Terre D’Hermès Parfum takes the success and originality of the original EDT, and makes it deeper and more mature. It opens with the same bitter orange and juicy grapefruit combination of the original, however lacks the kick of black pepper. As it settles, it retains its signature masculine dry down of vetiver and cedar, but instead of earthy patchouli it introduces a smooth oakmoss which blends beautifully with everything else. This fragrance smells like spring and makes the original EDT smell more summery than you would originally think. Overall the parfum closes off as a much drier and more mature version of the original, and while there are less notes included it smells like it has more depth. It’s an incredible scent but I’d say it’s similar enough to the original that it doesn’t warrant owning both, personally I still prefer the EDT.
I bought Terre D'Hermes for work when I started a new job. I'm generally quite close to people for prolonged periods but it's a fairly fashion-forward industry so you can't just call it in. I'd heard TD'H was versatile and inoffensive but still interesting. I thought I'd give it a test, feeling hopeful. Not much else to say, it ticked all three boxes and then some. Others have waxed about it so I'll just back them up and say that I think it's an absolute masterclass in perfumery. The very opening upon spraying is a bit harsh for a few minutes as the orange settles down, that's the only criticism I have and it's a push to even bring it up. The harshness fades quickly to just an absolute beauty of an orange, rough scent that just grows softer and more comfortable throughout the wear. It's undeniably masculine, fresh enough to pull off the dirty undertones and drys down with just a hint of darkness to keep you guessing. Glorious. I've had so many compliments on the smell and yet with its high ratings, it always seems to remain unique. Notes: Dirty, earthy orange, a little bitter and not sweet. There is wood and some spice in there and some mossy, patchouli with the tiniest hint of some kind of smoke in the late dry-down, which I don't think is listed, rather an amalgamation of other notes. When: Any occasion any season IMO, very versatile. It's definitely got a class and sophistication but can be dressed down too. The only time I wouldn't wear this would be the high heat of mid-summer. I think you could pull it off, but there are probably better choices at that point.
Okay so the parfum version of Terre d'Hermes landed in my possession recently. I dismissed it at first as being a sample of the EDT which I own and thoroughly enjoy wearing and very nearly gave it straight to a friend. Upon closer inspection however, I realised it was the Parfum version and couldn't wait to try it and test it side by side with the EDT. Just to mention before I tried it, I looked at the comments on here and was astounded to see that a few people have that they like the EDP but will stick to the EDT...'hmmmm? that's curious I thought' But upon trialling this EDP I can understand why. Terre d'Hermes parfum starts out instantly recognisable as the original but also vastly different in it's delivery it seems more orangey, less bitter and more juicy. Also it has a deeper boozier feel to me but less dry spice and vetiver compared to the original which really appealed at first. As the EDP dries down it becomes more familiar and converges with the EDT, spice and resin coming through but it still just slightly different. The drydown again they move out of synch the EDP becoming sweeter and woodier but less apparent than the EDT. Yes that's right the EDT has far superior longevity by a good few hours which is not expected at all. Also the thing which to me makes Terre d'Hermes is the benzoin and pepper with the vetiver which gives a roughness and dryness against that orange note. I thought this EDP was more juicy and orangey at first which really appealed but strangely as the fragrance progresses it's the EDT that retains more character and more of that orange note. So all round the EDT is better although there's no way you could like one and not the other as they're so close in smell. Interesting how subtle nuances can make all the difference and they certainly do here, some people will prefer this to the EDT, I did at first too as I mentioned but really can't get over how poor the longevity is.
Great grab and go freshy that can stand through the cold.