For the longest time, Elie Saab Le Parfum was invisible to me in the ever-burgeoning clutter of self-named designer perfumes. I have my YouTube fumies to thank for the discovery of this kitten-in-springtime delight. After repeated requests to review it, I dutifully trudged to Elie Saab's spot at the perfume counter, and wearily took a sniff.
Blah turned to "ah!" as the parade float of orange blossom, jasmine and honey sailed past my nose. Francis Kurkdjian is the fellow behind Le Parfum, and it shares a kinship with his Narciso Rodriquez For Her. It's brighter, less musky, more floral than For Her, but they both croon with the same velvet tone.
Le Parfum possesses a real lilt, with a lot of space in the smell for happy little birds, bees and gamboling Bambis.
Le Parfum is available from Amazon.com and FragranceX.com.
The way you describe the fragrances that fall apart after 20 minutes reminds me of "Mission Impossible," from the 60s, and how their messages would always self-destruct.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you should include this one on a Christmas gift list suggestion? 'Cause I'm hoping you do that again this year.
Nora, don't think I'll manage an Xmas gift doohickey this year...
DeleteI like the idea of spy smell messages.
Word. I'll just pretend you did and that you included Lou Lou and Elie Saab. Love you, Katie!
Delete--Nora
Thanks for posting this review! ES Le Parfum is in my top 3 list!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hit a bulleye for you!
DeleteI notice that you have a picture of the edt. Which is a good thing. The original Le Parfum (which is still sold) is an edp. I couldn't wear it. It didn't exactly fall apart when I tried it, but it was too sharp for me. I liked the edt better.
ReplyDeleteHi M61 - Yes, it's the EDT I'm reviewing - should have been more clear. Your feedback comparing the 2 versions is most welcome. It's been a while since I tried the EDP.
DeleteIt's strange, because everything you say is very positive about this perfume, but somehow the review comes across as negative- as if between the lines you are really describing it as a bit twee and over-eager to please.
ReplyDeleteHave you seen Katie's reviews before? Because if she thought it was "a bit twee and over-eager to please," she'd say so.
DeleteI have watched Katie's videos and read her reviews before, though I haven't studied them formally (though I would actually like to do a ph.d. in perfume critical theory, and include study of Katie Puckrik's internet content within my thesis). However, when she describes in summation a perfume as (and I am condensing, somewhat here, and also somewhat omitting, admittedly) 'a pretty little thing, like springtime and kittens, ruffles and ribbons, with bambis a-dancin, and twilight romancin', I think it is fair to ask whether what she is describing isn't maybe a little bit kitsch?
DeleteAnonymous, admittedly my description of Le Parfum might be seen as a kitsch putsch, but I'm not being insincere - I really do find it pleasing and well-made in its ruffly, kitteny genre.
DeleteKatie, did you sample the EDT or the EDP? I've tried the EDP and it was ok, but I'm curious how the EDT compares.
ReplyDeleteIt's the EDT I'm sampling here. I've not done a recent side by side with the EDP, but check out Melisand61's take, above.
DeleteKatie, your timing for me is perfect. I have been sampling the EDP and enjoying it, but I think I will stroll by the mall tomorrow for a sniff of the EDT. THis may be my next full bottle as I'm liking the kittens and ruffles thingy.
ReplyDeleteGood review. You tell it how it is.
ReplyDeleteI have a 30ml decant of this, and no clue which version it is - it dates from the summer of the launch, so am thinking it is probably the EDP?
ReplyDeleteIn which case I have yet to try the EDT! (But imagine I would also probably prefer it.)
You can't go wrong with Francis Kurkdjian. Good review.
ReplyDeletethanks for shares and review.
ReplyDeleteHow do you like it compared to Aqua Allegoria Flora Nymphea -- Kris
ReplyDeleteKris, I just sprayed on Flora Nymphea to give it a think. Flora Nymphea is sharper, grassier, greener than the muskier, more velvety Elie Saab. Elie Saab is more "eager to please", as someone phrased it above, a little more obvious. Personally, I prefer Flora Nymphea.
DeleteThanks for the review -- Kris
DeleteIn the subject of designers perfumes, a sale lady sprayed some Roberto Cavalli perfume on my hand as I was leaving the mall,didn't hear what she was saying, when I reached home the perfume developed to some great leathery incense smell which is not common for dep. store fragrance. I tryied to find out the notes of this perfume but it didn't match what I smelled, 2 days later I found out that what I tried was the new oud edition of this brand , although I didn't get the oud directly but there was the depth & the leathary aspect of oud, I liked it.Hessa
ReplyDeleteHessa, that's my favorite application of oud in a perfume, I've realized: a smidge in the mix to add a bit of savory thickness.
Delete