Histoires de Parfums
1804 - GEORGE SAND
I love pineapple, and I have wanted a pineapple perfume for a long time. Sadly this one doesn't develop on my skin. It remains a syrupy sweet pineapple out of a can for a very long time. I can tell there are spices wanting to come out, but they are smothered by the pineapple syrup and don't stand a chance. This had the potential to be so perfect....
Edit: If anyone cares how this smells on others, I have to add that I put this on my mother, and it smelled AMAZING!! It was a spiced pineapple, almost like Angel if its pineapple note were far more prominent than it actually is. I am so jealous my mom can wear it, but at least I get to smell it when she's around. This is her new signature. I bought her a bottle; it was that beautiful on her. (Aug, 2012)
I love pineapple, and I have wanted a pineapple perfume for a long time. Sadly this one doesn't develop on my skin. It remains a syrupy sweet pineapple out of a can for a very long time. I can tell there are spices wanting to come out, but they are smothered by the pineapple syrup and don't stand a chance. This had the potential to be so perfect....
Edit: If anyone cares how this smells on others, I have to add that I put this on my mother, and it smelled AMAZING!! It was a spiced pineapple, almost like Angel if its pineapple note were far more prominent than it actually is. I am so jealous my mom can wear it, but at least I get to smell it when she's around. This is her new signature. I bought her a bottle; it was that beautiful on her. (Aug, 2012)
1826 - EUGENIE DE MONTIJO
1826 is an angelic perfume, a white, soft, effervescent aura of musky, sweet, woody, and creamy patchouli. The soft hint of vanilla couples beautifully with dry and dusty patchouli. This perfume is so good, it is in the league of a couple of Tom Ford's perfumes, probably the house I love most and find the most luxurious of all. This is more of a white patchouli than his White Patchouli, which seems substantially denser, spicier, and darker in comparison. This is more along the lines of his White Suede.
Patchouli is very obvious here, but I can't say I have ever experienced it so light and bubbly before. I actually wondered if there might be aldehydes in the top notes. This is a rare creative beauty, another gem from this house. I have no problems with sillage or longevity, as is the case with most perfumes from this house. (Aug 2014)
1826 is an angelic perfume, a white, soft, effervescent aura of musky, sweet, woody, and creamy patchouli. The soft hint of vanilla couples beautifully with dry and dusty patchouli. This perfume is so good, it is in the league of a couple of Tom Ford's perfumes, probably the house I love most and find the most luxurious of all. This is more of a white patchouli than his White Patchouli, which seems substantially denser, spicier, and darker in comparison. This is more along the lines of his White Suede.
Patchouli is very obvious here, but I can't say I have ever experienced it so light and bubbly before. I actually wondered if there might be aldehydes in the top notes. This is a rare creative beauty, another gem from this house. I have no problems with sillage or longevity, as is the case with most perfumes from this house. (Aug 2014)
1873 - COLETTE
Possibly the most interesting orange blossom perfume I have ever smelled. Very complex too. I really respect this house.
This is an orange perfume--opens with sweet oranges and sunshiny orange blossoms. The citrus does smell a tad synthetic, yet I have to wonder if it is something intentional because it still smells really good. In the heart, I do smell some flowers, although I can't pinpoint anything specific.
The drydown takes some time to arrive, which I find to be a very attractive feature. In most perfumes, the drydown takes an hour--max, but this took so long to develop that I wondered if I might ever smell anything gourmand. A soft vanilla crept in after a couple of hours. It took about 7 hours for all traces of orange and flowers to disappear, and nothing was left but a soft vanilla. Not caramel, as I had hoped for, so that was a bit disappointing.
On the whole, I find this perfume to be feminine, cheery and clean. I sought something heavier and more yummy. But as a lover of orange blossom, I would definitely recommend this as a comfortable, easy pleaser, year-round perfume. (Sept 2014)
Possibly the most interesting orange blossom perfume I have ever smelled. Very complex too. I really respect this house.
This is an orange perfume--opens with sweet oranges and sunshiny orange blossoms. The citrus does smell a tad synthetic, yet I have to wonder if it is something intentional because it still smells really good. In the heart, I do smell some flowers, although I can't pinpoint anything specific.
The drydown takes some time to arrive, which I find to be a very attractive feature. In most perfumes, the drydown takes an hour--max, but this took so long to develop that I wondered if I might ever smell anything gourmand. A soft vanilla crept in after a couple of hours. It took about 7 hours for all traces of orange and flowers to disappear, and nothing was left but a soft vanilla. Not caramel, as I had hoped for, so that was a bit disappointing.
On the whole, I find this perfume to be feminine, cheery and clean. I sought something heavier and more yummy. But as a lover of orange blossom, I would definitely recommend this as a comfortable, easy pleaser, year-round perfume. (Sept 2014)
1876 - MATA HARI
It started out very animalic on me--perhaps the first time a perfume smelled kind of sweaty. After that I smell strong rose and a shy and powdery wood violet. There is also something sweet and fruity, and I can't say that it is necessarily lychee or orange. The drydown gets gradually stronger with vanilla and just a touch of vetyver. On the whole it is a nice perfume, not a "must-have" for me, but I can certainly appreciate it. Nice development with patience. (Sept 2014)
It started out very animalic on me--perhaps the first time a perfume smelled kind of sweaty. After that I smell strong rose and a shy and powdery wood violet. There is also something sweet and fruity, and I can't say that it is necessarily lychee or orange. The drydown gets gradually stronger with vanilla and just a touch of vetyver. On the whole it is a nice perfume, not a "must-have" for me, but I can certainly appreciate it. Nice development with patience. (Sept 2014)
1889 - MOULIN ROUGE
My God, this is a time capsule. It's astonishing. It's like stepping into the 1800's, yet there is nothing outdated about it in the way that the old Guerlains seem outdated to me.
In the beginning, the spice smelled a bit like the ash from an ash tray. No smoke, just bitter ash. It was not very nice, so I was "certain" this would not grow on me. Soon it began to vaguely remind me of Aqaba, for it had a waxy feel to it, like a red votive that is "spice" scented. I could imagine the large circular chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, illuminated by hundreds of these candles.
Twenty minutes later when I sniffed again, I was both surprised and impressed to smell a hefty dose of soft, very old-fashioned powder, similar to old makeup. The wax and ash had substantially diminished.
Having been to the Moulin Rouge, I think this perfume captures it perfectly. There is something naughty about this perfume, but at the exact same time there is a vulnerability to it. I can picture the young ladies, with their glowing skin dusted with powder. Some wanting to be performers, and others dreaming of a life in which they can make money pursuing their true passions. I envision the empty stage in the wee hours of the morning and the ash trays sitting atop the little round tables, cigarette smoke having dissipated hours earlier.
It's as though this perfume conveys the message that when the lights are out and the makeup and wigs are off, there are real human beings with hopes, dreams, fears...just like anyone else. This constant polarity of sentiments--light/dark, spice/powder, hopefulness/longing, sex/innocence--it made me incredibly melancholy. I actually shed a tear. Before Histoires Moulin Rouge, the only perfume that ever stirred up such emotion and made me cry was CHANEL No. 5. I never thought another perfume would be able to do that to me.
I'm so impressed with Histoires de Parfums for their ability to create such a deeply thought-provoking scent. To me this is art; I must own it. I will also have to give consideration to ordering more samples from this House. (Aug 2012)
My God, this is a time capsule. It's astonishing. It's like stepping into the 1800's, yet there is nothing outdated about it in the way that the old Guerlains seem outdated to me.
In the beginning, the spice smelled a bit like the ash from an ash tray. No smoke, just bitter ash. It was not very nice, so I was "certain" this would not grow on me. Soon it began to vaguely remind me of Aqaba, for it had a waxy feel to it, like a red votive that is "spice" scented. I could imagine the large circular chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, illuminated by hundreds of these candles.
Twenty minutes later when I sniffed again, I was both surprised and impressed to smell a hefty dose of soft, very old-fashioned powder, similar to old makeup. The wax and ash had substantially diminished.
Having been to the Moulin Rouge, I think this perfume captures it perfectly. There is something naughty about this perfume, but at the exact same time there is a vulnerability to it. I can picture the young ladies, with their glowing skin dusted with powder. Some wanting to be performers, and others dreaming of a life in which they can make money pursuing their true passions. I envision the empty stage in the wee hours of the morning and the ash trays sitting atop the little round tables, cigarette smoke having dissipated hours earlier.
It's as though this perfume conveys the message that when the lights are out and the makeup and wigs are off, there are real human beings with hopes, dreams, fears...just like anyone else. This constant polarity of sentiments--light/dark, spice/powder, hopefulness/longing, sex/innocence--it made me incredibly melancholy. I actually shed a tear. Before Histoires Moulin Rouge, the only perfume that ever stirred up such emotion and made me cry was CHANEL No. 5. I never thought another perfume would be able to do that to me.
I'm so impressed with Histoires de Parfums for their ability to create such a deeply thought-provoking scent. To me this is art; I must own it. I will also have to give consideration to ordering more samples from this House. (Aug 2012)
1969
1969 is delectably, deliciously groovy. I immediately savored notes of sweet rose, creamy chocolate, and ripe peach. An unusual and captivating combo. I soon could smell earthy patchouli and aromatic cardamom. It seems like there is vanilla here too. I can distinctly smell each and every note, and yet they blend together so perfectly. This is such a well-balanced, very enjoyable perfume. Nothing jarring here. Whoever created this is a genius.
Like another reviewer, I was also reminded of Ford's Noir de Noir, which is stunning. I find 1969 far more complex, yet also more casual and easy to wear.
A member of this site recommended this when I asked for suggestions for a sophisticated perfume with a playful quality. This certainly fits the bill. The scent as a whole is elegant, but it is also fun. Hedonistic is right, as I get a kick out of knowing how I am sinfully indulging while I am at work. It's like a guilty pleasure. I purchased a full bottle right away, I simply could not stop sniffing myself. Sillage and longevity are wonderful. 1969 is worthy of all of these glowing reviews. (Aug. 2014)
1969 is delectably, deliciously groovy. I immediately savored notes of sweet rose, creamy chocolate, and ripe peach. An unusual and captivating combo. I soon could smell earthy patchouli and aromatic cardamom. It seems like there is vanilla here too. I can distinctly smell each and every note, and yet they blend together so perfectly. This is such a well-balanced, very enjoyable perfume. Nothing jarring here. Whoever created this is a genius.
Like another reviewer, I was also reminded of Ford's Noir de Noir, which is stunning. I find 1969 far more complex, yet also more casual and easy to wear.
A member of this site recommended this when I asked for suggestions for a sophisticated perfume with a playful quality. This certainly fits the bill. The scent as a whole is elegant, but it is also fun. Hedonistic is right, as I get a kick out of knowing how I am sinfully indulging while I am at work. It's like a guilty pleasure. I purchased a full bottle right away, I simply could not stop sniffing myself. Sillage and longevity are wonderful. 1969 is worthy of all of these glowing reviews. (Aug. 2014)
TUBEREUSE 1 CAPRICIEUSE
Really funky perfume. For the first half hour, all kinds of things came to mind--the cherry cough medicine I hated as a child, thick layers of dust on top of a book in an ancient monastery, plastic dolls from the 60's, crayons in their box, used suede shoes, and a wet dog. Not what I would call pleasant. Except for maybe the plastic dolls. For some inexplicable reason I like that smell a little bit.
During the heart phase, while all of the above notes faded, I smelled what I can only describe as rodent urine mixed with cherry syrup. I surmise it's tuberose. Not as bad as it sounds, surprisingly.
The base is the most tolerable. Musky suede, a little sweet, still with that whisper of cherry syrup.
This perfume was so animalic that I seriously wonder what Tubereuse Animale smells like? I'm not sure I want to find out.
Interesting perfume, to say the least. A little too interesting.... (Oct 2014)
Really funky perfume. For the first half hour, all kinds of things came to mind--the cherry cough medicine I hated as a child, thick layers of dust on top of a book in an ancient monastery, plastic dolls from the 60's, crayons in their box, used suede shoes, and a wet dog. Not what I would call pleasant. Except for maybe the plastic dolls. For some inexplicable reason I like that smell a little bit.
During the heart phase, while all of the above notes faded, I smelled what I can only describe as rodent urine mixed with cherry syrup. I surmise it's tuberose. Not as bad as it sounds, surprisingly.
The base is the most tolerable. Musky suede, a little sweet, still with that whisper of cherry syrup.
This perfume was so animalic that I seriously wonder what Tubereuse Animale smells like? I'm not sure I want to find out.
Interesting perfume, to say the least. A little too interesting.... (Oct 2014)
TUBEREUSE 3 ANIMALE
This is a Like and not a Love for me. At first it reminded me of Daphne--dark and smoldering tuberose. The tuberose was more screechy than I could comfortably tolerate, but the heart revealed a strong note of dark cherry (not plum), which provided a syrupy texture.
This perfume will not let you down if you are a lover of cherry tobacco! As the perfume dries down, there are lovely whiffs of sweet tobacco and soothing immortelle. I do not find this perfume smoky except for in the very first few minutes.
It's the drydown I love, when the cherry subsides and the sweet tobacco stands out.
While I do like it, I enjoy Tobacco Vanille and Volutes more and find them to be more natural and smoother overall. Sillage starts out enormous, but it is a skinscent after an hour. (Nov 2014)
This is a Like and not a Love for me. At first it reminded me of Daphne--dark and smoldering tuberose. The tuberose was more screechy than I could comfortably tolerate, but the heart revealed a strong note of dark cherry (not plum), which provided a syrupy texture.
This perfume will not let you down if you are a lover of cherry tobacco! As the perfume dries down, there are lovely whiffs of sweet tobacco and soothing immortelle. I do not find this perfume smoky except for in the very first few minutes.
It's the drydown I love, when the cherry subsides and the sweet tobacco stands out.
While I do like it, I enjoy Tobacco Vanille and Volutes more and find them to be more natural and smoother overall. Sillage starts out enormous, but it is a skinscent after an hour. (Nov 2014)
VENI
I guess none of this series of perfumes is working out for me. Veni, like its sisters Vici and Vidi, has way too much ambroxan and/or Iso-E-Super for me to be able to like it. That ethereal synthetic note is so intense that it simply clobbers what could have been a gorgeous spicy perfume.
What I love about Veni is that the cardamom is intense, and I go nuts for cardamom. It's also a bit smokey, reminds me of Malabah, except better sillage and no tea. As it dries down, Veni starts to resemble a chewy ginger cookie, and I love those! At this stage, the ambroxan is much more tolerable because it blends better with spice than it does cucumber, angelica, or other fresh notes like in its sister fragrances.
While I like Veni best of the three, I still would not want a full bottle. As I said with the other two...if ambroxan and Iso don't bother you, it's worth sampling. (May 2013)
I guess none of this series of perfumes is working out for me. Veni, like its sisters Vici and Vidi, has way too much ambroxan and/or Iso-E-Super for me to be able to like it. That ethereal synthetic note is so intense that it simply clobbers what could have been a gorgeous spicy perfume.
What I love about Veni is that the cardamom is intense, and I go nuts for cardamom. It's also a bit smokey, reminds me of Malabah, except better sillage and no tea. As it dries down, Veni starts to resemble a chewy ginger cookie, and I love those! At this stage, the ambroxan is much more tolerable because it blends better with spice than it does cucumber, angelica, or other fresh notes like in its sister fragrances.
While I like Veni best of the three, I still would not want a full bottle. As I said with the other two...if ambroxan and Iso don't bother you, it's worth sampling. (May 2013)
VICI
If heavy doses of ambroxan and Iso-E-Super don't bother you, you might get some pleasure out of this. They bother me, and it seemed like 80% of the fragrance consists of those two notes. I had the same problem with Vidi, another perfume in this series of three.
The overall effect is a powdery, woody amber. I smell the violet leaves and the pungent angelica, which create a soft green effect. I do detect a touch of raspberry in the base, but its extremely subtle, so I don't think of this as a berry perfume. I find this to be a bit whimsical, reminding me of sparkly purple and blue fairies flittering about a green, enchanted forest.
I love the notes, but oh how I wish ambroxan and Iso-E-Super didn't turn me off so much because I will not be able to ignore them. (Apr 2013)
If heavy doses of ambroxan and Iso-E-Super don't bother you, you might get some pleasure out of this. They bother me, and it seemed like 80% of the fragrance consists of those two notes. I had the same problem with Vidi, another perfume in this series of three.
The overall effect is a powdery, woody amber. I smell the violet leaves and the pungent angelica, which create a soft green effect. I do detect a touch of raspberry in the base, but its extremely subtle, so I don't think of this as a berry perfume. I find this to be a bit whimsical, reminding me of sparkly purple and blue fairies flittering about a green, enchanted forest.
I love the notes, but oh how I wish ambroxan and Iso-E-Super didn't turn me off so much because I will not be able to ignore them. (Apr 2013)
VIDI
I was so disappointed by this fragrance! There was way too much ambroxan and Iso E Super, creating the illusion of an amber-musky-sweet base. But it smells so fake, and the abstract base drowned out all of those other gorgeous notes to where I couldn't enjoy the perfume much. It bothers me how frequently niche perfumers depend on those compounds to create the base upon which all the other notes are built because when too much is used it's so painfully obvious. Vidi smelled like a plastic cucumber with a heavy hand of saffron. Cardamom is truly just an opening note and fades rather quickly. It's an interesting concept--the coolness of cucumber contrasting with warm spices. I would have loved this if it wasn't for the ambroxan/Iso base. (Apr 2013)
I was so disappointed by this fragrance! There was way too much ambroxan and Iso E Super, creating the illusion of an amber-musky-sweet base. But it smells so fake, and the abstract base drowned out all of those other gorgeous notes to where I couldn't enjoy the perfume much. It bothers me how frequently niche perfumers depend on those compounds to create the base upon which all the other notes are built because when too much is used it's so painfully obvious. Vidi smelled like a plastic cucumber with a heavy hand of saffron. Cardamom is truly just an opening note and fades rather quickly. It's an interesting concept--the coolness of cucumber contrasting with warm spices. I would have loved this if it wasn't for the ambroxan/Iso base. (Apr 2013)
