Note Pyramid
CH
Praline is the material that makes Carolina Herrera CH Eau de Toilette what it is, and it is an unusual thing to find sitting underneath a rose.
The opening is conventional enough. Bergamot and grapefruit arrive together, the grapefruit sharper and slightly bitter, the bergamot rounder and more polished, and between them they give about ten minutes of clean citrus. Bulgarian rose follows, and it is the rich, deep, almost wine like version of the material rather than the dewy one, with sambac jasmine beside it adding a heady, waxy sweetness that pushes the middle further towards opulence. Then the base turns the whole thing on its head. Praline brings a toasted, sugary warmth, the smell of nuts caramelising rather than of a finished dessert, and patchouli runs under it dark and earthy. Sweet and dusty at the same time is a difficult trick, and this is where the fragrance pulls it off.
As an eau de toilette it sits lighter on skin than a parfum strength version of the same idea would, with a brighter start and a gentler trail behind it. Four to six hours is realistic, and it reapplies easily without ever becoming overwhelming. It reads as a women's fragrance and it fits autumn and winter days, office hours included, far better than high summer. Six materials, clearly arranged, with no attempt at complication for its own sake. Olivier Cresp and Rosendo Mateu composed it, and the scent itself dates from 2007, which makes it one of the longer established women's fragrances in the range.
A fashion house first and a perfume name second, Carolina Herrera has worked from New York since the designer's debut collection of 1981, with scent licensed out from 1988.
Please note: images are a guide only. Packaging and bottle design may occasionally differ from those shown due to manufacturer updates or promotions.
Similar Notes
The Scent Vault
Join thousands earning on every order
Earn points as you shop, redeem for money off, and unlock member perks.
Find out more
The Scent Vault Gift Cards
Give the gift of choice
One card, every scent. Let them pick the fragrance that is truly them. Send it instantly by email, or schedule it for a future date with a message of your own.
Shop gift cards
