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Vetiver pour Elle Guerlain 2004

7.9 / 10 90 Ratings

A popular perfume by Guerlain for women, released in 2004. The scent is green-fresh. It was last marketed by LVMH.
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Main accords

Green

Fresh

Floral

Woody

Spicy

Fragrance Pyramid

Top Notes

Bergamot

Orange blossom

Heart Notes

Vetiver

Honeysuckle Nutmeg

Nutmeg

Base Notes

Tonka bean

Perfumer

Jean-Paul Guerlain

Ratings

Scent

7.990 Ratings

Longevity

7.268 Ratings

Sillage

6.363 Ratings

Bottle

8.960 Ratings

Submitted by Kankuro · last update on 12/18/2025.

Source-backed & verified

Interesting Facts

The scent was re-released in 2007 as part of the collection "Les Parisiennes".

Smells similar

What the fragrance is similar to

Carmen Le Bolshoï

Vetiver & Chocolat

Vétiver Fatal

Grey Vetiver Eau de Toilette

(untitled)

Vetyverio Eau de Toilette

Reviews

9 in-depth fragrance descriptions

12/19/2025

EmberFields
39 Reviews

EmberFields

1

Soft-focus vetiver

Vetiver pour Elle is a delightfully softened reimagining of Jean-Paul Guerlain's classic 1959 masculine scent, Vetiver Eau de Toilette. Gone are the original's barbershop soapiness and dark tobacco, which together lent Vetiver a stuffy, old-fashioned vibe. In their place, Vetiver pour Elle offers a caress of white florals and the creamy richness of tonka bean, a note that has been amped up here from the original. The result is an easy-going, grassy green scent with a surprisingly chypre-like warmth.

Some may find that the eponymous vetiver note has been toned down a little too much, but to my nose it remains well proportioned; it is delightfully green, grassy and nutty. I'm thankful that the original scent's nutmeg note is intact here, too; it adds a spicy depth that bridges the sharpness of the vetiver and the warmth of the coumarin. The jasmine also helps to burr off the edges, with its airy floralcy preventing the scent from getting too stuffy. The overall effect is subtle, but very much welcome; Vetiver pour Elle is a much more relaxed and casual scent than the original Vetiver, and I'm very appreciative of that.

Unfortunately, I didn't get to experience what I imagine must once have been Vetiver pour Elle’s crisp, sharp opening. The bergamot in my 20-year-old bottle has degraded significantly over the years, so the opening blast must be endured for a minute or so until the oxidised notes dissipate. But I'm by no means complaining; I was lucky enough to acquire this one-third full bottle of Vetiver pour Elle, in the original 50ml duty free flacon, for just under €25. To be able to try this rare and discontinued gem, and continue to enjoy what remains to the fullest, is a great privilege for which I am truly thankful.

10/01/2015

7Scent 5Longevity 5Sillage

Meggi
1018 Reviews

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Meggi

Top Review 22

Multiple Previews

Guerlain's - so much can be anticipated via the following designation - Vetiver-Pretiose opens with a strong floral note. Lily of the valley, yet grounded by the main character in the truest sense of the word. The scent is herbaceous, surprisingly herbaceous, I think. The bergamot takes on a rather potato-like crumbly role. After 15 minutes, the fragrance even offers quite earthy-musty aspects. I am not surprised that this ladies' vetiver may not have been particularly well received by some Guerlain customers and production was discontinued, despite the heroic (see below!) efforts of my predecessor.

But in contrast to Adolfo Dominguez, who - one might take it almost literally - goes all out with his vetiver, a Guerlain always remains on this side of a certain boundary. The plants provide an airy, distant bitterness in the scent that reminds me of the habitus (not in the sense of a fragrance twin!) of Musc Bleu by Il Profvmo. Nutmeg contributes to this impression. Expanding my nostrils; I eagerly inhale the tightly woven mixture again and again. And I am very taken with it.

Feminine? My previous remarks should have anticipated my opinion on this. I find it by no means feminine. On the contrary, it should appeal equally to gentlemen, and its demise is doubly regrettable.

Gerdi, the donor of my sample (thank you very much for that!) suggested comparing the present candidate with Kurkdjian's vetiver made for Elie Saab. Third and final preview: I see hardly any stylistic touchpoints. The equally noticeable yet unhelpful observation that both are unisex fragrances with vetiver at the center can confidently be regarded as a platitude and is therefore better omitted. Let’s strike the last sentence.

To put it succinctly, I would delineate the fragrances as follows: Mr. Kurkdjian primarily pairs his vetiver with grapefruit, creating an atmosphere of refined-charming freshness, while Guerlain, with its earthy-floral blend, remains more reserved in terms of elegance - but oh my - and also in terms of sillage - and longevity.

After just two hours, Vetiver pour Elle is very close to the skin, and there is little development taking place. It simply becomes overall milder, and the bitter component completely retreats to the skin. There, it gradually fades in the sixth and seventh hour towards a dusty note. During the eighth hour, (perhaps) a hint of fixative amber and (certainly) a base of vanilla appear as a final farewell before the fragrance then completely disappears.

Conclusion: It’s a pity that this vetiver is so quickly so reserved and moreover runs out of steam in every respect after three-quarters of a workday. Otherwise, it certainly does not have to hide behind the variant intended for men. Vetiver enthusiasts are advised to occasionally keep an eye out for remnants.

08/08/2012

8Scent 7.5Longevity 2.5Sillage

Cristalle
45 Reviews

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Cristalle

Top Review 20

My Little Green Secret

I love green fragrances, both the sunny-warm ones and the fresh-cool ones, each in their own time. Vetiver pour Elle comes across as very green right from the start and does not disappoint me.

Vetiver pour Elle is neither sunny-warm nor cool-green; it’s a bit as if it’s still undecided, perhaps a light green, just as if it’s gathering strength for the summer. For a vetiver scent, it is gentle with only the slightest hint of stubbornness. The bitter bergamot, which can sometimes come on strong, is here enveloped in a veil, a broken, light, almost transparent green fabric that surrounds me with a tiny, smoky, spicy secret. Only a keen observer will discover my secret. I am completely myself, not trying to impress or draw attention to myself. I enjoy the tranquility of the spring morning, sitting bare-faced and barefoot on a wall, with birds chirping above me, the sun's rays caressing my bare arms and legs, and my face turned towards the sun. It is still cool; only a few buds have opened, and a faint scent wafts towards me. And only after the sun has passed its zenith does the tonka bean send me its vanilla-like greetings, offering a premonition of the warmth of the coming summer.

Dear Vetiver, you are kind to those who want to get to know you, yet very reserved. Your voice could be a bit louder for me, as I don’t hear quite as well anymore. I always have to get very close to understand your greetings even in the afternoon.

08/04/2011

8Scent 7.5Longevity

Profumo
289 Reviews

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Profumo

Top Review 15

A Discovery for Vetiver Skeptics!

For a long time, Jean-Paul Guerlain was said to have been asked, even urged, to finally create a version of his legendary 'Vetiver' that would not only be wearable by women (in olfactory terms, women had long been emancipated enough to use the men's classic), but should also be dedicated to them with all the honors of an independent Guerlain fragrance.
It took a long time, very long, for the maestro to comply, but more than 40 years after the introduction of the first soliflore vetivers by Guerlain ('Sous le Vent' and 'Djedi' were, in a way, trial runs for the highlighted vetiver note), it finally happened, and the house launched a fragrance simply called 'Vetiver pour Elle.' This came in a bottle reminiscent of the classics 'Mitsouko' and 'L'Heure bleue' and was strangely initially sold exclusively at Paris train stations and in duty-free shops at the capital's airports. However, after a few years, as part of a restructuring of Guerlain's portfolio, 'Vetiver pour Elle' found its way into the newly created 'Les Parisiennes' line, is now housed in the familiar 'Abeille' (bee hive) bottles, and is sold exclusively in the brand's own boutiques and at a few places called 'Maison Guerlain.'

While the classic men's version continues to be available in countless stores worldwide, the option to purchase the women's version is limited to just a handful of supposedly oh-so-exclusive 'Maisons.' And the pricing also differs significantly: while the original costs around 80 euros, 'pour Elle' demands more than double that. Well, there are indeed 25ml more in the bottle since the old 125ml bottle of the original was replaced with a 100ml one. But please don't think that the women's version is twice as good just because it costs twice as much - it is not. It is also not an optimized or more refined version of the old 'Vetiver.' In my opinion, it is neither 'perversely confidential,' nor do I see the house Guerlain with this vetiver version 'once again ahead of the pack' (Luca Turin & Tania Sanchez, Perfumes - The Guide).

No, 'Vetiver pour Elle' is a beautiful, rather light, but still persistent and long-lasting floral scent with fine woody nuances, an exceedingly subtle, almost shy vetiver note, and a warm, slightly ambered chypre base. The seemingly dissonant strong spice, the radiant green freshness, the smoky, but also the rubbery facets of the aromatic vetiver grass, as well as the famous tobacco note of the original are all sought in vain here. Instead, the wearer (and with all the 'pour Elle,' the fragrance is certainly also 'pour Lui') is embraced by a gentle, wonderfully balanced floral quartet that is said to contain orange blossom, lily of the valley, jasmine, and honeysuckle (orange blossom and jasmine are clearly recognizable, but the other two... well, they are just finely woven in). And of course, the vetiver makes an appearance, but - as mentioned - surprisingly reserved. So reserved that I can't shake the feeling that Jean-Paul Guerlain composed this fragrance merely to appease the pressure from his surroundings and less because he had come to the conviction, after long hesitation, that the complex scent of the harsh, edgy, indeed masculine vetiver was equally suitable for the female gender. In any case, he assigns the women's world such a surprisingly small quantity of that fragrant grass (and its root) that one might not be wrong in suspecting that Monsieur Guerlain also struggled with the idea of a 'Vetiver pour Madame' during the creation process...
Essentially, the fragrance ultimately named 'Vetiver pour Elle' could bear any other name, for it is truly not a soliflore vetiver.

But perhaps Mr. Guerlain had the following image in mind: While his old 'Vetiver' was inspired by the gardener working in the Guerlain garden, who always kept a packet of tobacco in his pocket, his 'pour Elle' might have been inspired by the lady of the house, who accompanied the gardener into the garden to guide his work according to her wishes. So perhaps he trimmed a hedge here at her behest, pruned a bush there, and then mowed the lawn. She, however, after having instructed him, returned to the house and brought with her a hint of the gardener's scent, which smelled of all that green and tobacco. This hint blended wonderfully with her own perfume, a fine, creamy-powdery floral chypre.
Maybe it was like that, who knows. In any case, 'Vetiver pour Elle' presents itself exactly as such: as a vetiver scent (if one can even call it that) that could be for anyone, regardless of gender, who has some issues with the typical characteristics of this genre - a fragrance for vetiver skeptics, then, or for those who have always been looking for a floral, less harsh variant.

However, die-hard vetiver enthusiasts and admirers of the great works of this fragrance category, such as Givenchy's magnificent 'Vetyver,' Frédéric Malle's equally successful reinterpretation 'Vetiver Extraordinaire,' or indeed Guerlain's own legend, will likely be disappointed by 'Vetiver pour Elle' - too tame, too shy, too much cream pot and powder puff (Coumarin!) - simply put: too little vetiver.
It is a pleasant fragrance, beautifully composed and with admirable proportions, nonetheless. Just not bold. But do we want to have to muster all our courage every day to wear the harshest of all vetiver fragrances, Etro's wonderfully smoky-woody 'Vetiver'? No, one - or rather I - do not want that.

There are also carefree, sunny days when Guerlain's 'Vetiver pour Elle' can certainly be the choice. On most other days, however, I will probably continue to reach for the original or the liqueur-like, dark-woody 'Extrême.' Now and then, though, I will surely also reach for this cheerful, relaxed variant, which hardcore vetiver fans should please stay away from - they are already well taken care of!

05/01/2011

7Scent

Coriolon
42 Reviews

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Coriolon

Top Review

dark, deep, and spicy

The thread in the forum / Women's Fragrances / Women-Compatible Vetiver Fragrances has stirred me. "Vetiver pour elle" hasn't been tried by me in a long time; it leads a rather inconspicuous existence in my collection. But how did the fragrance even end up there?
LVMH has always sought original distribution strategies, and starting in 2003, Guerlain produced fragrances that were exclusively reserved for air travelers, with sales occurring only in (worldwide) duty-free shops. Guerlain produced "Precious Heart" (2003) followed by "With Love" (2004). Clearly a success for Guerlain, but also for the operating companies.
In 2004, the operator of the French shops 'AELIA' ordered an exclusive fragrance from Guerlain, which was to be sold only at their airports in Charles de Gaulle and Orly: "Vetiver pour elle" was offered very selectively there in 2005.
The bottle and the beautiful cap correspond to its predecessors, and the perfume has a delicate green hue. A branch of leaves was etched into the back of the bottle. The bottle is a little eye-catcher.
I would describe the scent as dry, bitter, and very spicy. The opening can be declared as sporty and fresh, with a hint of vetiver detectable. At first, there is the impression that the fragrance would dissipate very quickly. This impression is certainly due to the unintended comparison with the classic (men's) "Vetiver." But as with many Guerlain fragrances, it turns out quite differently here. The scent does not dissipate; instead, it becomes darker, deeper, and spicier. During my testing (on the back of my hand), I established a familiarity with another Guerlain fragrance. It took me a long time to realize what "Vetiver pour elle" reminded me of, but eventually, it hit me like a ton of bricks: "Winter Delice." Here, too, the spicy, bitter base note prevails.
"Vetiver pour elle" is - as the name suggests - created for female users. I do not perceive it as feminine at all. Anyone who enjoys the classic men's "Vetiver" - regardless of whether male or female - will find the acquisition of VPE to be a good decision. Even when worn in combination, it develops a curious scent evolution.
The fragrance was advertised in the common French beauty journals, and due to the very limited access, a certain (intentional) desirability developed. Air travelers passing through the Paris airports suddenly became very popular. That’s how I came across this fragrance in the summer of 2005. In winter 2007, "Vetiver pour elle" was included in the 'Les Parisiennes line.' Now presented in the bee bottle and balloon spray. In 2005, I paid about 44 euros for the 50ml spray; now the more exquisite version with 125ml costs a whopping 185 euros. One would have to be an LVMH shareholder!
In any case, I thank you for the impetus to engage with this fragrance again. It is not as inconspicuous as it seems.

Perhaps a small word about retail products. It is well known that travelers, especially air travelers, are in a particularly consumer-friendly mood. Rising sales figures confirm this. So it was only natural to follow this trend. LVMH was the first to jump on the bandwagon, and its best horses in the stable (Dior, Givenchy, and Guerlain) produced special products for this market. All major companies have now recognized this enormous market. Notably, miniature sets are offered in elaborate packaging for good, expensive money. Makeup and care products can also be found in combo sets.
Guerlain produced the following fragrances for the retail market in addition to "Vetiver pour elle."
"Precious Heart," "With Love," "Colours of Love," "Lights of Champs-Elysées," "Vol de Nuit Evasion," "Aqua Allegoria Bouquet No.1," "Aqua Allegoria Bouquet No.2"

More reviews

Statements

11 short views on the fragrance

Goldie

4 years ago

4.5Scent

9

Although I'm a confessed Guerlain fan, I feel an incredible, insurmountable aversion here: vinegar cleaner meets toilet block.

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Aquaminze

6 years ago

9

3

Vetiver without scratchiness
Fresh green without sourness
Clean and beautiful without being soapy
Story without a happy ending - discontinued for years.
It was clear, as always!

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Kayliz

9 years ago

10Scent

9

The flowers are fringed with bitterness and the green is layered with powder... ah, how beautiful it is.

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Turandot

5 years ago

7.5Scent 7.5Longevity 7.5Sillage

8

1

Friendly vetiver, but I've come across more interesting representatives of this fragrance family since then.

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Azura

8 years ago

9Scent 6Longevity 7Sillage

8

1

Lovely morning in the greenery, the air soft, humid, and cool. Powdery tonka sunbeams announce the summer day.
Guerlain dream!

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Symphorosa76

2 years ago

10Scent 8Longevity 6Sillage

6

1

My dream vetiver!
grassy-floral-spicy and radiantly fresh with nostalgic charm. Of course, discontinued. Shame.

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Jenkins

4 years ago

9Scent 7Longevity 7Sillage

6

3

Not just for her: at least unisex! Finely crafted. Transparent. Makes "for men" look rough and old in terms of sophistication!

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Zoso

10 years ago

7.5Scent 5Longevity

5

A rather cool green-floral scent. Pleasant, but rather unremarkable. In this category, I find Chanel No.19 more beautiful and especially more characterful.

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TIA1971

9 years ago

7.5Scent 8Longevity 7Sillage

4

If you can skip the top note, you should try Vetiver & Chocolat by Braukmann. Good vetiver, affordable, and still available ;-D

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Seerose

6 years ago

6Scent 7.5Longevity 5Sillage

3

Starts green-creamy, +smoky-green vetiver becomes woody-waxy +even smokier, vanilla-tonka +indolic lily of the valley = slightly synthetic - disharmonious.

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