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Illidaydach – :
Has anyone noticed Heliotrope Blanc’s brief appearance in the film Coco Avant Chanel? 🙂
…It seats on a piece of furniture, in the bedroom Coco shared with her sister, when they were both poor.
It seems that L.T. Piver was fairly affordable back then (1900’s), unlike Guerlain or Houbigant.
doctor89s – :
Heliotrope Blanc is soft and comforting. Very similar to Teint de Neige, only less sweet and less cloying. How wonderful to have a fragrance from 1850 still being made. Somehow it doesn’t smell dated or old fashioned at all. A true classic!
Meadm632Negeltzex – :
Received my first bottle of this today and it is nice, but to me, it smells exactly like J&J Baby Powder… not bad, but when I run out of this I’ll just buy the baby powder. Same smell for a lot less money.
On edit, five hours later, I love it!
The baby powder scent dissipated and a delicious aroma of an Italian cookie was left behind… mostly vanilla with a hint of almond, or maybe the heliotrope.
Definitely better than the J&J baby powder.
PiePkarfvef – :
The perfect gourmand heliotrope
shishin – :
I just received my 14 1/2 FL OZ bottle bought off of eBay for $16 plus free shipping. I’m conflicted. I’ve beeen looking for an inexpensive Almondy fragrance with good longevity for sometime now. I have Carol’s Daughter Alomd Cookie which has a good Marzipan vibe and decent longevity…only coms in a smallish spray bottle and can be found online for a decent price. Demeter’s Marzipan is so, so and of course everyone one knows Demeter’s “pick me up” scents do just that…pick you up, then let you down with their split second longevity. Now to Heliotrope Blanc. I’m sensing the almond somewhere underneath, but I’d have to agree with Moppety…Plastic Doll Heads. It’s got to be the Heliotrope. It’s not bad, but IMO it’s not good either. Most have stated great longevity, but on me its gone in a matter of minutes. I may try adding it to my hand washables, or spraying my linens or hair. Or it may get delegated to perfuming up my pooches. Who knows? Its a pretty big bottle and wasnt costly, so it will be used in some way but probably not on me.
kub109speagoessenda – :
I have a little decant of Heliotrope Blanc, and I really like it for winter. I’m a little surprised most voters call it a spring scent, because I think it might be a little overwhelming on anything but a very cold day. In below-zero temperatures it’s wonderful though; heliotrope really is the most gourmand of flowers, it’s such a comforting scent, and it goes so well with the almond and vanilla. The opening is a little strong for me, but it quickly settles down into a lovely soft blanket of a scent that stays with you all day, extremely comfortable. In fact, it reminds me a little of a less musky, less powdery version of Lorenzo Villoresi’s Teint de Neige. No mean feat for a scent that might be ten times cheaper – the price/quality ratio is incredible here.
radist501 – :
A great feel-good fragrance. It always tends to go super sweet, and yet never does. I like it a lot, it is very easy to wear. The aroma of almond and vanilla is beautiful.
On the other hand it is a quiet fragrances without too much depth, it feels diluted. I would love a more concentrated version of HB.
And yet for those who prefer their fragrances to whisper, to feel like a light breeze, this is a must try!
***(**)
karkushaAA – :
Comfort, comfort, comfort. Héliotrope Blanc is so inexpensive one can be profligate with it. (I got the 14.25 oz bottle on amazon for about $30.) For my first trial, I literally bathed in it – tossed a capful in the bath along with some ground-up oatmeal to soothe my allergy-plagued skin. This combination created the best, most relaxing bath in my memory. The dilute scent of the cologne is so relaxing and mind-clearing, and it chased away the litany of tasks my mind had been reciting all day long. I used a mild, unscented olive soap and emerged feeling restored, non-itchy, lightly moisturized, and very very clean (maybe that was the effect of the small amount of alcohol from the cologne. While I don’t know if that use counts as truly “wearing” it, the bathroom smells fabulous, so does my towel, and it’s left a persistent skin scent (likely from having had 20 minutes or so to sink into my pores, and then clinging to the balmy hydrating residue the oats left on my skin).
I don’t know what heliotrope smells like on its own, but there is something very delicate mixed into soft cuddly vanilla and almond, so I expect that’s it. This one’s not too sweet, and it’s a perfect comfort layer to warm up a cooler scent. (I followed it with a test of Jacomo Silences … because silences are what this day desperately needed. The merger was a success – my beloved soft greens and blues and galbanum, on a base of delicately creamy almonds and vanilla.
Based on how content I’ve felt in my skin these past few hours, this lotion + oatmeal bath may become a regular ritual for me. I’d like to experiment with the other Pivers I have in economy splashes as well … Pompeïa and Rêve d’Or … just to see how they work out with oatmeal and mild unscented soap.
uvi795Bessinepome – :
I purchased Heliotrope Blanc on the basis of Fragrantica’s substitute perfume article’s recommendation, not because I knew or craved the Etro fragrance, but because I love almonds.
Here’s the thing..I received it, whipped the top off, removed the inner cap and it instantly transported me back to my childhood and the scent of plastic dolls. Now I am not saying this scent smells like plastic…what I’m saying is that if you grew up in the ’60s, you will recognise the plastic doll scent instantly. This could be because the doll manufacturers permeated their products with a similar scent…I don’t know and I can’t explain it.
Ok it’s a bargain buy and I would NEVER wear this as a fragrance, however, if you’ve purchased it, don’t despair. Get creative and mix it up with your bathroom or kitchen hand wash. Splash onto your floor before doing a steam mop clean…use it up around the house. Just don’t wear it on your person.
dengod – :
Starts out with strong almond flavouring/old lady’s bathroom freshener. Soon dries down to sweet heliotrope and vanilla with some almond flour. Very comforting. Doesn’t last terribly long but that’s ok with the lotion concentration. Very sweet and comforting, almost edible gourmand. Good in winter, but this would be fine in warmer weather and not cloying. This makes me think of a young mother wearing a very, very soft, old, tshirt to bed and snuggling her little curly headed two year old close to her. It’s that kind of a scent. Something a man would recognize as simply “smelling like his wife,” without realizing that it was a perfume. I absolutely adore it. I don’t usually describe scents as “snuggly,” but this one is very snuggly. And so wonderfully priced! Sillage is moderate, but that’s fine. It’s something someone would associate with you, because that’s what they smell when they hug you, not simply when they’re in the room with you.
kvasdopil – :
One phrase sums it up for me:
Charming Comfort <3
The soft and cuddly goodness of perfect blancmange combined with the elegant touch of a triple milled French soap, complete with creamy lather.
Charm AND comfort.
Honestly, this sort of fragrance is enormously versatile in use – a sort of blanketing goodness. I can especially see it as an after-bath splash for all ages, including the little ones. Nursery and home and love… that is what I smell. It’s the olfactory equivalent of an enveloping blanket of soft flannel. Lower sillage and longevity are highly suitable for the splash bottle application and it is only a delight to reapply!
Since the price is EXCELLENT and bottles widely available on ebay in various countries, I cannot be happier to recommend this beauty to powder lovers everywhere. If you already enjoy powder dense classics (such as the equally COUMARIN-rich Blue Waltz) you are in for a treat. Coumarin and Powder haters need not apply. 😉
FIVE Stars.
Dirol – :
Fragrance Review For Heliotrope Blanc
L.T. Piver
Notes
Heliotrope
Vanilla
Almond
Jasmine
Ylang Ylang
A rich powdery vanilla and white flower fragrance, edible, gourmand floral, sweet, and very innocent.
Fortunately it didn’t become too annoying as a powder. This smells like a virginal bride circa 1900 wearing a long white gown, a veil and train. This is a delicate perfume for a woman who doesn’t raise her voice, who is quiet and contemplative, a peaceful scent.
The vanilla is strong and dominates the formula. So if you like your vanillin or vanille, this is all about the vanilla and it’s narcotic effects.
On me vanilla is powdery and sweet. There’s also an almond note that keeps it delicious and nutty, like a dessert. It smells like a vanilla cream cake. Or a bride on top of a white wedding cake.
It’s softness is also like lingerie. This smells like something to wear to bed.
This is really more my sister Clarissa’s type of fragrance and it totally matches up with white wedding gowns but I do like those type of perfumes. I’m the single career gal in the family and have yet to wear a wedding gown but I do wear them – in my perfumes. This is a vanilla floral with the crowning touch, the icing on the cake – heliotrope.
Heliotrope itself, if you put your nose to heliotrope flowers and bushes, smell like vanilla anyways. They are usually purple flowers but they also come in white. As white heliotrope it resembles white roses.
This is wearable for me because it kind of turns into a more nutty almond and vanilla cream version of the soapy bridal scent that is Chanel No 22. I layer both scents.
This perfume is so beautiful. It dates from 1850 which blew my mind. Is it possible the perfume I’m wearing smells like the one from 1850? This is almost too good to be true. Could they have used that much vanilla in a fragrance from a date that long preceded modern perfumery and aldehydes?
If it’s an 1850 perfume it smells like a bride getting married in a long white Victorian wedding dress. She is a debutante in London or a Southern belle in Savannah, blonde, long hair, and although she is demure and sweet, she is also going to wear this scent to the boudoir and never lets her husband forget just what a catch she is – in the bed too.
Lovely.
naemnik – :
“Vanilla with petals” does indeed describe heliotrope perfectly, and by extension this fragrance. I am however surprised at the amount of ylang ylang that comes through on my skin, but it’s certainly not a bad thing. “White heliotrope” indeed… bright, fluffy, slightly sweet, and yet a far cry from the sugared almonds of conafetto or nougat – the “petals” of the fragrance prohibit it from going the way of full gourmand.
1850, you say? Remarkable. There is a hint of Play-Doh in this, but nowhere near the vanillic Play-Doh rice pudding that is Hypnotic Poison. It makes HP seem rather brash and unrefined, really, this one is understated in a very becoming way. If I were a mother, this is the scent I would like my children to associate with me. Fantastic.
jeafefrashy – :
Nothing interesting there. Just almond scent, no depth, not even feminine…boring.
muhammadjon_25 – :
Gourmand take on heliotrope. I can see why the scent of the “cherry pie” flower is sometimes compared to PlayDoh after trying Heliotrope Blanc haha! Good sillage and longevity especially for being just a “lotion”. A well-done creamy, sweet, and delicious fragrance.
Spakovsky – :
I discovered Heliotrope Blanc a few years ago and instantly liked it. It’s a very comfortable scent with an almondy vibe, so pure and gentle yet persistant. I really wanted to buy a bottle but when I went to a counter and tried it again from a tester it smelled so diluted and it seems that it lost all its magic! Re-formulated?
dnd674Unlogrere – :
I bought quite cheaply all the old Piver’s fragrances I could find, out of curiosity and also as an attempt to find good ‘nostalgia’ fragrances (i.e. recreations/reissues of old formulae). The bottle is charming and it does have a vintage feel to it, with an old fashioned plastic cap and simple packaging.
It is called ‘lotion’ in French, which is sometimes interpreted as eau de cologne strength, but I think it is much stronger, definitely EDT. Good sillage and about 12 hours staying power (albeit quite delicate in the end).
This is probably the best of this range – it has a genuine, old fashioned ‘vintage’ look and feel, including the bottle and the little plastic screw on cap (the splash bottle is different from the photo above).
It is solifleur with a bit of vanilla and slight powderiness. Quite feminine, but not too sweet – very wearable. As a man I would probably only wear this for my own enjoyment at home. It is not a modern fragrance, but it is rather ageless.
I was surprised by the quality of this fragrance, especially that it cost less than 10 pounds (!).
slavikmusor – :
So excited! My bottle just arrived 5 minutes ago. I was looking for a replacement for my favorite scent (Riceflower&Shea by BBW). The seal was indeed difficult to open. I didn’t get it all the way off. My first reaction was that it smells similar to Riceflower & Shea. Upon application, I got the “bathroom deodorant” smell, which softened to the Play-Doh smell, which I don’t mind. I couldn’t wait for it to settle, so I ran and got my oatmeal and shea butter body lotion. There, that is much better! Not exactly like my favorite scent, but it will do. Especially for $10.
Bath and Body Works is stupid to let go of some of its best Classic fragrances. I used to get so many compliments when I wore Riceflower & Shea.
grom – :
Ohmygosh I am SO GLAD someone else gets the loo cube freshener smell, I AM NOT ALONE!! Was so worried to write that in case people took offense, but that’s seriously what it smells like on me too 🙁 even my mum agreed when I tried it on several different occasions. Wanted to love this cheap and seemingly awesome perfume so badly, all the notes sound so gorgeous, (I even bought 2 bottles, both which I cannot use!!) but of course, on me, toilet cubes *cries in corner* not cool, not cool at all skin…
subariss – :
This was a blind buy. Just goes to show that no matter how safe a fragrance seems, there’s always the chance that it will shock you. The coumarin in Heliotrope Blanc reminds me very much of Kiehl’s Vanille & Cedarwood. It’s a soft powdery whisper on my skin. However, the addition of almond and some faint florals makes the opening of this smell EXACTLY like Porto-potty deodorant with my skin chemistry. I am so not okay with this association. This is coming from someone who wears Hypnotic Poison and Etro’s Heliotrope without reservation. Not almond hand soap, but straight porto-potty/outhouse!! Oh dear.
Hopefully I can retrain myself to forget it and forge some new ideas about this scent. I want to focus on Heliotrope Blanc for what it is, not what it’s like.
Perhaps this will prepare anyone who might recoil in horror at my findings. It is important to represent the full spectrum of experiences on here. My bf loves this one, so what the hell do I know…
Update: After wearing this on and off for a few weeks, I am happy to report that Heliotrope Blanc has somewhat grown on me, and no longer screams plastic outhouse when I first apply it. Now it speaks softly of shimmery powder with a polite suggestion of jasmine. Still don’t love it though.
I let my sister smell it and her reaction was, “why would anyone want to smell like that!?”
Blueprelepife – :
Lovely baby powder. The bottle I have is an unusual type of scent, an EdC vanilla, not particularly feminine. It’s a very cosy and comforting scent but really not sweet at all. To my nose, the almond is entirely bitter and adds an interesting twist to the vanilla and flowers.
Valera1511 – :
Heliotrope Blanc is scent of a freshly washed and powdery baby. The personality of this fragrance wholesome and kindhearted. While notes are mildly discernible, it is not boring, but soothing. A hint of almond and the tiniest bit of powdery sweetness from the vanilla and heliotrope makes this super cozy. I also pick up a mild play-doh like quality, which I do happen to like. A good comfort scent, especially for the price. It’s like wearing a fluffy angora sweater.
gofa – :
totally fantastic. its technically an aftershave strength (lotion) but wears more like an EDT. smooth, sweet, almondy, dusty, vanillic. somehow doesnt vibe like a typical perfume scent, more like a super subtle clean skin scent. someone said it before baby doll head. i alternate between this and etros heliotrope when i want this fix, equally good, etro maybe slightly more woody and deep. very inexpensive, like 30 dollars for an ENORMOUS bottle online. actually predates the american civil war.
zuko – :
It’s a lovely scent, with a baby-ish tender. The almond and vanilla make it sweet and creamy like a small girl’s babyface, while there are some green/plant(white floral and green leaves) notes prevent it from totally gourmand.
The beginning and body of the scent is quite balance, and I almost fall for it. however the drydown is bit less interesting. when all the almond and cream settle down, it turns to a blunt sugar sweet, flat and sometimes gives a little “fake” feeling.
Except the drydown, the scent is a real attraction, soft but has strong presence. Maybe layer with a patchouli one or a woody one will perfect it.
Vika11121 – :
Beautiful, soft, baby-doll-head heliotrope. Gentle sweet powder. Very light and delicate. It doesn’t smell like a perfume, it smells like a child’s skin.
I have the EDT but I’d say it wears more like a cologne. It would be a great summer scent for those who like powdery or sweet scents but don’t want anything overwhelming.
Be very, very careful opening the bottle’s inner seal. The bottle I purchased was a splash-style bottle. I twisted off the lid and tried to pry the inner aluminum seal off and ended up slicing my knuckle. The inner seal is very sharp and dangerous.
vo-van – :
Piver Heliotrope Blanc is perfect for anyone who likes gentle close-to-skin scents. It’s a beautiful soft almond vanilla with a little bit of gentle powdery heliotrope.
Not too flowery or too sweet. Not heavy at all. Smells “natural” and very pleasant on skin. Could easily be unisex.
Longevity is great, 10 to 12 hours. Safe to wear in a crowd, since it doesn’t project or offend. Would make a good gift, too.
_DATEK_ – :
Creamy floral,with powdery vanilla dry-down.Soft
and sweet,not gourmand,more white flowers and
sunlight!Brings me back,with the hint
of Johnson&Johnson baby powder lightly dusted on
my skin.I play in the garden with the wonderful smell
of spring flowers in full-bloom!Comforting,innocence,
whispers of childhood.
pol kill – :
Just got this yesterday – a blind buy.
Early morning and just started to rain after days of glorious sun and this is perfect. Light, both warm and cool, almost shimmering…gossamer wings.
For me a slight astringent almost medicinal opening, with a gentle green bite, powder and white wafting through.
The heart becomes buttery, light powder, vanilla creamy with almond and ylang ylang.
As it warms and deepens, nutty almond tendrils looking to anchor come in to play, and for me the picture is one of a fairy glade on a warm and moist summer’s night…
I could happily wear this day or night.
A deliciously comforting soft delight.
gidrogarant – :
Funny how I’m not crazy about vanilla scents- yet I love heliotrope, which is like vanilla with petals!
This fragrance is powdery sweet, and has incredible longevity- I put about 1/4 ml. on at 10:00 this morning- and 12 hours later, I can still smell it’s aura around me (without having to put my wrist up to my nose!) I’m impressed!
If you like Alexander McQueen’s My Queen, you should enjoy this, too!
nurlik – :
THIS ONE FOR THE PRICE RANGE, AND IF YOU CAN GET IT, IS A MUST FOR ALL GOURMAND LOVERS. Not too over powdery and yes you can smell the almond, the vanilla the floral. I love it! I am going to get 4 bottles of this next trip to France. I just love it, and for the price of it…whoa….worth a try….like I said, if you can get your hands on it. It doesn’t smell cheap either, it’s very rich. On me, the lasting power (to my nose) isn’t very long, but others may still smell me coming and going…love love love
mmmmmmmmmm – :
this is very powdery. The heliotrop is prominant and blends in whit the almonds so i have a hard telling the differens between the notes. the vanilla and ylang ylang makes it delisioc. I cant say that i detect so much Jasmin in this one .
To me this smell like a grown up lady, sofisticated and georgas. shure off here self:)
I like it . But if you dont like the powdery maybe this one not for you . last quite some time to
arbu2 – :
I just got the chance to smell this yesterday and i went crazy for it. It is like heaven came down upon me.
mazafakaaaaaaaaaaaaa – :
Un très beau parfum. Poudré et amandé à la manière d’une dragée. Excellent tenue. Dommage qu’il soit si difficile de se le procurer!
pugac_2008 – :
I like this one! A gently, tender, powdery but not very powdery, sweet but not cloying scent; on my skin, I smell white flowers, heliotrope and vanilla. Not very intense, but really long lasting for me 🙂