Molinard Habanita Perfume Eau de Parfum Spray for Women, 2.5 Ounce

A few years ago I ordered a decant of the original Habanita, an Oriental perfume with top notes of orange blossom, raspberry, peach and bergamot; middle notes of lilac, orris root, jasmine, heliotrope, ylang-ylang and rose; base notes of leather, amber, musk, benzoin, vanilla, oakmoss and cedar. It was one of the most incredible and sophisticated fragrances I have ever smelled and I fell in love with it. Incidentally, one of my cats was so enchanted when she got a whiff of my wrist that she went into an ecstatic frenzy , rolling on the floor and yelping.Sadly I could not afford an entire bottle of the stuff and wore the EDT for a while, which while long lasting, smelled like a more powdery version of Shalimar on me. Recently I read that Molinard had reformulated the EDP and thought I would give it a try. Well, it's not Shalimar, thank goodness. The composition supposedly contains the same 600 ingredients as the original though they are differently placed. The top notes are, mastic, petit grain and geranium; middle notes are ylang-ylang, heliotrope, vetiver, jasmine, mimosa, rose, nutmeg and cedar, and the base notes are musk, amber, patchouli, sandalwood, oak moss and vanilla.On me it smells like new car leather with a whiff of cigar. Breaking it down, initially I smell leather, then more leather, pleasant but unidentifiable florals, vetiver and nutmeg which dries down to a lovely slightly powdery apricot. It's nothing like the inimitable perfume, but for this price, I love it. And it is very long lasting, I put it on at 8.pm. and could still smell it in the morning.

This perfume is heavenly! Much has been written about how this is a strong perfume for strong women, but I find it absolutely soft and powdery. My skin seems to really pick up and amplify the heliotrope. I bought this blindly, based upon great reviews and it's interesting history. Therefore I had no expectations about how it "should" smell. I know the EDP is a modern reformulation, and it seems that the EDT is more potent and reminiscent of the original. At some point, I will give that a try as well. But I am very happy with this version. It makes me feel soft, feminine, and mysterious. I am a die hard perfumista with over 100 bottles in my collection. Habanista has easily cracked the top ten, maybe even the top five. Truly gorgeous!

This will always be a favorite of mine! If you love powdery fragrances this is THE ONE. Habanita is nuclear so be careful with the sprays! I’ve used the vintage and the new EDP and it stays true to the Molinard legacy!

One of my mother in laws favorites. Glad i was able to find for her. Great scent might just have to get one for myself.

I absolutely love this fragrance. It is feminine without being floral or fruity. I smell a faint trace of tobacco, even though it is not part of its contents. It also smells a little musky, in a nice way. I think it would be too sophisticated for a young woman or an ingénue, but for the adult or mature woman it is wonderful. I strongly recommend it.

ok so I don't mind the smell, it's pretty good but nothing too special. the only thing is IT IS VERY POWDERY SMELLING like it's hard to breathe after spraying it and powder is by far the strongest scent in this perfume.

I wasn’t sure if I’d like this scent since I’d never smelled it before but was trying it instead based on its history. It’s remarkable. It smells like tobacco and leather and bourbon with the softest most feminine warm wrapping around you. I’m not sure if it has staying power, it’s hard to tell when you’re the wearer. But I cover myself in it and it very quickly becomes lovely and subtle, not overpowering at all. If you Like citrus or very flowery fragrances for yourself then this isn’t for you.

Smell of the old perfumes from 50s