GUERLAIN
HABIT ROUGE EDT

2003

PERFUMER
Jean-Paul Guerlain

Lemon
rosewood
Orange
Bergamot
Lime
Tangerine
Basil

Rose
Carnation
Sandalwood
Cinnamon
Patchouli
Jasmine
Cedar

Vanilla
Leather
Amber
Benzoin
Oakmoss
Labdanum

I’d reviewed a sample of a newer Habit Rouge EDP before and wasn’t wowed by it. So when I found a 2013 bottle of the EDT in store for a good price; I figured I would give it another shot.

To be fair, it’s still not my favorite DNA. I can see why it’s popular; often called ‘the masculine Shalimar’, but to me Habit Rouge feels more dated and at 32, I still feel it’s perhaps a bit more mature than would suit me.

With the EDP I mentioned that it missed a kick and this slightly older batch of the EDT is definitely a lot better for me. It’s still overly citrussy with a strong, slightly cleaning product-like lemon with a lime tinge.

I prefer the mid of the wear, when rose and vanilla start coming through. What is much better in this EDT batch is the thickness and texture. I get more of the oakmoss and definitely more of a sandalwood in the drydown than in other versions I’ve smelled prior.

That mid and drydown is what will keep me coming back to this one, although it will probably be one I’ll exclusively wear to the office. It doesn’t go as far in Shalimar’s direction as I’d personally would want it to go. I also much prefer the bergamot in Shalimar over the lemony opening in Habit Rouge.

It’s a great scent, but I still don’t quite fit the target audience.