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.

This is a really lovely tuberose, and I’m someone who doesn’t usually care for the note. The cinnamon is a teeny bit ‘medicinal’, but I actually like that, it adds interest to the otherwise simple scent. This a daytime, spring/summer tuberose like Michael Kor’s fragrance, but Elie Saab’s is much more refined, upscale, smooth and modern, without the dreaded aquatic note of that one. Sillage and longevity are very good for a daytime scent. Though I wouldn’t hesitate to wear it as a summer evening scent. A very pretty, very refined, elegant tuberose, it’s on the minimalist side and it’s natural smelling, not attention seeking or loud like many tuberose scents tend to be. I imagine the wearer to be a demure heiress in a freshly pressed white suit, light make-up and an easy smile, she’s sophisticated and beautiful but also humble and modest. Will make a great daytime signature for ladies 30+. I’m considering buying a bottle.

White floral heaven!! This is quite possibly my favorite tuberose of all. It is a gardenia-esque style of tuberose, but the inspired addition of cinnamon somehow prevents it from actually being more of a gardenia fragrance than tuberose. Blows Carnal Flower and Fracas out of the water IMHO. It's creamy, but not cloying, and the musk grounds the composition without being obtrusive or animalic. I would love to smell his Gardenia for comparison, but I really want to try all of the perfumes in this collection. Did I mention the packaging? It is a gorgeous and luxurious presentation that oozes taste and elegance. I think this can be worn all year, with the exception of the hottest summer days. I can see it being a go to bedtime scent for me. If you love white florals, this is a must have, and if you don't care for white florals, this just might change your mind.

Elie Saab, is a wonderful perfume house IMHO. I got this last year but put it away till now, I wanted to enjoy this in the spring and not the fall/winter. I am a tuberose lover, I think the beautiful white flower is so pretty and gives off a beautiful tropical scent. Now, this is a wedding day scent, it’s a creamy tuberose which definitely will have longevity and sillage for any bride. I do get the cinnamon but it does not make it spicy at all. Such a beautiful fragrance. I love it! Highly recommended 10/10

This tuberose opens fresh, like freshly cut, the same impression I get from Carnal Flower. Essence No. 9 stays fresh, does not become dirty, nor buttery. Cinnamon brightens the aspect of spiciness unique to this flower, but the cinnamon is never too much nor too prominent. I expected this to be similar to Alexander McQueen, it is not really, and yet it's a bright soliflore, gorgeous in its own right. I am happy to own the large bottle. Easy to wear, suitable for all occasions.

This is good,really good luxury liquid!So smooth and sensuous!Definitely not loud,but with a character.It is rounded and silky,different from the crowd pleasers smell.There is something mystical in it.To my nose first comes the bergamot,the cinnamon is soft and dreamy and when they settle down,the tuberose starts to bloom in all its glory!Really good job!Bravo!!!

I wish I had the right words to describe my obsession with this and how beautiful it smells to me. Absolutely hypnotic green tuberose and cinnamon that I want to take a bath in. I've gone through half a bottle in two months and have a back up...thinking about purchasing one more. IMO there's nothing else like it on the market.

Somewhat softer than I expected, but still a true Tuberose. The longevity is nothing like the Le Parfums, but as the Amber , although stronger also isn't lasting it may be something about this line. I will keep trying & amend this if it is just a weather thing. either way not sorry I bought it. :)

Absolutely stunning!! Very creamy and warm 😍 My brother even steals this from me, he loves wearing this too! But I see cinnamon in the notes? I absolutely HATE cinnamon in fragrances so to me, this doesn't smell like cinnamon at all. it is straight up a creamy and warm tuberose. Absolutely love it

After all the long journey of searching for the right tuberose scent that perfectly match my taste. I finally found my true love. This is very beautiful combination of not-too-much spicy cinnamon, refreshing bergamot and main star creamy tuberose which I adore the most. Kudos to Mr. Kurkdjian.

This is the best perfume, I’ve ever smelled! So light,uplifting,so clean!Makes me feel like a fairy.For all women,who like tuberose,I’ll say go and buy this masterpiece and use it all seasons day and night.You’ll be unique.

No exaggeration, I was spinning in circles this morning trying to smell whatever that was smelling so amazing, then realized I sprayed this tuberose. Fresh invigorating floral uplifting.

This here is my most successful blind buy ever. Tuberose and musc are narcotic, bergamot is refreshing and cinnamon is very comforting. It feels like playing in a floral cloud.

If anyone has a bottle and is willing to sell a decant, please private message me. Thanks!

I sold this fragrance in 2019 and just repurchased. I initially bought it for a decided bargain of $50, while it was available from a perfume discount site. Upon trying it, it smelled more of gardenia than tuberose to me and I got some kind of a peach note that might actually be the bergamot & cinnamon? I thought the composition had the uniqueness of a beige cardigan from Ann Taylor. I was immediately reminded of my sister in law, who lives in the suburbs in a McMansion that looks like every other house in her neighborhood. Unfortunately my husband walked into the room and said whatever I was wearing smelled really good. I think I embarrassed him by saying I found it too basic. His response to the perfume reminded me of couple things I’ve read over the years about the average guy. One was a study in which they asked men to rate unidentified smells and vote as to which turned them on the most. The sexiest smell to men in the study? apple pie. The other snippet it reminds me of is an article I saw in Vogue titled ‘Face it: He hates your cape’ which detailed the average male’s lack of appreciation for avant garde fashion. I think my guy gets tired of some of my edgier fragrance choices. Anyway, back to my impression that this fragrance is a crowd pleaser that belongs in the suburbs...I don’t have much experience with the ‘burbs or mainstream tastes, but I notice when I’ve tried to assimilate with my in laws, that my personal selections are still too different, too unique. What I’m trying to say here is that while this perfume comes across as pedestrian to me (and likely others with niche taste), it’s different from what is generally chosen amongst the vanilla and mayonnaise crowd. It’s not •challenging• the way I prefer most of my fragrances, but it’s unique and well done. I have two small children and I plan to wear no. 9 for occasions where I want to step away from being an artsy eccentric and present myself as effortlessly pulled together. Situations where I want to smell amazing, but want my fragrance statement neutral, like school functions. So maybe no. 9 is not a beige cardigan but more of a tailored white button down shirt that flatters every wearer and never goes out of style.

312 This is a middle of the road tuberose. Very safe and pleasant...It’s not too much of anything(sweet, tart, floral) but the dry cinnamon makes it a little more unique. It does remind me of Tuberose Gardenia by Estée Lauder, which I found a bit more gardenia(a touch of mothballs) at opening, but it dried down to this style of tuberose by Elie Saab. I gave my EL gardenia tuberose away because it had a “perfumey” note, which scratched my throat. It was beautiful otherwise. This tuberose doesn’t smell perfumey overall and doesn’t bother my nose and throat. I can’t say it’s strong like EL gardenia tuberose, but it’s more natural smelling, gentler. Not longest lasting or projecting, but it surrounds you. It’s a not too much of anything tuberose and a little bit of everything. It’s not tropical, not creamy, not vegetal. Wish it was stronger. Low projection. 7/10-pleasant, natural smelling, non-screeching, unique cinnamon note. Would not repurchase.