First Impressions
The playful defiance begins with the name itself—a winking Magritte reference that immediately sets expectations spinning. What follows from that first spray is an immediate burst of verdant freshness, as crisp ivy leaves meet the gentle tingle of pink pepper. It's an opening that feels like stepping into a spring garden just after dawn, when the air still carries that green, dewy quality that hasn't yet been warmed by the sun. There's nothing remotely "blue" about this fragrance, if by blue we mean the cool, aquatic aromatic family. Instead, This Is Not A Blue Bottle 1.2 announces itself as decidedly floral from the outset—a statement of intent that the community has overwhelmingly confirmed, rating its floral character at a perfect 100%.
This is Histoires de Parfums doing what they do best: creating narrative-driven fragrances that tell stories through unexpected combinations. Released in 2017 as part of their conceptual line, this feminine scent feels less like a traditional perfume and more like a botanical sketch brought to life through scent.
The Scent Profile
The journey begins with that striking ivy note—a choice that immediately distinguishes this composition from countless other spring florals. Ivy brings a particular kind of greenness that's slightly darker and more complex than simple fresh-cut grass or citrus zest. It has an almost waxy, vegetal quality that grounds the composition right from the start. The pink pepper adds just enough sparkle to keep things lively, a gentle spice that tingles rather than burns, creating that fresh accord that scores 91% in the community's perception.
As the top notes settle, the heart reveals itself as a triumvirate of white and light florals. Ylang-ylang anchors the composition with its creamy, slightly narcotic sweetness—that tropical richness that can overwhelm but here is kept in perfect check. Lilac contributes a powdery, nostalgic softness, while lily-of-the-valley adds its characteristic green-floral brightness. These aren't individual soloists fighting for attention; they blend into a cohesive floral bouquet that reads as yellow floral (88%) more than overtly white or heady. There's a luminous quality to this heart, sun-drenched rather than moonlit.
The base is where sweetness enters more deliberately. Vanilla brings that familiar gourmand comfort, while white musk adds a clean, skin-like softness that keeps everything feeling intimate rather than projecting aggressively. Sandalwood provides woody structure (accounting for that 68% woody accord rating), though it plays more of a supporting role than a starring one. The drydown maintains that sweet character (78%) without ever veering into dessert territory—it's more like the natural sweetness of flower petals than anything confected.
Character & Occasion
This is a fragrance that knows its calendar. The community has spoken definitively: this is a spring perfume first and foremost (100%), with summer running a close second (86%). Those statistics make perfect sense—this is a scent that thrives in warmer weather, when its fresh greenness and floral brightness can truly shine without being overwhelmed by cold air. Fall wear drops to 52%, and winter plummets to just 33%, suggesting that This Is Not A Blue Bottle 1.2 can feel out of place when temperatures drop.
The day versus night split is even more pronounced: 96% day to just 30% night. This is decidedly daytime territory—a scent for brunch dates, office environments, weekend markets, and outdoor gatherings. It lacks the depth and drama typically associated with evening wear, but that's not a criticism so much as a clear identity. Some fragrances try to be everything to everyone; this one knows exactly what it is.
The feminine designation feels appropriate, though anyone drawn to fresh florals with a green edge would wear this beautifully. It's approachable without being simple, polished without being stuffy.
Community Verdict
With a rating of 4.01 out of 5 based on 1,068 votes, This Is Not A Blue Bottle 1.2 has earned solid appreciation from a substantial cross-section of wearers. That's not niche obscurity, nor is it mass-market saturation—it's a healthy middle ground that suggests genuine quality and appeal. A 4+ rating indicates a fragrance that delivers on its promises, even if it doesn't inspire universal obsession. The vote count provides confidence that this isn't a fluke; over a thousand people have weighed in, and the consensus is clear: this is worth your time.
How It Compares
The similar fragrances list reads like a who's who of beloved modern feminines: Delina, Love Don't Be Shy, Coco Mademoiselle. What's interesting is how This Is Not A Blue Bottle 1.2 occupies a slightly greener, fresher space than most of these comparisons. Where Delina leans into rose and litchi sweetness, and Love Don't Be Shy goes full honeyed marshmallow, the Histoires de Parfums creation maintains more restraint and botanical authenticity. The Coco Mademoiselle comparison makes sense in terms of versatility and polish, while the Un Bois Vanille connection speaks to that soft vanilla presence in the base.
The Bottom Line
This Is Not A Blue Bottle 1.2 succeeds by being exactly what its data profile suggests: a beautifully executed spring-into-summer floral that prioritizes freshness and wearability over complexity or drama. Its 4.01 rating reflects a fragrance that may not blow minds but consistently pleases—and there's real value in that reliability. For those seeking a sophisticated daytime floral that won't announce your presence across a room, this delivers. The ivy opening alone makes it worth sampling for anyone who finds typical floral openings too predictable. While it won't replace your evening signatures or cold-weather comforts, it fills a specific niche beautifully: the perfume equivalent of a perfectly crisp white shirt and well-cut trousers. Classic, fresh, and quietly confident.
AI-generated editorial review
