Les Orientaux: Patchouli Molinard for women and men

Not digging this. At the open I thought it showed promise as an interesting patch since it was VERY distinctive with the citrus notes mixed in. I liked that! But at the start, and all through the drydown there is some chemical-ish note that I can't place and do not like. Now that I'm past the midnotes there's something that is, quite frankly, subtly foul in it. One might assign it to be some raw patchouli edge, but I don't think so. It's something else that has a "rotten vegetable" feel to it. VERY subtle. As to it being unisex, I tend to disagree. Once you're past the open, I think this is a rather feminine scent. Not something I'll wear again, but I'm always curious to test any and all patch's!

I decided to write another review of this fragrance worn by itself, as it is sure worth talking about.
The first spray may give you a strong impression that it is going to be an extremely overpowering masculine bitter patchoili. But in less than a minute it settles into a most dark, sexy potion with a hint of vanilla and sandal wood. It reminds me of freshly brewed black coffee or dark bitter chocolate.
Not extremely complex, but like all Molinards, it's a very full bodied scent, not flat.
I'm also taking it back that it can be layered only as it is amazing on my skin by itself. It has just the right amount of sillage: very noticeable and smooth, but not overwhelming.
Great job, Molinard!

I just layered it with Elle EDP by YSL....and omg, this is just wonderful. It adds a very deep, slightly bitter base to Elle. I think it is perfect for layering with dominant patchouli fragrances to add that extra dimention to them. And if you want a slightly sweeter base, layer with Patchouli Vanilla.
I think these series of Molinards were made for layering as by themselves they are pretty linear (unlike Habanita and Nirmala), but of superb quality. And because of their great transparency,they blend in with other fragrances perfectly without overshadowing the other fragrance, but rather complementing it.

Edit: it also extremely intensified the sillage and longevity of Elle. Now I'm going to experiement with Lacroix, Midnight Poison and other compatible fragrances. I think Molinards are also great for rescuing perfumes with low sillage and lasting power.

An incredibly bitter patchuli. Quite far from the 70s patchuli that you always find. After a while it takes a vintage note that I don't dislike. But gives me a headache and it is very strong, not in a positive way. Like a spank on the face that doesn't leave signs.

The one I have is called Patchouli Plaisir (pleasure), which I think was released in 2001 (also by Molinard). I think the notes are: Orange, exotic fruit notes, sandalwood, vanilla, and patchouli.

So as you might guess, it's rather simple. There is strong patchouli at first but then it fades quickly. I didn't get much orange but I try to avoid the top notes, so that is where they may have been concentrated. For the most part, it comes across to me as a light scent, with sandalwood, vanilla, and patchouli keeping the balance together. Obviously, there is likely to be some musk present, no matter how minimal an impression is given. It looks like it is now discontinued, or at least hard to find in the USA. I'm not a fan of fragrances with strong patchouli notes, so it's difficult for me to judge how it compares to others that are similar. For what it is, I can't think of anything negative to say about it. Longevity seems good, but projection/"sillage" may not be great. I'll have to wear it one more time before I arrive at a more definitive assessment.

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!
This IS absolutely DIVINE!!!!!!!!! I love how sensual and erotic this fragrance smells. At first it's a deep and a bit oily smell, but soon after you get in the background some distant hints of sweetness. As the scent progresses, it gets better and better!

You are so right Jillzilla...a grandpa-style patchouli indeed! I love to spritz it on before bed and float away on a magic carpet ride. Actually, it reminds me of an old bottle of Tabu.

Patchouli is my favorite note, and I believe the note itself is very unisex. That being said, I have never found a patchouli I couldn't wear, but this is honestly the most masculine patchouli I have ever smelled, and it's really giving my female skin chemistry a bit of trouble!

I don't really know how I can say it smells masculine, since I do smell the floral notes in it, but it gives me the distinct impression that it's the patchouli a grandpa would wear.

It's a bit floral, a bit powdery, but somehow very masculine and a little old-fashioned. Maybe it's too masculine for me? How frustrating! I need to test it in cold weather before I decide for sure.

Update: I find the patchouli note more dominant in winter. It's a dirty, earthy patchouli note, too...deep, dark, damp, and conjuring up images of a group of hippies, one of whom has traded for a bottle of sweet, powdery vintage cologne.

I feel like it's a cross between Molinard Habanita and Profumum Patchouly (minus the chocolate/incense note).