Lutece

I recently bought the Prism Parfum version of Lutece and was initially disappointed. It did not smell like I expected. I think I had was expecting a different old scent and was confused. I was about to donate this to charity , which makes me feel less guilt for buying things I do not use. Wasting money makes me feel irresponsible ! Well, I decided to give this one another try and.. you guessed it - I like it . I think there is something about it that reminds me of the fragrances my grandmother ( who raised me ) had on her dresser . This smells REALLY nice ! It reminds me of the fancy French soaps that my aunts gave my grandma when I was a girl at Christmas. It smells slightly powdery, floral , and lightly spicy. The overall effect is a rather classic and polished scent after the drydown. This proves that good things do not have to cost a fortune and good taste is not limited to the affluent , thankfully . This would be great for wearing in places where strong scents are discouraged. I find it elegant, retro , not at all harsh . I give this two thumbs up ! ( Some people might call it a grandma scent . I am a grandma and I think it is feminine , classy and I was never one to follow the crowds in a herd anyway.) Frankly some of the most wonderful perfumes, melodies, works of art, books, and poems were enjoyed by my grandma and greatgrandma and are still quite beautiful today ( and that requires an educated mind open to inquiry ) .

If you want the real Lutece based on the original, buy the PRISM Parfums Brand ( NOT the Five Star Brand ) . It is confusing, and it is best to ask your seller and ascertain which version they are selling . The Five Star is a forgettable fruity floral and not anything special. I love the Prism Parfums version of the real Lutece. Lutece has really cast a spell on me ! It has an elegant retro feel that takes me back to the day when women would not “ go to town” without primping and wearing stockings and Chanel #5 . I wish it were a bit more intense, but it is so feminine and lovely that I just spray generously. This perfume seemed nondescript and ho hum the first time I tried it . My first thought was to give it away ! Now, it is a love for me . This perfume says “lady “ to all who who come close . It smells very clean and the vetiver makes it memorable . Lutece, is underrated in my opinion, and a bargain classic worth more than it sells for . ( Be sure to order the PRISM PARFUMS VERSION-not the Five Star ! )

I want to add a few words for those who miss classic floral aldehydes . The PRISM PERFUMES version of Lutece ( NOT TriStar perfumes!) is a trip down memory lane that takes my mind back to the originals like Chanel #5 , Ivoire , L’Aimant , Caleche . The quality of this perfume blows me away for a floral aldehyde . It is far superior in quality to Chanel #5 and several other classics . Lutece was originally created by Houbigant , then purchased by Dana . It has quite a long history and has been loved for several decades , If you enjoy a classic French perfume that smells like the fanciest French soap that could be purchased in 1960 , you may love this . It is elegant , refined, complex, and long lasting . I find it quite chic and proof that the best things are not always the priciest . This is an underrated and beautiful floral aldehyde that smells like it should cost five times the asking price .

My review will be for the current version of Lutece. I've never tried the Houbigant version so I have nothing to compare it to. This is a soft floral powdery dream! My skin seems to skip right over the aldehydes and cinnamon shown at the top of the right side pyramid, and goes straight to the soft florals and musk. The top and middle phases are pleasant enough, with a well blended mix of florals and a touch of vetiver, but the drydown is divine. This blend of florals, mixed with the softest of clean musks, gives an impression of the softest powder. This is soft, floral, peaceful, feminine, and romantic. I almost think there is violet in here. I have both Lutece and Ombre Rose, which are known to be similar. I have compared them side by side and prefer Lutece. It seems to develop more beautifully on my skin. I feel like I am floating on a cloud when I wear this.

On my skin, Dana's Lutece sprays on very woody and dry. The rosewood and vetiver are very strong at first. The drydown is softly powdery, more floral, and calms the woods. There is a vague similarity to the woody parts of Ombre Rose, but Lutece is not nearly as floral, not as sweet, and has no rose in it. Well blended, Lutece resembles Navy at first spray, but Lutece is softer and sweeter than Navy. The drydown is closer to Ombre Rose. Lutece lasts all day, wears close to skin, and it's very affordable. It's soft, rosey, with moderate silage. I love it !