La Belle EDP by Jean Paul Gaultier

JPG’s La Belle is a sample that I received by mistake, when I was supposed to get different men’s fragrances and received women’s instead. But, not a big deal, since I have to do writeups for this site anyway. I’d encountered this one a few times before, but never spent that much time with it. How does La Belle EDP smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a buy?

What does La Belle by JPG Smell Like?

Notes include: pear, vanilla, bergamot, leather, floral notes, amber, musk, vetiver

Click here to try: Jean Paul Gaultier La Belle for Women Eau De Parfum Spray, 3.4 Ounce

My Full Review

Before we get into my review, let’s see how JPG describes this scent: Jean Paul Gaultier created La Belle in his own image, an ultra sensual feminine fragrance with an addictive sillage. A green oriental perfume born of the encounter between addictive vanilla pod, fresh bergamot and a burst of pear.

Upon first spraying La Belle EDP, I immediately think that this is the female version of Ultra Male, by this designer. Two different scents, with overlaps, and really the same concept.

Juicy pear and bergamot kick things off here. The background is warm and a bit spicy, but the overall aroma is one that is sweet, somewhat thick, but retaining a light and watery freshness about it. I get amber early on, as well.

The sweetness has a gourmand caramelization going on. The bergamot note will subside and that’s when the vanilla note really starts to come into its own. The vetiver note comes in towards the middle act, with a general impression of floral notes.

But, this isn’t really a floral fragrance, just a sweet fruity one. The leather, if it is there, must be hidden underneath the layers of the rest.

In the end, it’s about the vanilla, amber, musk, and vetiver notes. That’s what it dries down to. The pear and bergamot are pretty much just an impression of sweetness later on.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This stuff is pretty massive. The ability that it has to project is very far reaching, much like Ultra Male. Literally, only need a spray or two. I can catch whiffs of it from a shirt that I sprayed from 10 feet away.

So, you know, don’t go crazy with this stuff.

The longevity is pretty top notch. Well over 11 hours, on my skin, during testing. La Belle is an absolute beast and workhorse that isn’t just going to quit. This is a perfume that is bold and commands attention for a long time.

Seasonally, autumn and winter. Maybe, the early part of spring. I wouldn’t wear this when it is too warm out, but it does hang very nicely in the cold air, here in January.

The versatility is probably the biggest weakness. Not a formal scent. Not for work. Probably not for many daytime situations. However, it is a nightlife gem. This can be worn to a bar, club, and out on a date.

It does have a sexiness and attractive qualities to lure someone in. Provided you don’t over-spray and choke them out first.

Overall Impressions of La Belle

Overall, do I like La Belle EDP? I do like it. It’s not a complete love for me, because it is very sweet and kind of overwhelming at times.

Nonetheless, it is a fragrance that smells very nice and it’s a solid gourmand. The bergamot and pear opening is great. It does quickly get wrapped up in that vanilla embrace.

It can be cloying, and frankly, it does wear on my nerves after a while. The vetiver and amber and vanilla dry down, isn’t my favorite…but still pretty good, on the whole.

If you want a monstrous sillage and love sweet gourmand fragrances, this is one to check out. Understand, it isn’t for everyone or one that you’d necessarily want to wear on many occasions. But, it is a perfume that can for sure have its place within a rotation.

Best Men's Colognes

Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with different fragrances, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, I have written hundreds of reviews and other pages about perfumes and colognes.