Estee Legacy

Estee (also known as Estee Super for a period of time) may be one of the most confusing classics from Estée Lauder family, when you can hardly find it in EL counter. Born in 1968, Estee has to face so many enemies: Arpege, No.5, L'Aimant, Fleur de Rocaille, Detchema, Madame Rochas, Sortilege... In such a fierce market, how many more floral aldehydes did American consumers need? Perhaps for this reason, Bernard Chant and Bethy Busse failed to save the original Estée today. Time has come to 2024. We have witnessed the resurrection of old perfumes such as Le Galion, Lubin, Grossmith, Bienaime, Houbigant, etc.; everyone has launched no less than three perfumes with specific names derived from the brand's history, whether they share the same soul or not. Re-reviewing Estee Legacy in this context, we will find that its vibrant life has finally ushered in a new spring: from banana ylang-ylang to Nivea cream, from snowflake aldehydes to fluffy powder, from peach blush to soft musk, from honey to soap... It's as if Carlos Benaïm intercepted the most charming parts of Sortilege, No.5 and Fleurs d'Ete to form a harmony. In a sense, the bold and fearless Estee Legacy is a new classic beauty that keeps pace with the times, and it is also the work that best fits the key concept of the entire Lauder Legacy series. For the first time I realize that perfume has also achieved the same level as a newly re-composed classical music, still performed by a top orchestra. Furthermore, it is even possible that it has surpassed the original version with a costly formula. This time, we can share the same joy with those who smelled No.5 in 1921. Finally, in my opinion, Estee Legacy might also be called Estee - Peachy caress.

On me, Estee opens with a creamy, captivating ylang-ylang on a bed of musk with spicy carnation and soft floral supporting notes. Turns a bit soapy, but stays balanced and enjoyable to wear. Classy and sophisticated, but not stuffy. The floral notes stay intact throughout the long drydown with just a hint of honey. This is a classic scent, but deftly "modernized" to pare away characteristics that make it difficult for many modern noses. Those who love the original may have mixed feelings. Overall, this is a good quality fragrance with good performance, and one I will gladly wear.

Absolute classic! Opens with soapy floral aldehyde with dominant neroli. Right after beginning may sound strict even masculine sometimes, but aldehydes soften this impression. And most of times I’d describe this perfume as “white shirt clean scent “. Overall sounds pretty linear, but fresh and comforting for 5-6 hours and finishes with sweet oriental honey base. Lovely.

Estée is not one of Estée Lauder's most popular perfumes, and understandably so. An old-fashioned aldehydic floral with a dense chypre base, it is reminiscent of other scents and feels very dated, if good. So, I was particularly intrigued by Estée Legacy, as it seems like the one scent that needed a revamp the most. EL is a lightweight, airy, pared-back version of the original, but it is ultimately quite a different scent. EL is reminiscent of Chanel No. 5 from initial spray, given the bright, soapy aldehydes and powdery florals. Smooth, creamy ylang ylang is most prominent to my nose, sweet and slightly tropical. I get some clean, powdery jasmine, marrying nicely with the ylang ylang. It becomes increasingly powdery as it progresses, reminiscent of a vintage make-up compact. Orris and rose give this effect, and it remains Chanel-like as a result. There is a hint of spice alongside the florals. The honey note is much more pronounced here than in the original Estée, adding rich floral sweetness. It remains light and airy throughout. It fades to a sweet powdery skin scent with a soft cloud of clean musk emerging as it fades. Sillage and longevity are moderate. It is a daytime feminine transeasonal scent in my opinion. A pleasant aldehydic powdery floral, EL is decent in its own right, but is quite a departure from the original, so much so that it feels pointless. Overpriced for what it is too, my main gripe with the Legacy Collection. No. 5 Legacy. 3.5/5.

This is the best of the bunch for me. It smells like EL answer to Chanel no 5. Big ylang, jasmine aldehydic fragrance with support from rose and carnations. Sweetened by honey. Very musky, clean, sweet, floral, powdery feminine fragrance. I see similarities with the old reformulation but the aldehydes are toned down and the perfume is sweeter overall. This one is my favorite of the new legacy line and worth buying but on sale. If you like the idea of a sweeter Chanel no 5 you will like Estee Legacy. Reminds me of my bottle of Chanel no 5 premiere a bit. It has that same champagne fizz at the top and throughout the fragrance. I really like this one. Edit: 2/8/24 testing this again tonight and I stand by my review. This one is the prettiest of the bunch and worth owning. I'm putting it on my want shelf. I need to get a good sale before I purchase but I do enjoy this pretty floral, and it is very heavy on the ylang which I love.