Habit Rouge has been in Guerlain's line-up since the 1960s and is often called the first oriental fragrance for men: citrus over a warm, powdery, vanilla-rich base, elegant in a way that never goes out of date. The Parfum is the richest version of it, and the one people searching in Egypt most often ask about.
The notes
- Opens: bergamot, citrus
- Heart: vanilla, rum, patchouli
- Dries down: patchouli, vanilla, woody notes, balsamic elements
How it wears
The bergamot is brief and bright; within a few minutes the rum arrives, and it is what makes the Parfum distinct from older versions of Habit Rouge. Rum and vanilla together give a boozy, almost caramel warmth, kept from turning sweet by patchouli. Over the hours it settles into a soft, balsamic, woody vanilla that sits close to the skin and lasts through the day.
It is a grown-up fragrance. It suits office wear in cooler months, dinners, and anyone who likes the idea of Tom Ford Noir Extreme but wants something more classical and less loud.
Which size?
- 4 ML to find out whether you like it on your own skin across a few weeks.
- 6 ML if you already know you do and want it for a season.
- 10 ML to carry for months — at three or four sprays a wear, it lasts a long time.
If you like Habit Rouge
- For more vanilla and spice with a creamier heart, try Tom Ford Noir Extreme.
- For warm tobacco and honey in the same spirit, Xerjoff Naxos is the niche answer:
Questions
What does Habit Rouge Parfum smell like?
Bergamot and citrus at first, then rum, vanilla and patchouli, drying to a warm, balsamic, woody vanilla.
Is Habit Rouge Parfum available in Egypt?
Yes, as a decant in 4, 6 and 10 ML, poured in Cairo from an original Guerlain bottle and delivered anywhere in Egypt.
Is it a summer or winter fragrance?
It is at its best from autumn to spring and on cool evenings. In the height of summer, one or two sprays is plenty.