In the world of fashion and fragrance, few names command the same level of reverence and admiration as Jean Paul Gaultier. With a career spanning decades, Gaultier has consistently pushed the boundaries of creativity, challenging conventional norms and redefining the very essence of haute couture. But it is not only his avant-garde fashion that has captured our hearts; it’s also his ability to encapsulate the essence of sensuality and elegance in a bottle. Enter the fragrant masterpieces, Jean Paul Gaultier’s Classique and La Belle perfumes.
These fragrances, like Gaultier’s couture, are iconic and timeless, transcending trends and evoking emotions with every spritz. So, join me as I embark on a scented journey through the exquisite realms of Classique and La Belle, where sensuality meets style, and elegance knows no bounds.
Jean Paul Gaultier Classique was released in 1993 and has had countless flankers and Limited Editions since. This article reviews each Jean Paul Gaultier Classique and La Belle perfume available today.
| Perfume | Release | Fragrance Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Classique | 1993 | Vanilla, Orange Blossom |
| Classique Intense | 2014 | Vanilla, Rum |
| Classique Essence | 2016 | Vanilla, Orange Blossom, Tiare Flower |
| Classique Eau de Parfum | 2017 | Amber, Ginger, Whipped Cream, Vanilla |
| Classique Cabaret | 2019 | Citron, Orange Blossom, Marshmallow |
| La Belle | 2019 | Pear, Vanilla |
| La Belle Le Parfum | 2021 | Pear, Tonka Bean, Vanilla |
| La Belle Fleur Terrible | 2022 | Iris, Water Lily, Vanilla |
| Gaultier Divine | 2023 | Lily, Ylang-Ylang, Watermelon |
Table of Contents
- Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Eau de Toilette
- Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Eau de Parfum
- Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Intense
- Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Essence
- Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Cabaret
- Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Holiday Collector Edition
- Jean Paul Gaultier La Belle
- Jean Paul Gaultier La Belle Le Parfum
- Jean Paul Gaultier La Belle Fleur Terrible
- Gaultier Divine
In the UK the Jean Paul Gaultier fragrances can be found at LOOKFANTASTIC where you can get 21% off with code LFTFSOKI.
Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Eau de Toilette
Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Eau de Toilette is a classic 90s fragrance. Its uniquely shaped bottle made it stand out, and its great projection and lasting power meant it delivered on those high expectations.
Classique is a strong Vanilla and Orange Blossom scent with a slightly gingery, spicy undertone. Its soft, almost powdery and very femenine.
Star Anise and Cinnamon notes create a slightly oriental feel, while the Orange Blossom is combined with Ylang-ylang and Rose to support its floral heart.
But for me, Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Eau de Toilette is primarily a soft Vanilla scent. It lingers on clothes and on the skin and is definitely a perfume that can become your signature scent.
Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Eau de Parfum
Considering the original Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Eau de Toilette is a very strong scent, you can imagine that Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Eau de Parfum is a SUPER strong perfume.
Not only is the Vanilla much stronger in the Eau de Parfum, but a boozy Rum note adds a sexy undertone which is quite addictive.
The other main difference is that the Orange Blossom has been removed, which lets Vanilla be the star of the show.
Not for the faint hearted, but if you’re looked for a perfume you can rely on to last then Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Eau de Parfum is a great option.
Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Intense
Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Intense is a heavy, sweet take on the original Classique. The Vanilla and Orange Blossom mix has been joined by a tropical Tiare Flower. For me, this makes Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Intense have a ‘vacation’ almost coconut vibe to it. However, I wouldn’t recommend it for very hot weather because it really is super intense.
Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Intense is discontinued but I’ve included it in this list as it can still be found online here.
Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Essence
Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Essence is a strong Whipped Cream take on the original Classique.
The Amber and Oriental Ginger are more noticeable than in the original. These notes are combined with lots of sweet Whipped Cream to create a strong, sweet and sexy perfume.
Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Essence is discontinued but still available here.
Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Cabaret
Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Cabaret comes in a gorgeous sparkly bottle which really stands out on perfume shop shelves.
Initially, there is a fresh Citron, Ginger and Orange Blossom blast which can make one feel that the perfume is going to be fresh and summery. However, as the perfume dries down a Vanilla Marshmallow emerges.
Its quite an unusual combination which feels more modern than the original Classique and not quite as strong (though its still good for lasting!).
Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Pin-up is a limited edition version of Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Cabaret. It comes in a pink glittery bottle.
Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Pin-up is discontinued but still available here.
Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Holiday Collector Edition
Every year, a limited edition Holiday Collector is released. It contains the original Jean Paul Gaultier Classique fragrance in a limited edition Christmas bottle.
Jean Paul Gaultier La Belle
Jean Paul Gaultier La Belle which comes in a similar ‘female silhouette’ bottle to Classique is a new lighter range from Jean Paul Gaultier.
After an initial fresh and warm Pear top note, this fragrance reveals a different type of Vanilla to Classique. This Vanilla is combined with Vetiver and Leather and is much less sweet.
La Belle is an Eau de Parfum but I find it doesn’t have the same strong lasting power we have come to expect from the range.
I recommend Jean Paul Gaultier La Belle for Spring, Summer and the day time.
Jean Paul Gaultier La Belle Le Parfum
I prefer Jean Paul Gaultier La Belle Le Parfum to La Belle Eau de Parfum because it’s warmer and better for lasting. The Pear top note remains but its combined with a cosy Tonka Bean and Vanilla which feel comforting and a bit more sexy.
It still doesn’t quite have the lasting power or projection of Classique but it’s certainly stronger than La Belle.
Jean Paul Gaultier La Belle Fleur Terrible
Jean Paul Gaultier La Belle Fleur Terrible was a limited edition fragrance that is quite different to the previous La Belle perfumes.
The signature Vanilla base note remains but it isn’t the star of the show. Instead a strong Iris note dominates alongside Water Lily.
These notes make Jean Paul Gaultier La Belle Fleur Terrible feel slightly aquatic alongside floral and would work well for hotter climates; something we haven’t really seen from the Classique or La Belle ranges before.
Gaultier Divine
When I first saw the Gaultier Divine perfume bottle I thought the gold must represent a vanilla scent, however this is actually a delicate, musky floral scent. The main notes are a lily and ylang-ylang flower which I find quite similar to the discontinued La Belle Fleur Terrible. There is an aquatic top note which has a hint of watermelon in which is super refreshing and creates a really pretty opening note. This soon reveals the floral heart which becomes musky after about 30 minutes. Gaultier Divine isn’t as strong as a lot of the previous Classique and La Belle scents; I recommend it for Spring and day time wear.
If you’re a fan of Jean Paul Gaultier check out my article on their Scandal perfume range.
