raidersofthelostscent: September 2015

"Imagine to walk in an oriental spice bazaar, with a bunch of exotic flowers in your hands, and a leather factory on your left, and a tobacco manufacture on your right....and suddenly a cloud of talc powder comes down to surround you. This is Habanita."
This is a good description of one of the most legendary perfumes in history: Habanita de Molinard.
You will find spices, tobacco, leather, flowers, talc powder, blended all together. It seems Habanita has been fulfilled with almost every ingredient used in perfumery. Actually, according Molinard, Habanita contains more than 600 (!) ingredients.
Apparently, according to tradition, Habanita could stay in the group of those perfumes called "feminine but masculine": Tabac Blond de Caron, Bandit de Robert Piguet, Cabochard by Grès, Jolie Madame by Balmain. But, in my opinion, Habanita is more similar to another lost gem from the past: Tabu by Dana. However, if you know and appreciate any of these perfumes, you will feel comfortable with Habanita. In addition, sporting a strong tobacco/spice/leather core, Habanita could fit perfectly for men, too. Be careful, Habanita stands on its own feet and it's immediately recognizable. You can't be wrong: when you smell it, you immediately say: this is Habanita.
As usual, you can read tons of review about Habanita on the web, so we'll leave floor to a few of highly estimated reviewers (listed at the end of this article).
Hanbanita is in production since 1921 and was probably reformulated several times. Good ol' friend Gianni Ambrosio, the now-retired retailer from Milan, generously borrowed me a couple of vintage EdT bottles from his collection, plus the modern EdP version on sale today, for a comparative review. Laura added a small sample of her precious older vintage. So I was able to perform a really comprehensive review.
How does vintage Habanita de Molinard perform in front of the modern one? Firstly, we have to learn something about different versions, bottles and packages used during last decades.
So, let's go and see!
Since 1980 Habanita changed four boxes and bottles, and each time *apparently* underwent a reformulation (we are considering the scent produced since the 1980s and tested here, but there are other versions, not tested in this review).

Briefly:

1) Transparent bottle with "syllables" on the front (i.e. HA/ BA/ NI/ TA) (produced from 1980 until 1988)

2) Lalique-type "squared" bottle (produced from 1988 until 2005)

3) Lalique-type "tall" or "Anniversary" bottle (produced from 2005 until 2012)

4) Modern bottle (EdP only, in production since 2012)

Pictures:

1) Transparent bottle with "syllables" on the front
(i.e. HA/ BA/ NI/ TA) (from 1980 until 1988)

From 1980 until 1988:
transparent bottle with "syllables"
(HA-BA-NI-TA)

EdT box and bottle (1980-1988)

Year 1983 advertisement

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2) Lalique-type "squared" bottle
(from 1988 until 2005)

Year 1988 advertisement

Year 1991 advertisement

year 1997 advertisement

Lalique-type "squared" black bottle.

Without barcode: before 1990

Barcode without Greendot = between 1990 and 1992

With Barcode and Greendot: after 1992.

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3) Lalique-type "tall" or "Anniversary" bottle
(from 2005 until 2012)

From 2006 until 2012.
Lalique-type "Tall"/"Anniversary" black bottle

Year 2006 ad

(When you read the long list of ingredients
on the box it means "produced after 2005")

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4) Modern bottle
(since 2012)

HABANITA-by-Molinard-Eau-De-Parfum-Spray-New-Version-2-5-oz

Modern (EdP only) bottle, since year 2012

Sleek and Chic - the new Habanita Eau de Parfum

Advertisement year 2012

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Materials
and Methods

All tests were made side-by-side, inside a clean, no-windows, odorless room, at the same temperature: 20°C / 70 F.

Due to tiny amount, the "syllable"-bottle sample (the older one) was tested on paper and on skin only.

All other three versions were tested on paper, on skin, and sprayed on clothes. Three samples are EdTs, the fourth (the modern one) is an EdP.

The four different samples tested on paper
(from 1980 bottle to the 2012 one)

The two "Lalique-type" EdT bottles
during the test "on clothes"

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RESULTS

First thing to say: there is not a version that is exactly identical to others. All four versions appeared distinct and somewhat different. This could mean a reformulation actually happened with every "edition" launched during decades. But, at the same time, Habanita is immediately recognizable in all four version. It's still Habanita, no doubt. It's the same DNA.
A pleasant news is that there isn't any version watered-down or weakened. All four versions are very strong on paper and on skin. There are great sillages and great longevities: on your skin, Habanita stay for at least 12 hours; on paper, you can easily smell it after 4-5 days. Even more, if sprayed on your clothes.
This is a good news since you can suspect - as usually happens- that modern versions are weaker than older ones. In this case, this isn't true. Even the recent formulation (year 2012, labelled as "EdP") is very strong, and "on par" with vintage ones.
Differences are rather in formulas. Briefly:
1) The older bottle (the "HA/ BA/ NI/ TA" one, 1980-1988) smells almost as pure leather + tobacco + vanilla + lot of powder. Very "rich" and "decadent", it reminds ladies smoking in Jazz clubs during 1930-1940s..... A bit dated, anyway, I like such perfumes very much.
2) The Lalique-type "squared" bottle (1988-2005) appear to be more modern, with more balanced ingredients. There isn't any note prevailing over others, the blend is equilibrate. Very suitable for men, actually, it is an unisex scent. Perfect mixture between "female" and "male" aspects. This version is probably preferred by those seeking for an "ideal" blend.
3) The Lalique Type "tall"/"Anniversary" bottle (2005-2012) is similar to the previous one, but notes are more pronounced. While the previous version aims to balance and soften all notes, this one tends to "unbalance". Vanilla, leather and powder emerge fiercely from the bunch. This version is probably preferred by those wanting a stronger, more decise, and tougher scent.
4) The modern EdP bottle (since 2012) is probably the more feminine of all versions. A strong floral note appear, and accompanies other notes, during the entire evolution. The best choice if you want Habanita as a proper "female scent".

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FINAL WORD

Put it simply: Habanita was reformulated in all its editions.
The most pleasant fact however is that Habanita has not been ruined by any reformulation. All versions are very strong with great longevity and sillage, and retain the Habanita inner core.

However, all four versions tested are not identical to each other. For example, the modern version (since 2012), thanks to its pronounced floral vibe, can be considered "a female scent" much more than previous ones.

On the contrary, the two Lalique-type bottle are pretty "unisex" and fits for men, too.

And the first version tested ("HA/ BA/ NI/ TA") pleasantly smells even as an "old auntie" perfume.

You can't ask "what's the best?", since they all appear as "variations on a theme".
So, the last choice is up to you.

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Miscellaneous

"Lalique-type" (1987-2000s)
25ml spray bottle

"Lalique-type" (1987-2000s)
25ml spray bottle

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The two old "Lalique-type"

bottles in details

The olfactive pyramid according to Molinard (2012)

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An OLDER BOTTLE

We considered the 1980s "syllable" bottle as the first.

Actually, during the Seventies there was another

older bottle, not tested in this review:
the "Black Sticker" one. Here it is:

Black sticker bottle (1970s)

"Diamant" bottle by Baccarat, circa 1970

Black Sticker EdC (1970s)

Year 1975 advertisement

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....and many, many older bottles from 1921 to 1960.
(Images provided by readers)

1930s Molinard Habanita perfume bottle and stopper, clear glass, molded and paper labels, box. 4 1/2 in.:

Mint in box Molinard "Habanita" Baccarat sealed 1/2 ounce french vintage perfume | eBay:

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Interested in Habanita?

Read here...

The candy perfume boy

From Pyrgos

Yesterday's Perfume

I smell therefore I am

Perfume smellin' things

The Non-Blonde

Cleopatra's Boudoir

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Since the launch, happened in 2011, the "Yves Saint Laurent La Collection" (eight historic male and female perfumes) arose an huge amount of debate among perfume lovers. The bigger complaint were about the "reformulation" of all eight scents made by L'Oreal (owner of YSL brand); then there was a minor complaint about the new "double cube" bottle (an identical one, for all eight scents), and -at last- the biggest cry: the stop of production of previous versions.
Aesthetical considerations apart, what about these "new" scents?
Was "reformulation" so drastic?
Are these "new" perfumes so "awful" (as reported by many during past years), or "acceptable", or even "good ones"?
I was able to obtain all perfumes both in vintage and modern versions, and perfectly stored (especially the vintage ones).
So, finally I could perform a side-by-side test with the four "new" male scents produced under "La Collection" line: Rive Gauche - JAZZ - YSL pour Homme - M7 Oud Absolu, and I compared with different "vintage" versions, under strict conditions.
How did they perform?
Let's go and discover it!

(Foreword: in this review I tried to compare accurately 4 different scents, using a great number of old and modern bottles. I tried firmly to be impartial, and without bias. I have no interest in describing ingredients and top and base notes, since you can read tons of reviews all over the Net.
I'm more interested in describing "differences and similarities").
For understanding of various YSL eras and batch codes, see HERE)

"La Collection" line: the front side of the four male scents

"La Collection" line: the back side.
from left: Rive Gauche - JAZZ - YSL pour Homme - M7 OudAbsolu

"La Collection" line: the bottom of each scent.
It's clearly visible the batch code 62Hxxx. Letter "H" means "year 2011"

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MATERIALS
and METHODS
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For convenience only, here you can read and see pictures of "M7" and "M7 Oud Absolu". An identical procedure was followed for other three scents.

All comparisons were made separately, to not to mix various scents and smellings.
All comparisons were made inside a clean, no-windows, odorless room.
All comparisons were made at the same temperature: 20°C / 70 F.

As First step, the "paper strip test" was performed. Each scent was closely sprayed over the paper, and two strips were compared at different times.

Step 1: Paper strip Test

The Second step was the "skin test". It consists in closely spraying scents separately on my own skin (I prefer back of my hands), and smelling over the hours.

Step 2: Skin Test

Third and final step was the "clothes" test. Both scents were closely sprayed on two pieces of heavy fabric, and evolution was observed. Heavy fabric "traps" an enormous quantity of molecules (much more than paper) and it is really effective if you want to observe even minimal differences.

Step 3 : Heavy fabric test

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RESULTS

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JAZZ

First perfumes considered was JAZZ, the famous one from the Eighties. YSL's Jazz was a perfume to write volumes about, but this is out of our intentions here.

What about Jazz side-by-side comparison "yesterday and today"? Well, answer is not so simple. If you compare the new "La Collection" version with the most recent one (the bottle with clear, transparent glass, especially the ones produced after year 2000), you will hardly find any difference. Actually, both versions smell exactly the same.

But if you compare the new "La Collection" version with most ancient bottles, i.e. the magnificent postmodern "Memphis-style" plastic ones, well, you will definitely notice a few differences. Old juice is "darker", heavier, thicker, more intense, deeper. The new one (i.e. "La Collection"), on the contrary, is almost "gentle", refined, lighter, "brighter". The only exceptions are clear bottles produced before or immediately after year 2000, still apparently retaining "vintage" juice.

Please don't misunderstand my words: this is still JAZZ in every version tested, and you will immediately recognize it. So, if you liked vintage JAZZ, you will appreciate the new one, too.

But there are definitely differences between two scents.

What's the best? Personally I'm fond of old, classic black&white JAZZ from the Eighties, and I prefer the vintage "thicker&denser" version. But other people could prefer the new "brighter" version.

In a nutshell, it's hard to give an opinion about the new JAZZ "La Collection" scent: it's different from vintage, but it's not that bad.

I can't honestly say it is a bad reformulation since it's identical to previous one produced in the 2000s.

So, I have no particular advice about JAZZ: my suggestion is not to waste time and money for a transparent glass bottle, since the new "La Collection" perfume smell the same.

But if you find old "postmodern" plastic bottles (produced during 1988-1998, a true collector item), buy it (splash or/and spray, they are different), at least for collection purpose.

And juice is even better, in my opinion.

(please note: "Jazz" has nothing in common with "LiveJazz", launched in 1998: they are different perfumes)

Comparing the new "La Collection" version with the clear bottle in picture (1998-2010)
especially the ones produced after year 2000, you will hardly find a difference.

Comparing the new "La Collection" with the old scent contained in the "Memphis-style", postmodern bottles (1988-1998, here in the Spray version), you will notice the differences. Older juice is more intense, thicker, deeper..
Newer juice is brighter.

Comparing boxes.
On left: vintage "postmodern" plastic version (1988-1998)
on right : "transparent" one (1998-2010)

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YSL pour HOMME

"YSL pour Homme" was the second scent to be tested. Also known as "the missing link between Eau Sauvage and Monsieur de Givenchy" (this is probably the best definition), it was launched in 1971, nearly 45 years ago (as for 2015) and it was necessarily reformulated at least a few times. And this is exactly what I found during the test: smelling different samples, I immediately noticed different reformulations.
I tested three bottles: a "Parfums Corp." labelled bottle (year 1988), a "PPR-Gucci" one (year 2005), and the new "La Collection" version (year 2011).
The new "La Collection" (year 2011) is similar, but not identical, to the YSLpH (year 2005) by PPR-Gucci.
But it's completely different from the Parfum Corp. version (year 1988).
The old Parfum Corp. version was incredibly rich, creamy, pleasant, intense, almost "dirty", with a legendary warm and cozy drydown.
The PPR Gucci bottle from 2005 appears to be "sanitized" with much of the "creaminess" removed.
Finally, the "La Collection" version (year 2011) appeared to be slightly watered down, even compared with the year 2005 bottle.
In all three version the only things in common are the topnotes. Citrusy topnotes are very similar each other.
But from this point onwards, things messed up.
The oldest version develops in a marvelous symphony, while the other two ones steer towards an unusual, strange "plastic" drydown.
That's the strange story: if we consider only the two most recent previous ("PPR-Gucci" and "La Collection"), these appear similar and we could say it was a decent reformulation.
So, perfume reviewers were accurate and trustful when saying there was not so much difference ...because these two bottles smell "almost" the same from top to base.
But when we compared it to the older one (Parfum Corp. year 1988), the show changes dramatically: vintage YSLpH is, really, out of this world. It's impossible to compare to modern ones.
Anyway, I don't dare to say the new scent is a bad one. All of all, it is very similar to its previous edition.
But if I have to buy YSLpH, I'd prefer to find an old bottle. Honestly, I wouldn't pay big $$$ for a YSLpH bottle produced after 1990.

YSL pour Homme, batch 8255 = year 1988
(Parfums Corp. Era)

YSL pour Homme, Batch 5GAA = year 2005
(PPR-Gucci era)

Just as curiosity: an empirical "colorimetric" test of YSLpH versions.
Inside test tubes you can see (from left):
year 1988 -year 2005- year 2011

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RIVE GAUCHE

The third test was "Rive Gauche pour Homme". Launched in 2003, it was the smart, the last, and the (finally) successful move by Tom Ford after the commercial disaster of both NU (2001) and M7 (2002). Not very original as a scent, since the "star anise" theme was already exploited earlier, but it was a very well blended and pleasantly crafted scent...and one of the most original bottles ever produced, a tin can, much appreciated by perfume lovers, who elected it as a collector item. It was produced since 2003 until 2010 without -apparently- any reformulation.
I tested Rive Gauche thoroughly and carefully in two version only: the "tin can" and the new "La Collection" cubic bottle.
Are there identical? Well, surprisingly, the answer is no. They are very similar, but no identical.
The "La Collection" version is slightly (I told slightly) sweeter, but you can appreciate the difference only on side-by-side comparison. If you have nothing to compare with, you could hardly tell a difference. That's all.
Both version have a monster sillage and longevity, and there is no trace of watering-down. Both are strong, deep, and intense.
I am really pleased with new "La Collection" Rive Gauche and wholeheartedly recommend it as a scent.
Are the old tin can bottles worth buying? Yes, but only for collection purpose. Perfume smell nearly the same.

The tin can bottle (2003-2010)

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M7 OUD ABSOLU

The fourth and last scent tested was M7 Oud Absolu. I'll not spend many words about M7, the scent that launched the Oud-mania in western world (although not the first western Oud-y scent, since the first mainstream one was the legendary "Balenciaga pour Homme", in 1990). M7 and its "brother" M7 Fresh were two of the most incredible scents ever produced, a complete commercial failure during years, followed by a cult status during (and after) phasing out. Since the original M7 received so many appraisals, the new version rapidly became a favourite target for detractors, slanderers and backbiters.
Well, I tested two versions, a year 2002 bottle (one of the first ones produced) and the new M7 Oud Absolu.
The first thing to say is: you're right, the two perfumes are not identical , they smell different.
M7 and M7 Oud Absolu actually are not the same scent. But this should be obvious, since even their names are different ("M7" and "M7 Oud Absolu", respectively).
The main difference is in drydown. While topnotes are nearly identical, the drydown is quite different. And as you can read, classic M7 sport "Amber", while new M7 Oud Absolu sport "Myrrh".
Yes, there is definitely a difference: M7 Oud Absolu could be considered a M7 "flanker".
However, there's no reason therefore to slander the "La Collection" new scent, since it stand -from very beginning- as a different perfume.
The most interesting thing is that M7 Oud Absolu is a really pleasant scent: in my opinion it is on the same quality level of classic M7. If you like M7, you will hardly dislike M7 Oud Absolu : Myrrh instead of Amber.
Anyway, I personally prefer old, classic M7 because of its very pleasant -and a bit dated- ambery drydown.

The old, classic M7

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FINAL WORD

Why are these comparative reviews so complicate? Because it's really easy making mistakes.
Smell the same perfume inside and outside your house, and it could appear different.
Smell the same perfume at different temperatures, and it will not be the same.
Smell the same perfume in different environments, and you will be concerned.
Unfortunately, if you want to seriously evaluate a scent, you should have a "scientific" attitude. Perfumes should be tested under controlled conditions.
Since at least 4 years passed since the launch of the new "La Collection" line, and all heated discussions are now calmed down, it's time to get conclusions.
Frankly, all scents tested are not bad. I found one of them (Rive Gauche) very, very good, worth of buying.
Other two (JAZZ and YSL pour Homme) are adequate, similar to previous versions (but not to older vintage, which I prefer instead).
The last (M7 Oud Absolu) is, practically, a new scent.
In a few words, YSL / L'Oreal did a decent job. Older vintages are probably lost forever, but when compared to some really horrendous reformulations of great classics, the effort has to be considered positive.

raidersofthelostscent

Wednesday 23 September 2015

HABANITA de Molinard: yesterday and today. A "side-by-side" review.

Wednesday 16 September 2015

YVES SAINT LAURENT "La Collection": a side-by-side comparison.