehydic quality, as if powdered sugar has been sprinkled over fresh berries. The effect is immediately sweet but restrained, never veering into candy territory in the opening moments.

The heart reveals jasmine and orange blossom, though these florals play a supporting role to the fruity-gourmand theme rather than commanding attention. As the fragrance develops, marshmallow and vanilla rise from the base to become the dominant character, accompanied by soft sandalwood and powdery heliotrope. The dry-down is a warm, fluffy cloud of vanilla-marshmallow sweetness with just enough floral presence to keep it grounded. Some reviewers describe it as smelling like sun-warmed skin with a sugary softness.

When to Wear It

Pour Femme works best in casual and social settings where its sweet femininity can shine without feeling out of place. Weekend brunches, date nights, and relaxed evening gatherings are its natural habitat. The sweetness can feel overwhelming in close professional quarters, with at least one reviewer admitting to feeling self-conscious wearing it to a business meeting.

One or two sprays is generally enough, as the fragrance projects well and additional application can tip it from pleasantly sweet to overpowering.

Longevity & Projection

Performance is one of Pour Femme's genuine strengths. Most reviewers report 6-8 hours of wear time, with some experiencing up to 11 hours on their skin. Projection is moderate and appropriate, creating a noticeable but not room-filling presence. The marshmallow and vanilla base notes provide excellent lasting power, lingering as a warm skin scent well into the evening.

The Community Says

On Fragrantica and beauty forums, Pour Femme attracts a younger audience who appreciate its sweet, easy-wearing character. Those familiar with the 1992 original tend to be more critical, noting that the reformulation traded sophistication for accessibility. The fragrance is frequently described as beautiful but lacking personality, a well-made composition that plays it safe. Some compare its dry-down unfavorably to scented candles, while others celebrate exactly that cozy quality.

Who Should Buy This

Pour Femme is well suited for women who enjoy sweet, marshmallow-forward gourmand fragrances with floral undertones. It makes an excellent casual-wear fragrance for those who want something feminine and comforting without being overly complex. Newcomers to designer fragrances will find it immediately appealing. However, fans of the original 1992 version should approach with adjusted expectations, as this is essentially a different fragrance sharing a name.

The Bottom Line

Dolce&Gabbana Pour Femme 2012 delivers a competent, sweet floral gourmand with solid longevity, but it struggles to distinguish itself in a crowded market and disappoints those expecting the spirit of the original.