FRAGRANCE | Habit Rouge Parfum: A denser but still recognizable take on the original

halfwhiteboy - Guerlain Habit Rouge Parfum 01

It’s been a little over a year since I got this, a little over a year since Guerlain released Habit Rouge Parfum. Naturally, I was curious because I adore the original Guerlain Habit Rouge EDT. It was love at first sniff and I regret not getting into fragrances sooner so I would have enjoyed that masterpiece longer. That said, I also missed the boat on its many flankers, which is why when I got wind of this 2024 parfum version, I got excited.

Habit Rouge Parfum is a sweet, dense, boozy vanilla with spritzes of bitter citrus on top. It’s really strong! Right off the bat, it proclaims itself in all its glory and proudly so. I know a lot of fragheads complain about projection and longevity issues with several fragrances, so at least this iteration can’t be faulted in that regard. The bitterness of the bergamot lends some contrasting sharpness that balances the sweetness off in the opening. While already present at the onset, the rum becomes a little more apparent after several minutes, when everything starts to settle.

halfwhiteboy - Guerlain Habit Rouge Parfum 02

Even though the parfum is thick and heavy, the Habit Rouge DNA is never lost in the composition. I find it curious because the original is a luminous, layered opus that seems to be the parfum’s direct opposite but is instead expertly preserved under all that syrup and booze. This creation also retains the original’s powdery facet, albeit hovering, somehow keeping its distance, instead of emanating from within—and I’m fine with it. What matters is that it’s still here.

As the prickly citrus slowly evaporates, the sweetness directly gains strength. Over time, the sharpness dissipates, leaving behind that magnificent Guerlain vanilla still radiating with impressive strength. It now leans against a mild—almost indistinguishable—woody backdrop, puffed with that same light powdery accord from earlier. In hindsight, the scent doesn’t really evolve much but its sheer beauty cannot be discounted, and I still can’t get over its excellent projection and lasting power.

While marketed as a men’s fragrance, in my opinion, Guerlain Habit Rouge Parfum can easily be worn by the opposite sex. Its scent profile exudes class and sophistication, making it ideal for formal or evening occasions. However, its dense structure can limit its wear to colder temperatures. Nevertheless, this is a flanker done absolutely right by building on the original’s DNA without losing its character. A must-try, if not a must-have!

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