Guerlain Vetiver vs Habit Rouge, which one will be the star perfume?

Guerlain has remained the true icon in the history of fragrances for decades. The classic, unique scents are all too enchanting to ignore. They are fragrances that are timeless and not easy to get over with. Guerlain claims to launch 1100 olfactory creations ever since it started its business. Two of its most beloved scents are Guerlain Vetiver and Habit Rouge. 

Where one is a masculine aromatic fragrance that is enriched with woody accords and fashionable French elegance, the other is the true mixture of refinement with a trail of extreme sensuality. With their gracious French appeal, both are legendary scents that never go out of style. 

But when you have to pick between Guerlain Vétiver and Habit Rouge, picking one over another might feel like a huge betrayal. Therefore, we have Guerlain Vetiver vs. Habit Rouge as our today’s comparison battle. So, let’s get started. 

Guerlain Vetiver vs. Habit Rouge: A Quick Round-Up

Guerlain Vetiver is the exemplary vetiver aroma that is fresh with a soft vetiver touch glamorously followed by the dry down of tobacco. It reminds you of exhalations of the earthy scent in pale dawn light which feels soothing and empowering.

Vétiver is an ever-fashionable figure of authentic French charm with its modern geometry and rigorous shapes. Vetiver’s classical performance unfolds with the blends of citrus and tobacco notes. Once comfortably settled on the skin, there is a gentle appearance of spiciness of nutmeg and pepper notes. 

The lovely fresh woody vetiver dries down for the showdown, and the tobacco incense takes the back seat. 

Side by side comparison of Guerlain Vetiver vs. Habit Rouge

Main Accords – Vétiver Guerlain is the Winner 

The vetiver has always remained one of the best ingredients for any perfume. But when you try Guerlain Vetiver, you realize that it smells nobly and perfectly in this godly perfume. The Guerlain freshness becomes noticeable and never flunks to make you feel amazed.  

The Guerlain Vetiver opens up with a spicy-hesperidic accord of intense lemon/bergamot paired with a subtle pepper. This peppery touch is very harmoniously integrated with other ingredients. Additionally, nutmeg supports this impression. The fragrance carries its wonderful freshness till the end without giving up on its hesperidin nuances. Rather they remain until the base, and the spicy touch takes the back seat. 

You get vetiver mixed with citrus/bergamot mix for the base to a dreamy fragrance of green-earth soul with a splash of citrus. These aspects appear and blend so harmoniously that they had not been seen before in vetiver perfume. It’s the scent with a signature aura that can wear on any day, time, or occasion. It is an uncomplicated, calm, and peaceful piece of work since it is neither too rugged nor too silky. It is just beautifully balanced.

The Habit Rouge Edp has a woody oriental touch to make the wearer feel sophisticated and dominating. The fragrance gently opens with a balanced delivery of some subtle citrus of bergamot, some fresh basil, and some fragrant rosewood. All these ingredients are highly natural and rhythmic. Indeed, it’s refreshing without being overpowering. Another procession reveals the floral bouquet with an accord of rose and jasmine. 

Habit Rouge is the first Oriental perfume to pay homage to equestrian art. 

The Habit Rouge is the first oriental scent for men by Guerlain. It refers to the famous red jackets worn by the riders. The fragrance is the perfect blend of earth, warm leather, and the divine essence of the forest. It is a high-flying figure, the center of mastered, refined and powerful instinct. 

The Tones  – Both have attractive tones  

Guerlain Vetiver is a masculine and elegant woodsy fragrance. It was created in 1961 and re-launched again in 2000. The nose behind this fragrance is Jean-Paul Guerlain. It starts with a burst of citrus that will greet you at the start, followed by a blend of aromatics (most likely petitgrain, basil, and tarragon) and artemisia or rosemary) and spices (mostly a dry nutmeg, coriander, and black pepper). The vetiver will only come forward a little more in the base, reinforced by moss and labdanum, giving a tobacco-like sense - with the aromatics still present.

Habit Rouge Eau de Parfum by Guerlain is an Amber Woody fragrance for men. Habit Rouge Eau de Parfum was launched in 1965. The nose behind this fragrance is again Jean-Paul Guerlain. The top notes are Lemon, Brazilian Redwood, Bergamot, Orange, Lime, Tangerine, and Basil; the middle notes are Rose (check the best smelling rose perfumes), Carnation, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Cedar, Cinnamon, and Jasmine; base notes are Vanilla, Leather, Benzoin, Amber, Oakmoss, and Labdanum.

Guerlain delivers the charming enticement and sophisticated sensation

Guerlain is a sophisticated and seductive scent, ideal for the sweltering summer months. Guerlain Vetiver begins with a sharp, even violent citrus explosion. There is a dusty buzz of spices, which settles into distinct pepper and nutmeg aromas. It will continue through the dry down. There is vetiver, oakmoss, and a lot of tobacco in the dry down. Carnation and probably other floral notes are present, but they are not apparent to the nose.

Whereas Habit Rouge expresses itself directly in a spicy, woody heart, nuanced with neroli (check the best selling neroli perfumes) and jasmine notes. Leather and oud wood notes blossom in the base, tempered by the sweetness of vanilla and patchouli.

Longevity & Sillage – The Winner is Habit Rouge 

Although both the fragrances have mild sillage and longevity, our vote for better sillage and longevity goes to Habit Rouge (check the best long lasting colognes). When it comes to the overall seasonality of Habit Rouge, you can wear it pretty much throughout the whole year. It’s very versatile, but we wouldn’t suggest you wear it in summer or when it’s particularly hot because this fragrance’s powdery and balsamic aspects will feel a little bit too heavy. 

Guerlain Vetiver has the best blend of fresh and earthy notes of any vetiver. It smells clean and fresh but without any ozonic or sea elements that current perfumery associates with clean. It is lovely and mossy, but it is not rigorous. Guerlain, this one wears well throughout the year. On cool days, smoky vétiver notes are warm. On warm days, the fresher notes come out.

It also stands out for a fundamentally fresh fragrance with very decent durability of about 6-7 hours, as almost in typical Guerlain fashion. Overall, it is rather more restrained in terms of sillage. But so-called. "Sillage monster" and Guerlain? No, that would not fit together in our opinion anyway.

Although it’s best suited for the colder months, what’s great about it during spring is that it reflects the season’s characteristics with its various floral notes.

Habit Rouge has a long-lasting effect  

The current version of Habit Rouge smells “edited” for modern tastes but remains instantly recognizable to those of us who have worn the fragrance over the years.

Nevertheless, it can easily wear throughout fall, winter, and early spring. Indeed, it tends to work best between the seasonal transition between autumn and winter and winter and spring. You could happily wear it throughout the seasons and feel completely in place. 

Value for Money  – Both have an affordable price tag

The elegance and sophistication they add to your personality make them worthy of every penny you spend on them. They both are cost-effective and a great way to bring an enhanced sensation to your life. 

The Habit Rouge is more focused and quite a thick mist. The packaging might reflect old-fashioned elegance, but the overall packaging is quite attractive. In contrast, Guerlain Vetiver is a good niche to start with. The fragrance has evolved its characteristic aroma. It can sometimes feel as if the perfume is undetectable to the wearer as if it comes and goes. It has a distinct odor that is easily recognized by others around you.

Both are cost-effective investments. 

They are not expensive, but they provide you with everything you need to be confident and self-reliant.

Our scent experience – Top pick is Guerlain Vetiver 

So, which one should be your preferred choice? Well, the ultimate decision depends on your liking and taste. Where we were highly impressed by the Guerlain Vetiver’s sweet scent, the Habit Rouge’s fresh woody aroma is hard to miss in the atmosphere. 

Guerlain is a mature man’s scent; this never means that our younger fellows cannot pull it off. The fragrance is refined for a more professional setting and the age above 30 or 35. It has a strong projection where two sprays are sufficient for a warm day. 

Whereas Habit Rouge is a timeless fragrance that we loved. There’s no better perfume for the real classic retro fragrance than Habit Rouge. But if you want a modern fragrance, then perhaps Guerlain Vetiver will be more suitable. It is the classic gold standard for the vetiver scent. 

Final Word

The winner of this intense comparison of Habit Rouge and Guerlain Vetiver is Guerlain’s classical vetiver scent. Its smoky dry, and leathery scent feels intensely clean and fresh. Its beautiful earthy and mossy texture neither compromises on quality nor elegance. Its classy and sexual essence can be worn on hot summer days.