Guerlain • Parure EDT • Fragrances
(35 reviews)
| Average Rating. | 4.1 |
| Would buy this product again. | 74% |
| Package Quality | 3.6 |
| Price | 3.9 |
| Ingredients | |
*TOP REVIEWER* elfriede on 3/6/2011 9:37:00 PM more reviews by elfriede
Age: 36-43 Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium Hair: Brunette Eyes: Hazel
I kept trying to wear this in the fall, but apparently there's something about fall that kills floral notes for me. Today, on a rainy, almost-spring day, the floral notes are blooming in the heart of the scent. Without the richness of those florals, the scent was thin and sharp. Today, the florals sing.
The opening chord is perfumey and old-school--bergamot, raspy galbanum, aldehydes, greens--give it a few minutes! Lilac, muguet, narcissus, jonquil--a chorus of spring flowers accents creamy-soapy rose deepened by subtle dark plum. Restrained leather, oakmoss, amber, and sandalwood are the major base notes. The base is less leathery than, say, Cabochard--it's more akin to Anais Anais as far as the amount of leather goes. Overall, it's clean and ladylike. Not sweet. Glad I got a bottle while they were still reasonably priced!
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*TOP REVIEWER* msm4slm on 4/3/2010 8:37:00 AM more reviews by msm4slm
Age: 44-55 Skin: Oily, Fair Hair: Brown Eyes: Brown
Parure is very elegant. To me, it is very soft and woody with a hint of rose. I can see why this scent has a loyal following, and it behooves me why Guerlain would choose to discontinue this beauty while pushing inferior fragrances such as "My Insolence". The downside of Parure is its high price and scarcity. When a perfume hits the $200 range, it is competing with the awesome L'art et la Matiere collection for my $$ and several of those new Guerlains are ahead of Parure on my "wish list". Very nice nonetheless, and I'm enjoying my decant. Parure's name suits it very well. I would like to add, I do not get any lilac smell at all from this, and see little resemblance to Mitsouko. The overall effect of this is very soft and powdery--not cloyingly so--but more like a delicate veil. Think "gentle rosewood".
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perfumefanatic on 2/16/2009 4:30:00 PM more reviews by perfumefanatic
Age: 44-55 Skin: Normal, Fair, Neutral Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine Eyes: Green
A rosy chypre with aldehyes. At first, the lilac is dominent and then the heart notes of plum, rose & oakmoss develop. This reminds me a lot of Paloma Picasso, Diva and La Perla, although I realize Parure came first. Parure also has that inmistakable "Guerlinade" in the mix. I do need to try it again at least twice, to make a final decision. Parure is well worth seeking out to experience, but in the end, if I can find something similar, such as Paloma and La Perla, and with less expense and searching, I may stick with those.
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crystaltear on 5/9/2008 11:13:00 AM more reviews by crystaltear
Age: 36-43 Skin: Combination Hair: Red Eyes: Brown
IMHO, Mitsouko, Chamade, Vetiver, and Apres L’Ondee are the 4 greatest masterpieces composed by Guerlain among its numerous creations. I like them all with respect and adoration but only my all-time favorite Parure wins all my heart completely. It is a rose-plum chypre starting with a piercing greens note of bergamot & galbanum that are refreshing and uplifting without a bit of astringency. Then it mellows into a spring harmony of fruity-floral composed by rose, lilac, plum, and a small amount of Aldehyde. Here the lilac is light, airy but distinguishable. It mingles with soft rose & ripe plum perfectly, resulting in a lush, verdant aroma that is slightly powdery but also full of breezy briskness without going flimsy or over-sweet. Finally the leather note in the base kicks in adding virility to consolidate an independent personality while oakmoss anchors the entire composition in its grassy, earthy deepness. It is a graceful, self-contained scent, full of complexity, subtlety, and assuredness. Definitely for a mature, self-assured woman. An unsophisticated adolescent without much of life experience would not fit it well in my opinion. I also like the perfume’s name as I feel elaborately decorated with a set of fine jewelry every time when I wear it. It is a liquid form of jewelry that makes me feel elegant and confident. It is a shame that Guerlain has discontinued its production.
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*TOP REVIEWER* sissyfris on 1/18/2008 2:04:00 PM more reviews by sissyfris
Age: 36-43 Skin: Other Hair: Other Eyes: Other
Notes from Osmoz, my favorite perfume source for stuff like this:
Top note : Bergamot, Clary Sage, Galbanum, Middle note : Jasmine, Rose, Lilac, Plum, Base note : Oakmoss, Vetiver, Styrax, Peru Balsam
Created in 1975 Parure is an under-apprieciated beauty. It is fresh, yet sexy, feminine but daring- this perfume smells like Elizabeth Taylor looked in the Mike Todd days. Gorgeous, glamorous, chic, but still warm and approachable- a woman in the peak of her beauty, in love, and with money and happiness in spades. The kind of woman who drives a convertible with a scarf tied in her hair, and diamond earrings on 24/7. And then she lost Mike, aged, took to the bottle, and created white diamonds, the favorite of suburban nanas everywhere. And we all know how that went. (But hey, a girl's gotta eat, right?)
Sadly, I believe this is D/C-ed in the LVMH days, since I'm betting it wasn't a huge money maker for Guerlian (a little too unique and niche smelling, a fruity chypre on the guerlain base- if this were l'artisan of Freddy Malle- and it smells like it could be- we'd all have a FB) but I am hoping that they keep it around in the 100ml edt size, at least- it would be a shame to let such beauty dissapear.
3 out of 3 points for lasting and sillage, Guerlain edts still last longer than most houses' edps.
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*TOP REVIEWER* tessture on 8/10/2007 7:06:00 PM more reviews by tessture
Age: 36-43 Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium Hair: Brunette Eyes: Brown
Went on lovely, all florals and fruits, but restrained, never over-sweet or loud. Then it all fell apart. I ended up smelling like my husband's medicated foot powder. No kidding. For a scent of this vintage and class, I was looking for so much more. I scrubbed this one off. Argh.
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*TOP REVIEWER* freegracer on 1/5/2007 7:13:00 PM more reviews by freegracer
Age: 44-55 Skin: Other Hair: Other Eyes: Other
I generally love the classic Guerlains, and while I've had Parure for a year now, I'm still not sure what to think of it. I agree wholeheartedly with the reviewer below who likens it to a cross between Mitsouko and Chant d'Aromes. On my skin Parure isn't sure what it wants to do. I smell the lilac and the oakmoss, and after a while I smell something akin to Mitsouko, but it's also reminiscent of pickle juice. Not good. I read a review once which mentioned Parure and the litter box effect (I think it was on BaseNotes), and I can see that as well. However, after at least two hours, Parure morphs into something quite warm and embracing; it takes a while to get there, though. My EdT is the newer formulation; I'd be curious to smell the original and in the parfum form. My guess is that the original Parure parfum was stunning. I won't need to repurchase since my current bottle will last me the rest of my life.
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*TOP REVIEWER* LipstickLil on 9/7/2006 11:12:00 AM more reviews by LipstickLil
Age: Unknown Skin: Normal, Medium, Cool Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine Eyes: Brown
Parure is a wonderful Guerlain classic which I was thrilled to try recently (((Tina))). On me it is a soft, elegant rosy chypre with a great deal of warmth and depth to it, but slightly green rather than musty or musky. I don't find it in the least like Mitsouko (thankfully!) The opening notes are slightly herby and tart and then the floral heart of rose opens, with just a little jasmine in the background and a hint of plum. I can't smell any other floral notes. Although apparently there is leather and amber in the base, all I smell is a faintly mossy/woody background. Parure lasts extremely well and I can imagine it will be beautiful in the cooler weather - it's just gorgeous!
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*TOP REVIEWER* willemtje on 4/24/2006 4:26:00 AM more reviews by willemtje
Age: 30-35 Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Cool Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine Eyes: Grey
This smells just like a perfume my mother had in my early childhood. I remember it vaguely, she said it came in a very small bottle (it was real perfume) and it had a yellow colour. She forgot the name, and was never able to find it again. Well, this might be it. My brother said the same when he smelled it!
This is a scent not everyone can wear. It will work out totally different depending on your chemistry. You just need to try it on your wrist, as it will be different from how it smells on a paper strip. On me, it is a rather restless scent, a bit sour rose with a hint of darkness and incense. Not heady or sweet, but it could trigger headaches. It's one of the Guerlains I can't wear, as it does not blend to a powdery soft scent with my skin. The drydown is on me a softer version of the first spray, as if it just faded.
I am taking my mum to try this as well, as I'm pretty convinced it's her long lost beloved perfume and it might work on her perfectly, as we have totally different skin chemistry.
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*TOP REVIEWER* Clearing on 1/25/2006 1:38:00 PM more reviews by Clearing
Age: 44-55 Skin: Other Hair: Other Eyes: Other
I have always loved green chypres. This is no exception. It's very much like Estee Lauder's Private Collection...except not as loud. Parure is softer and rounder. I'm an aldehydes fiend, so this part only adds to my love for this scent. It's a gorgeous rounded green floral with that customary *coveted* sour rose note. Woody green in the drydown with a slight powdery aspect.
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*TOP REVIEWER* dreamstorm on 8/29/2005 2:11:00 AM more reviews by dreamstorm
Age: 19-24 Skin: Normal Hair: Black Eyes: Brown
Chypres and aldehyde-heavy fragrances do not fare well on my skin, and Parure is no exception, though it is far more tolerable than most. It is full of sharp, aldehydic top notes and vaugely sour, perfumey base ones, but still, peeking through, soft woods and powder and a faint hint of blackcurrants and plums emerge. It is actually not unpleasant, but reminds me simply of the beginning of Chamade -- before it has unfurled into its lovely blackcurrant song -- and therefore I keep expecting something more, something better, but it never comes. Unfortunate because I think the story behind Parure is hopelessly romantic and inspiring, and I was aching for a scent that might live up to it.
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PhoenixGirl on 4/30/2005 8:09:00 PM more reviews by PhoenixGirl
Age: 25-29 Skin: Normal Hair: Brown Eyes: Blue
This smelled very cold and aloof to me. It just didn't work with my chemistry very well. I'm disappointed.
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Dalisay on 4/21/2005 12:12:00 AM more reviews by Dalisay
Age: 25-29 Skin: Other Hair: Black Eyes: Brown
Parure is an extraordinary Guerlain, whose elegant rose accord is reminiscent and yet even more sophisticated than that found in Nahema. Or I should say that Nahema (1979) is a lovely take on Parure, which was created less than a decade before (I've come across different dates on various websites). Sadly, I cannot fully enjoy Parure's présence, as the aldehydes cause much suffering in preparing the nose for the heart of the fragrance. Too much of a chypre for me, even in EdT form. Still, Parure is a must-sample for Guerlain fans.
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*TOP REVIEWER* SBMD on 4/14/2005 7:40:00 PM more reviews by SBMD
Age: 36-43 Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium Hair: Brunette Eyes: Brown
This Guerlain is hard to find. When I saw it at Galerie des Parfums on Connecticut Ave (DC), I had to try it. It has green and fruity notes in it and is perfect for spring. And I love the honeycomb bottle it comes in.
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*TOP REVIEWER* helg on 4/13/2005 7:49:00 AM more reviews by helg
Age: Unknown Skin: Other Hair: Other Eyes: Other
An old fashioned perfume deserving much better luck.
In the beginning I am smelling a strong top note which is a bit dark , like a woman going out embarking on an illicit affair. Aldehydic almost in nature, reminding me of the golden classics that are so snubbed by most nowadays. This kind of smell evokes a woman in fur, tailored suits made in Paris, cashmere sweaters and expensive jewelry.
Then comes a hit of soapy wax , as if someone is polishing the furniture for a soiree to end all soirees. Obviously the lady with the illicit affair is a great hostess. Maybe her husband is someone prominent , someone important. She is making an effort to seem nonchalant about it. She checks out the fruity pork cooking and comments about it to the cook. “A little less plum , please , thin it with broth maybe.”
But hey? Is she secretly a bulimic? Is she heartbroken and burdened and she is snacking on chips , thyme and oregano flavour ? That peculiar odour is also present at some point. She wipes her lips , powders her nose once more just to be sure and wanders around the dining room again.
Flower arrangements follow : she has to make sure the roses are fresh and dewy in the vases. The guests are very discerning in such matters. No stale vase water in this house! The floors are newly polished , the curtains freshly laundered. The whole house is clean and ready.
And yet her mind travels to far away places : to the countryside where she met him and the oak trees they sat under… That mossy atmosphere of that cool afternoon will forever be in her mind. Better stop now : guests are arriving. Time to play the part!
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Snowwhitie on 3/24/2005 5:08:00 AM more reviews by Snowwhitie
Age: 36-43 Skin: Dry Hair: Black Eyes: Brown
Parure - what a beautiful name for a perfume! I bought a tester bottle of this many years ago in a perfume shop which closed down and could not really make up my mind whether I liked it or not. However, a few weeks ago I tried it again, fell immediately in love with it and bought a new bottle. It is a very elegant chypre that melts with my skin. It doesn't bother me like many "outspoken" scents, as the drydown is very mellow and soft. When I recently put it on one morning my little son said "you smell so nice of lemons" - this was probably the bergamot top note he noticed. Later on it indeed gets slightly "musty", but in a really sophisticated way. Parure is class and elegance combined - a winner. It is a shame that Guerlain sells only the EdT in the bee bottle. It seems to be one of their not so loved fragrances.
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*TOP REVIEWER* cavewoman on 2/8/2005 7:27:00 AM more reviews by cavewoman
Age: 44-55 Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium Hair: Black Eyes: Brown
It took me three trips to the Guerlain counter at Saks, many years ago, to choose my very first Guerlain. Parure was the one. Fifteen other Guerlains later, Parure remains my favorite. Elegant and sophisticated, as many chypres seem to me, less crisp than Mitsouko and more balanced, too.
Parure was introduced in 1975, not the most well known of Guerlains and now rather elusive, but worthy of attention to fans of the classic Guerlain style.
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*TOP REVIEWER* DunandaFalls on 12/17/2004 8:43:00 PM more reviews by DunandaFalls
Age: 25-29 Skin: Other Hair: Brown Eyes: Green
Guerlain
Parure reminds me a bit of the female equivalent to Guerlain’s
Mouchoir de Monsieur, sharing with it many accords -- bergamot, a
floral heart, a strong orris note and a warm base. Parure is a very
tart and vibrant yet smooth fragrance with lovely notes of bergamot,
plum and clary sage, but the scene-stealer of its amazing dry down is
a earthy iris root note that blends so perfectly with the warm
leathery base that it blows my mind. The other floral notes tremble
in its orris note’s hulking shadow. The sweet, resinous notes
join the party after about 10 minutes, lending even more wonderful
warmth to Parure. Along with the resins, the earthy tones of Parure
become even more pronounced when the balsamic fir, oakmoss and grassy
vetiver show up as well. The orris note blends very well with the
moss, lightening it up significantly. About an hour or so in, the
earthy accords lessen making Parure more floral, pushing it more to
the feminine side, but it is so good and IMO unisex up to this point
that I have to keep a bottle around. To sum it up, Parure is a rich
blend of light florals, warm ambery notes, leather and a cool, moist
earthiness that has no equivalent. Sophisticated, sexy and soothing,
Parure is a classic. With a scent that reminds me of planting iris
bulbs on a warm spring day when I was a kid, I find it to be a great
fragrance for the seasonal changes of spring and fall.
Top
notes: bergamot, clary sage, galbanum, thyme, aldehydes
Middle
notes: lilac, plum, rose, jasmine, lily of the valley, narcissus,
jonquil, orris
Base
notes: amber, leather, oakmoss, peru balsam, styrax, vetiver
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*TOP REVIEWER* ewojdula on 12/12/2004 10:11:00 PM more reviews by ewojdula
Age: 44-55 Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium, Cool Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium Eyes: Green
Well, like lil' 'n cute, I agree that Parure has a strong woody note; but to me it's a soft, fine-furniture-in-the-background-that's-absorbed-all-kinds-of-good
-scents kind of wood note. Beside the wood note are floral notes. I wish I could be more specific, but I'm basing this review on just one spritz I took of it. I then wrapped and gave it as a gift to a friend who couldn't find this favorate of hers.
Its wood note is distinct and surprising, like tasting Thai tea for the first time.
I'm gonna git me some one of these days!
UPDATE: I am so confused. Why did I love this enough to buy it when I spritzed it only once? I can barely stand it now. Maybe it's one of my "winter only" scents, that I can only wear - and tolerate - during the winter. One of my favs does this sto me too. I absolutely can't stand it now (it's July), but I'll love it again - I hope! - in the winter.
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chanel22 on 6/13/2004 12:42:00 AM more reviews by chanel22
Age: Unknown Skin: Other Hair: Other Eyes: Other
This is the only Guerlain scent that I can't stand! I have tried repeatly to like it but find myself running for soap and water. Even Jean-Paul admitted in an interview that it was a poor creation, but this may have been because it didn't sell as well as he had hoped. It is extremely heavy and woody. It makes me think of my ancient great aunts who wore Youth Dew with the scent of mothballs wafting from their cloths. No doubt it is this olfactory association that bothers me. But hope springs eternal and I will try it again.