Vetiver Pour Elle

Hands down my favourite Guerlain so far. I would make this my ultimate refreshing fragrance if it wasn't so bloody expensive. Very rarely do you encounter something that smells so refined and so well-mastered that even a mere mortal like myself, unfamiliar with the technological details and methods of perfumery, can tell. When I think about it, this is how many (myself not included) allegedly felt about Mitsouko: It's as if you've smelled it before, as if it has always been here waiting for you. Okay, I'll stop before I go really overboard with the emotional bullshit. Funny thing is, I don't care quite this much for the male version of Vetiver, and I'm not completely sure I should, because this is different. I'm sorry for not being very informative and helpful, but you really want to smell this one for yourself. And when you do, keep in mind that I envy you the first moment, you lucky, lucky bastards.

Effortlessly beautiful. There's not a lot of discussion to be done really, theres not a lot going on, nor does there need to be. Clean, earthy vetiver, less peppery than VPH, the orange blossom & neroli are played up more here, sweeter, the slight vanilla/tonka giving it a warmer heart & base. Vetiver Pour Elle is like a graceful Lady. No frills needed, the presence here is simply elegant, like perfect beige, & timeless crisp white cotton. The opening is a bit soapy, in that perfectly sun-drenched sheets kind of way, it gives an impression of fresh air, with a lovely absence of heavy laundry soap or powder. A simple pleasure that for me, invoked a moment of eyes-closed childlike bliss. As for a moment, I could picture myself back in that simpler time, where summers seemed eternal. Simply as lovely as sunlight warming white linen. No more, no less.

The fact that Guerlain discontinued this gorgeous, fresh, green wonder of a perfume is an absolute travesty, and I hate them for it. You thought Nerolia Vetiver was good? Ha! That one has got nothing on this, and simply pales in comparsion. I would buy Vetiver Pour Elle in a heartbeat if they were to bring it back, and it would most likely become my signature scent if they did! Espescially in spring/early summer. Such a fresh, zesty, zingy green scent. Think tart and juicy citrus with the most natural, airy honeysuckle on a bed of warm, dry vetiver and nutmeg. Bright and pillowy like a fluffy, green cloud. But just like anything and everything that’s great in this world, it ends up destroyed and then replaced by something far inferior... Why oh why did you have to discontinue this one Guerlain... It was absolute perfection!

Out of all the fragrances currently available from Guerlain, this one is probably the best way to direct your dollar. Take the original Vetiver for Men, add some neroli up top, and a smooth, non-indolic jasmine note. This makes it sweeter and more inviting. The combination works perfectly, and from what I observed, lasts longer than the original on my skin (I get 8-10 hours out of Vetiver Pour Elle). The original does have its own charm, yes; however, for what it's worth, Vetiver Pour Elle is probably my favorite vetiver on the market today (save for Givenchy Vetyver). Oh, and don't worry about the name - this stuff works perfectly on men and women alike. It's a classy treat worth splurging on.

If I could afford to make this my signature scent, I would. I’m in love with it. The flowers and vetiver dance back and forth all day long. I feel like a cottagecore heroine who has hiked up her skirt to go into the forest foraging for the day. I’m just a suburban working mom who loves to hike on the weekend, but it makes me feel like my wilder self every day. Please, if you don’t like this and want to swap, hit me up! Edit: I reached out to Guerlain to see if this was dx'ed or just limited availability. They said it's no longer available but I might like to try Nerolia Vetiver which has similar notes. Haven't tried it yet but putting this out there in case it's useful for anyone.