Essence No. 9 Tuberose

There is gardenia in this scent though it’s not listed in the notes; just the generic term white floral, though I know it is there. It is giving this composition a buttery creaminess. I normally don’t care for gardenia in a perfume, but in this case, it is not only enhancing the creaminess of a tuberose in full bloom but also prevents the tuberose from being mentholated, too indolic, camphorous, or from going into full-blown bubblegum territory. This is a clear and deep tuberose gardenia combo. To my nose, I don’t smell benzoin as there is nothing resinous, medicinal, earthy or vanilla here. Nor, am I getting cinnamon in the traditional spice rack sense. The initial opening is sharp citrus soon joined with cinnamon that has a woody aspect. It’s a light spiciness, not like a punch in the nose you sometimes get in a heavy oriental. After this phase passes you are left with a creamy tuberose gardenia scent reminiscent of Annick Goutel’s Gardenia Passion. That is also a gardenia tuberose scent, with more emphasis on the gardenia of course, but this is a lot richer, heavier, and has nuclear silage compared to that. I sprayed the back of my hand with one spray and 7 hours later could still smell it clearly around me. At that small rate of usage to perfume myself I’ll probably have this bottle for the rest of my life. The dry down is very soft and clean with the tuberose still clearly defined though the gardenia is no longer as noticeable. This is a tamed, clean tuberose that’s closer to the pure organic tuberose essential oil I have than any tuberose perfume I’ve smelled to date, and it has the complexity I’m seeking that is lacking in the organic oil. Though I’d prefer this scent have no gardenia in it I can appreciate how the gardenia has clamped down the tuberose’s inclination to overwhelm while still retaining the tuberose’s narcotic headiness. For me, I’d only wear this fragrance at night and not in confined places. It is too rich, too strong, and too sumptuous for any other time. This is a stunner!!! 12/7/22 Weird, but I'm with Bubbles on this one. There are definitely other floral notes in this besides tuberose. The last few times I wore it I kept getting gardenia mixed with the tuberose. Wore it the other night and was getting jasmine and at times orange blossom.So I haven't worn this one time where it came across as a straight up tuberose scent. Still love it no matter what it has in it.

One of the best and most wearable tuberoses out there. I proudly own this and the neroli one in the Essences line of Elie Saab. I buy almost anything created by Francis K, cause I respect and admire his creations (and find them so compatible with my skin). I wear it often. It's polite, not screechy and loud like Fracas, one that I cannot wear as an example. But it manages to be feminine in a somewhat polite manner. You would say it's a soliflore as the tuberose is what you smell from beginning til the end. Mind you... this stuff is so well blended with musc and other lighter white flowers (although not listed) that makes it so pleasant and easy to wear. I am mentioning that because tuberose as a soliflore or when too prominent gives me an instant headache (Fracas, EL Tuberose Gardenia, Truth or Dare, to name a few), while in this composition it's wearable, yet fresh and creamy like a dream. Indeed it's the tuberose I reach for more often in my collection. I could not compare it to any other tuberose based frag I know (section "this reminds me of"). It's a fragrance with its own personality. Very good longevity, and on clothes.... lasts weeks.

I’m a fan of Kurkdijian’s overall approach to this Essence line of Elie Saab Fragrances: natural, soft but persistent projection. I’ve tried all of them except for the Amande Tonka, and this is my favorite, in fact it’s also one of my favorite tuberose scents. What makes No. 9 stand out are the addition of the support notes. The first few minutes I pick up citrus with the tuberose, then cinnamon taking this tuberose into a gourmand direction. Yep, a “tuberose gourmand”. I’m sure their are a few notes left off. Jasmine, Ylang or orange blossom, not sure which one, but they are used with a light touch as tuberose stays dominant on my skin. Tuberose No. 9 and others from this line can be found in the grey market for a steal ($52. for 100ml) making it a best buy for your fragrance buck. A note about performance: I spray three or four times and get several hours of projection. Hours later I still pick it up, that random whiff of loveliness just when you think it’s turned to a skin scent. There’s nothing super challenging for me, it’s a smooth ride from start to finish. Versatile too. Currently wearing this in summer heat and I love it.

+ This is my favorite of the 8 of the line that I own (tubereuse, gardenia, santal, ambre, rose, neroli, vetiver, amande tonka) It's soliflore~like and smells a little similar to the gardenia but tubereuse is greener (like leaves/stems) and buttery. Yes, buttery in the best way like CAKE! It smells like tuberose flowers have been simmered in butter with a sprig of cinnamon, and a drop of bergamot. I also smell jasmine and the barest hint of cinnamon. This is divine. Gourmand. My husband picked up the butteriness too and said it smelled like cake. This is my dream skin scent, the perfect tuberose for me. Beware this line is for people who enjoy modest scents. Sillage and longevity are both low to moderate. I personally get great longevity and a big sillage for me but this might be low sillage for others. I like my perfume cloud to be intimate. EDIT: This perfume smells great layered with Mon Exclusif! Tuberose brings out the yumminess in ME. Best in winter! EDIT: June 2020. This perfume smells like a louder sister of Love Tuberose.

Wow, just stunning. You can smell the quality of the ingredients used - makes YOU smell incredible, without making you smell like its thanks to perfume. Smells like warm, creamy natural tuberose. Definitely a jasmine-like scent as well, but as though you had the real plant blooming in front of you. The bergamot really comes through in the opening and takes a back seat in the mid and dry down. I am not a fan of traditional florals such as Flora by Gucci (lots of peony, rose and patchouli), this is much more delicate and well rounded with a touch of spice. Definitely leans more feminine, but I could imagine certain men being able to pull it off. Perhaps comes down to skin chemistry. Fantastic for daily wear, not annoying or obnoxious. Great alternative for those looking for a change from the 'bubblegum tuberose' phase that certain perfumes were going through. Very natural smelling. Must try for those that enjoy creamy florals.