Essence Rare (1928)
by Houbigant

A rare essence in every sense. One of the first fragrances I ever bought, I have had the great good fortune of finding two edt glass sculpture bottles in perfect condition, 50 and 100ml.

I consider it a great reward after a very long search.

Chanel 19 but more sensuous, how could Essence Rare have been thrown away without a second thought, there must be someone who could consider reviving it.

A true beauty and well worth the searching, if you get a chance to buy it is worth it

20th December, 2011.

Murky, dour and cloying upon application and improving only with its gradual disappearance. Dark green and mildewy-wet. This is an old-fashioned gem I'd sooner hawk than flaunt. Even so, I'll give it a neutral in the event I simply have a spoiled sample. I really do hope that is the case.

1st April, 2011.

Floral,green, mossy and woody, touch of aldehydes. It also wears close to the skin. Can easily be worn by both sexes! I have the pure perfume.

18th July, 2010.

Perhaps the search for a bottle of Essence Rare will bring some happy closure to a lost love. I was given a bottle of this perfume for my Senior Prom, my first true love. I was taken away by a family death, and I lost touch with that gentle young man.

I will keep on searching for that fragrance I can only 'see' in my mind. Thanks, all,

16th November, 2009.

I agree with VV,Essence Rare was one of the best fragrances by Houbigant.Such a shame it's discontinued,and now almost impossible to find.
The "green" notes in Essence Rare are similar to Vent Vert by Balmain or Leonard de Leonard.
The original ice sculpture bottes are now VERY collectable,as are the dusting powder bowl & other crystal dressing table accessories.

5th October, 2009.

i am new to this site and am not a fragrance expert , but i am always, always hoping and trying to find Essence Rare. i used to wear it in the 70s and early 80s but kept finding it harder and harder to locate. one day i finally wrote to houbigant and received the answer that it had been discontinued. i wish that it could be brought back because it was fabulous. i have never forgotten it. and i loved the shape of the bottle, too.

14th December, 2008.