The blurb on the box for this stuff claims it's made from the "oils of violets," which is, of course, complete bullcrap, as no such material exists, not even "imported from France." My real question though is for the Latin communities of Southern Florida and Miami: What's with all the violets?
For some inexplicable reason, violets are a Cuban and East-Coast Latin American thing. I own both Agustín Reyes's Royal Violets and now also Violetas Francesas's cologne by the Affa Corporation, located in Miami, and both are manna for violet lovers. Judging from the way the boxes are printed, only the former sells internationally, while the latter appears limited to the Americas (much shorter, non-IFRA compliant ingredients list). "AFFA" stands for the Alfonso Family, which immigrated from Cuba in 1974 so Fermín Alfonso could create his violet cologne for babies. This story closely matches Agustín Reyes's. Of the two fragrances, I prefer Violetas Francesas. Royal Violets is very good, and I've used a fair bit of it, but it takes the gasoline approach to the little purple flowers, and a little goes a long way. Affa Corp.'s formula is sweeter and a bit candied, only a little gassy, and ends on a more pleasant powdery accord, reminiscent of baby powder. The company asserts that its own "Baby Formula" cologne (which bears the disturbing image of an infant girl wearing a brassiere) is even simpler and shorter-lived, while the "Adult Formula" above is the longest-lasting, and I get maybe thirty minutes of soft powder from it with generous application, so I can't argue. That's all I expect from a cheap cologne.
What does Violetas Francesas remind me most of? This is going to bug you, but it's the truth, and heck, I own and wear a bottle, so I should know -- Creed's Love in Black. It's like they took the opening accord of LiB, watered it down tenfold, called it a cologne. Virtually identical violet materials, and it makes me question my life choices.