Habanita L'Esprit

I really don't get the dislikes based only on the impression that L'Esprit has no connection to black Habanita. I have a FB of black Habanita, and a FB of white L'Esprit. Are they alike, or similar? Probably as much as the colours of their bottles, so: NO. But, do they share the concept and Habanita's familly DNA? YES. I think it is fair to say that the concept behind the two different scents is the same as much the shape and ornaments on black and white bottle. If black is the devil, the white one is an angel, but - with no mistake - their faces share bone-structure and, rightfully, the name. As the black original, L'Esprit opens loudly and intensely, but instead of a blast of mastique supported with petitgrain (in black one), this white one hits with labdanum and nutmeg, supported with rather sharp citrusses. I can really smell all three notes, but on me labdanum dominates, as mastique dominates in the opening of the black one. So, if you have the problem with labdanum, it would be quite difficult to pass its concentration in the opening. But, I love it and I enjoy opening very much, because this is where this white Habanita introduces herself by her familly name and says: "Hello, I am Habanita, but the other one - L'Esprit." After about half an hour L'Esprit starts to calm down and soften. The same happens with the black one, too. Though nutmeg and labdanum are present, flowers take over, turning the middle of the fragrance into creamy, calm, tender flowery-balsamic composition. This part is beautiful, so lovely, so tender - barely a hint of familly DNA, but don't be fooled. Habanita is there, and deeper we go into the drydown, the more seductive it gets. Further in the drydown the creaminess remains, but flowery component that dominated the middle is toned down. Tender powdery-almondy heliotrope, characteristic for Habanita - family stays, but now is enpowered with again more proiminent labdanum. Traces of nutmeg and citrus are still here,now joined with mostly musk, warm, tender and sensual and vanilla-like benzoin. The final musky hug is divine. I'm not a fond of musk in general, but this is the musk done superbly: warm, light, cuddling, fleshy but clean. L'Esprit is silky, smooth, tender, light but complex. There's nothing to cloy, nothing to offend, but everything to reveal sensuality. This is Habanita you don't have to be prepared for, as for the black one, but it is as capturing, as sensual and as womanly all the way as her black sister. It is L'Esprit in approach and stile, but not in the effect or performance. Her heliotrope-powder is not "grasp-for-air", but the airy one. Her balsam is less thick, and more silky. Her musky-labdanum skin is not tobacco-leather type, but nourished-creamy one. But she is Habanita, and she is tenderly capturing and descretely seductive. She would only do it differently - smoothly, like a spirit - L'Esprit. This fragrance is beautiful. And so cuddly. This white Habanita has all the qualities of the greatly done perfume - development in which the notes interplay not only horizontaly, but vertically too, and they drydown instead of "fall off". L'Esprit, like the black original, has progression, soft but persistent projection and very good longevity when applied on skin. So: Habanita -yes. L'Esprit - yes. White - yes. But, even when compared to the black Habanita - not simplified, and certainly not pale. Just differently beautiful. Really, really beautiful. Highly recommended as a summer option for powdery oriental lovers and musk lovers - she doesn't mind the heat. Highly recommended in any season, in any other case. Period. *like *longevity: long lasting (8+ hours) *sillage: moderate (arms lenght at least) * weather/season/time: All year round. Endures the heat (+30 C) without changing or becoming heavy. But I plan to wear this white beauty trough early, warm, golden autumn. Casual to formal. Day.

I received a sample of Habanita L’Esprit yesterday but because I was happily surprised by my recent blind buy for this summer (Bvlgari- Acqua Divina) I decided to try it later on. I have and adore the initial Habanita and don’t know why I didn’t try this one earlier. On my skin this scent is extremely similar to Mugler’s Alien edp, however a bit sweeter and much paler. I’ve once been told by a very nice guy in Milano at a Guerlain perfume shop, who sold me L’Heure Bleue (that has become my signature scent) that I should smell a perfume only after about 5 to 10 minutes upon spraying and decide how I feel about it. Coming back to L’Esprit - after 10 minutes I sense powdery benzoin, musk, a bit of nutmegs and Patchouli and florals - Jasmine and others, maybe Heliotropes because it’s just something of a flower I don’t remember to have smelled before. (I said florals because I am a simple lover of perfumes but don’t know how Heliotrope or Mimosa smell. Except for roses, Jasmine, Violets and few others I wouldn’t recognize a specific flower in a perfume. ). My nose does not detect in this perfume vetiver or lemon at all. All in all, given that I love Mugler’s Alien and that I smell a lot of resemblance between the two, I also can say I like Habanita L’Esprit very, very much. Only L’Esprit is lighter, softer, more tempered and with a bit more florals and powdery sensation than Alien. I definitely consider buying it for warmer evenings, since Alien is for me at least an autumn-winter only perfume. I don’t know what to say about silage (at first seems a bit poor- considering the initial effect of the perfume) and longevity but hopefully I’ll come back and update my post. One more thing, despite I seem to be pretty in love at first sight with this one because of its overall sensuality, I wouldn’t recommend as a blind buy as it seems to be (to me at least) a perfume with a strong personality and quite little in common as an overall with the initial Habanita. Update: app. 3 hours later this perfume settles down like a second skin (now it reminds me of Le Peche or Diabolique from Eisenberg) and I must say I keep sniffing my wrists as it’s somehow addictive- I will surely buy it because it’s simply wonderfully blended. I simply love it! Also, I consider silage to be moderate and longevity also moderate.

The air is so thin up here - you dip in and out of the earth's atmosphere silently wondering what the inhabitants are like....it's been centuries since you paid a visit. The sun gleams off of your porcelain skin as the air whistles throught your massive wings - you leave a sparkling citric rain that ignites as it falls to the earth. If any were to look up it would appear as if the sky was torn open and raining a heavenly fire. You dive down for a closer look. The powdery clouds streak across your rosy cheeks, thier iris cold dew clings to your feathered wings. Something goes awry as your wings are set ablaze - you barrel down to the earth at a frightening velocity. The smoke pouring from your wings bears the tinge of sacred incense and heavenly heliotrope - your trail can be followed to a cropping of acacia trees through which you crash landed. Your angelic presence has somehow diminished in your fall. Your skin is thick with a humid patchouli like sweat and dirt - no longer a magical porcelain, your skin has adopted an ambered hue and a thick musk. Not quite human, not quite angel, you feel compelled toward the horizon....you wonder what things await? Day 93 - Descent Listening to: Agnes Obel - Chord Left Notes: I forgot how absolutely gorgeous this is...its muskiness rivals all the greatest musk fumes I have tried and the journey to that musky drydown is dazzling! The opening is a dramatic aldehyde mixed with pure powder, sparkling lemons, and a dewy rose. The heart blooms many floral notes - a cool iris, a sweet and vanilla-like heliotrope, a warm mimosa, and a delectable trail of smoky citric incense. The scent slowly spirals into the depths of a warm amber and nutmeg with interlacing traces of a sharp yet calming patchouli. From here, a decadent white musk grows in power, playfully mingling with the smoke and sweet resins before reigning supreme on its own. This fume is truly magnificent and I don't ever want to be without - it is undoubtedly unisex and anyone who loves floral musky should give this a try. For longevity lovers, this lasts a solid 12 hours in my skin....and it is a breathtaking ride!

Sweet dreams are made of this... And So are memories. I won't talk much about noyes because my nose is not ready for properly fine tuned vintagey perfumes I have just started learning about. To me perfumes have very emotional meaning, they take me to people and places, some ld and some new. I bought Habanita l'esprit because although as tempted as I am to try Habanita EDP I'm not sure I'm ready for it yet. So I blind bought this wonder, blind buying becoming my secret adventure. It came in post today and so I eagerly opened it and sprayed on my arm. My mind immediately took off and there I was in my friend mum's house, fifteen years ago. Now, there are two reasons for that. My best friend's mum was a doctor, and the first wiff of Habanita l'esprit smells a bit medicinal to me. But that goes away in a moment or two. And then I'm getting comfortable in their house. My friend's mum, although being a doctor, was very keen on spiritual things, art and oriental philosophy. Every time I visited my friend we would sit in the semi dark living room, listening to some blues, drinking coffee or wine, breathing in heavy incense. Their house always had an incense stick burning, so everything there was penetrated with that delicious secretly scent. And that's where Habanita l'esprit takes me. The incense, the comfort and memories, warm rainy autumn day, secrets and shadows. Oh Habanita, you temptress! I want to close my eyes and go back there. Two hours have passed and I can finally smell some bitter lemon. The smell has slightly changed but it still remains divine. I think I found my new love. I'm looking forward to my favourite season, autumn, so I can wrap a scarf around me, spray some Habanita l'esprit and go wander, watching life reflected on wet maroon and golden leaves... I'm in love.

It's kind of a perplexing fragrance. Sometimes if comes across really modern, clean and uncomplicated. At other times it can't hide its origins. It does bear a similarity to Her EdP by Narciso Rodriguez, but I wouldn't also overestimate it, the Devil's in the details after all. Habanita L'esprit is certainly more of a chameleon. It only has a bit of the original Habanita DNA, but this gives it a particular character that evokes vintage orientals, even though the musk in it is very clean-smelling. Imagine a hybrid of Her EdP and Shalimar EdP. Habanita L'esprit lacks the incense and leather, but it does have something in common with the drydown of Shalimar. A powdery and resinous feel. As for the others mentioned in the "reminds me of"... Citizen Queen is sweeter, soapier and has a metallic (aldehydes) aspect to it in comparison. There's some similarity, but it's more of an outline. "Safe blind buy" is an arbitrary concept. A blind buy is only safe when someone knows exactly what to expect, the fragrance ends up working with their body chemistry and is almost universally liked. Not to mention having money to spend on fragrances not having to worry about making a choice that doesn't work out for them. Despite me personally liking it, if you consider the mixed reviews and votes I definitely suggest you try it before you commit to it. Personally I think Habanita L'Esprit is superior to anything crafted by Narciso Rodriguez. It's got depth and layers only time can build, because it is fundamentally still Habanita.

Why all the dislikes? I don't get it...it smells really nice. I wasn't expecting it to smell like Habanita but they do smell somewhat related a little in the opening. L'Esprit is like Habanita's more dainty and ladylike great (step) granddaughter. While really different, you can smell an ever so slight bit of a connection. Actually I think this is a fairly interesting little flanker. L'Esprit is fresh and light and warm and creamy all at the same time. I love the musky base. A bit of the "hairspray" musk but that is something I enjoy if done right. Smoothed out with the almond like scent of heliotrope. I love labdanum so I appreciate the nice dose of it in this. Everything is nicely balanced and blended. Boy, this is a nice surprise. I was afraid of something dreadful with all the dislikes but it isn't dreadful at all, in fact I quite like it. Love the bottle, too. And the price! Smells like something that would be great for layering also. Really nice little bargain right here. Low risk blind buy also despite the dislikes. Just don't expect Habanita and you might be pleased.

This is exquisite! I never tried the original because it may have too many notes that do not work on me, but I'm glad I blind bought this one due to notes and your reviews. It is certainly a cold weather scent (under 20 degrees Celsius). I tried it first in summer when it was cloyingly sweet without development. But now in temperate climate autumn it develops wonderfully. I too share the thought that this is more of an oriental because I get spices more than anything else with a hint of heliotrope on a labdanum cardamom-musky background. I think mimosa gives it the light powdery aspect. Patchouli isn't strong here and it's the dry-earthy (not musty) kind. It is not linear and in the evolution to the drydown I get more of the floral nuances - a bit of rose, some white petals. It is interesting and special in the same way Dune Dior is and shares some similarities with Shalimar Edt like someone already mentioned. I find it perfectly executed. Not in your face but noticeable and thrilling, head-turning, captivating.... you name it.... Fine Esprit to be haunted by. I love it!

OMG this smells like heaven... I've finally found what I've been searching for... Habanita L'Esprit is vintage-y, powdery, seductive, complex and unique. Most perfumes that have these characteristics are better suited for night time use on colder months. This is the perfume for people who normally like these "heavier" or "darker" characteristics in perfume... but one that can actually be worn during the day on warmer months. And because of it's great price-quality it can actually become a daily signature scent. I normally don't love citrus notes, but this gorgeous yellow lemon is floating in a powdery cloud of creamy white MUSK. And then the deliciousness of the original Habanita. I find it so hypnotising. It's very long lasting and after several hours it becomes the most wonderful "skin scent". It would also work layered with other perfumes, in my opinion. And what a wonderful bottle!!! What more can I ask for... P.S. If you want the beautiful Lalique bas-relief effect, make sure you get the 75ml bottle. The 30ml one doesn't have it.

Habanita L'Espirit is good for warmer weather. It's light, with ever-present lemon wrapped in a cloud of soft white musk. The lemon is muted, soft, but tenatious. Nutmeg appears at first spray, but calms down considerably within the first hour. Patchouli is gentle, just a hint, and vetiver keeps the whole mixture slightly crisp and "awake". Labdanum adds a strong, smooth, rich, creamy texture that lasts, combined with equal amounts of benzoin. The powdery florals are enveloped in the cloud of white musk, giving a lightly fluffy texture to the scent. It's both creamy and delicately powdery...... a "chic" light powdery touch, not overpowering. Longevity is very good on my skin, lasting 12 hours or more. Silage is moderate for the first 2 hours, calming down to a close-to-skin scent after that. Great to wear to the office, since Habanita L'Espirit is non-offensive. It floats around close to you like your own personal cloud of creamy softness. It's a very good choice for Spring and Summer, day or night.

It's fascinating to read others perceptions of Habanita L'esprit. For me, this is a fall/winter staple. I just sprayed on my first couple spritzes for the season. The notes that first distinguish themselves on my skin is labdanum, jasmine and lemon. I've never caught the mimosa on my skin with this perfume, and will stop huffing my wrists for the next 20 minutes, hoping the jasmine will settle down. On my skin, I appear to be waiting in vain for the mimosa (35 minutes post spritzes). I love mimosa, one of my absolute favorites is Farnesiana, any hint of mimosa makes me smile from head to toe. So far, the big notes are dominating. The lemon has faded into the patch and musk. The newer sweetness is clearly the benjoin. The composition endures into an elegant amber that feels both modern and classic. If you have not sampled this, do not expect anything close to the original Habanita. I do agree that Citizen Queen is a close cousin to Habanita L'esprit.

I bought this fragrance as my introduction to house of Molinard. I'm currently looking for a clean-powder and this might be to become my favourite. Opening: very sharp and strong, unisex to masculine type of scent. Strong nutmeg I believe. After 20mins: It starts to become more unisex-feminine. Smells more fresh and soapy. You can definitely detect flower note but it is so well blended it's hard to say what is the flower composition Dry-down: This is very VERY CLEAN and POWDERY. I have this vintage vibe of "clean" to be honest. Smells like some vintage body lotions and soap but in the same time very unique and elegant. After some time it starts to be sweeter and bit warmer. In summary, I love the dry-down. It's very feminine but in Femme-Fatale-After-Shower vibe. For mature women, I need to grow up a bit more to wear it with confidence. Definitely a skin scent. Both lasting and sillage is moderate. It is outstanding. YouTube: This is Karo

I totally agree with scentine's review below me - this scent is an interesting journey of back and forths. When I first smell this, I can't help but feel it's quite a basic (but still beautiful) clean, musky, and powdery smell. However if you give it an opportunity, it shows you a different, more mysterious side. It's definitely a clean and powdery smell, there's no avoiding that side to it. But there's a sensual side there too, almost like a bouquet of roses. There's a depth to the smell that I usually find powdery fragrances lack. It's got that characteristic cooling feeling of a powdery smell, but there's a coziness to it. When this dries down on my skin, there's almost a skin scent to it - something about this perfume makes me want to get closer to it, explore it a bit more intimately. I definitely want to buy a bottle of this. Something tells me this will be a signature of mine when the temperatures warm up.

Gorgeous bottle... but L’Esprit didn’t work for me. It’s the lemon. Lemon-musk all the way through, with powdery heliotrope. I did find a slight Shalimar resemblance, without the leather or violet. Mimosa lends a sharpness, and this scent never veers into cozy territory. I’d hoped for the same magic as White Soul. No, they’ve little in common. Trying to be open minded, I kept testing. Spraying, sniffing, searching to find the “femme fatal fresh out of the shower” feeling as described by another reviewer. Unfortunately, the only ladies with those vibes around here are the goddesses on the bottle. EDIT: Yet again, the more I explore, the more there is to learn. There is a sensuality to L’Esprit that wasn’t apparent to me at first. I caught a whiff on my sheets from the night before, and was drawn in by the scent. I’m now captivated. Bravo!!

I love this fragrance. It's so different from anything else I'm typically attracted to, but the moment I tried it at Molinard's perfume factory in Grasse I swooned. Oceans of past memories of warm, summer days from my youth flooded back. This smells of sunlight warming skin and the lightness of being young with all the world and life ahead of you. It's sweetness is attractive and not cloying at all, and it has a gentle amber depth to it that could be the scent of sunlight as it fades in the long summer afternoons. I didn't really detect much citrus, but I feel that all the notes are so perfectly blended by Molinard that you just experience them as a whole working together. So utterly beautiful. I picture Scarlett Johansson's character Cristina wearing this in the film Vicky Cristina Barcelona ~ a deep, sensual, and earthy scent.

This smells quite similar to one of my other perfumes.. Guerlain shalimar parfum initial l'eau si sensuelle. That beautiful frosted bottle with the pink feather... That citrusy powdery comforting smell.. She gives you a hug and sits closely on your skin enveloping you in a warm comforting powdery scent bubble just for you... and those that lean in close.. Lean in close and breathe this powdery citrusy cake in shes soooo good..❤️ Lasts longer i think on clothes.. But i re-spray with pleasure....

A blast of an animalic musk, followed by a bit of benzoine, nutmeg and a few milky flowers. A vague relative of shalimar edt, perhaps, but with its own Habanita DNA. Very white and cloudy, not bubbly, not smoky. I like the dry down, on me it’s creamy musky marzipan ! Warm clean skin, very ... hum... very (discreetly) effective in arousing a man’s ideas if I may say? I’m happy to own this one. I have the Golden and the black bottles too, so let’s say the family is complete.

L’esprit makes me feel clean and feminine whenever I wear it. I only really save this juice on days when I truly feel put together, but it is such a pretty fragrance! Very powdery, with the right amount of musk. It stays close to my skin but that’s okay, I feel like if it projected more strongly I would probably get a headache. I’m not going to lie, I bought this mainly for the gorgeous bottle BUT the fragrance is as beautiful so all in all a solid buy :)

I'm a fan of original Habanita. Most people in my life are not. This is the safer daytime version( is it possible for such a boozy tobacco club lady to be tamed?). It's more powdery and more floral less rum and dancing all night. I think both are great if you love one(or even if you dont) there's a good chance you'll love the other. There's no grandma present here unless your grandma is a classy former badass.

This fragrance is a lot of things all thrown together. It is sweet and powdery in the opening. Also developes the "doll's head" vanilla-musk sometime into wearing. It is a bit smokey and definitely ambery in the dry down. A successful blind buy for me. It could definitely be related to the Narciso Rodriguez fragrance family but L'Esprit is more overtly sexy with that amber accord.

Habanita L'esprit doesn't want to give me her flower notes,she refuses to allow me even to sense them.That's why i've purchased her last winter and use her only in winter.All i get is bit citrus with powder,benzoin,patchouli.Can't even think of taking her out in hot/warm weather,and i'm so sorry cause we are great friends and i do love her so much.