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GENOFON – :
Blind bought this, bad bad idea. Too floral for my taste. Based on the reviews I was expecting it to smell delicate, airy. Oh boy nothing like that. This one is for the heavy floral lovers and the pineapple note was extremely unpleasant to my nose. Had to scrub this one, which I rarely do and give it away unfortunately.
fyi764JeomiWogkig – :
Birmane is beautifully perfect. I was lucky enough to find the perfume inside the beautiful gold atomizer it came in. I got it for a song at T.J. Max. Best blind purchase I have ever made. Now, I need to find the perfume that goes inside the gold sleeve atomizer, if they are even still. made.
I love Birmane!
vietkong777 – :
A good quality blended juice and very comfortable to wear. Unisex to my nose due to the oriental / amber/ rosewood notes. AS always, YMMV.
michaelser – :
Love this. Nice and soft, sweet, slightly woody. Very happy!
морпех – :
A very blended, warm chic sophisticated soft oriental vanilla scent, like all my scents flowery. The scent is perfectly blended, it doesn’t have an edge, only one element really pops out, but very subtly: the vanilla.
Like most of my favourite scents, it contains sweet rose. This one also contains sweet orchid and fresh bergamot, the wood, the vanilla, the tonkabean and the musk make this scent oriental. The perfectly blended combination of all the ingredients, make it a mysterious luxurious scent. I really had to look the ingredients up, to know exactly what I was smelling.
Too bad that it is discontinued:-(.
According to this site, Jaipur by Boucheron and Casmir by Chopard are comparable, so today I went down town to try to test them. I couldn’t find Jaipur at all, I did manage to find Casmir, but I really don’t see it as a suitable replacement, I don’t like it at all, it is way too sweet and smells like almond.
EDIT: Siam Flamboyant by ID parfums, that I just bought two months ago, because I just fell in love with it, also reminds me of Birmane. It is also a oriental flowerscent with vanilla. Today I wore it on purpose to compare it to Birmane. It did remind me of Birmane and also of Casmir. It is less soft and blended than Birmane, but softer than Casmir and it is sweeter than Birmane, but less sweet than Casmir. So without realising it, I, unconsciously already bought a scent that can replace my Birmane for now, that is even cheaper:-D!
bmz006Negeltzex – :
I have a mini edt, and the more I try it, the more I like it! Smells like warm, sweet (but not too sweet), baked pineapple with vanilla. There’s enough woodiness to keep it from smelling like an actual dessert, though. I like to wear it in the evening or before going to bed. I’ll probably get a full bottle for autumn and winter.
zhumahanov_erken – :
I picked up a bottle of this in the summer along with a couple of other fragrances,I remember thinking it was very nice, but not a knockout and forgot to give it a good try..
I came across it on Christmas eve, when looking for something appropriate to wear that evening, and this absolutely changed from my first perception- its actually a very special fragrance.And I agree it should be reserved for a special occasion as its ab-sol-ut-ely beautiful.Perfect for Christmas eve!
I know there are floral/fruity notes listed, but its overall projection reads like a lot of Van cleef fragrances like a superb classic well blended beauty.It just smells Divine.
Its soft, skin close , gently woody and floral,not being owned by either,classy,it doesnt have a similar smell to anything around at the moment, would make a great wedding fragrance.Has become a favourite now-ended up wearing it every day over Christmas !
Daunipaska – :
In the first half hour, the fruits stand out the most: pineapple, bergamont, something berryish and something that reminds me of a fruit called lotus! I looooove this phase of the scent, because it is like being a child again!
Then the scent evolves and seems to be brewed in woods and vanilla!
Unfortunately, after the first hour, it becomes a bit overwhelming, and i cannot avoid the association of Birmane to J’adore, which i hate…. Will retest though, and apply in different weather conditions and temperatures, because i enjoy the first hour so much!
timyk – :
A negative review, I’m afraid.
It was a blind buy, based solely on people’s reviews, and because this fragrance was being compared to my beloved Dali.
Sadly, Birmane is NOTHING like Le Roy Soleil; its suffocatingly powdery vanilla scent grabs by the throat, and I can sense little else, but this horrid vanilla grip. Could be my skin chemistry, but still- all in all it’s vary flat and heavy on me. It’s as if someone took a very old, dusty powder-puff and shook it off in front of your face.
Since I bought it, I’m gonna try combining it with some sour citrus fragrance, but if you’re not into a heavy vanilla , this perfume is not recommended :/
Edit: eager to swap 🙂
ram200elipseskism – :
This is a truly beautiful fragrance and I only wear it on special occasions as I want it to remain ‘Special’ and not everday as I never want to become weary of it like I sometimes do with perfumes I use to often.
srgbars – :
I was digging through my box of minis tonight, and I found a bottle of Birmane . . . I have no idea how or when it arrived in the box because I don’t remember ever seeing it before.
But I am SO grateful that I found it – it is wonderful!!! And this is for the edt! I never loved edts until now. I MUST get a real bottle of this, an EDP if I can find one.
I didn’t know that I was going to fall in love tonight!
zee447InsuffBooni – :
this is the one perfume I’ve been the most loyal to. I LOVE IT, nothing ever comes close to smelling this good on my skin, I’ve been wearing it for almost 11 years and I still don’t get sick of it (which happens to me a lot with scents) I’m sad they discontinued it.
Another – :
A fruity opening that I can really enjoy… It’s pleasant and perhaps a bit more floral than fruity, but the most obvious reason I enjoy it is that the opening has rosewood and I’m a hoarder for rosewood. It’s a distinctive opening and one that is unique – at least I haven’t smelled many like it. The middle accord spreads a refined floral accord. I particularly appreciate that the heliotrope comes through quite loud and heliotrope is my favorite of the floral notes of the pyramid. I get a bit of powder from the orris in the heart’s background, and that boosts a sensuality to the florals. Birmane is listed as an Oriental – Woody… the “Oriental” I agree for sure, but I don’t get much of a wood emphasis, not even in the base that lists sandalwood. What I notice is primarily vanilla, tonka, and musk… and this accord, in particular, presents that aspect of the fragrance that I, IMVHO point out: It comes across well when exhaled away from the skin but is rather too undertoned when smelled closely. Birmane is an enchanting feminine fragrance with a tender sillage and a very good staying power.
Лорд – :
Birmane EdT is a skinclose elegant and sophisticated scent. NOt loud at all, but there all around you. A comforting, warm and very female scent. No edgy or sharp notes at all. Basenote gives wonderful tonkabean, musk and vanilla on my skin. Great!
Birmane EdT är en hudnära, elegant och sofistikerad doft. Inte högljudd alls men ändå där runt dig för många timmar, en trygg, varm och väldigt feminin doft. Inga skarpa eller tunga doftnoter. Basnoten ger Mjuk tonkaböna, musk och vanilj på min hud, Suverän!
NNN1 – :
A Noble fragrance.
I recieved this beauty from a kind, lovely, genuine, and intelligent Fragrantican, Belle De Sud. I will treasure the bottle and the juice for as long as I can.
To get a perfect example of how this might smell read Sky76Sky’s review. It smells extremely similar to Cashmere Mist, but much much better, and minus the powder overload. Great for any lady, younger or older in age, as long as they are at peace with themselves, and have a playful, happy, youthful heart.
This is a very humble smelling fragrance, but you can not help but notice it.
This is the kind of Beauty that is not acquired, but the kind that was given to you as a gift from God. It is the smell of the eternal feminine, the “ideal” lady, depicted in paintings and sculptures throughout the old centuries. I automatically think of the Lady with A Unicorn tapestries; noble, humble, strong, peaceful, beautiful; a soul that shines as bright as day-True Love, True Beauty.
This is the fragrance to wear when you want to be Adored and Caressed. It is a maternal fragrance, the kind you smell and feel instantly comforted by. I love it and will keep it in my collection for as long as it is around. I hope I wear it well, the way it should be worn, and I hope all ladies can enjoy and appreciate it as much as I do.
demon650 – :
does anyone think its a little like penhaligon’s artemesia?! to me it does! not that there is anything wrong with that 😉
tars81 – :
This scent is very unusual & interesting with a lot of woodiness and depth. It is also has an oddly sweet tonka bean note & it smells a bit fruity at the same time.
Birmane smells expensive and it is. The refillable bottle I had was gorgeous!
This has a classy yet fun & mysterious aura. I love the fact that not many people wear this.
This is one that smells better away from your own skin; it might smell a bit strange on yourself, if that makes sense.
I would repurchase it if I come upon it again. I used to get compliments when I wore it.
alexfire – :
Birmane conquered its way into my heart (and skin) during the last year. In summer it was too much, I thought, so I am wearing it at times these days. Well, how I enjoy the rosewood! The sweetness of pineapple added to it and then the rose, orchid and lemon directing it towards a woody-but-fresh territory. The rosewood and the tonka are felt until the end and, when the next day I wake up in the morning, the wafts of its long gone drydown do in fact resemble Cashmere Mist, in a fresh woody manner. This perfume is unlike anything I have ever tried, it sits well with my skin and haven’t smelled it on anyone else. Worth to give it at least a try, but I myself am in love!
yih668Unlogrere – :
I have a few samples of Birmane. In my opinion it’s more like flowery oriental.
Birmane has a very good lasting power and it’s a thick creamy perfume, suitable for cold days, day and night.
Actually I see this particular scent more like a whole, not a composition of elements but I do detect orchid and heliotrope. I’m surprised there isn’t cashmere wood because I sniff something like that… maybe Brasilian rosewood with sandalwood makes a similar combination?
The scent feels a bit out-of-date, but only a bit. It’s sweet in a good measure. One complaint is a burnt note that shows up.
Edit: I want more! After some time I’ve loved it. So sad it’s so hard to find… great mature red oriental.
Edit 2: I’ve found it and I’ll pay a fortune for this (in my country it’s so rare and very expensive) because of the pretty orchid in it! (not to mention pretty ambery musk in the drydown). I had to “mature” to Birmane, I mean I always liked it but it’s grown on me and nowadays is in my top 5. Cosy, oriental, classy and mature.
Legolasik – :
I agree with JillZilla! I think it is green as well!!
olgashirina19 – :
I just can’t believe this is a woody oriental! It’s green and clean on me, it doesn’t feel oriental at all. It’s a very subtle soapy-rosewood scent, which evokes memories of shampoo for some reason.
Strange, but lovely! It’s like a therapy scent for me. I find it very calming, and it makes me feel clean.
golubenkovvv – :
Picture lounging in a chalet on bali beach. Youre sipping your iced coconut as the cool morning breeze brings the scent of orchids sitting close by. Later, you’re relaxing in a spa surrounded by water, wood and plants, wrapped in a plush and fresh smelling towel ready for some aroma therapy.
Fresh, sweet, creamy, tender, relaxing, and highley likable – BUT -this ones a real softy, means it stays close to the skin & not very good longevity (or personality for that matter). Very nice for the hot weather though.
*Thank you nathalieZ!
rolik33 – :
I used to love this back in the years, but for some reason I wore it very seldom so I don’t have trong asociation which is a good thing if I want to wear it now, but they told me it is discontinued! Why??
Birmane is truly beautiful modern oriental, with the right amount of spiciness and sandalwood&vanilla to make it smooth and creamy, less pungent than stronger traditional orientals.
A very warm, cosy, elegant scent in the line of beautiful Samsara, without even being too similar.
pazot – :
Birmane,
I LOVE IT. This is another one that I have been wearing for years. it used to be really easy to get at Macy’s etc, but now , you can only get it online. At least in the USA.
It’s interesting- When I first put it on, I get the strong rose and orchid, then, as it dries down, I get the heliotrope and lower notes.
It seems to actually CHANGE on me depending on the season. In the summer, the lower notes tend to come out more, but in cooler weather, I get more of the upper notes. I’ve never really been able to distinguish the the pineapple and lemon, but I think that maybe the sweetness in the pineapple takes the edge off the sandalwood.
While I like sandalwood as an individual scent, it is not one I wear separately. I consider it more to be one of the many notes that can go into a perfume.
IDEALLY, I like it when it is not readily identifiable in a perfume, but that it marries into the general ambiance of the scent.
There are some scents that tout the sandalwood element as part of their identity, such as Samsara, by Guerlain.
In BIRMANE, however, the sandalwood molds in with the Tonka, vanilla and music, and creates almost a gentle sweet patchouli smell. I know that there are some of you that might hate patchouli , but if you get what I mean, you’ll see that this is an entirely different entity.
Since it was introduced in 1999, I had been basically HOARDING it and I still have some of my EDT, and EDP. I’ve never seen it in the pure perfume.
Thankfully, in all the forms that I’ve seen it unfolds the same way in both the EDT, and the EDP.
There are other fragrances ( such as even the Vintage Maja where this is NOT true).
I have found that I can where BIRMANE both for Dressing up as well as everyday. A little goes a long way, and even though you don’t smell it on yourself, it really emanates all day.
At work, I have actually had people hunt me down based on my perfume trail.
Birmane is a keeper. For performances ( I’m a professional classical musician) and more formal nights out, another Van Cleef Scent that is more dressy, but has some of the same undercurrents is the perfume called VAN CLEEF.
Kudos for Birmane. I am able to still find it online AND periodically I find it in isolated stores ( not common chain stores). On line it is still available. Yes, in most places, it is still pretty expensive, BUT, the scent stays with you, no need to reapply. All the versions ( at least for me) continue to stay all day.
v.k.78 – :
Van Cleef & Arpels BIRMANE is a sweet oriental with a slightly woody finish. The florals are almost beside the point, serving as garnishes to the notable pineapple (!) and vanilla/tonka bean presence. My own guess upon initial spritz was that this perfume fell into the oriental vanilla category. Only later do the wood notes assert themselves loudly enough to be heard.
Unalloyed pineapple juice is perhaps best reserved for tropical drinks, but somehow it works in this perfume, thanks to the lemon and bergamot, which–without imparting tartness–do bring the sugar level down a notch or two. In the drydown, I still vaguely detect the pineapple note, but it is buttressed by the sober wood notes and the creamy musk.
Although the wood, citrus, and musk notes do manage to mitigate the sweetness, I think that anyone who dislikes vanilla perfumes will want to steer clear of BIRMANE. I, however, like a little sweetness and light, now and then…
Modith – :
I totally agree with sky. Its a subtle oriental, far away from the sultry, femme fatale fragrances and has a good staying power. It’s suitable for hot weather.
mexfac – :
I was expecting an oriental fragrance with far more voice, oomph & depth, but what I discovered was a truly gentle, soft & creamy scent, delicately sweetened with fruits & vanilla & possessing a slightly thick, airy quality. Simply lovely.
The perfume opens to a transparent fruitiness. This is NOT like the fruits that appear in every teen-scent these days: they are sheer, almost creamy & not at all loud or ‘sweety’. The citrus notes are wonderfully tamed – there to produce a lift rather than to appear as a seperate note in their own right. The pineapple is perfectly placed, which I would not have thought from looking at the notes alone.
The flowers in the heart of this perfume combine to produce a sweet, airy warmth – nothing too shouty, all blended expertly. I am a big fan of heliotrope & this does not disappoint. This perfume is sweet, but for me it is the kind of sweetness I enjoy: like butterscotch sauce, not boiled sweets.
As the perfume mellows, the sillage seems to increase, but remains subtle. The lasting power is reasonable. I was left with a sophisticated warm & gentle caramel fog of creamy sandalwood-vanilla & soft musk, lifted by barely-there fruits & flowers.
A relaxed, refined cashmere lean-in scent. It is not radical, ground-breaking or exceptional, per se. But it is notible for its expertly blended slice of luxury.
Those who enjoy Jaipur Saphir, Burberry Woman (original) & even Princess might enjoy this.
Active – :
nice but not special.I would not buy it.I smell all the fruits especially the pineapple,(which stays all the time on me),rosewood and thast it!
oleg20674 – :
I’m shocked at how beautiful this is. Bought it purely based on reviews and am really impressed. The fruit factor is a little weird, almost like jelly in its early stages and the lemon/rosewood combo is quite pronounced. Then as it develops it becomes really refined. A soft, fresh, light fruity oriental with good staying power. Very pretty. Reckon if this was marketed as a mainstream brand it would fly off the shelves. Wonderful.
luxor99 – :
I like this scent , i don’t think is exotic , it’s sweet but not unberable,if you wear this scent on a windy day you will never forget that day …….i had Birmane very long ago , from my grandmother , she bought this scent from france , it’s a scent that i can recognize even after all this years
sofi – :
Great oriental with a lighter touch than most. Sweet and warm, friendly and feminine without being girly or cute.
kloun_idiot – :
A beautiful scent. Fruit are quite distinct, but I would say in sun-dried condition. Base notes are beautiful, too. EDP is very long lasting.
schnqr_57 – :
Beautiful.Best fragrance of Van Cleef so far!