Description
Dune symbolizes escape into the world of dreams where only peace resides; it’s a place where sun kisses the sea, rays of light gently caresses the skin and twinkle in the warm sand while the tinkling ocean breeze brings flowery wafts peony and lily. Dune was launched in 1991.
This perfume is created by Nejla Barbir and its top note includes bergamot, mandarin, palisander, aldehyde, peony and broom followed by heart note composed of jasmine, rose, ylang-ylang, lily, wallflower, lichen. Base notes are vanilla, patchouli, benzoin, sandalwood, amber, oakmoss, and musk.
Its innovative bottle with rounded edges is designed by Veronique Monod. Dune also won a 1993 Fifi award.
Bottle is available as 30, 50 and 100 ml Eau de Toilette together with Bath & Body line. Dune was created by Jean-Louis Sieuzac and Nejla Barbir.
FriniaRaw – :
I bought this perfume cuz I am always sniffing it in perfume shop. It is really strong at first but after hour or so, it dissapear or that is what I thought. I gave it to my mother. She put it around 8 am, at 4 pm it is still there on here clothes. When she walk near me, it radiates. I regret gaving Dune away 🙂 It smells divine.
obtailini – :
Sniffing this scent makes you wonder what happened to Dior in recent years. Dune Woman was and still out of this world. A piece of art with timeless quality.
Эрус – :
I used to own this more then twenty years ago. Dropped it, by accident of course, on the bathroom floor, and never bought another one. Now, however, after all these years, I bought another Dior Dune EDT, and oh my goodness it is even better then I remember it to be. To me the scent of Dune is nothing less then divine in it’s super uniqueness. On me it dries down to a soft, caressing, a little shy, but charming, close to the skin, lingering vanilla spice scent, I have fallen totally in (scent-)love with. Maybe they have changed the formula during all these years since I bought my first bottle – they possibly have – but to be honest, I do not care one bit. Sometimes change is for the better, or it could be that this beautiful scent suits me more now that I have matured and changed myself. I simply love it 🙂 It is enchanting to me
seredin83 – :
I remember the vintage version. I was ten and my mum had the set of Dior minis.I loved Miss Dior and Dune. I used to come to the bathroom secretly and dabbed my neck with this utterly beautiful scent. It was hot and full of sun, it reminded me the smell of desert. Dry, sweet, windy. It was perfect for summer days, I felt like goddess (yeah, I know I was ten haha). And for the sake of this memory, I bought myself a bottle. And I returned it right back. It was just a shadow of former self. I was so sad and disappointed, that I almost cried. Now all I have left is my memory. But it is a beautiful one.
casowdecofido – :
Like the Dior Poison line; VINTAGE or nothing at all. Try to nab a pre-2000 version at least. I can almost see this being discontinued one day. I love it, but I’m just sayin’
nikchim – :
the old version is very good, you see it, you should grab it, this new version does nothing for me, it has lost its identity and smells like dolce vita.
Wamacko – :
Dune. The iconic Dune. Utter beauty.
This is one of three fragrances I always own.
A deep wood scent that smells of a sauna. I pick up the rose. A warm happy scent with a sensual aspect. Love. Love. Love.
gij665speagoessenda – :
As a guy who rocks many fragrances marketed to women, I find Dune utterly, wonderfully unisex—the woodiness actually reminds me a lot of Dior Homme Intense. Definitely an “I can’t stop sniffing” favorite!
ekov – :
I’m dreaming with open eyes: lying naked in the sun warmed sand, wind caressing my skin with whiffs of dry herbs and woods and fine resins, vaguely do I guess flowers from a far away oasis.
Fata Morgana’s scent haunting the desert…
Amazing artful fragrance!
assured – :
I too became intrigued by Dune as a result of the backlash against Joy! Funny story: I work for a beauty retailer and get to choose a perfume every 3 months as a little bonus. Dune was second on my list, following Joy, but apparently Joy was out of stock, so I received Dune instead. And boy, am I happy about that!
There’s something about the opening I don’t love, but after 10 minutes or so it becomes a smell I want to douse myself in. It’s so elegantly sultry, like it’s not even trying to be sexy AF but it SO is.
FriendOwen – :
Takes me back to the 90s – the first perfume I ever really loved. I think I might need to get it back into my life.
sarodja89 – :
Dune is reminded me my close friend’s favorite perfume since ’90s. The smell is not too strong, not too weak for me. I love the smell when the wind blow thru her. Feel interesting person, sexy, and clever. And now, I am still love, and wearing Dune.
roma19987 – :
Dune smells like men with money and bad intentions. “No place for beginners or sensitive hearts.”
irontailor – :
Dune is a fantasy lover’s perfume. She sings…”Let me take you on a trip…around the world and back…” I love nineties Dune and while out at an Estate Sale lucky me found a vintage bottle still in the box. She was about seventy percent full. The price of $20 was perfect so I bought her. I remember going through numerous bottles of this in the nineties. The last reformulation I smelled years ago was not anywhere as rich as the nineties Dune had been so I did not even bother.
Dune seems masculine upon first spritz but then she develops into a feminine cloud of intrigue. The Rosewood, Sandalwood and Amber of vintage Dune are warm and inviting. This is not a girly girl type of perfume but more mature, sensual and mysterious. After the blast of woody notes abates it is easy to pick out the Benzoin and Vanilla which add a bit of soft sweetness to the warmth. The Aldehydes and Oakmoss are smoothed because of the slight sweetness and yet give off an Earthy dry facet that is very curious. The Mandarin Orange also adds its lightly noticeable sweetness but it is a complement mostly.
Dune morphs too as she wears. I catch whiffs of Ylang and Lily at times and at other times I smell the Vanilla and Woody notes mostly. I did notice that also on the dry down I caught some Patchouli. Very nice.
Dune is a classic and I highly recommend the nineties formulation. This is not just merely a juice that will make you “smell good”. Although it will. This is a juice that takes you on an olfactory journey from start to finish. Much like my beloved Guerlain Samsara. They are my comfort fragrances as I call them.
The longevity is outstanding and the sillage is potent then it becomes moderate with the vintage. I will go back again and test the newer formulation just to see the differences. I am so glad I found this. Definite 10+++++!
mztofree – :
Every time I see Dune on the lower shelf of Dior section in perfumery store or duty-free, I feel it’s like a queen in the exile, full of silent dignity, who’s place is taken now by the insolent courtisane with a plastic smile and the name sounding like a mock: Joy.
Пантелеймон Сковпень – :
Finally I know why everyone is enamored with Dune.
I became intrigued when Dune kept being referenced in the Dior “Joy” perfume reviews and I had never tried it. Curious, I ordered a 20% used bottle from a supplier I trust off ebay and I’m wearing it today.
I’m not going to bother trying to describe the notes other than to say its a beautiful, natural dry scent. It really is timeless as this could easily be something from a niche house today. I think this is something I will always have in my collection.
vlq751Diobtetty – :
Through out my 33 years it’s a rare day when a fragrance someone has on stops me dead in my tracks? The ones that stopped me dead in my tracks are Dior Dune, Dior Pure Poison, Perry Ellis (360) women’s, EL Beautiful, EL Spellbound, EL Youthdew/Cinnabar, Chanel N5, Chanel Coco. CK Eternity, Lancôme Tresor edp (Vintage) ,Those are the ones who had me stop dead in my tracks. CD Dune is magical and feminine yet masculine at the same time!! This is just glorious.
aicis333 – :
This is a masterpiece (obviously) lol!! Gorgeous scent could easily be unisex. also my bottle is (2010) formula. I would have no desire too smell the current formula. I will only wear Dune is vintage formula, most perfume smell there best in original formula. Great longevity, and great sillage.
gimnast_kostik – :
What an artful fragrance!
At first the scent is very pungent with aldehydes, reminding me of a fresh ocean, that mostly checks out after dry down. It paints a scene of walking down an autumn beach at dusk. Upturned sands that haven’t been walked on in months, the beach’s herbaceous flora have died off while it’s wood and shrub (sandalwood/rosewood & oakmoss) have steeped away all the salt from the ocean. The benzoin and amber mix to produce a lingering sultry balsamic resin.
Ironic that I will be wearing a frag called Dune (clearly directing attention to the beach) in the Fall. But it makes so much sense, especially because I love strolling down the beach in sweater weather.
PROFI2009 – :
If they had a 7 perfume wonders of the world, this should be ranked as first. An absolute masterpiece!
ant.v.k – :
Dune is a heavenly concoction of sandalwood, rosewood and aldehydes
truly reminiscent of desert sand…something a princess living in a clay castle could have worn
whenever I reach for Dune, I am transported to the mystical desert next to my hometown…when at night you get to see millions of shining stars and the dancing spiral of milky way….away from the city lights and sounds…feeling closer to the Divine Creator and one with our beautiful universe
Phaphypaf – :
In short, jewels do not need explanation and description, this fragrance is priceless
maxigek – :
“Dune symbolizes escape into the world of dreams where only peace resides”… Indeed. To my mind, this is a modern masterpiece, meditation, past lives and heavenly incense. From beginning to end, it is warm but light, oriental but not cloying, and sweetly smooth as silk. Could be worn by any gender. As another reviewer wrote, I never want to be without this. It is in my top 10 scents of all time.
opusvic – :
The dry down of this is almost identical to Cartier Du Dragon. I like them both but the opening of Dragon, Holy Cow! Hope no one gets around me the first 15 minutes… lol.
shvv48 – :
This fragrance is almost a holy experience for me, akin to the beautiful scents used in church…I first tried it when I was visiting a friend who lives on an island off the northern coast of France..When I first opened the bottle, I was stunned, never having found anything else as perfect for my taste..It is not sweet, but it is soft, alluring, and it makes me feel so peaceful and happy…I intend to have bottles of this around as long as I live, and I hope that it will continue to be on the market forever…
iton83 – :
My love affair with this is long and enduring.
I actually forgot about this gorgeous fragrance for some time, but we are now happily reunited. Dune transports me right back to the 90’s and my youth. I love the opening, and the dry down. Am just fine wearing this all year, but I enjoy it most in Summer.
Totally classic.
GerzogX – :
One of the best perfumes ever made.Unfortunately i can’t pick the different notes apart.All i can detect is rosewood,patchouli,benzoin,oakmoss,amber and maybe some jasmine.I came across this gem when looking for perfumes that remind me of desert..or middle East but without being too heavy or contain oud in them.HONESTLY this is my favourite Dior perfume.I hope that the brand will never discontinue it.Whenever i spray it on my skin i feel that i am part of 1001 nights,or i am inside the imperial harem or in a desert.It is so inviting but not in the ”sexy”way…definately not an innocent one!!! something a witch or a queen in the East would wear.It’s vintage but not grandma-like.On me it feels like Shalimar but not so heady and heavy.This is not for everyone.I am 23 and i think that women above 30 can wear this,but i can support it very well so i don’t care.Any way i am glad because i found what i was looking for.
Amphicion – :
The moment I open the box, mmmm spice, is it cardamom?.. ahhh so beautiful.: on my skin it is warm and heady, definitely floral.. a little soapy. It then softens into sweet barely there floral skin scent. Smells vintage on clothes. I am definitely keeping this bottle for my collection. Well done Dior!
kouritsaf – :
WOW DUNE! I was so impressed with the reviews on this site that I went to seek it out at the local Macy’s counter.Arid desert winds fragrant with exotic woody tones mixed with promises of cool saltwater sea just beyond the next dry dune.Fingers wrapping round the bottle, lifting it purposefully, with quiet expectation I breathed in the magic…to be transported….to ……..,face in the ashtray of dead Marlboro 100s.
YIKES . Worst “perfume” Ive ever inhaled. I’m finding scent identification to be completely RANDOM. This fragrance to me is straight up ashtray…nothing else. No tobacco, no warm sand ,no salt sea Life’s an adventure!
KlarkDibling – :
To Christian Dior,
Please bring back Dune SUN and Sweet Sun!!!
It is not fair to tease us like this and then deprive us of something we loved..It’s torture!
NutOwewshouts – :
I have great memories of this perfume growing up. It is sublimely unique & exotic.
It literally transports me to a happy place.
Need to go see if I can buy some and go back down memory lane 🙂
Maz535 – :
Dune is serenity and magic in a bottle..
A subtle blend of sun, sand and sea wrapped inside a bouquet of Middle East aroma creating a captivating scent.
Reminiscent of sunny Meditterenean summers and mystical Egyptian dessert dunes..
This fragrance is made for the woman who has lived an intense life and seeks tranquility without forgetting the past..
anolvik – :
Wow. I dove head-first into the world of fragrance a month ago because I was looking for a sensual scent to wear on summer nights. I literally didn’t know where to begin. I just looked up and realized perfume was something I wanted in my life. I have spent the last four weeks on this quest to find my scent, smelling e v e r y t h i n g I can get my hands on, and then spending hours on Fragrantica after I return home with my samples and blotters. I was starting to become doubtful that I would find the one that really made my dream come true, that spoke to me; the top contenders were still too fruity, too floral, too young, too daytime, or too wintery delicious for hot weather. I was starting to talk myself into liking things…just so I could have SOMETHING.
But today I stumbled upon Dune, and she flipped the script. Today I have fallen in love, and with this one I don’t have to try; Dune is exactly what I had dreamed about without even knowing how to define it. It works because, more than anything else I’ve tested, it suits my sensual persona. I am over the moon.
After the initial spicy, almost cinnaminic blast dried down, the scent has melded into my wrist in a way that seems so effortless. Every second of my inhale reveals something so wonderful. As a newbie I’m lacking the experience to describe this well, but to my nose the wood, amber and benzoin, florals, powder and sweet vanilla all carry their distinct place, and seem so beautifully balanced. I’m so intrigued that there are so many notes, yet on my skin the result is harmonious. This is like a warm, sexy haze. Like a mirage of two lovers lazily intertwined on a hot and dry summer night.
I’m 5 hours in, and, for me, the powder and musk comes out more as the drydown progresses, but is still balanced by the woods and vanilla to retain the mood. I’m still getting wafts of creamy ylang-ylang and the delicate lily, but the sillage is getting tighter. I look forward to the skin scent this will leave behind.
I can’t wait to wear this in the fall and winter as well, and during the day. I can’t believe a perfume exists that is so versatile as this! I know this is not the original, but I am crazy impressed with this creation. It feels sophisticated, a nice complement to my 29 years.
I’ll be thrilled to go back to make this purchase, and to welcome Dune into my life for good 🙂
smitt – :
My mom’s perfume. It brings back many 90s memory to me. Smells soft and powdery. I too can smell flowers followed by some woods. Very classy, a silent beautiful confidence.
dima8922 – :
I finally took the courage and tested it on my skin, after hating it on paper every time tried. It’s the most sensual scent in the most effortless, natural way possible. On me it smells like sunkissed skin -no suntan lotion vibe- with some lilies peaking through. Every single co-worker of mine was in disbelief it was Dune and so was I. It performs relatively well in extreme dry heat, 4-5hrs for longevity with soft sillage but have to stress it was dry with 10% humidity when I tried.
TrueSvarogh – :
After many years, I finally decided to test Dune in the store. And this is what I think about this fragrance by its most current EDT version (don’t know if it ever came out as EDP). Over 16 years ago, my room mate in college wore Dune and she also smoked. Maybe that was one of the reasons that I did not think Dune smelled “right” to my nose!?!? I did not wear perfume or any body fragrance back then, like I do now.
In my opinion, Dune is actually NOT for everyone. It is NOT a floral nor fruity fragrance. I’m glad that I tried it NOW, and not long time ago, as I would definitely hate it. You have to gather enough experiences in fragrance world in order to understand this fragrance, and have to “go thru enough in life”, in order to truly enjoy it, or wear it appropriately. That is my “fair and square” piece of mind 🙂
Unfortunately, Dune does not work on me, nor for me (due to the ratio of amber note in it). I did not experience the notes in the dry down, that I yearned for, as on me, they could not push thru the heavy “blockage” of amber and wood, with a hint of something like “incense” scent. I don’t get offended, nor even start to like this fragrance. And I cannot say that I envy whoever can pull it off. It just simply does NOT work with my chemistry, NOR suit my characters. This fragrance is not meant for me!
Having said all that, I still think Dune belongs to the group of “classy” fragrances, and I have no doubt that it even earns a high rank in that group. Dune, if it is up to me, I would put it on the list of perfumes/fragrances for “bosses”, as I personally think, that it is the scent which people don’t necessarily have to like nor hate. It is the one that people will take SERIOUSLY.
I would not wear Dune (I may try it again…years from now), but I appreciate its existence!
nop553speagoessenda – :
Sparkling, dreamy wood. The dryness is like the desert heat and sands that burn the skin. The aldehydes and florals like the cooling, crystal oasis in the middle of the desert.
Truly unique. At once dry and warm, yet cooling and lush. It’s a great alternative sea scent and a perfect sandalwood.
чев – :
I have worn this perfume since it came out. There’s something so mysterious, so magical and heady about this fragrance. It starts off strong and mighty but then the heart and dry down are soft and whispery – I love oriental/spicy fragrances and base notes such as oakmoss, benzoine and amber…I love incense and have a fascination with the Mideast – the mystery of the women under those black robes with their Kohl lined eyes. If someone asked me what an Arabian Night smelled like I would say Dune. I just love it and hope Dior always makes it. Very sexy, warm fragrance…
varis_632 – :
Dune simply is a Timeless masterpiece
Profinol – :
I know and love smell of Dune Dior as long as I remember my conscious-self. Along with Shalimar and Poeme it is my Mum’s favourite fragrance. And when certain fragrances becoming part of your entire life, biggest part of memories, they just stop being “fragrances”, but turning into Beings or a Heritage to you.
Dune is very sacred being I must say, she is enchanting, poetic, magical and full of special moments and events. It is one of those scents that fills me with little miracle of everyday life or, like Carl Jung was saying , – events are “meaningful coincidences” if they occur with no causal relationship, yet seem to be meaningfully related.
It is highly intellectual scent without trying to be so. Probably the most clever fragrance of all fragrances and it is beyond me to explain why.
teersotttaubs – :
A: I can´t believe she´s really doing it…
B: You´ve known her for 3 years, how can you be surprised?
Gabler: OK, I´m finally in a desert. I´m just sniffing the sand because I need to know how the dunes smell like – that´s all.
I guess no one is gonna be surprised that sand doesn´t smell like Dune. Yes – YES! – Dune smells much better.
Dry air, dry sand, hot stones, the parched earth all around, intense heat makes you weak & delirious, you´re ready to beg for a merciful dead while your mind is escaping into a peaceful dream of rosewood dried through the ruthless sun, oriental scent of sandalwood, sweet amber and resins, juicy and refreshing citruses & blooming flowers of different kinds. With this scent, I know that the Garden of Eden may exist – even if it is hidden somewhere out there in the dunes.
beliy0884 – :
Interesting scent. Too masculine for my taste. Detached, woody.
Deroxsplmi – :
My experience with Dune is one of those happy accidents that tend to happen on Fragrantica: I got a little decant of the current version as an extra in a swap, which is great, because otherwise I probably never would have tested it, and it turns out I like it very much. Of course I had the benefit of encountering it without any expectations, and especially without a relationship with the original, or with any other classic perfume for that matter. So any surprise could only be positive – a nice way to test!
I do think it smells rather oldfashioned, but in a good way, complex but not fussy. There are obviously many notes involved, but none of them are clearly discernable, they just all blend together into one distinct, unique smell – softly spicy, dry and very warm. Not a scent that’s easy to describe – one of those you have to try for yourself in order to get any picture of it. I agree with other reviewers that it’s a mature kind of scent, but not that it’s austere or bleak: to my nose, Dune even tends slightly toward gourmand territory, albeit only in its texture and warmth. It’s pretty linear, projection is just right, and it easily lasts all day with just a few sprays: it’s oldfashioned in how reliable it as well!
trupinis – :
an amazing woody floral, very mature scent, it is really 80s and 90s vibe, I don’t know where to start, perfect combination notes, almost linear scent from top to bottom, very smooth transition from top to bottom, what I get the most is woody and floral scent, really suit my age, I can say, it can be unisex fragrance
micha – :
This complex scent reminds me of both desert and beach sand dunes at different stages of the fragrance. The rosewood is very dominant for the first few minutes and this reminds me of an arid, barren desert with the hot sun on your skin. It smells like being in a sauna. Then the soapy aldehydes, citrus notes, and florals start to emerge and it reminds me of the breezy ocean air as you walk on the beach. The fragrance mellows to a warm, soft, and slightly powdery sandalwood and amber.
I generally think fall is the best season to wear anything classified as oriental woody, but this feels like summer to me. I can’t wait to try it in warmer temperatures to see what it’s like.
Dune is understated but absolutely beautiful. I highly recommend it!
flonfully – :
This one brings to mind salty air, vanilla/musk, amber and wisps of faraway smoke. I also get a sense of skin that has the ghostly remnants of suntan lotion after having spent the day in the sun.The dry down is a subtle musky vanilla. Very nice.
gitopew – :
Beautiful…. And utterly desolate.
This was very popular in the 1990s when I, naive, somewhat innocent (less so by the end) was at university where is was my signature scent. I tried it again recently and it stands the test of time, transporting me back to those days of ill advised assignations, baked beans toasties and cold student houses. A perfume this bleak and dramatic was of course entirely incongruent in hindsight and should have been interpreted as a cry for help.
wasia1965 – :
Perfumes are a lot like lovers. There are the loud, crazy ones, there are those that just proclame “I cost a lot of money, look at me”, there are the forgettable one night stands that you look at after buying and wonder what were you thinking, the sweet kiddie crushes and the wallflowers that nobody notices and only get smelled when given as presents. In this comparison, Dune is the soulmate. It’s not like any of the other perfumes on your table, it doesn’t bore you with one -LOUD- note, it doesn’t give you heartache or headache. It just sits quiet but oh so noticeable on your skin, warm, smart, complex, unforgettable.
Karatel – :
EDT 2015
I might have affairs with LVEB by Lancome, Coco by Chanel, Ange ou Demon by Givenchy, and Donna by Valentino, but Dune would be the one I’d marry.
Dune is my comfort smell and it is the only one that always picks me up. Since I first smelled it, I crave it regularly, it just doesn’t leave me anymore.
My skin is always cool and amplifies sweetness in scents. So in Dune it is same – opening might seem harsh and dry, but then it becomes the warmest and most beautiful ambery wood. Dune is beautifully blended and isn’t a powerhouse that will choke you in hot weather.
For me Dune is like a good old friend who always will understand and support. This fragrance doesn’t scream ‘wear me only in the evening’ or ‘put on high heels’, it doesn’t demand anything.
branma – :
For the first few hours of this I found it too spicy, not a note that I’m particularly fond of. But now that it has dried down to a skin scent, I’m starting to get it. Soft mellow wood with just a hint of flowers. Not going to be my signature scent, but I can appreciate it.
Дениска777 – :
Very much a hot summer scent as much as it is a cold winter scent.
I am happy for it`s adaptability, it`s originality.
Hot, sun beat sands – something very wild, spicy, sexy, nostalgic, and unanticipated for a summer scent nowadays with the light, aqua-y, sunny citrus, or cool more modern offerings of late.
Sexy 1970`s nights, sun burnished skin, listening to The Eagles. Beachy , without the usual flavor of coconut oil.
In the winter, or cold rainy wind whipped days, it`s melancholy, brings up thoughts of cold dunes, chilling wind and salt spray, overcast skies.
I could never decide which season is “best” for Dune,
as I love very much and look forward to wearing during both.
I like to layer this with body sprays with notes like Driftwood, Salt, sometimes coconut.
Shmulya – :
I have 30ml bottle from 2010. As a reviewer below, I agree that the smell is very unique,spicey and vanilla but not sacharine-sweet vanilla as of current trend. It s pretty persistent on clothes, medium sillage on skin. I prefer wearing it in cold weather, despite its sunny name, as it might be a bit overwhelming in a hot weather. Overall, high quality EDT which screams luxury and last longer than most of the current EDP offerings.
fitterdelmas – :
I overlooked Dune for the longest time. It didn’t seem fashionable or edgy enough when I was a young woman and I wasn’t captured by the name, the bottle, the identity it embodied back then.
Now, at 40, I appreciate this for the mellow, spiced beauty that it is. Dune just unfolds and unfolds, with the woods and spice always taking centre stage but vanilla, ylang ylang, citrus and a powdery musk all weaving in and out at different times in the most enchanting way. There is also an oakmossy, aldehydic, almost chypre feel to this fragrance at some points.
The consensus seems to be that this is a summer fragrance, but I adore Dune on cool evenings. The vanilla and spice are more prominent then and it feels luxurious and supremely feminine.
All in all, a beautiful and much under-rated Dior creation.
HicHaUpesaH – :
Dune is one of my deepest perfume loves, it is a fragrance that evokes strong emotions and images in me. It feels incredibly familiar, like something that has been present in my immediate environment all along. It was launched in 1991, the year of my birth. I guess I must have smelled this often in the early years of my life.
To me Dune is the olfactory painting of a very specific place on the African continent. Whenever I smell this I am transported to where the Namibian desert meets the ocean. It is an unlikely mix of dry and humid, of hot and cool. I picture walking along the ocean with the vast hot desert beside me. Dune is different from other perfumes. Instead of capturing liveliness in it’s elements, it captures a sort of desolated inanimate natural force. I imagine sea, sand, wind and sun when I smell Dune, all powerful forces of nature but in a barren environment where nothing grows. The woody aroma in Dune is that of a piece of dry driftwood salted by the water of the ocean. The flowers in Dune never comes to the forefront on my skin. All I smell is this sweet resinous woodiness.
Dune is an escape from all that is living to me. An escape into a purely abstract world. Dune does not seek to evoke a specific emotion such as happiness. Dune simply is.
viktor676 – :
A masterpiece. Beautifully sparkling like golden sands in the sunshine.
And perfect naming.
izum28 – :
@Pasha – I think Dior never released an EDP version of this. The website only has the EDT, and it has been reformulated gazillion times. But they released an Esprit De Parfum in 1994; and I guess it is already hard to find. If you can find a vintage one (which I luckily have), get it! Its longevity is beyond compare to those misleading “EDP” wannabes these days.
Slavcentr.Info – :
Dune is undeniably unisex – a gorgeous potion lovers can share and lose themselves in while having sex by the ocean. Palm trees, sand… all that. Not a sunrise, but perhaps a red/orange sunset. It carries this unexpected ‘wet concrete’ note under all that citrus, benzoin and faint tame woods that I find oddly sexy and somewhat disconcerting at the same time.
This unique note is extremely unusual, but faintly present. Dusty, yet not acrid. Raw, yet not dirty.
Those expecting to smell something very feminine in this will discover that something friendly and familiar is missing here. And that would be those strong flowers we’ve come to expect at these female-marketed perfumes’ heart. There is none. It is dry, inorganic, yet still smells like it belongs in and comes from nature for some reason. It’s what feels like a splash of dry seasalt residue left on my skin after a cool swim.
That’s what really intrigues me about Dune. A perfume with no florals in.
It is an unbridled and slightly violent scent, but there is also something quite listless about its attitude. It doesn’t really care to make an impression, because Dune knows that it will seduce some, and maybe bore others.
Does it really care? I think not. It is raw summery laziness in a bottle.
It has a way of making its wearer feel liberated and carefree. I do not find it overbearing or heavy on my skin. Then again, this is a skin scent, so it will perform and project differently on others. It doesn’t transform that much that rapidly: the transformation is uniquely conservative. What you smell in the opening is pretty much what you get at the very end imo.
Caused a touch of melancholia in me as well… still don’t quite know why. Like the foggy memory of a pain that once hurt so good.
Anyway, Dune – I am coming after you. I miss you and want more.
PS: The form of the bottle reminds me of a flask. Neat and quite manly, save that feminine apricot color.
dmitry200801 – :
love the perfume so had to try the soap , lucky buy on the bay as
im expect the soaps are discontinued at the moment and wonderfully fragrant and so rich.
pure lux baths for me now 🙂
in fact ive got a chanel no 5 soap on the way and im hoping its just as amazing ……,
well cleanliness is next to godliness so why not 🙂
I never ever go off dune i love its slightly masculine ,woody sweetness it is one of a kind ,
and does make u think of sand dunes and salt …..wonderfull !
Tiswwg – :
Simply exquisite one of a kind I adore Dune. My bottle is from 2010 and I get 12 plus hours out of it and wonderful silage.
djsega1983 – :
Dune. Oh how I’ve missed you.
So in the 1990’s this was my signature scent. A happening early 30’s girl I was! I started wearing it in 1992 and boy howdy, the compliments this unique sea creature brought in!!
So many things this is. I wouldn’t say sunny beach at all. More like a lonely walk down a cloudy beach after the rain. Now who doesn’t love that? Woman, man…we all go there from time to time. <b