I'm transported to a magical place where a light breeze carries memories of bouquets from loves long lost. An earlier era ... a sidewalk cafe in the early evening ... a beautiful woman takes her first sip of absinthe ... her lover is seated with his back to me ... at the moment when he begins to turn my way the vision fades into an almost-remembered longing. I will never see his face and the intense wanting becomes exquisitely frustrating. L'Heure Bleue is seduction refined to an art form.

I get an anise-like vanilla and orange blossom, but it seems like one of those immensely complex orientals of its era. Beyond my analytical skills. Still, it is my favorite of the classic Guerlains. It's been described as melancholic, moody, shadowy. Maybe this is a distinction without a difference, but for me it's less about affect or emotion than it is about a contemplative state. I tend toward reflection when I wear l'HB. I find the simple prettiness of l'HB always affecting. This prettiness, sort of beauty on a low flame, burns its way into you. Capital-B Beauty with its drama might infatuate for a moment, a day. But l'HB's attractiveness entices over time. L'HB has no gloss, but looking at its matte finish over time, you come to realize it's your favorite color. IMO a unisex masterpiece!