Ce Soir Ou Jamais (1999)
by Annick Goutal

I had read somewhere that Ce Soir ou Jamais was one of the late Annick Goutal's favourite fragrances. I find all of her scents to be lovely creations, however if I were to choose my favourite rose from her collection, I'd also say Ce Soir ou Jamais.

Rose may be this fragrance's most dominant note, however the additional frangipani, jasmine and musk add extra colour and complexity to something that could be straight-up, pretty, pink roses.

Had I smelt this particular scent a few years ago, I may not have appreciated it. It was on my twentieth birthday that the allure of a owning a rose scent really grabbed my attention. For those that associate rose to that of an old lady, which I once did, needs to open their eyes and experience something as beautiful as Ce Soir ou Jamais.

The delicious rose note in this fragrance is almost dewy, being fresh and exotic in a very appealing sense. It is a tad 'antique inspired', however it does not seem so rich and ancient like it's big sister, Rose Absolue.

Ce Soir ou Jamais has a rather youthful impression, which I feel is brought about by subtle fruity notes, like pear, that tends to linger softly in the heart. This fragrance is a little bit like Quel Amour!, yet perhaps not as Spring-like and fresh.

I read a beautiful article on the Perfume-Smellin' Things blog, that portrayed Ce Soir ou Jamais as being in 3-D. I have to agree that this fragrance has the ability to bring a rose note to life.

I have only experienced this fragrance in the EDT concentration, and from that I would say that the lasting power is quite good and the sillage light yet detectable. As in regards to the EDP version, I have noticed that some feel it too wine-like, quite intense and boozy. For a delicate rose like I have described I'd probably lean more towards buying the EDT.

25th November, 2011.

This was the first fragrance by Annick Goutal that I acquired. I thought the fragrance was INTRIGUING at first.... but upon further reflection : I do think this is the kind of perfume that reminds me of my grandmother's frangrance collection... And not in a good way. I do not think these ''classic'' Goutal fragrances age very well amidst the new array of smells that we find on the market today. Something 'stale' 'dewy' and 'lacking depth' comes to mind when I smell Ce Soir ou Jamais (and many of Goutal's creations). I am still wondering why it caught my attention and why I ended up buying a bottle. COMPULSE much ?

8th February, 2011.

Love it. One of the most true-to-nature scents I've ever smelled, smells like actual petals in a background of green, with no chemical, powdery or musky elements. The nose wants to keep smelling it over time. Far from overpowering, but not fleeting either.

30th May, 2010. (Last Edited: 24th June, 2010.)

A friend of mine once declared "What is that smell...like rotting flowers??"-she does not like floral perfumes-to which I replied "C'est moi, I of the rotting flowers!" It's true, Ce Soir Ou Jamais does smell a bit...overripe (hence the tonight or never bit), but not in an unpleasant sense. At least not unpleasant to me. Full bloom roses and sweet, sparkling champagne, that's what I think of when I recall this perfume.

16th July, 2009.

I find this scent disappointing. It lacks character and body. It also fades quickly and the jasmine is barely noticeable. It's probably perfect for those who like a simple rose scent.

15th May, 2009.

I've been trying on my Ce Soir Ou Jamais decant. One thing for sure, as many Goutal fragrances, it does not seem to stay on my skin for very long (eau de toilette). It seems to me this scent is made to attract the opposite sex and as it's name states ''TONIGHT OR NEVER'' it's like an invitation to a mating dance. Hence not something you'd wear on a day to day basis..

2nd March, 2009.