La Pausa Eau de Parfum

I own both La Pausas. The EDP is totally different from the EDT. For one thing it lasts more than twice as long, and it projects a wee bit better, but not by much. With the EDT, I get the powdery and starchy orris quality right up-front, with a hint of leather as the fragrance develops on the skin. And that's pretty much it. To those for whom this version was perfection, yes, it is dead. The La Pausa EDP has a protracted deveopment. I don't get the intense, starchy orris root powder. It's more subdued, and a lot of musk has been added. The heart features vetiver, which is very distinct, tangy, and was not present whatsoever in the old version. I hate this phase because vetiver and me don't work. It's very sour on my skin. I try to endure the hours that it lasts, and the payoff is good because I love the drydown. The drydown smells like that perfect old powder compact scent. I swear that I smell rose in it. There was no rose scent in the EDT. It's in the base where I smell all of the orris root, combined with something slightly sweet-balsamic; whereas with the EDT you get orris root immediately and throughout it's entire lifespan. La Pausa EDP is like a counterpart to Misia (I have not tried the new Misia EDP though). They both smell like makeup. Misia is sweeter and has that fruitiness about it, and it is more of a lipstick and powder scent, more flirty in a way. La Pausa is like pure powder compact, no sweetness whatsoever, more of a cold, distant vibe. La Pausa EDT conjures words like depression, oppression, coldness, soul-less, sadness, Victorian times, austerity. But I absolutely loved it! With the EDP, none of those words come to mind. Instead I think of words like chic, modern, sexy, feminine, soft, mysterious. Yes, 28 La Pausa is dead, but I love the new La Pausa equally. She lost her number, but she gained a soul. For those who really love the scent of orris root, I feel that a similar, stronger (and IMHO better) orris root perfume is Le Labo's Iris 39.

When Sycomore becomes Encre Noire a L'Extreme in the EDP recomposition, La Pausa EDP is incredibly transformed into a Sycomore EDT flanker. Maybe I should call it La Pausa pour Homme or Sycomore pour Femme ? It seems that the tube that put in Sycomore draft (right before toning up the Iso-E super) was knocked over and a fraction of the liquid was splattered into La Pausa, just so conveniently Oliver Polge sent this to the market department for the finalized decision. Here we are! Guys, La Pausa EDP is far from the bone structure of its EDT version, or more generally speaking wherein the transparent leathery and greenish accord shared in both La Pausa EDT and Bel Respiro EDT/EDP was prominent in the play, however, it becomes a hybrid of Sycomore EDT and La Pausa EDT, leaning more to Sycomore though. If you are not familiar with either one, just imagine that two drops of Encre Noire blends with one drop of Prada Infusion Homme and one drop of Chanel No 19 Poudre, or 2-3 drops of Serge Lutens Iris Silver Mist with 1-2 drops of Bel Respiro EDT/EDP and Sycomore EDT. No need to judge which version is better, because the two La Pausas are equally good scents in virtually different genres. If you are looking for the scent of EDT but can hardly find another bottle, you may need Bel Respiro EDP for substitution which is the closest yet compromised match within the products of Chanel. Some reviews mentioned Misia, I dont get much significant comparison with that, no matter EDT or EDP. In fact, Misia EDP is still in the same flavor despite of amplified smoky vibe and newly introduced roasted sweet potato nuance, which for the same reason makes it farther from Frederic Malle Lipstick Rose than ever. Rating: 7.5-8/10 for both versions

La Pausa took me by surprise - I absolutely love it and it rocketed up to being one of my favourite irises of all time (and even one of my favourite Chanels quite possibly THE favourite!). If you imagine locking Iris Silver Mist out of her steel blade armoury and forcing her to adopt wood instead of metal you'd get something close to La Pausa. This is a bit of an embarrassing admission though as La Pausa smells strongly of pure irones (the only fragrant molecules in iris butter) with some vetiver for support - one of the simplest irises I have smelled. Rather than smelling like lipstick per se, this is the very texture of a human lip transformed into perfume form - the smoothness and plushness of some comforting angel made from intertwined tree roots and paradise soil, listening patiently to your worries from far below the earth. It's Gaia-like, caressing, powdery and pure. It is still very much of the temperate-graveyard-on-a-foggy-spring-day persuasion, but perhaps a wedding occurred on these grounds a couple of weeks ago. I mean to say the austerity and severity is here but the outlook is less bleak, less hopeless. This is luxury, buttery-smooth calligraphic melancholy. It's the dove grey dessert with no sugar at all, the wet cobblestone, the library. I suppose my only critique (if I can even call it that) is that La Pausa EDP to me smells less like a careful or deft composition and more like a mere presentation of one of the world's most beautiful fragrant materials in unadorned, naked splendour. I think it goes without saying that if you like iris (indeed, actual iris i.e. irones) - you will like this.

This is for the EDP. The batch code dates it from June 2017. On my skin this perfume performs in two movements. The initial spray brings out a rather sharpish vegetal aspect. I'm assuming this is the famous high quality iris that Chanel uses in their exclusifs line. My first impression was of tomato leaf, celery, and carrot rising in the scent of warm, powdery earth. It wasn't what I'd expected but I was immediately hooked because the deeper I'd breathe it in, the more I could detect the varying tones playing in my nose. It reminded me of hearing Stravinsky for the first time - unexpected, a bit jarring but still on the edge of my seat anticipating the next movement. On second hearing my musical sense had evolved and I heard the symphonics that brought me joy! It's hard to keep my nose away from my wrist after I've applied it now. The second movement - oh, that lovely dry down! How wonderful it was to awaken after spraying it on before going to bed, uncovering and being met with what now my senses registered as a rare, noble and beautiful iris, resplendent in it's powdery realm, attended by a touch of violet - a rarified violet that whispered but still reminded me that even an untrained nose like mine knows quality when I encounter it. I felt centered and serene. This dry down was as sublime as a Beethoven sonata - and just as beautiful! I'll be enjoying La Pausa during this springtime Easter/Passover week as the blossoms come forth and add their visual harmonies. Thank you, Mr. Polges, for this marvelous creation!

I just realized that after all these years, I’ve never written a proper review for La Pausa. I’ve mentioned it briefly when discussing Sycomore EdP/EdT, but it deserves its own space. Interestingly, the EdP and EdT of La Pausa feel very different—so much so that I often think of the EdP as a sort of counterpart to Sycomore (or, if you like, Sycomore pour femme). Compared to the earlier EdT, the EdP subtly shifts its character: the leather note is softened, while vetiver is boosted, giving the fragrance a stronger woody backbone. These adjustments make La Pausa EdP feel more unisex and distinctly different from its once-close cousin Bel Respiro . Longevity is also markedly improved—the EdP lasts much longer on the skin. What’s even more fascinating is a little experiment I stumbled upon today: about five years ago, I decanted 5ml from a 200ml EdP bottle. Recently, I noticed that this small decant now smells noticeably different from the original bottle. My guess is that it’s a result of aging. Over time, La Pausa EdP develops an almost Guerlain Vetiver (vintage version) –like quality, with a herbal, earthy nuance that adds depth and complexity to its structure. In short, La Pausa EdP is not just a refined woody-floral; it’s a fragrance that evolves beautifully over time, revealing layers you might never expect. Rating: 7.5-8/10 (for both EdP and EdT)

This is a unisex iris masterpiece. The opening is smooth, beautiful iris in the vein of pure orris absolute and is reminiscent of the Iris note in Cuir de Russie EdP. The heart reveals additional facets of the iris and adds some powdery notes and a touch of cedar that smells almost fruity in this context. The base is green and sharp underneath still more iris. I get a distinct vetiver note in this green accord. The dry down is bright and uplifting with a hint of white florals, no powder, some bitterness and an overall cool vibe. I get fairly good longevity from La Pausa in most conditions--as long as 8 hours on my skin. Projection is moderate. This scent is subtle, refined, elegant and reveals every conceivable aspect of the complex note of iris during its progression. There is a depth to La Pausa EdP that is not obvious on paper or if sniffed quickly on skin. This fragrance rewards patience and, like a lot of Les Exclusifs de Chanel, has grown on me each time I wear it. As with all of Les Exclusifs, the presentation is luxury minimalism and the atomizer is among the best. Avoid lifting the bottle by its magnetized cap. It can drop when the bottle is full and this stuff is too expensive to shatter the bottle on the floor. I love this fragrance. Try it. Iris lovers, just go ahead and buy it if it fits in your budget. This is magnificent stuff!!!

I swear to God, I completely forgot that I owned this! If I hadn't been going over my old orders and saw that I purchased it, I would have never known. I'm being swallowed by my perfume collection and desperately need to get it into some type of order, and take inventory. That said, I seem to be experiencing some sort of anosmia right now for certain fragrances. La Pausa is delicate to begin with, but it barely registers on my skin. I'm only guessing, but I can't help but wonder if there is a bunch of undisclosed musk in here because I am notoriously anosmic to white musk. I have found that many of the lighter perfumes in the Les Exclusifs line need to sit for a long time, up to 2 years, in a cool, dark space in order for them to reach their full potential. It might just be the power of suggestion, but I have witnessed firsthand how the longer some perfumes sit and and "stew", the more they take on the qualities of the notes and accords as described by the nose. I believe this was meant to be a skin scents to begin with, but I think I am going to pack it away in my large perfume drawer for another year before trying it again. I just hope I don't forget about it again! 😂

Beautiful Iris. Iris + vetiver. A light green vetiver. Not too powdery iris, not too dry. There is a hint of the 'Chanelade'= aldehydic musky accord I find in Chanels, but hardly noticeable, just a hint to keep the fragrance from being too dry. And there is a freshness in the opening, a hesperidic trace. I'll compare La pausa with Iris siver mist: the opening here is a unique earthy iris but then becomes quite spicy for an iris... with Infusion d'iris, Prada: versatile iris with orange blossom and vetiver, orange blossom wins over iris. Iris shot: too gourmand. Bois d'iris: green, spicy, dry. Apres l'onde: beautiful, unique and yes, you can feel the iris, but much more than an iris fragrance. La pausa suits more than any other fragrance to the sensation of iris is in my head! The best iris! Not a special fragrance, not unique, doesn't last long, but it still is the perfect iris for me. 9/10

update: I splurged on a 200ml bottle as my wimpy partial has been depleted. What I’m learning on my fragrance journey: “less is more” “take your time” “life is short” & I love a good CHANEL perfume. La Pausa is restrained elegance & beauty. Simple & uncomplicated smell-good feels. I have a huge bottle & can spray with abandon... La Pausa is Chanel’s stripped down & bare bones take on the Iris flower. It is the “accord” of the flower which is used so superfluously in most Chanel perfumes. The quality of the material is present taking in metallic & lavender tones. An icy bite warmed by sandalwood & sweetened by violets. Austere & pretty. I will most likely use up my partial bottle pairing it with other Chanel’s like 31 Rue Cambon or No 19.

My husband said he likes the current powdery edp version better than the original 28 La Pausa edt. I feel the current version smells more like a 'Chanel DNA' scent. I like both, but I think it depends on 'what' aspect of iris you like. The original version is a more natural iris, closer to earth and grass. The current version also has a hint of earth and grass, but it is closer to cosmetic powder. There are similarities with the Chanel No. 19 series, but it is difficult to say which one it resembles because the vintage and current versions of the 19 series are quite different.

Ultra delicate iris and vetiver, very refined and complicated. One of the best iris scent I've ever had the honour to own - orris at its best, surrounded by the most appropriate and well matched companions, that make it shine through its various facets. Feels warm, elegant and even intelligent (if an "intelligent scent" makes sense to you). Main down point is that it is a very light eau de parfum, with a very mild longevity and silage (better results if sprayed on clothes), and also you can get a bit anosmic to some of its notes upon prolonged sniffing...

It's iris. Chalky powdery, it's also grassy with a feeling of fresh cut stems, and woody or root-like - which is what you expect. It's not similar to your common popular scents, but it's absolutely perfume-y, like a "normal" fragrance, while not stuffy or grandmother-y. I also love it for not being sweet: food gourmand direction clashes with my understanding of perfumes, they all feel girly AND cheap to me no matter how I try to love any of them. To me it's fresh, gently invigorating. Slightly mysterious in a pleasant way, like, maybe, and elf is.

This perfume is the one that takes me the most time to understand; to understand how to wear it, the occasion to wear it, etc. Finally, this is a confort scent to wear for myself! I consider it like my “spa” perfume. The name La Pausa gives it all! It a powder iris with dense wood notes, that is not sweet at all but the powder note in it does it all! The notes are simple, but it develops a lot on the skin. If you want a perfume to smell like money this is not for you, but if you like perfume art you absolutely have to give it a try!

... thanks to Germany's post, I decided to give La Pausa EDP another try despite my initial scathing review. And I must say, the new La Pausa has warmed my heart! I have been wearing her for the past 3 days and she is less cold and has a warmer, deeper side. She doesn't last on my skin as long as the EDT ... but, somehow she is better formulated. So, sometimes first impressions are deceiving ... i have not however, changed my mind about the new Jersey... the edp not the state (lol)

its a bit hot out today and im in d mood to play around trying out perfumes. so i wear this one earlier today (4hrs ago) and sprayed eau de cologne on top of it. edc brings out the powderiness in this even more and la pausa adds depth to edc. this excites me and i might get a bottle of this soon! but on its own, it lacks character not to mention performance, really on the weak side of things. happy experimenting guys!

La Pausa smells gloriously of Orris, reminds me so much of vintage Chanel No 19 Pure Parfum with its delicate vein of vetiver gently streaming throughout. It’s earthy, green and naturalistic, cold and melancholic with shadows of purple Iris cast throughout the whole composition. I find this totally unisex, totally heart wrenching and it’s my favorite of the Exclusiffs ❤️ EDP 2016

I have the edt but this is a different animal. I love them both. This is a softer Iris make up powder fragrance a lot less green than the edt. If I buy the edp it will be a day wear thing. With the edt, with the leather note, I wear at night sometimes. The edp lasts about six hours and is a medium sillage perfume. I recommend this especially if you love no 19 Poudre or the like.

La Pausa is gentle, delicate, fragile. In life, tangible items with such qualities often evoke a sense of unease or anxiety—"I must be careful not to break it!" But no, La Pausa isn't like that at all. Instead, it forces you to marvel at the beauty contained within such fragility. A masterpiece tribute to iris.

After several wearings across a few years, I finally see what La Pausa (EDP circa Aug 2016, first batch of the EDPs) for what it is. It is a younger sister of No.19 and a distant cousin of No.18. The impressions drawn from the two other fragrances are so obvious that I'd rename La Pausa 'No. 18.5'.

Chanel La Pausa (2007) - classic chanel flap - nothing smells like a vintage #chanelclassicflap like this #jacquespolge ‘s creation. Iris in its powdery and mushroomy context combined with pebbled caviar Leather and the classic Chanel florals in the foreground. Masterpiece.