Reference

Reference opens with a zesty rush of lemon verbena, orange, lemon and bergamot - the bright unisex-leaning top that gives Roja Dove's Innuendo its sunny lift. A honeyed ylang-ylang dominates the heart alongside violet, may rose and jasmine, before the base warms with orris, tonka, sandalwood, labdanum and musk. Where the original is prized for distinguishable, high-quality materials, this budget take blurs them together: the citrus is recognisable but the florals turn slightly generic and the woody base sits closer to the skin. It remains a pretty, elegant floral-woody musk for spring and autumn, suiting the office, formal events and dates, just without the depth and projection of the luxury original.