Beguiled

The Verdict

Roja Dove's Beguiled, introduced in 2015 and composed by the master perfumer himself, is a fragrance that lives up to its name. Reviewers consistently describe it as a composition that "oozes elegance and decadence," the kind of perfume that makes people stop and ask, "What is that?" Roja Dove conceived it as the scent equivalent of a mermaid's song: "sweet and enticing," crafted from precious raw materials with natural aphrodisiac qualities.

The fragrance delivers genuine luxury and complexity, though its steep price tag and variable longevity reports prevent it from achieving universal acclaim. For those who can afford it and appreciate opulent florals, Beguiled offers a genuinely beguiling experience.

What It Smells Like

Beguiled opens with a lively burst of bergamot, lemon, and tangerine that feels bright and uplifting. The Anthoscents review describes this as a "graceful fruity incipit" that quickly transitions into the heart of the composition.

The heart is where Beguiled truly captivates, as ylang-ylang, jasmine, and rose create an opulent floral bouquet. The ylang-ylang is creamy rather than sharp, the jasmine adds indolic depth, and the rose provides classical elegance. Reviewers note a fascinating duality: the composition is "clean on one hand yet something turns your head with the animalic, musky, dirty presence" that is "not offensive in the least, more intriguing."

The base layers sandalwood, patchouli, oakmoss, pink pepper, black pepper, and orris root into a complex, enveloping foundation. The raspberry leaf accord adds what Anthoscents calls "a sophisticated modern twist," with an aromatic quality "vaguely reminiscent of black tea" that distinguishes Beguiled from conventional floral compositions.

When to Wear It

Beguiled is an evening and special occasion fragrance. Its opulence and sillage make it best suited to cooler weather and indoor events. Multiple reviewers warn against wearing it on very hot days, when the heavy sillage can become overwhelming. Romantic dinners, cocktail parties, and cultural events provide the ideal backdrop for its seductive character.

Longevity & Projection

Longevity reports are the most inconsistent aspect of Beguiled's profile. Some reviewers report excellent staying power of eight to ten hours, with one Basenotes reviewer citing "moderate sillage, very good projection, and eight hours of longevity." However, others find the longevity disappointing, with one Fragrantica reviewer noting it lasts "only about 2 hours flat" and questioning whether the price is justified for such brief wear. Sillage is generally strong, particularly in warmer conditions, which suggests the parfum concentration delivers on projection even when longevity varies.

The Community Says

The Fragrantica and Basenotes communities generally praise Beguiled's artistry while debating its value proposition. One reviewer called it "the best floral scent that I have ever smelt," while another appreciated the perfumer's ability to create a scent that is simultaneously clean and provocatively sensual. The Anthoscents review highlights the unusual raspberry leaf accord as adding a "sophisticated modern twist" that elevates the composition beyond standard rose-jasmine territory. Price, however, remains a persistent concern across all forums, with reviewers questioning whether even Roja Dove's craftsmanship justifies the premium.

Who Should Buy This

Beguiled is for women who appreciate fine perfumery as an art form and are willing to invest in quality natural materials. Roja Dove enthusiasts will find it consistent with his vision of luxurious, complex compositions. Those who love opulent florals with unexpected twists, such as the raspberry leaf and pepper accords, will discover something genuinely distinctive here. However, anyone expecting reliable all-day longevity should sample extensively before committing to a full bottle.

The Bottom Line

Roja Dove's Beguiled is a genuinely captivating floral composition that delivers the kind of complexity and sensuality that only premium natural materials can achieve. Its variable longevity and eye-watering price keep it from perfection, but as an artistic statement and a special occasion indulgence, it fulfills the promise of its name.