Paco Rabanne
Paco Rabanne Ultraviolet Eau de Parfum (Woman)
A 1999 amber floral built on peppery violet, rose and jasmine, resting on warm vanilla, patchouli and amber — a confident, slightly futuristic scent from Paco Rabanne.
Paco Rabanne Ultraviolet Eau de Parfum is a 1999 amber floral for women, created by Jacques Cavallier Belletrud and named after the brand's then-new fragrance line. It opens on a peppery, fruity accord and settles into a warm, violet-led heart with a soft amber finish.
What does Ultraviolet smell like?
The top is unusually spicy for a floral, with pepper, pimento and a touch of apricot giving it an almost metallic freshness. Violet leads the heart, backed by rose, jasmine and osmanthus, before the base settles into vanilla, patchouli, amber and cedar. The overall effect is warm and enveloping without being heavy, with a powdery, slightly futuristic character that set it apart from other florals of its time.
- Top notes: Pepper, pimento, apricot, coriander, almond, Brazilian rosewood
- Heart notes: Violet, osmanthus, rose, jasmine
- Base notes: Vanilla, patchouli, amber, cedar
Performance and when to wear it
Ultraviolet is typically long-lasting on skin, with the amber and patchouli base carrying well into the evening. It works year-round but comes into its own in cooler weather, when the warmer amber and vanilla notes have room to develop. It's a good option for evenings out or any occasion where you'd like a fragrance with genuine presence.
Who is it for?
This suits women who want a floral with more backbone than the usual soft, fruity options — the pepper and violet combination gives it an edge, while the amber base keeps it grounded and easy to wear once it settles.
Frequently asked questions
Is Paco Rabanne Ultraviolet long-lasting?+
Yes, Ultraviolet is typically long-lasting on skin. The amber, patchouli and vanilla base gives it good staying power, and it's known for holding its warm, powdery character well into the evening.
Is Ultraviolet for men or women?+
This version of Ultraviolet is formulated for women, with a peppery violet and amber character. Paco Rabanne also released a separate Ultraviolet Man with its own, different composition.
Which size should I buy?+
Ultraviolet is available here as an 80ml Eau de Parfum, which is a practical size for regular wear given how long the fragrance tends to last on skin.
At a glance
Ultraviolet by Paco Rabanne — Oriental – Oriental Floral. Launched 1999. Created by Jacques Cavallier Belletrud. Price in South Africa: R1590. Best for: date night, black tie evening, power meeting, garden party.
- Scent profile
- Oriental – Oriental Floral
- Launched
- 1999
- Perfumer
- Jacques Cavallier Belletrud
- Price in South Africa
- R1590
- Gender
- Feminine
- Best for
- Date Night, Black Tie Evening, Power Meeting, Garden Party
Main Accords
Fragrance Pyramid
How this scent unfolds on your skin
Community Opinions
Wear It When
Date Night
“Candlelight, slow conversation, and a scent trail that draws them closer.”
Black Tie Evening
“When the invitation says formal — this is what you reach for.”
Power Meeting
“Quiet confidence in a bottle. Let the work speak — the fragrance just underlines it.”
Garden Party
“Blooming hedgerows, pastel dresses, and sunlight warming bare shoulders.”
Drag the knobs to explore
This Scent Is For
Warm & enveloping — leaves an unforgettable impression.
Scent Mood
Peak season: ❄️ Winter (100%)
Spr
Sum
Aut
Win
📖 Related Reading
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Layer It With
Curated scent pairings to build a signature from Ultraviolet. Each combination is vetted by perfumers, editors, and community.
Adds an uplifting citrus accessory to anything richer — works whenever a scent feels too heavy for the weather.
Layering Tip
Spray the heavier scent first, then the lighter one on top. Start with two scents — more than three quickly becomes muddled. Always test on skin first.
How to Layer Ultraviolet
Combine Ultraviolet with these partners to create something new. Spray the heavier scent first, let it settle, then add the accent on top. These are note-based suggestions — a great starting point to experiment with.
Layer Ultraviolet with
Fragrance World Picky RoseHow: 1 spray Paco Rabanne Ultraviolet on the chest, 1 spray Fragrance World Picky Rose on top
Result: the rose chypre deepens the rose-violet heart of Ultraviolet for extra dimension
Layer Ultraviolet with
Mancera Pink RosesHow: 2 sprays Paco Rabanne Ultraviolet first, 1 spray Mancera Pink Roses on top
Result: the fruity rose extends the floral drydown while staying close to Ultraviolet's original character
AI Review Summary
Synthesised from fragrance data
Ultraviolet is one of those late-90s florals that still holds its own because it refused to play it safe — the opening pepper and pimento give it an almost metallic sharpness that catches you off guard before violet, rose and osmanthus pull it into warmer, more familiar territory. It's a floral with genuine backbone, and the amber, vanilla and patchouli base stop it from ever feeling lightweight or forgettable. The powdery, slightly futuristic character Jacques Cavallier Belletrud built into it means it wears differently to most florals of its era — there's an edge here that keeps it interesting. Reach for it in autumn and winter when the cooler air lets the amber and vanilla base fully develop, and it really comes into its own for an evening out. If you find most feminine florals too soft or too sweet, this is worth seeking out.
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