Eau d'Hadrien Annick Goutal 1981 Eau de Toilette

Before the reformulation (2010?), this was a beautiful, simple, refreshing perfume. I think it was the first niche perfume I bought. Just a lovely go-to scent when you feel hot and sticky and want a pick-me-up. In fact, it was perfect for men or women and for any but the most formal occasions. Unfortunately, I've tried some from after the reformulation, and the lemon is now less sparkling. It seems like there's less cypress as well. Now it's more of a plain lemony dish detergent, and I don't think it's worth wearing.

No matter how lovely, it just DOES NOT LAST on the skin. It doesn't. Not a chance. It's as fleeting as a rainbow.

I have praised this scent together with the much fruitier and potent Acqua Viva for being the best easy-to-reach lemon peel summer scent ever. In itself I also think it's one of the most brilliant perfumes created because of the shocking citrus simplicity that leaves you wanting for more. While AV is invigorating in the way that you feel like wearing a luxury body product all day long, EDH has a genius citrus piece in the base tied with the cypress that just lingers for an "outdoor" sensation and will uplift your mood, complementing your journeys without overpowering naturally occurring smells. Despite the similar notes, in comparison to higher concentration Sicilian lemon perfumes, it's the intentional lower concentration of EDH that plays a big part in making it work! A milestone to own regardless of your likings (unless it discomforts you).

I do believe that the sales assistant must have been misinformed or confused when she thought I would like Eau D'Hadrien when I had made it quite obvious that I loved my florals and had little tolerance for citrusy fragrances.

When I got home and opened up my 15ml sample of this fragrance, to put it bluntly, I was horrified.

Seeing that every cleaning solution in my house is lemon scented, this fragrance certainly doesn't remind me of happier times. Had I been born a billionairess and had someone else do my household chores perhaps my view of this fragrance would be a little different.

Also having alcohol added as an obvious component to this fragrance, only makes me think of tequila with lemon and salt, usually after five tequila shots too many.

There's no doubt in my mind that Eau D'Hadrien is more expensive and sophisticated smelling than detergent, however that still doesn't make me love it.

To me this isn't a bright, happy and uplifting fragrance, it's more sharp and rigid. Perhaps a fragrance better suited to men rather than women.

With that being said, I will be trying this on my man just to see whether the scent becomes more likable that way.

On a better note, this fragrance lasts well, I guess that's one good aspect. But unfortunately this fragrance fails in my opinion.

Hi,
I am bathing in this right now and - my two year old son wanted to sample this scent too. Thank You Dear PBullFriend for introducing this scent. I think this might cut very well heat while those hot summer days. This is one of those best Citrusy scents I have sampled and tested. Me likes. Ty Dear once more**