The 7 Virtues Jasmine of India Perfume by Lisa Ray

A few weeks ago I attended a private event at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto hosted by the founder of The 7 Virtues Fragrance Collection – Barb Stegman to discuss her collaboration with actress and model Lisa Ray. As we sipped sparkling water and munched on healthy veggie wraps in the posh Governor’s Suite, one thing was apparent, Barb and Lisa are adamant about supporting female entrepreneurs and giving back to third world communities. They spoke passionately about sourcing exotic ingredients from countries that inspire these bold aromas including Afghanistan, Haiti and Rwanda, in an effort to employ and empower local growers.    

The care and positivity that this brand stands for is truly inspiring and their vegan-friendly perfumes are made without the use of parabens, sulfates and phthalate so they can be sprayed directly on the skin without irritation.

I am familiar with some of Lisa’s work in the Bollywood community and it was a joy to discover the inspiration behind her signature scent. The main accord is Indian Jasmine which Lisa remembers seeing nestled into women’s hair and adorning sacred temples when she was a child. The smooth floral essence of this summery blend reminds us to slow down, breathe and recognize the divine in everyday life.

The fragrance opens with juicy orange and fresh bergamot, middle notes of jasmine, orange blossom, cardamom and ginger followed by invigorating vetiver, myrrh, frankincense, cedarwood and patchouli.

I’d describe this scent as bold, feminine, fresh and sweet with a faint muskiness that adds depth to reflect the vibrancy of India. Like most perfumes, the aroma does fade slightly with wear but the notes still remain quite pronounced. Usually I’m not a fan of predominate floral scents but the citrus, spice and woody elements helps mellow and balance the sweetness to create something very wearable.

This perfume breaks away from mainstream trends and adds sophistication to my collection. I wouldn’t classify the scent as youthful but it certainly is graceful and I think it would appeal to a mature demographic who appreciate the finer things in life.

Jasmine of India retails for $70.00 per 50 ml and is exclusively available at Hudson’s Bay stores across Canada and the7virtues.com.