Le Parfum Ideal — view 1
Parfum
Houbigant

Le Parfum Ideal

Le Parfum Ideal by Houbigant is a fragrance for women

The Quick Read

Warmly received so far — a warm spicy, sponsored composition with a amber undertone. Voted best for spring and fall wear, leaning feminine.

refined elegancefloral warmthspicy depthclassic sophisticationtime-honored
4.44· 18 Ratings
Created byPaul Parquet
Sample this fragrance
Longevity
8.2
Sillage
6.5
Best Time
🌙Night67%
Seasons
🍂 ❄️Fall/Winter
The Story

Le Parfum Ideal by Houbigant, launched in 1896 and crafted by the renowned perfumer Paul Parquet, is a fragrance that embodies the essence of French elegance. The composition opens with citruses and carnation, before transitioning into a heart of ylang-ylang, jasmine, Bulgarian rose, and orange blossom. This floral bouquet is enveloped in a warm, spicy base of benzoin, tonka bean, ambergris, sandalwood, musk, and patchouli. The fragrance's longevity and complexity have made it a beloved classic, capturing the refined spirit of its time.

Scent Profile

Composition & Character

When to Wear

🌸
Spring
☀️
Summer
🍂
Fall
❄️
Winter
🌤️
Day
🌙
Night

Who Wears It

Masculine5%
Unisex10%
Feminine85%
Performance

How It Wears

Longevity
Very Weak3.2k
Weak9.6k
Moderate0
Long16.0k
Eternal0
Sillage
Intimate13.8k
Moderate9.1k
Strong9.1k
Enormous16.0k

Application Tips

Le Parfum Ideal's rich base notes take time to bloom, so apply it in the morning for optimal longevity. It reads best close to skin rather than projecting widely, making it ideal for a sophisticated evening out or a quiet afternoon at home.

03 · The Nose

Paul Parquet

Founding perfumer · 4 fragrances · French

Paul Parquet portrait

Paul Parquet (1856–1916) was a French perfumer and joint owner of Houbigant. Called the "greatest perfumer of his time" by Ernest Beaux, he is widely regarded as the founder of modern perfumery for having pioneered the use of synthetics in works such as Fougère Royale. His bestselling perfume, Le Parfum Idéal, was described by Robert Bienaimé as a “masterpiece of fragrant equilibrium, harmonious and of good taste as shall never be surpassed”.

Also created

Designer Houbigant

More from Houbigant

04 · Dossier

Edited by Scentsation Editorial

The story behind the bottle.

The quiet confidence of a Parisian salon where floral notes mingle with warm spices and subtle woods, creating an atmosphere that is both intimate and lasting.

Fig. 01 — Le Parfum Ideal, Houbigant

05 · Acquire

Where to buy.

Try before you commit

Decant communities and sample services let you wear a fragrance for a week before buying a full bottle. Find a sample

06 · The Room

What people
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Le Parfum Ideal by Houbigant | Scentsation