Category Archives: Houbignant

Nose: Jacques Fleury

Notes according to Fragrantica: “Top notes are Orange Blossom, Egyptian Jasmine and Turkish Rose; middle notes are Tuberose, Ylang-Ylang and Nutmeg; base notes are Musk and Cedar.”

Year: 2012

At first one thinks, “Why pay over $500 for an extrait of orange blossom water?” Well…because it’s Houbigant. It’s just that good.

I first bought the edp and loved it. But it took a while. Because it really is an insidious beauty.

What makes it special? The glamorous, sparkling notes that develop over time and lift orange blossom notes into a lovely bouquet similar to a concerto by Mozart on a cool mid summer day near crystal waters. It’s delightful.

However, it’s still quite modest and humble. Because it is just orange blossom which is a very common note in modern perfumery.

Jacques Fleury created a timeless, ageless masterpiece in my opinion.

Projection and longevity are moderate to strong.

Nose: Robert Bienaimé

Notes according to Fragrantica:  “Top notes are Green Notes, Orange Blossom, Tarragon, Bergamot, Citruses and Lemon; middle notes are Lilac, Jasmine, Lily-of-the-Valley, Carnation, Rose, Tuberose, Ylang-Ylang, Violet, Heliotrope, Iris, Orris Root and Orchid; base notes are Oakmoss, Honey, Civet, Musk, Sandalwood, Amber, Vanilla and Tonka Bean.”

Year: 1913

I was shocked when I first tried this. I have had two bottles of vintage Quelques Fleurs and they smell quite different, which is rare. In every other circumstance where I’ve smelled the scent fresh as compared to the vintage I’ve noticed very little difference. And I’ve been comparing hundreds of scents for years now. Only relatively recent, yet still vintage, bottles of Estée Lauder are so noticeably different from their new counterparts.

I far prefer the new. And that’s also extremely rare. Perhaps it’s these particular top notes that are so important and yet so delicate (?) that require a fresh concoction.

I love this perfume. It suits me well enough to be my signature fragrance. It’s very much my real aesthetic, mood and personality embodied in a perfume.

…And since it’s so close to my soul…I will refrain from analyzing further. But suffice to say, it’s a classic. And I’m incredibly glad Houbigant makes it.