Chemist in the Bottle
‘Rubikona with its grand bouquet of flowers has cocooning properties that cling to your skin and envelop it like a memory of a hug from a dear person. Smoothness of ylang-ylang thanks to its richness and heady, almost tropical character creates an impression of a pastry cream of top sort. A beautiful & sensual density is born from this perfume when powdery marriage of rose petals and slightly buttery iris greet our noses with undeniable charm & elegance.’
Undina’s Looking Glass
”I do not get any vintage vibe from Rubikona but at the same time the moment I smell it I know that it is perfume in its classical meaning: it is polished and elegant and complete, without any rough edges or artistic imperfections. Recently I find myself gravitating towards this type of perfume – neither too loud nor a whisper, not obnoxious but with enough confidence, not Angel-like revolutionary but distinct enough not to have close dupes in my scent wardrobe. And Rubikona fits the narrative perfectly.”
Perfumaniac
‘The synergy of the ingredients and notes is evident from the first molecules reaching the nose. The aroma is initially fresh thanks to citruses but immediately with a creamy-floral background that gradually fades into the foreground and reveals itself on the skin in the heart, taking on a warmer, sunny, floral-cream character. The accord is absolutely integral and none of the ingredients stands out, although I have the impression that the orange blossom plays here a key role in giving this almost fruity bloom. Over time, other floral notes shows with Ylang at the fore and the carnation is giving a subtle spiciness. Base chord is equally coherent and above all very sensual. Its floral-woody-gourmandy character has been achieved primarily by iris, patchouli and notes of cream and vanilla. At this stage RUBIKONA becomes less playfull but more serious, elegant and refined. The last chord lasts for hours and smells almost constant. It is the quintessence and the olfactive signature of RUBIKONA. Unique and easy to remember with its sensuality and a kind of hypnotic depth.
This synergy of the ingredients is an element that a perfumer should strive for. RUBIKONA – as I can confirm after many tests – has all the features of a masterpiece.’
Cafleurebon – Despina Veneti
‘Generous and extroverted, Puredistance Rubikona bares its soul from the moment it touches my skin: a moist, fertile patchouli, infused with nectarous grapefruit, mandarin and bergamot, makes for a surprising, fascinating opening. A slightly metallic – yet unmistakably red – rose blooms, ready to receive the aromatic gifts of the other floral notes: the intrinsic sophistication of the iris, the carnal brightness of ylang-ylang, the motherly comfort of the orange blossom. At this point, patchouli feels like the impregnated earth from which all these beautiful flowers stem. The fragrance’s spiritual aspect is communicated by the meditative aroma of cedarwood, and a resinous, ambery aura. The delectable creaminess (owed to rich vanilla, fluffy musks and sandalwoody accents) that progressively takes over unveils the patchouli’s chocolatey nuances, leading to a long, pleasurable – crème chantilly-like – drydown.
Apart from being a stunning perfume, Puredistance Rubikona is also conceptually successful in reflecting the ruby’s aesthetic, symbolic, spiritual dimensions. Its glowing opulence embellishes the skin like a piece of stunning jewelry, while its warming energy comforts like a loved one’s embrace. Puredistance Rubikona makes me think of an Italian screen goddess like Sophia Loren: a beauty that’s at once earthy and extraordinary, projecting unaffected charm, warmth of spirit and voluptuousness that just can’t be helped.’
Odiferess
‘The pyramid structure of RUBIKONA, for me, offers its greatest treat at the close of wear. The dry down is utterly sublime. My journey lands on a soft cushiony bed of musky vanilla with a creamy hint of iris still present, offering a sophisticated nuance to the ice cream sweetness. It is at this point that I can’t keep my nose away from my wrist.
If it were to magically appear on the pages of The Essence of Perfume, I could find it in the chapter dedicated to the 70s where it would nestle alongside the syrupy patchouli archetype that was the original formulation of Givenchy Gentlemen. Maybe it could jump to the 80s and match the carnal animalic florality of YSL Kouros, or even step into 21st century to join Mugler Alien in a battle for vanilla rich headiness. Whichever era it landed in, we would certainly remember it today.’
Parfumistans blogg
‘In October 15 2020, Rubikona finally will be launched and thanks to the founder of Puredistance Jan Ewoud Vos, I’ve tested it. Does the perfume (extrait 28% perfumeoil) live up to my high expectations? Yes it really does, it exceeds them by far. This is the best constructed perfume I’ve tested for years, there are so many layers and also facetts within each layer of the perfume, a real mulitfacetted gem, the inspiration from the glowing ruby is spot on. Rubikona is now my No 1 favorite from Puredistance.’