Paco Rabanne Ultraviolet Eau de Parfum (Woman)

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.