Habit Rouge Guerlain for men

This is to correct the review below.

DaZeD must either have a cold or doesn't have the true EDP, since the two formulations (EDP and EDT) of Habit Rouge are quite different. The agarwood/oud simply plays a very dominant role in the EDP and there's less of the vanilla powder/opoponax in the drydown. There also seems to be a stronger animalic/musk note (bolstered, no doubt, by the agarwood note) and the citrus isn't as "fizzy" as in the EDT. All in all, it's a much darker, richer and more leathery composition.

Most of Guerlain's fragrances display marked differences between the various "concentrations" - not only in strength, but compositions/formulae. They're not just dilutions. This is very well known.

Again, very different and the difference certainly warrants having both.

When you ask for the difference between the EDP and the EDT version in a perfume shop the answer is usually the same; "the EDP is the same but stronger" and as always it's never really the same.

In this case it's not different, the EDP version is exactly the same in the first 15 to 20 minutes, only the first citrus notes stay a little longer on the surface then the EDT.

When it's completely dried down it becomes a lot sweeter and spicier and musky aswell and will stay that way, while the EDT version is lighter and less full in a way.

The EDT version is perfect as a signature scent, it can be worn on so many occasions, the EDP version is a little more formal due to it's more heavy nature.

It's hard to say wich one i love most cause the EDT is my signature scent, but as i love it so much i feel that the EDP is a perfect expansion to a already perfect scent.

I think i love them equally, but they are different and lend themselves to different occasions.

10/10 for both versions as a scent.
9/10 for longevity.
10/10 for projection cause they both project like crazy!

Okay, here we go!

What follows is a comprehensive review of Habit Rouge in the vintage Eau de Cologne, current Eau de Toilette, and current Eau de Parfum.

Introduction:

One of the most famous masculine fragrances ever, at least in Europe, Habit Rouge is famed for its sparkly, powdery qualities, described in Perfumes: The A-Z Guide by Luca Turin as "sweet dust". Truthfully, it is like that, but over the years, various versions have spotlighted the different facets of Habit Rouge. What's known for sure is that the classic citrus, powder, and leather smell is undeniable, as a "Shalimar Pour Homme" of sorts.

Eau de Cologne:

This was the original version of Habit Rouge, and the least "dusty". I actually don't get much powder out of this one at all - there's a little bit of citrus in the beginning, and then it segues into this absolutely crisp, delectable syrupy vanilla oriental, with a maple syrup-like smell, and a very subtle fleshy note. It's calm and sensual, and radiates off my skin like an aura of pure male sexuality. It lasts longer than I thought it would; 5 to 6 hours. So far, my favorite of the Habit Rouge concentrations.

Eau de Toilette:

Perhaps the most well-known and easily accessible concentration, the current Eau de Toilette has the Habit Rouge "spirit", but it's been cleaned up a little. It's actually more powdery now than ever, with a big lemon-neroli combo in the beginning over all the dry powder and a very plush suede note. This one stays powdery the whole way through, and lasts about 8 to 9 hours on my skin. No doubt that it's good, but it seems a little uptight and paranoid. It's almost as if the Eau de Toilette is freaking out over something, while the Eau de Cologne is sitting next to him coyly, saying, "Dude, chill the fuck out." Nevertheless, if you're gonna try Habit Rouge, start with either this one or the Eau de Cologne.

Eau de Parfum:

This one is getting to be quite rare for some reason. Basically, this is touted as Habit Rouge with agarwood (oud), and I definitely smell the oud. Unfortunately, oud usually smells like pencil shavings on my skin, and it's no exception here. Think Habit Rouge crossed with Gucci Pour Homme. However, the Eau de Parfum does have some deeper, richer facets, like a delectable chocolate-like note. It's most certainly Habit Rouge, just a bit more modern. The powder is still there. This one has the best longevity of all of them, lasting 10 hours on my skin.

Conclusion:

Habit Rouge is a classic fragrance that can be worn by men or women, and deserves at least a try. It's friendly, human, and relateable through all of its flamboyancy. My favorite formulation is the Eau de Cologne, followed by the current Eau de Toilette, but each version is worth a try. One of my top ten masculines ever. Get to it!

This review is of the current Habit Rouge Eau de Toilette.

Habit Rouge, despite all its powderiness, is a friendly, people-person fragrance. It's not a cold or evil fragrance; it's a fragrance for people who love to love. The opening blast of citrus, powder, and leather is probably one of the most, if not THE most polarizing smells in all of perfumery. You'll either love it or hate it. The citrus combined with the powder reminds me of (god help me) Froot Loops cereal, but only a little bit. The powder, I'd say, is a combination between the rosewood and vanilla. It has a sweet "sparkle" to it, kind of like fairy dust. Also in there is a dry yet plush leather note, more on the suede side. This is the basic premise of Habit Rouge, and it lasts a good 6 to 7 hours on my skin, with the smooth tonka and resin base finishing it off.

So, yes, Habit Rouge is a very powdery and flamboyant fragrance. It is NOT, by any means, "macho". However, at the same time, it's very lovable, very human. I can understand why Keith Richards has worn it for so long. And yes, it does draw some similarities to Shalimar, however I actually find Shalimar to be closer to Jicky, if anything. To me, Habit Rouge is closest in smell to fragrances like New York by Parfums de Nicolai, or Guerlain's own Heritage.

So far I prefer the vintage Eau de Cologne. That was the original Habit Rouge in all its glory, with the leather and citrus turned up even more. It had a bit more character and "oomph" to make it more interesting. Nevertheless, the current Eau de Toilette does a fine job. And ladies, feel free to wear Habit Rouge. It will smell awesome on you.

If you're into fragrances, no matter what gender or age you are, try Habit Rouge. You'll be glad you did. Also, if you dig Habit Rouge, check out the shower gel, too.

EDIT: I recently wore Habit Rouge while I was out with friends a few nights ago, and I was told that I smelled like a cake. Luckily, they enjoyed the smell. I'm trying to cut down on all the food comparisons I make on here, but I can definitely understand that connection! So strong is the association between food and smell, it seems...

Por fín tengo la oportunidad de opinar sobre mi perfume predilecto de entre tantos que he probado. Hablo de Habit Rouge edp, porque la mezcla de cítricos, cuero y vainilla del edt me recuerdan a polvos de talco y a barbería antigua. En mi humilde opinión y con respeto a la casa Guerlain, no se porque se empeñan en afirmar que Habit Rouge edc y o edt fue el primer perfume oriental masculino, cuando mucha gente, me incluyo yo, que ha probado el edc y el edt notan un olor que les hace recordar mas a un perfume de la familia Hespéride-Aromático o incluso Chipre. El verdadero Habit Rouge de la familia oriental es el Habit Rouge edp, ya que este presenta una fase de los cítricos mas breve y dulce y enfatiza mas las especias y maderas desembocando en un fondo de patchulí y vainilla. En resumén, habit rouge edc, edt y edp son obras maestras de la casa Guerlain y de toda la historía de la perfumería. Pero, el que verdaderamente es oriental es la versión edp, es sólo mi humilde opinión. En resumen, Habit Rouge es un perfumón en todos los sentidos. Lo recomiendo para jóvenes seguros de si mismos y para hombres maduros que gusten de fragancias orientales. Porque Habit Rouge es un perfume que tiene que calzar a la par de una fuerte personalidad, ya que Habit Rouge esta dotado de una fuerte personalidad.

i have the 2002 version of this,its very strong scent and you should spray 2-3 times and it will last all day.dry down is very good.

I tested it with the idea that LT and TS put it as one of the best masculine fragrance of all time well:
To be honest i expected from the notes pyramid much complex and unique composition.
I suggest to fragrantica to delete all the note other then citrus and amber because this is, at least to mine, only a citrusy with amber backround for the first 2 hours then only the sweet powdery ambery smell!
Very oriental scent.
Very mature 45+,reminded me of m7 yves saint laurent ,both have lot of amber.
It's very warm ,suitable to night time with wool clothing in fall and winter.
Best part is the 12+ hours longevity and the excellent projection.

In the Kingdom of perfumes,first off,you need to wear crowdpleasers,before you try this one in you,or you might get frustrated.
Not reccommend to newbies.

A classic but modern among its contemporary line (not as much as something like Dior Eau Sauvage, though!).

At first, it smells citrus and a bit unpleasant. BUT, it's one of those hits that I highly invite you for patience. After about one hours, it will turn into a very lovely and attractive thing. The smell would be just like YSL M7, while M7 is sweeter, this one appears just a little bit (not too sensible) spicy and woody.

Longevity and sillage seem pretty satisfactory on my skin. If you already have M7, maybe you wont need to head off for this, at all; And vice versa.

All in all, I would give this scent, 9/10. All is great, except some opening notes that might be even better. However, yet the citrus parts of the top note are lovely.

Since it's a very classic frag, it's highly recommended to refrain blindbuying it. Make sure giving it a try first and wait for hours to see the results. If I didn;t have M7, I sure would have gotten it! :-)

Recommended ONLY for chill season, specially for any functions.

با سلام
با نظر دوست گرامی آقا بهـزاد عزیز کاملا موافق هـستم
رایحه این عطر بسیار به بوی گل رز و گلاب خودمان نزدیک است گویی از یکی اماکن مذهـبی که هـمیشه با گلاب معطر میشود گذر کرده باشید و راحتر بگویم
رایحه عطرهـای شهـاب عبدالعظیم شهـر ری تهـران را زنده میسازد
یکی از دلایل استقبال آمریکایی هـا و یا اروپایی هـا از این عطر علاقه بیشتر آنهـا به روایح فلاورز و گلهـا بوده و دیگر عدم دسترسی زیاد آنهـا به این روایح هـمچون ما ایرانیان است در مراسم هـا و مهـمانیهـا
با احترام
مهـرداد

A sharp flowery opening may give you a bad headache (like that perfume named “Tea Rose” was synonym of “Headache”!!!)
But wait some minutes; if you survive you can smell a mild musky woody flowery scent that is not mannish at all!
Then there is nothing to add!
Happy?!

بوی شدید و تند گل رز که تا حدودی به ادکلن تی‌رُز یا عطرهای روغنی بازار حرم شبیهه، ممکنه باعث سردرد بدی بشه، اما اگه بعد از چند دقیقه زنده موندین، میتونین یک بوی ملایم و یواش و ناز حس کنین که به هیچ وجه هم مردونه نیست

Everytime I smell an old pre-formulation Guerlain I wonder what the hell these people have in mind nowadays and what they are really able to do now.
I always loved HR as one of the most sexy and distinctive male scent, also wearable by ladies.
It was one of the last romantic men on earth.
To many noses old Guerlains smell like "aristocracy" without realising that for true aristocrats it was a way to make perfume accessible to the rising bourgeoisie.
An image of a man riding a horse in a red jacket may not seem so different for those people who led that life. It's like making a perfume with an image of soccer aiming at a middle-class. They could think: well, what is so special here?
Anyway it worke to conjure an aura of noble sport and powerful elegant masculinity to the mass.
Never mind. Never been an aristocrat myself and I enjoyed Guerlain as a luxury treat for many years until they decided to go "modern". Modern?!? Does modern mean lower quality? If it is so, the "work" done on HR falls strictly into "modern" category.
I have a mini from back in time and it still smells gorgeous even if little is left. I could smell the tiny bottle forever and fall in love with the man inside! I'm there was a little miniature HR's Man swimming in the bottle to keep it smelling, LOL! Crazy, I know...
Since I loved this fragrance so much I wanted my recent bf to test it on his skin even if he's not so passionate about perfumes and I need to drag him to the counter (I'm also sweeter sometimes)
To my disappointment HR stinks on his skin! I thought about a chemistry thing, but no, apart from that I tried it on paper and on my skin and also smelling the tester. No way. They don't sell real HR anymore.
The old HR will be linked in my memory to another love story of many years ago with a man I was attracted by like a bee to honey and that wore HR divinely, not because he was divine in himself. HR was.

If Habit Rouge were a meal, it would be one seated at a leather banquette, a fresh rose in a bud vase in the center of the table, the lights dim, the sounds of muffled conversation and the clink of good crystal in the background. This is not a casual fragrance.

HR has an elegance to it that fits with a quietly confident personality. The gentleman wearing it doesn't shout, doesn't bluster, but is going to be the one in control. It is a fantastic smell if you have the elan to step up to it and own it, the scent of a Napoleanic cavalry officer. It's way out of the normal office-cologne sporty zone, its atypical notes drawing attention. On an unapologetic man, it's exotic and hints of affluence. On a woman, it can be deeply alluring.

Habit Rouge opens up with a good dose of bergamot, orange, and cinnamon. The citrus and bright floral elements fade pretty quickly, and it settles into a dusty, musky, ambery rose. Gents - do not be afraid of rose; it was a staple masculine scent well into the 20th century. As the hours pass, the rose subsides into a chord with powdery amber and soft oiled leather. The cinnamon drifts in and out throughout, and at moments you'll catch the labdanum, oakmoss, benzoin and sandlewood as a light incense accord.

If you want a fragrance in a similar vein with more spice/amber and less floral, Parfum de Nicolai's New York may be your thing. Habit Rouge, however, is one scent I'd take with me to a desert isle.

Los perfumes para hombres del grupo "oriental woody" eran aún escasos en 1965, Creed fue el primero seguido de Penhaligon's con Hammam y dos casas más que yo recuerde. De hecho fue el segundo perfume para hombres de la casa Guerlain ( El primero fue en los años 40 "Vetiver")
Éste irrumpe en el mercado con un acento marcadamente francés,y muy distinto a sus predecesores más "anglo"; se dice que se inspiró en "Shalimar" de mujer
también de Guerlain y que algunos hombres usan. H.R. desde su inicio y durante muchos años fué un perfume de principes, aristócratas y de la alta burguesía y no tanto del gran público.

"Habit Rouge" es una fragancia rica, muy rica, compleja y sensualmente envolvente. Abre muy bien con cítricos amaderados pero anunciando ya todo su potencial, que como si de una fotografía antigua se tratara va a ir revelándose poco a poco y muy lentamente, desde un fondo ya completo pero pálido y tenue, hasta mostrarse al completo en la plenitud de todos sus contrastes ( Que aquí son muchos).

Aunque sea un perfume de los años 60 tiene mucho del mundo del modernismo y del barroco "art Decò". Es barroco y clásico al mismo tiempo y muy elegante con los toques de cuero y el uso de las flores, sobre todo el jazmín de una gran pureza y muy bien dosificado y unido con la canela y con el ambar que le aporta esa calidez especial.
Su lado cálido lo hacen más apto para las estaciones de otoño - invierno y su elegancia más nocturno,quizás.

Aquí como decía más arriba hay mucho de maderas preciosas, sándalo pachuli y se haría muy extenso analizar todas la combinaciones que lleva.

Sólo diré que su alquimia es la de un gran artista, J.P.Guerlain, la que nos hace entrar en un mundo de explendor, elegancia y muy buen "gusto" aunque a la vez, desenfadado, informal y creativo. En él destacaría, por tanto, la fusion perfecta de todos sus elementos en la que sobresalen todos y cada uno de ellos pero ninguno está fuera de tono ¿ Un perfume perfecto...?
No lo sé pero sin duda de los mas elegantes y con personalidad, aún hoy en el mercado.

Wow, this just doesn't work for me. Lavender and lemon in a bowl of old, soggy cereal dusted with baby powder, that's what it smells like on me.
No patch, no wood, no leather, no fun.
What a shame.

I have the EDT and the Parfum versions of this.
If you can find it, buy the Parfum. It has less of the soapy smell, and it is a bit more musky.

it took a while to appreciate this one but now I love it, Its very elegant, long lasting and makes me feel sophisticated( which is quite a feat hehe). I work in a 5star hotel and always get comments from guest's (we shouldn't really wear any scents during work , but hey who cares)
Anyway I love it, tried a few Guerlain's for men and they are all good to me.

Alfarom - you are SO right! It's gorgeous!
I wear it, and have for years. I bought the bottle for my husband, who didn't like it, so I started wearing it myself, and voila -perfection! In fact, it's one of my favorites of the two dozen or so I wear -
I don't think I have ever smelled it on anyone else, male or female - so I like that it is mine. The newer versions are just so so, but the original is fabulous - it's delicious like the most magnificent french macaroon - maybe it's just my skin, which tends to be acidic, and turns many perfumes, but I think this is flawless right down to the long last moment before it fades.

I find Habit Rouge simple, precise, complete. Knowing Guerlain’s approach, and even in light of its 2003 streamlining, HR’s composition is likely more complex than my nose is able to make out. It is traditionally three-tiered: bergamot/lime, orange blossom, oppopanax. The oppopanax is really there all the way along. Its powderiness cuts the tart citrus opening and sweetens the body-odor feel of the orange blossom. I don’t get a trace of the leather that others mention.

In the end, and the basenotes arrive pretty quickly, it rides a sweet-and-sour balance. Powdery sweet oppopanax, sweaty orange blossom. Very pretty, very human.

Hello everyone, Habit Rouge is a classic par excellence
describe it is not easy, with the green where a strong impact on the citrus stand out strongly, slowly becomes flowery and spicy, but a spice gentle non-aggressive as the flowers seem to present themselves undecided, the fragrance gradually gets dusty very sensual notes through vanilla.Ho read somewhere that Serge Lutens was fascinated by this fragrance as a boy, and decided to buy it as soon as they had the chance, I think this fragrance is an almanac to develop the ideas more daring, because of that Serge Lutens became a teacher because I dare say that this fragrance initiation.
The background reminds me of Old Spice so warm and enveloping, but Habit Rouge is much more complex to define the complexity of the brother of Paco Rabanne Calandre, both two unforgettable masterpieces.
persistence 10
elegance 10
bottle 7

I wore this in my twenties and adored it. I didn't realize until recently that it was a men's fragrance. Bergamot, Balsam, and citrus in a well orchestrated mix, they'll draw me in every time.

Coriolan is another Guerlain men's fragrance that I wear. One thing about these two, ladies, you are highly unlikely to be wearing the same perfume as another woman in the room.

Oh, and Coriolan makes a man irresistable. (Hint . . . hint . . .)

I found this EdT, the vintage one *before reformulated*...to me, it resembles of Shalimar but more citrusy...the trace of vanilla is quite strong. I like it, even though some of my friends said it is vintage fragrance. Longevity is superb, 12 hours and I could sniff it on my skin :)

Shalimar in a blender with more vetiver and cinnamon. Is this a bad thing? Of course not! This is a beloved classic of men for generations. Its never had the appeal of more commercial favorites. It is a true phenomenon for the avant-gard.

The composition is based around the Guerlainade. My EDC has a fresh lemonade opening. That promises sweetness and of couse tradition. The florals proudly become apparent. Mai rose and jasmine wrapped in leather, sweet vanilla and oakmoss.

Chic, hip men sit in villages around France, sipping pastis and wearing Habit Rouge.

I just bought this one a couple of days ago and I like it a lot. Its growing on me, Had to reapply a couple of times because I really started to love this one. Very elegant and very noticeable. Not an old man's scent at all. For someone who knows what he wants. Direct and honest . Deliciously wicked.

Dubbed the male Shalimar carrying the Guerlain essence known as Guerlainaide it is a true remarkable masterpiece in male perfumery.

Aristocratic, daring, and as complex as its Shalimar mother Habit Rouge feels more as if it was created in the opulent 20's art deco era then the 1965.

A remarkable effort transition from neroli and bitter orange to leather down drying to vanilla amber.

One word - BLISS.

@ brahmsfourth: You can't wear Habit Rouge like another scent. I think you smelt it on someone who used the whole bootle! Habit Rouge requires very moderate spraying: it's the difference between class and vulgarity ("nouveau riche" behaviour)...

Besides Angel and Beyond Paradise for Men this is probably the sickliest fragrance I've ever had the misfortune of smelling. HR is cheap-smelling, unbelievably cloying and as subtle as a drunk Mardi Gras drag queen. The carnation, rose and vanilla scream their presence in a perfectly nauseating manner. This is what you'd wear to a clown's funeral. I still cannot believe that this is from the house of Guerlain. Keep me away from this Frankenstein fragrance.

Hands down my "desert island" fragrance. I've had a near lifetime of using this and while it has been changed over the years, it is still one of the most satisfying and beautiful smelling mens fragrances available. I use it for days at a time, and then sometimes forget about it for a long while - only to come back to it like a faithful friend or vacation home in the country. It always impresses me with its effortless composition and feel.

So much more than a "Shalimar for men", this is, to me, the perfect year-'round, inoffensive, warm yet refreshing oriental. In the Spring & Summer, the long-lasting citrus and carnation give the wearer lift and energy - in the Fall & Winter, a warmly powdered, soft, patchouli-tinged, leathery embrace is to be found. Nothing I own, other than Shalimar itself, possesses these magical properties.

The other amazing quality lies within it's ability to go from formal wear to breezily casual (just apply more lightly) within a single day - it's so very versatile in this regard. It never shouts at you, no matter how much is worn.

Just try it - you'll most likely enjoy it as I do. To quote the old CK Obsession adverts, "Ahh - the smell of it!"

Hi.

Richly confident.A warm and sensual woody blend that is also fresh and oriental and a truly opulent scent that portrays wealth and class.Created for men,but also enjoyed by women,HABIT ROUGE is a masculine, classic and elegant fragrance defined by an original and distinctive composition. Timeless,Captivating, Distinguishing,Sophisticated,Classy,Sensual, Unforgettable and Artistic.

The composition is created through four main fragrant lines, a striking citrusy freshness,the warm sharpness of cinnamon,the strength and elegance of wood and the warm sensuality of vanilla,leather and labdanum.these notes together create a harmonious whole that is a truly memorable and a wonderful signature fragrance for a rich tycoon as it has special scent that people remember and appreciate it.

This EDT is not for the young guy that is out on the prowl but a mature Gentleman that is out for a nice stretch of the unregular.HABIT ROUGE is not also for a unprofessional or a simulator person about fragrance,a real man wearing the fragrance shows that he knows what he wants in life,and knows exactly how to get it.do not wear if you don't want female attention.This is definitely a fragrance that can worn to formal parties and all formal occasions in the Autumn/Winter.Class in a Glass!

Sillage?Magnificent.

Longevity?Great on my skin.

8/10

I'm a 20 year old girl, do you guys think I can get away with wearing this??I absolutely love the warm scent especially during the cold winter days in Canada...it works really well with my body chemistry and it smells really floral and powdery.

If you wanna smell like a top manager of a company as holdings, this one must be among your shopping perfume list!
Guerlain's started to relaunch this perfume again from 2003 and branched it into some other versions. That means this is still on top!
This classical perfume is near to Chanel No5, but if Chanel is 5, it's 10! It's classical and musky just like No5 but more well balanced and still on top. I haven't seen a young man around 30, 35 that dig it.
Rouge opens sharp, classy and highly masculine but in a nicely vintage way. It opens citric and floral but again in an absolute classical way. In the second phase it turns to musky and extremely soapy which base is patchouli and musk but still floral. And in dry down this mood becomes heavier and dusty.
Generally, Rouge is an intense and classic masculine perfume for men whose taste is on highly classical scents.
Something from that time that never get out.
It's deeply official and ceremonial but about ceremonial occasions, I prefer older men. It's an outdoor/indoor perfume and can be casual but on a classic dress.

longevity 10/10
sillage 10/10
scent 8/10

parfum de la bourgoisie parisien n'es pas???...lol
EMBLAIMATIQUE

Habit Rouge in this day and age is clearly the perfume of choice for tough and serious guys that you don't want to mess with, There is something obnoxious when I smell this perfume up-close but from a distance it is fine, it does smell very old and strange but unless you are one tough guy who wants to make a bold statement with his perfume then skip it, we don't live in the 60's anymore.

The version that I tried was supposed to be a vintage EdC. The first thing out of the vial is incense, patchouli, violet, fresh citrus, green herbs, and Jordan almonds, a bizarre combination if ever there was one. I find that there’s a lot of crossover between notes that are classified as “violet” and those classified as “leather”, so what I suspect is going on here is a leather accord that crosses way too far into powdery violet territory. The red-coated fox hunter has trespassed on someone’s flower garden.

As the top notes dry down, the powdery violet is accompanied by a smell (myrrh and/or leather gone wrong?) that could only be described as rank body odor. I don’t usually use that term to describe perfumes, since it’s so flippantly overused by others, but I think it’s accurate in this case. The end result is an impression of someone who hasn’t bathed for a very long time trying to cover it up with talcum powder.

Thankfully, the BO scent subsides after a half hour, at least in the sillage, leaving behind a balsamic, slightly citrusy, powder scented with crushed basil and sprinkled with a tiny dust of cinnamon. It’s still an odd scent, but not blatantly offensive. In the end, it’s just very powdery, slightly lemony, slightly balsamic, and slightly vanilla-scented. Sillage is moderate even though it’s an EdC, and it lasts at least 5-7 hours.

Sampling this vintage cologne was an interesting experience, but it’s not something that I’d want to wear myself or smell on anyone else.

Many thinks that it is only for the oldies. But I strongly differ on this point of view. I do not think that Habit Rouge is representing any age group of persons. In fact, the only reason why people think that it is for older people is simply because Habit Rouge carries a sense of courage in which no ordinary young people can bear. It also entails responsibility, presence as well as competence.

If you are willing to take up a job and to go all the way, bring habit rouge with you. It shall remind you of the duties in which you must undertake. Just like how habit rouge undertakes its duty to make sure that you are the one who is under control of the environment.

It is loud with substance, even its fruity side speaks of a heavy sense of woodiness.

Facing Habit Rouge and thinking about making a review as an amateur perfumes lover it's like facing one of the most important painting form the '800 for the first time and pretend you understand it in a couple of minutes. HR is huge (and we all made it huger with infinite words) but I can't say I love it. I just like it with much respect. Besides techniques, brilliant ideas, skills, virtuosism, competence and influence is TASTE! I won't go through pyramid explanation and opening /drydown kind of things as I guess everything has been said about a monster realese like Habit Rouge, but, even if it's doubtless one of the most important male scents ever created, I've never been so impressed by it. Ok, call me names, call me whatever you want, but I just respect the "meaning" of Habit Rouge not the smell. It's simply that I like it but don't love it.

Rating: 7-7.5/10

Considering how very favourably this EdT has been reviewed here, I expected to at least like it. Given the small number of "dislikes", I certainly expected to not find it offensive.

In the perfumery. After one spray on the back of my hand, I found Habit Rouge unusually dry, a bit pungent and bitter, with a faint citric note. "Hm ... not bad so far, kind of austere, manly, certainly interesting", I thought. I was really curious what would develop from this earnest opening.

Ten minutes later, back in the car. Something smelled almost sickeningly sweet, but nothing like a perfume. "What is this? It can't be Habit Rouge!" I smelled my hand and yes, it was Habit Rouge. It had quickly turned into something completely different and, to my taste, really annoying. So much so that after twenty minutes of driving I spit on my hand and tried to rub that lemony sugar smell off with a tissue. To no avail.

It stayed that way until, one hour later, I could finally wash it off of my hand. Or at least I tried to - it sticked mighty well to my skin and I had to rub my hand thoroughly two more times with an anti-odor soap. This is not a fleeting scent (which probably means +1 for longevity). Good thing I could drive right home, as I would've been a bit embarassed if I had to run errands with that smell on me.

HR reminded me very strongly of something that I knew I know well, but couldn't put my finger on; I only knew that it's some sort of candy and not the nice smelling kind. Then it dawned on me: HR smells exactly like 'Dextro Energy', lemon flavored tablets of pure dextrose/glucose (marketed as a means to give your mental and bodily powers a boost). Someone described HR's top note as "lemon dust (not powder)". I'd say it smells like a spoonfull of artificially lemon flavored powder sugar blown right into your nostrils. There's nothing refreshingly citric about it, just cloying lemony sweetness and no pleasing notes whatsoever.

And it's supposed to be a man's scent? Others have already noted that they see it as more of a unisex scent. Well, I'd probably find it just as annoying on a woman, so yes, you may call it unisex.

So many "loves", a fair share of "likes" and only a few "dislikes"? I'm honestly, completely surprised that so many like or love this scent and that, according to the votes, it's not even an opinion splitter. Well, looks like my nose and this scent simply aren't compatible.

It took a while for me to get used to and appreciate Habit rouge. The EDT is starts off with a dose of lemon dust (not powder). Then the sweet spices emerge, notably cinnamon and vanilla and something else warm (amber, maybe ?). The scent, as far as i can tell doesn't smell old-lady or old-fashioned to me; i like wearing it during cold months when i get tired of the gourmands and woody spicy fragrances; it's almost like a getaway/refuge from the heavy strong silage monsters. can't wait to test it in the spring/summer

I used to wear the original Habit Rouge in the 1970's. It was a very popular unisex fragrance. I haven't smelt the new version of it. However, a friend was visiting from Paris and was wearing Aeroplane by Detaille and it reminded me of the old version of Habit Rouge. He was kind enough to leave me his bottle when he left.

camphorous/medicinal lemon, woody and powdery vanilla. i know this is for men but when i gave it to my brother, he passed on it....to feminine he claimed.
no worries, i love this elegant old fashioned parfum and it will stay close to me.

A very rich scent , elegant and noticeable. I love it even if i usually dislike woody scents.
I gift it to my Dad when i don't know what perfume to get him. Like i do with Eau Sauvage , but this one is more a fall/winter scent .

I have a love/hate relationship with Habit Rouge. I first owned Habit Rouge in the early '80's in its original incarnation, and although it was a bit too powerful and feminine for my taste, I wore it. I learned to love it and appreciate its uniqueness. I never purchased it again until this past year, when I bought the relaunched update from 2003. I want to love it, but I can't. It is just too powdery and somewhat sour smelling. My husband can't stand it. He says it smells like something an 80-year-old widow would wear....I think that's the Shalimar note that other people on here have described. I love the House of Guerlain and its history/heritage, but they blew it on this relaunch.

Absolutely a classic.

This is a very subtle and gorgeous fragrance. Habit Rouge is one of my all time favorite.

This is glamour in a bottle. A classic and one of the classiest perfumes. Definitely unisex.

Habit Rouge confuses me a little. I'm very much attracted to the scent, yet I'm the one that desires to wear it rather than pass it on to some sexy man to please me.

Initially Habit Rouge has that familiar lemon-vanilla powdery scent, very much like Shalimar. Certainly the presence of the herbs, leather and the patchouli make it less feminine, yet it still has that unmissable, feministic Guerlain vibe.

It smells like sweet incense and cosmetics in a way. It's beautiful, and I can safely say that it's rivalling Shalimar on my wishlist.

As much as I try and picture a man in my head whenever I smell Habit Rouge, I keep getting an image of a tall supermodel with red lips and classic black attire, complete with shiny black heels. Apparently Madonna wears this. I'm not surprised.

It's much sweeter than what you'd expect from a male fragrance, almost being sweeter than Joop! Homme. I like how Luca Turin describes Habit Rouge as 'sweet dust'.

All I can say in regards to Habit Rouge; women should give it a try, manly men may not like it, and anyone with a sweet-tooth or a love for powdery scents will surely adore this.

That's it exactly! Valentino nailed it.

The only way I can pull this off is with about a half-spray; it radiates a citrusy shot and then a patchouli incense vibe but with a leather whip standing the shadowy corner. A full spray elicits a vain aristocrat in the court of Louis XVI; sexually arrogant and strong, not to be ignored, but too much until you get used to him. It really is being John Malkovich's Vicomte de Valmon. Two sprays and you start to approach an aging French whore, powdered rouge overdone, hoping men will notice but with so much scent that only the desperate won't feign sickness and leave the room.

I have no idea how Arnold Schwarzenegger pulls it off, but apparently this is his daily scent. I'm pretty sure it's not mine. But maybe...sometimes...dammit.

I keep getting drawn back in.

Baronbvp's experience was so similar to mine that I felt compelled to write something. Any man who is into his frags has to worship at the altar of HR at least once in his lifetime. This has a stunningly complex and sparkling aura. It's like a roman candle of citrus, florals, spice and leather. It has all the hallmarks of a great Guerlain. It's unspeakably gorgeous, especially in warm, humid weather.

But; and it's a big but, I just cannot pull this off today without feeling self-conscious! I note that the original HR was 1965, but it seems to me like something from another century! Maybe I would have worn this in the 1800s, if I was part of the French aristocracy. Today it seems almost subversive. Remember John Malkovich's character in Dangerous Liaisons? HR smells like his signature fragrance.
Sexy, mysterious, powerful yes, but ultimately, he is wearing a powdered wig.

Wow. I sprayed a little on the back of my hand from the tester. I was instantly transported into a new age back alley bookstore off the main streets of Paris. An old Chinese man looked up from the desk behind a gentle haze of incense. Sensual afternoon sunlight streamed through the window into the dark interior. The smell of books. Anais Nin. A Ouija board. Dark, powerful sex.

I will go buy it tomorrow, and wear it sometimes forever.

Update: I bought it and it doesn't smell as good on me as it did that first day. Now I alternately hate it and like it. Habit Rouge is very strong and must be applied sparingly or it smells like a feminine, powdery slap in the face. Now I'll put a bit on to kick it old school at home, but in public Baldessarini's Strictly Private works better for me. HR is one of a kind, though, like Fendi is for women. Now I just have to learn to use it properly.

A man at my work had the original aftershave, he kept it cool for 40 years, and it still smells so much better than this new range. Ofcourse they xoulndt re-release it at top market quality because who would buy it? But they butchered the new version, I smelt all the strong musky ad floral notes, but I also detected pee (sorry, just being honest) the original (even after 4 decades of cooling) is still the best

A classic scent for guys over 35 or 40.
it's masculine, warm but a bit old fashion. actually I'm a fan of old fashion fragrances as I'm fed up by all these new perfumes that smell citrus or aquatic in a modern way. In some years, male and female perfumes will actually be the same. Men must smell like men and women like women. That's it!

This is probably the most challenging fragrance i own. One day i like it, the next i despise it.

One thing's for sure; its very strong stuff so do not over do it!

Probably best suited to an older, more refined gentleman.

Maybe one day.

Ratatouille , do any body seen this movie, i don't know why i remember the movie when i smell this, its seems like it was pretty close to be destroyed(by Linguini), but something happen , and fix it(Remy).

i don't blame any body hate it(Skinner), maybe same as the movie, nobody like food prepared by mouse(Horst,Lalo ,,) , but the deep tasty (Anton Ego) will appreciate it . and some body will support it(Colette)

(EDT) i detected leather, vanilla and rose note at drydown , its too complex
i found it oriental incense, worm (with very slight feminine touch which is acceptable), more applicable for cold season.

for me its worth the try i like it , longevity more than 5 hour and with good sillage .

Nostalgic/passionate equistrian? Just forget this awful thing, don't even blink- get yourself a big bottle of Parfum d'Empire EQUISTRIUS. That is a real "red jacket" perfume.

Another masterpiece by Guerlain - a warm and comforting classic scent but at the same time very audacious and straightforward, too; it won't let you pass unnoticed. I find it similar to Shalimar, indeed, though I think both frags can be easily worn by men and women. HR is very French and not at all old-fashioned. On my skin the opening is very strong lemon and bergamot in the first half hour and then the scent develops into a beautiful cinnamon and vanilla trail. I will definately buy a huge bottle for my husband and make sure I have it at hand for a spritz on special occasions!

angel73, Habit Rouge wasn`t the first perfume for men which includes vanilla in its formula. How about Pour Un Homme de Caron (1934)? Habit Rouge for me it`s like men's equivalent of Shalimar. It was a favorite men`s scent of Marlene Dietrich. I like it so much. Soft creamy citrus mixed with vanilla with light leather notes. Just PERFECT!

An amazing fragrance for riders wearing "red jacket"....Habit Rouge were the first perfume for men which includes vanilla in its formula...very interesting, warm, class,not overpowering,but with character, not for young men, but for a man of power with charisma. I shall follow at the end of the world a man who would wear it ;-)

I just got a bottle of this in EDC and like it much more than I recall liking the EDT. It's a very bright, sweet citrus up top, but where the EDT seemed to remind me of Lemon Pledge, the EDC is more like a lemon sorbet. I've heard it described as "sweet dust" and the opening is that exactly, which might not sound that great, but it is. At times it gets a bit more floral and at others it's a bit more spicy, but it's mostly lemon over that wonderful Guerlainade. Great lasting power and sillage for a cologne too!

i smelled this from the bottle at a friends house and it smells amazing definately want to buy it

all the notes on here really dont matter much becasue what i smelled was a PERFECT blend and it did NOT have one thing that stuck out like lots of other scents

although its a bit refined and probably better for romantic and formal wear

A nice timeless spicy vanilla+light lemon perfume. It really smells good when you wear a leather jacket and you will be perceived as a carefree rebel with style.

To me, Habit Rouge smells like the Chinese medicated oil that we Chinese use for headaches. We will rub some of this oil against our temples and the smell is believed to relieve the throbbing pain and the oil penetrates the skin, taking away the headaches with it. I doubt any Chinese person will like this Habit Rouge smell. People will think we are not feeling well if they smell this on us.

The hubby and I found a sealed bottle of Habit Rouge at a thrift store. I had never smelled it but I knew Guerlain was a quality brand and the price was right, so we bought it.

Ugh.

He's been trying to use it up and there's about 1/3 of the bottle left right now. He kind of likes it, but admits it's not worth purchasing another bottle when this one is gone. As far as I'm concerned, the remainder may have to meet with an unfortunate accident in the near future. LOL!

Guerlain is indeed a quality brand, but I can't stand Habit Rouge. It was overwhelmingly vanilla-powdery when I first smelled it and has become only slightly less intolerable over these last few months. I love vanilla but this is way too sweet and cloying, on men or women. I liken the aroma to vanilla beans and chalk dust on a bed of Johnson and Johnson baby powder. Too much of a bad thing!

I love this male scent, maybe one of the very few I like. It's unmistakable and it's the essence of true elegance. It's fresh at the beginning, but it quickly shapeshift to a glorious, rounded, warm and never cloying male scent. Both elegant & sexy.
I only met one man who wore it only sometimes and he was a very charming man, unfortunately not reliable.
The other ones or friends they all wear some Hugo Boss or Adidas. Some of them are not so bad for me, at least bearable, but they don't compare to real class

I love this fragrance for men, it is very sexy and romantic. I guess it not fits well on all skins chemistries, but the boy I love wears it and it fits him perfectly. This is a fragrance for a chivalrous man, a bit old-fashioned and passionate. A true Guerlain.

It's one of the grandest perfumes in the perfume world. true masterpiece of Guerlain art

Habit Rouge is a distinctively "French" fragrance for men, plain and simple. It is truly classic and will always buck every trend in fragrance. It's in the same vein as other French classics like Monsieur de Givenchy, Equipage and Chanel Pour Monsieur - extremely elegant but discreet. I can understand why guys who prefer classic British men's fragrances or today's blue-colored colognes might not like HR. Yes, HR is a bit flowery ("oriental woody"?? No way - this is a citrusy floral) and can be worn by a woman, but is in no way a wimp's fragrance. To be able to pull this off, it takes a certain type of man who is very confident with himself, and no, I don't mean a wussy guy. Quite the opposite - isn't a "real man" really a guy who is totally confident in who he is, and really doesn't give a rat's ass about whether or not others deem him to be a wimp? Habit Rouge is for that kind of man.

The whole talk of this being "unisex" is just dumb. The term "unisex fragrance" was created to appease insecure American customers, particularly men, who need to feel secure that they are not wearing the "wrong" fragrance for their gender. In Europe, guys don't generally care what sex wears a particular fragrance - if it smells good, they wear it! That's the way it should be. Any guy who worries so much about whether they're wearing a fragrance "For Men", or whether gays like it, etc., seems to be a man who is very insecure about his masculinity!

As an aside, HR has been reformulated, and this new version is a lot better than the pre-2003 version. Whereas the old HR had a powdery, dandified smell to it, the new HR, although similar to the original, is much drier and lighter. You don't have to worry about smelling like a prissy, uptight fop. The new HR fits in perfectly with sitting near the beach on a dry, sunny day, drinking a cold glass of pastis.

This perfume is pure nostalgia proper. It is heart-wrenchingly beautiful, its evocative power is breathtaking. It is so richly oriental, powdery and decadent, recalling memories of a golden age that's long gone. Even though I can't imagine myself wearing it out, I think it is utterly timeless, and I envy those who can pull it off with confidence. A grand classic in its own right.

Zoka wrote: "I like it, I can't imagine it on man, but for women it is great, self confident women. "
(... after deep thinking about this, and sniffing perfume in a shop...)
Yes.
I would say that wearing this perfume by a woman could got me crazy outbounds (positively). It reminds me episode from movie "Nine 1/2 weeks" with Mickey Rourke and Kim Basinger. I should try...

Powdery woody spicy vanilla. My husband thought it was a women's scent. I, in fact, wear it on occasion, though it can sting my skin sometimes. (Not sure what that's about.) It's like L'Heure Bleue for men.

This perfume is unique!
Its strenght makes even the most shy man in a real Don Juan.
The smell is audacious and imponent. No one passes unobserved using Habit Rouge!

now that it's gotten slightly cooler in Belgrade, I am longing for something rich, peppery, potent, heavy. in fact I've been yearning for a new oriental treat for a while. then I read that many celebrities use Habit Rouge and I was hooked.
OK, now the funny part: I have a friend who visits Paris on a regular basis and she always brings me either chocolate, or tea - that kind of stuff. the day before yesterday she called me as soon as she landed in Belgrade, we met for a cup of coffee, and what do you know - there was a bottle of HR waiting for me in the bag.
isn't that funny? people indeed can read each other's mind.

I didn't know that this belonged to a woody group. Only the vanilla base leaves a mark. I think its an average one from Guerlain.

Sole men's smell, which I use. It has wonderful overhead note - fine citruses. Base is noble mixsture of orientals notes. Rich, sunny, stable fragrance. Habit Rouge is men's equivalent Shalimar, but I prefer exactly Habit Rouge. On woman smell femine and originaly, on man - very virile and sympathy.

A fantastic, warm, classic scent with powdery notes. Citrus start, then a woody floral heart of rose, patchouli and cedar. The vanilla in the base notes is very nicely balanced, and the mossy/leathery dry-down is just superb. Very long-lasting, too. Perfect for winter.

At first spray, it's lemony-Vitalis, like Shalimar. After a few minutes, you can smell the soapy fougere coming through, with just a little bit of rose. Then 6 minutes into it, all I could smell was patchouli. (I don't like patchouli, and just the tiniest bit seems to overwhelm everything else to me. Like the princess and the pea.) I can still smell the fougere a little bit, but only through the mounds of patchouli.

I like it, I can't imagine it on man, but for women it is great, self confident women.