Paris Hilton Can Can

...Eau de Parfum Spray by Paris Hilton. Celebrity perfumes have flooded the markets in recent years and not exactly known for their sophistication though having made by nose Jean-Claude Delville who also created Happy for Clinique and Vera Wang for Vera Wang, amongst others, I was intrigued to find out if Can Can was any different from her previous fragrance, Heiress I tested last year.

=== The packaging ===

Certainly, ...
...around Place Pigalle, north of Paris , has long been the symbol of the so typically French decadent joie-de-vivre. The box is glossy white with pink writings and a delicate feather motive. The bottle itself is surprisingly simple, looks like a conical flask with a slanted square metallic top. The clear glass dons small pink feather motive on its front and its name on the neck of the atomizer.

=== The fragrance ===

'''Top ... more

Launched: 2007
Group: Floral Oriental

Introduction

On a trip into a department store a few months ago I was handed a free sample of Can Can Eau de Parfum Spray by Paris Hilton. Celebrity perfumes have flooded the markets in recent years and not exactly known for their sophistication though having made by nose Jean-Claude Delville who also created Happy for Clinique and Vera Wang for Vera Wang, amongst others, I was intrigued to find out if Can Can was any different from her previous fragrance, Heiress I tested last year.

The packaging

Certainly, the evocative name makes it somehow stand out from the crowd. Can Can, the signature dance of cabaret-varietes in and around Place Pigalle, north of Paris , has long been the symbol of the so typically French decadent joie-de-vivre. The box is glossy white with pink writings and a delicate feather motive. The bottle itself is surprisingly simple, looks like a conical flask with a slanted square metallic top. The clear glass dons small pink feather motive on its front and its name on the neck of the atomizer.

The fragrance

Top notes: clementine, blackcurrant, nectarine

In the initial sweet sugar rush of various fruity notes I identify nuances of mandarin, cherry, melon and pineapple. The opening fruity and sweet fruits have a ripened in a fruit bowl / cherry jam / compote feel as a few moments later notes of other heavier fruits mix in as well such as peach and apricot liqueur. This mixture is soft, rich and sweet but isn't sickeningly heavy. Some 15 minutes later, I'm getting some cognac infused and slightly smoky roasted almond nuance as well, which isn't overpoweringly sweet or syrupy and also has a light streak of fresh, citrusy feel that lifts the heavy-ish spicy main notes. The composition is well-blended because the heavy essences seem to diffuse gradually upon application then fade somewhat as the more delicate but deeper floral notes emerge.

Middle notes: orange flower, orchid

The smoky-bourbon feel does go away after about an hour and the sugariness dies down somewhat as well. A gentle awakening of a delightful, rich, floral nuance that reminds me of candied citrus fruit and exotic flowers which gives the skin a gourmand edge and envelops it in a warm sensation, so ideal on a summer day when the weather is somewhat colder. The fragrance is an interesting composition in that the heavy gourmand notes nicely blend in with lighter fruity-floral aromas (passion fruit and peach melba to my nose) while retaining their gourmand attitude which is never overpowering.
The middle notes blend in with the remaining floral and fruity notes which, only holding a supporting role, make Can Can soft and powdery with a hint of creamy vanilla, caramel and nuts, a multitude of flavours only orchid is capable of producing. The fragrance retains this delicious phase for about 3 - 4 hours.

Base notes: musk, amber, woods

When having been wearing Can Can for about four hours, its sillage having almost completely gone, the base notes take over. The dry down is deliciously gourmand in a mellow and toned down way. The lighter notes sit on a thin layer of subtly green, earthy woodiness that reminds me of the base notes of Lancome Hypnose's vanilla and vetiver, only heavier and 'stickier'. Gradually, the long awaited woods appear, comforting and giving Can Can a sensuous, 'husky' feel, an edge that's rooting it down while the gourmand notes distinctly stay on top and create a creamy, buttery base on the skin.

Conclusion

Of course, Can Can does not come up to the excellence of L from Lolita Lempicka or Juicy Couture and its staying power is somewhat less than an eau de parfum. Having said that, Can Can is well blended and isn't 'in your face'. The interesting blend of oriental and gourmand notes make it versatile and wearable for many occasions. The fragrance is suited well for a cooler summer as well as autumn and fun evening wear. It's not overly sweet and the soft musk and amber base does suit many skin types provided you like gourmand scents. To sum up, one of the countless celebrity fragrances that will not be remembered for a long time to come.

Price / where to buy

Can Can is available in most department stores and chemists such as Boots for £26 / 50ml Eau de Parfum or £36 / 100 Eau de Parfum Spray.

You can get it cheaper online at e.g. www.cheapsmells.com £15 / Can Can Eau de Parfum 50ml

Additional rating

Originality: 4 / 5
Composition: 3 / 5
Staying power: 3 / 5
Value for money: 3 / 5

Summary: A sweet and gourmand - oriental scent.

Thanks for reading.

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