Ralph Lauren Romance Always Yours: Perfume Review

It has been ten years since I smelled the original Romance. And frankly, the only reason I was curious to try the "new chapter of everlasting love", Romance Always Yours, was ...advertising, the print ad and the TV commercial, both featuring my favorite Valentina Zelyaeva. It might be that I am more of a sucker than I imagined or it might be that I am just in a mood for this running-with-wind-in-wavy-hair-to-prince-on-white-horse kind of imagery, but they worked. I am also apparently in a mood for fresher scents than I usually am and for more...how shall I put this?...conventionally pretty ones than I usually choose. I will admit that I don't remember the first Romance all that well, but it seems to me that Always Yours is spicier, creamier and muskier than the original. Ginger and freesia are the first notes I smell and this dazzling-pink accord stays in the forefront for the duration of the fragrance on my skin (and let me tell you, Always Yours is truly everlasting). Rose makes the floral blend sweeter, while what I imagine is lily freshens it considerably. I could easily do without that much freshness, but I suppose it goes with the "conventionally pretty" territory and with Ralph Lauren brand image in general. I like the clean floral muskiness of the drydown...Always Yours is not, I repeat, not what I would wear on any sort of consistent basis, simply because I won't have that many perfect occasions to do so (see below), but I am rather drawn to its classic and approachable prettiness. This is a perfume to choose for a first day with somebody who, you suspect, is not that much into perfume. Or to meet the guy's conservative parents. Or to marry the said boy in a traditional sort of ceremony. If you foresee any of the above happening in your life, look for Romance Always Yours at department stores, $60.00-$72.00 for Elixir de Parfum, $225.00 for Parfum. The image, by Bruce Weber, is courtesy of Ralph Lauren.