Habit Rouge L'Eau

I bought this fragrance after buying the EDT and the EDP. I expected it to be a lighter and less expensive flanker of the EDT but it's not really the case. It is simply as fantastic as the EDT and the EDP, and undeniably with the fantastic Habit Rouge ADN. After spraying you get a great initial fresh blast of bitter orange tamed by the non sweet vanilla, with a creamy and smoth behaviour (hazel? jasmin?) and a very classy patchouly background... fantastic! Great fragrance, indeed. Performance is exceptional for an EDC; It's better than many EDPs I own. The versatility is monstruous as you can wear it everywhere, all situations, all seasons, day and night. I did 5 sprays of this fragrance in the morning, and had a few compliments! Yes you get compliments although this was suposed to be a "safe" fragrance for day to day use. Let us see what the maths tell us: Scent: 10.0 (my judgement) Longevity: 8.5 (well above average for the existing notes but not beasty) Sillage: 8.0 (same as longevity) Uniqueness: 10.0 (unique, considering the existing fragrances that I am aware of, with yhe exception of the other Guerlain perfumes like the other Habit Rouge colognes and some Shalimar perfumes) Wearability: 10.0 (4 seasons, day or night) Versatility: 9.5 (yes to clubbing, socializing, events, restaurants... and yes to dates, romancing, sex, office, beach, picnics, weaddings, movies, birthday gift to your father in law... no to work out !) Quality: 10.0 (my judgement) Presentation: 7.5 (a bit simple but effective; very good sprayer) Price: 10.0 (100 ml tester for 19 Euros + VAT) Overall rating for this fragrance: 9.28/10.0 My other ratings: Overall rating for the EDT: 9.11/10.0 Overall rating for the EDP: 9.22/10.0

Upon sampling HR L'Eau for the first time after a blind-buy, I was not impressed in the least. In fact, I scrubbed it from my wrist less than 60 seconds after applying it. But then after I'd completely forgotten about it, about a 1/2 hour 45 minutes later as L'Eau began to dry down I could detect something that smelled incredibly captivating, even after having scrubbed most of it off. I then applied another good shot and awaited the full dry-down and I must now admit that I've been seduced by this beautifully fresh and light uplifting scent! For my chemistry, it has all day lasting power and projection. It's no wonder the original Habit Rouge is so beloved. This is my first venture into Guerlain territory and it won't be my last...not after falling in love with this little treasure. I dare to rate it at a 9.5. During the past recent years I seem to find myself checking Jack Hunter's excellent fragrantica.com reviews, of which a good amount of them I happen to agree with. Yet this time I was sure he was waaay off base about HR L'Eau. But man, I'm so glad I gave L'Eau a second chance, as I'm smitten with this incredibly gorgeous frag! In fact, I can see this being my signature work/day scent for quite some time to come. Thanks Jack...your review is right on the money! ;-))

The translation of "l'eau" to English is "water" which is what it is . . . a lighter, more delicate unisex scented water version of its original EDT. I reach for it as my "happy spray" and spray it often all over because it's not so strong and serious. It doesn't last more than three hours on me which is just fine with me. Using it is not so much of a commitment, just pure enjoyment for a few hours. I love to close my eyes and spray it directly on my face, which I would not do with any other in my collection. Have you tried that yet? I get mostly a very natural smelling light jasmine and vanilla with a hint of citrus . . . not serious making it appropriate for both casual and semi-formal settings . . . work or play and ideal for the office because it is not overpowering. Best of all, you can get this now at discounters for $22 USD for a 100ml tester which makes it as light and playful as the scent itself. Add a bottle to your collection before it is discontinued.

I wish that I were as versed on fragrances as many who post reviews and nearly give the fragrance of which they speak a life of its own. Ah! I am not knowledgeable save with a few scents that I know. Of these, Habit Rouge L'eau is definitely another GUERLAIN classic that competes well with the original Habit Rouge in essence, yet is a completely different experience. The spiciness of the original is not here, but the opening is lush with a deep fruity (bitter orange & patchouli) aroma that soon drys to a signature vanilla and jasmine combination that is addictive because it is the male version of Shalimar. This was a blind buy as was the original. These two are in my top five. Habit Rouge is, for now, my signature scent followed by Terre d'Hermes Parfum for men, then Habit Rouge L'eau. These scents are delicious and I'm delighted to wear them... anywhere, any time, any place.

the ratings, reviews, and scent pyramid gave me the impression of a smoother more modern more vanilla version of the original. that's so far from reality. I don't know how there's such a difference of experience other than people are reviewing a different HR flanker not l'eau. I like it, really like it, but there's not really more vanilla. it opens up heavy floral citrus. a mix of jasmine/rose/orange.. the florals mellowed out and the orange remained prominent throughout the duration. Gradually the strong florals were joined by a little bit of a patchouli/vanilla/hazelnut accent. I blind purchased a full bottle expecting something different. which is fine since I like what I got. unexpectedly reminds me of leau d'issey intense a little bit. Months later- definitely drys down more vanilla than I initially thought.