Habanita (1921)
by Molinard

The first ten minutes of it is a disaster. some kind of medical and resin notes which are very strong gave me a headache. Then it becomes a powdery aldehyde. I put it into a group of harsh scents i hated like dana, Bal à Versailles, (for the top) and Je Reviens by Worth (for the heart). I can find no femininity or any piece of grace in it.

Reminds me a bit of Mitsouko because it hates me, but this one is not quite as evil to me as Mitsouko is. Habanita is a refined and well-constructed fragrance, sensual and sophisticated, interesting. It does have a leather note that, when it hits my skin, presents a quite annoying olfaction; but at least it doesn’t resort to a full metal jacket olfactory assault as Mitsouko does. They are both good fragrances, I suppose, but certainly not to my nose.

I own it for the great bottle. I have the EDT. There is no way I could ever pull this one off as a masculine. It is strong, sweet, powdery perfume. This is one that I would definitely associate with the old lady sweet powder perfume. Very well done, but I really don't see how anyone thinks this is unisex at all. Maybe the Pure Parfum is less powdery?

Instant time transport back to a different era--Habanita is an extremely nostalgic, perfumey-perfume consisting of a sweet powder and a strong tobacco accord. It is the scent of a couple, she wearing the powder and he holding the cigar, their bodies entwined on the dance floor of a nightclub in full swing. It's forceful stuff, too; not designed for the meek. My only complaint concerns the sour and bitter edge that it must wield order to avoid sliding into "ordinary" territory, making it less than enjoyable for everyday use. Perhaps I would wear it occasionally when I felt like dressing up naughty and making a statement, but Bandit already occupies that function for me. I can't say that I really like this, even though it is a marvellous work of art well worth preserving. A good experience, and I'm glad that many people find it more practical than I do.

I am sorry but I disagree with some reviewers. This perfume is very feminine. It is powdery and has a strong Rose middle note. Still, it is a beautiful perfume, masterfully balanced and very long lasting. But don't fool yourself thinking it can be considered a masculine fragrance. It can't!

Please see my review for TABAC BLOND as I have reviewed them together.