The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Ultra Glam arrived in 2012 as Oriflame addressed a growing appetite among young women for playful, confident fragrances suited to night-out scenarios. The brand, rooted in Swedish design principles and built around a network of independent consultants, called for a scent that felt modern without being intimidating. The resulting brief asked for something bold in the opening, layered in the heart, and memorably warm in the base. The perfumer responded by anchoring the top notes in a bright citrus pair, then adding star anise to give the initial impression a distinctive edge that set Ultra Glam apart from straightforward fruity compositions popular at the time.
The note philosophy behind Ultra Glam prioritizes contrast. The opening citrus and star anise create an initial tension between freshness and spice that makes the transition to the powdery floral heart feel like a deliberate journey rather than a linear fade. The praline and benzoin in the base serve a specific purpose: they create warmth that feels inviting in cool evening air, which aligns with the original brief targeting night-out wear. Pairing heliotrope with jasmine tea was a deliberate choice, since heliotrope's powdery nuttiness prevents the tea note from feeling too austere, while the tea keeps the heliotrope from becoming too reminiscent of traditional talcum powder.
The evolution
The fragrance opens with bergamot and grapefruit delivering immediate tart energy, then star anise introduces a brief spiced dimension that vanishes just as quickly. The heart takes over with heliotrope, which adds a soft powdery character, while jasmine tea brings a watery, almost meditative floral nuance that feels unexpected in a mainstream release. Orange blossom provides a clean white-floral backbone that keeps the heart legible and coherent. As the heart fades, benzoin and praline emerge to create a warm, slightly edible base that feels indulgent without being heavy. Sandalwood grounds the drydown, adding creamy woody depth that prevents the sweetness from overwhelming, and vanilla rounds the finish into something soft and lingering that stays on skin well into the night.
Cultural impact
Ultra Glam by Oriflame has quickly become a staple in modern wardrobes, reflecting the growing desire for accessible luxury. Its bright citrus opening and warm spice heart resonate with young professionals who seek confidence without extravagance. The fragrance’s popularity on social media platforms demonstrates how a well‑balanced scent can bridge everyday routine and special occasions, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for delivering quality at a reasonable price point.
