Kenzo 2010 EDT

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Once Upon a Time pour Femme

by Christine Nagel , Benoist Lapouza

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Kenzo Once Upon a Time pour Femme is an Eau de Toilette launched in 2010, created by Christine Nagel and Benoist Lapouza. Once Upon a Time pour Femme opens with Rose and Magnolia, settles into a heart of Peony and Freesia, and dries down to a base of Woody Notes, Musk, Amber, and Sandalwood. Kenzo's Once Upon a Time pour Femme carries a Favourite verdict, a floral-led wear.

This floral woody musk is a divisive affair. Some find it a beautifully balanced, romantic rose. Others complain it's too spicy, too woody, and just a bit odd, with some even smelling 'coke' or a 'chemical-woody composition'. It's certainly no safe blind buy.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Romantic
  • Woody
  • Mysterious
  • Warm
  • Fresh
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Once Upon a Time pour Femme Eau de Toilette bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend
Topas listed
Magnolia50%
Rose50%
Heartas listed
Freesia50%
Peony50%
Baseas listed
Amber25%
Musk25%
Sandalwood25%
Woody Notes25%

Top, heart and base are the brand's own listing, not a timing claim - the industry classifies a note by its character as much as by how fast it fades. Each curve here is modelled from that material's own volatility, so groups can overlap when a house lists long-lasting materials in its heart.

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Performance & Mood

Performance

Longevity
Moderate (4-6h)
Projection
Moderate
Intensity
Moderate

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Fall Winter
Also Works:
Summer

A cold-weather scent - best worn in winter and autumn.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal
Also Works:
Casual

Its moderate sillage and warm, woody floral composition make it suitable for dates and formal events without being overpowering. While some find it too spicy for daily wear, its softer drydown allows for casual use, though it's less suited for energetic activities.

Declarable allergens

We derive these from the materials behind this fragrance's notes, not from the bottle. Each one is likely, not confirmed. The list is partial - the box can name others.

In standard patch-test panels

  • Geraniol from Rose

Other declarable allergens

  • Sandalwood Santalol from Sandalwood
  • Synthetic musk Hexamethylindanopyran from Musk

The large name is the everyday one. The small name is the INCI form on the box, so you can compare the two. Reactions differ between people. A patch-test panel is not a ranking of risk. How we derive this

About

Imagine a rich, sweet rose blooming within a musky cloud, quickly followed by the smoky depth of sandalwood and other warm woods. This initial floral embrace, accented by magnolia and freesia, evolves into a powdery and amber-dusted base, with a subtle spicy undercurrent that adds intrigue without overwhelming. It's a journey from soft bloom to a deeper, more mysterious warmth.

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Compare & Pair

Layer

Wear two at once. See what layers well with Once Upon a Time pour Femme Eau de Toilette - the blends worth trying, and how each one scores.

Complement

Round out the rotation. See what complements Once Upon a Time pour Femme Eau de Toilette - fragrances that pair with it, worn side by side.

Where to buy

Prices for the United Kingdom ·

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Drawn from community reviews and editor-reviewed before publishing on . See our methodology and disclosure policy.