Essence N°1: Rose Elie Saab 2014

This review is based on a full bottle of Essence No. 1, bought from Jomashop for $65.  This is a good deal if you are looking for a wonderful rose fragrance. 

Essence No. 1 Rose is a simple yet intense rose fragrance designed by Francis Kurkdjian.  With the Essence line, Kurkdjian had created a series of perfumes focussing on a single accord such as oud, rose, amber, neroli, tuberose etc.  It is unfortunate that the entire Essence line has been discontinued.  It looks like Elie Saab now focuses exclusively on women’s merchandise.  

Essence No.1 opens with an intense blast of rose with a tiny whiff of vanilla.  I sense primarily Damask rose in the opening notes, but rose becomes generic soon after.  There is a premonition here of the rose that reappears in Kurkdjian's Oud Satin Mood. The vanilla note in the opening gives a slight powdery air to Essence No.1.  There is no real change in personality from the opening to the heart notes, except that the powdery nature settles a bit in an hour.  Rose and vanilla persist to the very end.  I can smell some mild woody notes in the dry down on my skin that is not in contact with clothing.  

Longevity is very good, lasting about 10-12 hours.  Essence No. 1 survives much longer on clothing.  The heart notes were still very active on clothing even when only a weak dry down was perceptible on the skin.  So, one or two sprays on clothing is recommended to extend the performance of Essence No. 1.  It exhibits very good projection and sillage.

For $65, this is a great bargain.  I am afraid this perfume will soon disappear into the annals of history once the existing supply is exhausted.  It is a safe blind buy if you are a rose enthusiast.