Dossier Review

This Dossier review cannot begin without a story about Rihanna. Right before launched, all of these clips were circulating of various celebrities raving about how good Rihanna herself smells. They said things like heaven, so good, indescribable.

That’s the moment I decided, I WANT IN.

People say things like “I never realized how short Ivy is!” or “she has like, a lot of cats, right?” but I don’t think anyone has ever gossiped about how good I smell. Wouldn’t that be great? It may not be not be too far off.

Dossier sent me one of their scents to try, and I’m so thrilled they did. They make affordable, cleaner versions of all your favorite fragrances in women’s, men’s and unisex categories. They recently launched candles too.

Dossier fragrances check all the good boxes:

• Cruelty free
• Vegan
• Affordable: $29–$39
• Ethically-sourced
• Eco-friendly: 100% recyclable box, bottle is recyclable glass, no plastic
• Paraben free
• Pthalate free
• Colorant free
• 30 day free returns

Scent

I chose Dossier’s Woody Hyacinth, inspired by favorite scent of all time, the original . It’s been a while since I’ve purchased Chance, mainly due to my commitment to cruelty free products.

I’m glad that Dossier lists the comparable scent, because had I not known, I would have never guessed it based on the notes. I always considered to be a citrusy scent but wouldn’t have considered hyacinth, pineapple or patchouli.

To me, this is an identical match to Chance. If there’s a difference, I don’t notice it, and even so, it wouldn’t ever be enough to justify paying significantly more for Chanel.

Packaging

Dossier’s shipping box is made from recycled materials and is also 100% recyclable. Dossier uses no plastic, instead housing the fragrances in recyclable glass bottles with magnetic metal lids.

I like the simple, minimalist chic bottles. They feel weighted enough in the hand that you don’t feel like you’re using an “affordable” fragrance.

Longevity

I am so impressed that this is an identical Chanel Chance dupe, in an eau de parfum no less, for $29, vs. $108!

Since it’s an eau de parfum vs. an eau de toilette, one spritz goes a long way, and lasts a long time.

I could still smell it the next morning on myself and my pajamas.

Returns

It’s extremely easy and free to return any scent you don’t like. If you’re worried it will go to waste, it won’t. Dossier donates all returned scents to charity.

I have tried and returned 4 different scents and here’s why:

Woody Vetiver
I found this to be too masculine for my liking, only after noticing that it was categorized as a Men’s fragrance.

Powdery Coconut
I’ve not smelled the original Tom Ford Soleil Blanc, but liked the scent description. This smelled like hairspray to me.

Citrus Tea
Despite enjoying citrus scents, this just wasn’t what I thought it would be.

Floral Marshmallow
This is a replica of Killian’s Love Don’t Be Shy, rumored to be a favorite of Rihanna. I admit; I was captivated by the Ri hype. While I did enjoy the scent itself, it gave me a headache and even heart palpitations so I had to return it.

Other Scents I Tried + Loved

Musky Musk
I wanted to see how this compared to Glossier You, as many have drawn the comparison. I get many compliments anytime I wear Glossier You so I was skeptical. While I don’t find it to be a dead ringer for You, I still really like it. It has the same soft, musky qualities that You does but isn’t as salty.

Ambery Vetiver
I love the inspiration, Byredo’s Bal d’ Afrique so I had to try Dossier’s take on it. This is my wealthy woman who lunches scent. It’s big, heady and luxurious. It’s not subtle, so I don’t wear it while working with clients as some could be sensitive. I think of it as a night time scent and especially great for fall and winter.

How to Choose a Scent

Once you learn what notes you love and hate, you’ll be able to better determine whether a scent will be a winner for you. Knowing the notes you hate is almost more important.

For example, I know that I love woody notes but I hate orange blossom. I have said in the past that I don’t like patchouli, but some scents I love have included it, so as long as it’s not in the top notes.

Do I recommend Dossier?

Totally. No brainer. If you aren’t convinced, read the bulleted list in the intro again.

More importantly than anything, Dossier makes cruelty-free, vegan versions of the scents we love, from NON cruelty-free brands like Byredo, Gucci, Le Labo, Tom Ford and others.

When you buy 3 or more, you pay less and if you don’t love something? Send it back and it’s donated to charity.

Nothing to lose, all the compliments to gain.