MDCI
LA BELLE HELENE

2011

PERFUMER
Bertrand Duchaufour

Pear
Tangerine
Linden blossom
Aldehydes

Osmanthus
Iris
Mirabelle
Ylang-Ylang
Hawthorn
Rose

Oakmoss
Sandalwood
liquorice
Musk
Vetiver
myrrh
Amber
cedarwood
Patchouli

I once visited Paris and had about 4-5 hours of sniffing perfumes in one day. Out of hundred(s) of first impressions La Belle Helene was one that stuck with me a lot. I’ve sampled it on skin several times since and it’s a love for me, but with a caveat.

I’m obsessed with the realistic, fresh cut pear opening. It leans far feminine for most people I think, but as a man I’d love to wear it. It’s super fresh and it has a calming quality. I’m happy that the drydown doesn’t go overly sweet. However, the drydown isn’t very long. Performance is not great and for the price, I hoped for a bit more. I’m still on the fence for a purchase. I wish there was a more affordable and/or better performing alternative, but I haven’t found it.