The house of Guerlain has developed some really classy work scents. As I went over in a different series, Guerlain Vetiver is one the most versatile vetivers and an excellent scent for the office. Next, I am going to review another classic in the Guerlain line up, Habit Rouge Eau De Toilet.
NOTES
Top Notes
Bergamot,
Lemon,
Rosewood,
Basil,
Pimento
Heart Notes
Sandal,
Carnation,
Patchouli,
Cedar,
Rose,
Cinnamon
Base Notes
Vanilla,
Amber,
Moss,
Leather,
Benzoin,
Labdanum,
Olibanum
I can hear it now, "Whoa, those are a lot of notes!" One would think this is going to be a busy fragrance but the notes are surprisingly well-blended. The last three notes in the base are actually what gives this fragrance its "amber" accord. Amber itself isn't used in fragrances due to the cost and the mild scent profile.
Benzoin is a resin from several species of Styrax trees that gives a vanilla-like aroma in perfumery.
Labdanum is a resin derived from various species of the rockrose shrub and cultivated by brushing the coats of goats and sheep who eat from these shrubs. Labdanum in fragrances has an ambery, leathery scent.
Olibanum is basically frankincense, which is a resin taken from various species of Boswellia trees and gives off a sweet, honey, woody scent.
When you see the note of "Amber" in a composition, it is usually these three ingredients that give a fragrance that accord.
Besides the amber notes, this fragrance has a ton of spices, florals, and some citrus.
INFORMATION/BACKGROUND
I actually had a tough time finding Habit Rouge online at the major department stores like Macy's, Bloomingdales, and so forth. I did manage to find some on Target.com, but only the 3.4oz bottle for ~$35USD.
The fragrance does come in two main sizes:
3.3oz (100ml) ~$31USD
6.7oz (200ml) ~$41USD
These prices were taken off www.fragrancenet.com and were slightly discounted, but nothing major. This fragrance is inexpensive as it is.
This fragrance was released in 1965 and the perfumer behind it is Jean Paul Guerlain. The name Habit Rouge translates to "Red Jacket".
This fragrance has been reformulated many times. The last reformulation was in 2011. It has been said that the original fragrance and its immediate reformations were much stronger than the current version and there are some marked differences in the scent. That said, I am reviewing the most current version, as I picked up my bottle earlier in 2017.
The presentation has also changed multiple times. The current bottle is similar to all other Guerlain men's fragrance bottles; a large rectangular plain clear glass bottle with a silver or colored cap. In this case, my bottle has a red cap. Nothing remarkable here.
SCENT/SITUATION
This starts with a big tangy bitter citrus accord, mostly lemon, but it isn't sharp to my nose. The floral notes mingle together with the woodsy-ness, and create this old school type of scent. It isn't like "grandpa" as some reviewers claim. Rather, it is more like an Old Spice type of barbershop aftershave vibe, but much less musky and spicy. The spices are so well blended, it is very difficult for me to pick them out, and due to the sweetness, it has a powdery feel. That powderiness offers up a rather pleasant fresh and clean smell, perfect for the office.
Or gangsters...
There is this leathery vanilla amber accord at the dry down, exactly what the notes suggest. The rose and carnation give it this vibrancy, but the leather and spice keep it masculine. It may seem a bit dated, but it is so elegant and regal.
Situationally, the right man could make it a signature scent. Casual or formal attire, but I wouldn't suggest it for a date; there are far more sensual and sexy scents for dates and nights out. The citrus and florals keep this regulated as a daytime scent, which again, works so well for the office. Blue collar employees might go with a different option as this does pair better with business casual or formal attire.
This could be used any season except for very hot days where this could push its potency into overdrive. As for age, any man wearing this under 30 is going to raise some eyebrows. If you think you are a mature old soul, then go for it!
Or royalty...
PERFORMANCE
Awesome performance. Stick to 1 or 2 sprays, as this projects beyond arm's length and lasts for 10+ hours. It is incredibly potent for a bargain fragrance. You may be surprised by how much this develops on the skin, so watch out!
RESOURCES
http://www.basenotes.net/ID26120737.html
https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Guerlain/Habit-Rouge-Eau-de-Toilette-16.html
VIDEOS
Dracdoc Review
Lanier Smith Review
THOUGHTS/REVIEW
Despite this being a dated scent, it is actually an impressive fragrance! You would think that with the notes and the way I described it, it would appeal to older generations or even have an old man vibe, but that isn't necessarily true. It is classy, sophisticated, elegant, regal, mature; it commands respect like a true powerhouse but behaves itself with a sweet gentlemanly disposition.
I personally give it an 8.5/10. I can't give it more than that. It isn't a "safe" work fragrance. It is one that needs to be balanced with the right attitude of maturity and confidence. Spraying it on exposed skin is a risk of being too loud (and frankly offputting) at work, but doing one good spray on the chest area before putting on your shirt for the day is enough to give you the right majestic aura. This just enhances its value. One bottle could last you a lifetime, and its current price, it is a steal.
This is a try before you buy! It takes a distinguished gentleman with grace and dignity to appreciate it.
The Eau De Parfum version is said to be richer, focusing more on the leathery and amber notes, while the EDT has more projection with the citrus. Once again, that is a standard comparison between most cologne EDT and EDP versions, with EDTs being sharper and brighter, and EDPs being richer, complex, creamer, with less projection and more longevity. With that in mind, the EDT is said to be better suited for everyday use, while the EDP is better for special occasions. Many reviewers are divided on which version they like better. I like the EDT for the office.
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Thank you for sharing.