jean paul gaultier

Le Beau Le Parfum vs Paradise Garden

by

Le Beau is a series that has really been gaining popularity and sales numbers for Gaultier over the past few years. Le Beau Le Parfum is a flanker that is well liked and has more to do with the original Le Beau EDT.

Meanwhile, Paradise Garden changes up a lot of the formula, while retaining that coconut note from EDT and Le Parfum.

But, which of these fragrances has the best smell? Which lasts longer? Which is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Le Beau Le Parfum vs. Le Beau Paradise Garden

Le Beau Le Parfum

Notes include: ginger, pineapple, sandalwood, ambergris, iris, cypress, coconut, tonka bean, woods

Click here to try: Le Beau Parfum

Read my full review: Le Parfum

Le Beau Paradise Garden

Notes include: mint, ginger, fig, coconut water, salt, tonka bean, sandalwood

Click here to try: Paradise Garden

Read my full review: Le Beau Paradise Garden

Opening

Le Beau Le Parfum, starts with a really tropical aroma with the pineapple coming out of the gate strong and the coconut sitting just underneath.

It’s a sweet juice, creamy and with an touch of spiciness from the ginger note. The ginger is a great note which adds some depth in the early stage, to prevent it from becoming an overly sweet mess.

The ginger will fall away and the pineapple will lose its prominence at the top. Coconut, tonka bean, amber, and a general set of woods will dry this one up and take away the juiciness of that tropical vibe, at least.

Paradise Garden opens with a mix sweetness, freshness, minty spice, and an aquatic undertone to it all.

It’s a greener aroma from the fig note asserting itself, that pairs well with that coconut, and I get a good deal of the ginger note coming through early on. The fig is sweet and green

Paradise has a coconut water note. Though, there is still some creaminess in the blend. All supported by sandalwood, fig, and tonka bean, which adds that creamy touch further. I get more of the sandalwood in the dry down.

Which do I like more?

It’s close. Though, I have been really gravitating toward Paradise Garden and what I get from it at the start. That fig and coconut water really set the tone and I’ll roll with it in this category.

Edge: Paradise Garden

Projection

Le Beau Le Parfum does start off with a good deal of power. It can project itself well and has a heavier wear than does its competitor.

Even after that first hour or so it’s still well above average with its reach.

Paradise isn’t a heavy fragrance, it’s not a completely light scent, and has some body to it.

Though, it does have good projection for what kind of cologne this is. It’s a lighter moderate for spring and summertime.

Between them, Le Parfum takes this category as the stronger cologne.

Edge: Le Parfum

Longevity

Le Beau Le Parfum will hang around for 9-10 hours consistently. Not an elite performer, but it’s among the better of the mainstream designer fragrances.

With Paradise Garden, I get about 8 hours of wear. It lasts surprisingly long on my skin for the type of cologne that this is. Really, quite pleased with the performance of this one.

Le Parfum takes this, it’s as of now the best performing release in the JPG Le Beau series.

Edge: Le Parfum

Versatility

Both of these colognes are spring and summer wears, mostly. Le Parfum has a better ability to venture into the autumn months, while Paradise Garden is mostly in that laid back summer cologne category.

Neither of these is a formal kind of cologne. Casual and will appeal more to younger guys, as you’re probably not sporting either of them at the office.

I’d give edge to Le Parfum, as it’ll work better as a daily wear for younger guys, a nighttime wear and that extra time in the autumn helps to separate it.

Edge: Le Parfum

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these Jean Paul Gaultier colognes do I prefer?

I like how Le Beau Le Parfum starts off, the performance is great, and I think that it’s a fine scent all around.

The dry down is woodier and has some extra amber influence. I’m not really thrilled with the latter stages of the wear. It’s a good fragrance, but never reaches that higher level for me.

I prefer Le Beau Paradise Garden and I think that it is the better JPG scent in comparison.

It has a good balance, solid performance, a lovely tropical aroma, and is just a very pleasant scent to wear around. I have been really enjoying wearing my full bottle thus far.

With Le Parfum, I like it, but I don’t want a bottle of it. Though, it might work better for some guys versus Paradise Garden, it’s not a better smelling cologne.

The performance isn’t too much of an advantage between them, so, it doesn’t really offer me anything beyond what I get with Paradise Garden.

Winner: Le Beau Paradise Garden

Divine EDP vs Le Parfum by Gaultier

by

Gaultier’s Divine has already become a wildly popular perfume release. As such, they followed up the original eau de parfum version with a newer Le Parfum in 2024.

I recently received samples of both of these scents with my latest Gaultier order. How do each of these smell? How long do they last? Which of them is the better fragrance?

Tale of the Tape: Divine EDP vs Le Parfum

Divine EDP

Notes include: calypsone, lily, ylang-ylang, salty note, meringue, musk, patchouli

Click here to try: Gaultier Divine EDP

Le Parfum

Notes include: lily, frangipani, salt, solar notes, amber, benzoin

Click here to try: Divine Le Parfum

Opening

Divine EDP opens up with a salty aquatic accord, sitting on top of white floral notes. The calypsone gives it a watermelon sort of aroma that is paired with some other light fruit notes including bergamot.

It’s bright, cold, and has a sweetness to it that is an interesting play off of that saltiness. The meringue note is already adding a touch of powder to this blend, which I’ve really enjoyed catching whiffs of.

Personally, I don’t get the ‘egg’ sort of aroma that the meringue can put off. If it’s there, it’s sitting underneath enough of everything else for me to not pick up on. Though, just be aware that other people have talked about this being a factor.

Pressing my nose up close, there’s a lot going on here, a bit messy at times. However, in the air Divine EDP absolutely works well in this opening stage.

Le Parfum does away with much the aquatic accord and zeros in on that saltiness and lily note that is found in the original. At least early, the saltiness fades here much quicker on me than the EDP.

The melon like freshness is there to some extent, but the solar notes, and amber are already taking a large share of the attention early on.

After 10 minutes or so, it becomes sweeter and the frangipani becomes more apparent. Though, this isn’t a great frangipani note to me, nor one that truly stands out on its own.

It’s creamier and warmer than what you get with the eau de parfum version. But, it is still very much a tight blend of notes.

Which is better?

The similarities are there for sure and I actually like both of these perfumes quite a lot after testing them. Though, I think that I’ll give the opening act to Le Parfum.

Edge: Le Parfum

Projection

The eau de parfum will leave a nice scent trail in your wake. It’s not a super heavy feeling fragrance, it’s fresh and aquatic with how it presents, but the projection is good. I’d say it’s above average but not massive.

Le Parfum has a ‘thicker’ feeling to wear, but it still retains some of that fresher aspect of Divine EDP. It’s the sweeter of the two fragrances and also has a larger reach than the original.

It’s strong, and at times, very strong if you give it a few too many sprays. Le Parfum will moderate, but it easily takes this category.

Edge: Le Parfum

Longevity

Again, this is another category that I don’t think will really disappoint anyone purchasing either of these perfumes.

The EDP will last somewhere in the 8 hour range, on my skin. Maybe it can go an extra hour or so, but that seems to be about it.

Le Parfum will last for over 10 hours. I’m not sure exactly when it quits, I’d guess in the 12 hour timeframe on skin.

So, both of these are performers, but Le Parfum takes it to a higher level than does the original.

Edge: Le Parfum

Versatility

With the EDP, it is more of use in the spring and summer months. Or, when it is moderate to warmer out.

Le Parfum has it edged, however. It can pretty much go year round. I don’t think it’ll hold up quite as well in the higher heat versus Divine EDP, but it should do well in the warmer weather, and can

Neither of these is a formal sort of scent. The EDP can feel pretty casual and has that beachy sort of vibe to it. That’s more of a daytime wear, while Divine Le Parfum can fit in day or night, a bit better.

Edge: Le Parfum

Overall Scent

Overall, which Gaultier Divine perfume do I enjoy more?

This is a tough call for me, since I really do like each of these scents. As far as mass appealing perfumes go, these are both unique enough from the field and have great performance.

It’s actually closer than it looks based on how the categories each played out.

With Divine EDP, I like the kind of salty watermelon aroma that I get in the beginning and that meringue actually works well on my skin. The florals and musk are nice enough when they begin to come out more in the mid of this perfume.

I lean more towards Le Parfum with how it smells. I like the amber and benzoin combination in the dry down. Furthermore, the extra performance that I can get from this perfume and the versatility, really solidifies my pick between them.

That being said, it might be a good idea to try either of these before you buy, if you’re someone unfamiliar. I think they’re pretty safe blind buys, but there does seem to be somewhat sizeable contingent of people who don’t like these formulations.

Winner: Le Parfum

Le Male Elixir vs Absolu

by

Le Male Elixir has been a smashing success for JPG since its release a few years ago. Now, in 2025, they’ve brought to market a flanker cologne of that flanker: Le Male Elixir Absolu. I bought a bottle of Absolu and have been testing it out and comparing it to my bottle of Elixir.

Which Gaultier fragrance smells better? Which of these scents lasts longer? Between them, which is the best to buy?

Tale of the Tape: Le Male Elixir vs Absolu

Notes include: mint, honey, lavender, tonka bean, benzoin, tobacco, vanilla

Click here to try: Le Male Elixir

Read my full review: Elixir

Elixir Absolu

Notes include: lavender, tonka bean, plum

Click here to try: Le Male Elixir Absolu

Opening

Elixir begins with its mint note out in front, giving it a cooling and fresh spiciness. This is joined by the usual Le Male lavender note, that’s not as much of a stand out in the opening act.

The other major factor early is going to be from the tonka bean. Elixir also has a vanilla note, it just gets stronger as the wear moves forward. Tonka is sweet and syrupy when paired with the honey note and the fuzziness of the benzoin.

Elixir Absolu ditches the mint note. Instead you get a good deal of that lavender, with some warmer spice, and a new addition of plum. To me, the plum actually isn’t too heavy in the start. It’s also less of a tart note and sweeter than I thought it would be.

I’m not sure what the spice here is. It kind of smells like cumin mixed up with a bit of cinnamon.

Lavender is a stronger focus with Le Male Elixir Absolu. There might be some iris in here or it’s just how the lavender and tonka bean are coming across.

Which is better? The opening act of Absolu isn’t particularly interesting to me. I like it somewhat, but I still think that Elixir does a better job. It’s much bolder with its notes, but it works better to me.

Edge: Elixir

Projection

So, in terms of how each of these projects. They are both absolute beasts with their reach. At least for mainstream designer scents. My older bottle of Ultra Male still goes even further, but these are a notch below that.

Elixir feels like the heavier and more cloying scent, with its prominent honey and tobacco notes. But, as far as how each projects, there’s no difference that I can tell.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Le Male Elixir was always a very good performer with how long it lasts. It will keep going on for between 9-10.5 hours, on my skin.

How does Elixir Absolu stack up? While it doesn’t surpass the original Elixir, it once again matches it, 9-10.5 hours.

The scent itself has changed, but they both are stick around for the long haul. No real difference here.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Here, I think the newer release has a slight edge. It’s not as thick and heavy as Elixir can feel at times, way less ability to be completely cloying.

Again, it still projects well, but I think Absolu can venture a bit further into springtime than its predecessor. Still, both of these are good for autumn and winter, just Absolu holds up better when it’s somewhat warm out.

Still, wouldn’t wear this in the high heat, though.

Both of these still skew younger, but Absolu doesn’t have that same level of heavy syrup and loud sweetness that Elixir can feel like. So, it can probably be worn by a wider range of guys.

Still, these are both more casual fragrances rather than either being a formal or office wear kind of cologne. I do think Absolu takes this category, though.

Edge: Elixir Absolu

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these Elixir fragrances do I prefer? I don’t think either of these is a perfect scent, but the new Elixir Absolu has won me over thus far.

The dry down is where I really start to enjoy Absolu, it’s mix of light plum, tonka bean, vanilla, lavender, and maybe some iris?

The opening favors the original. Absolu isn’t that great at the start, but I do think the middle and later stages really knock it out of the park. There’s just something in the beginning that’s not clicking for me.

Now, you can also tell that it’s much like the original Elixir, just that honey/benzoin/tobacco combination are toned way down or like the mint note, not really existent.

The plum is also well blended into the mix. I was worried it be a super potent and tart note like in 1 Million Lucky, but it’s not at all. This is a sweet floral cologne with fruity highlights.

Elixir Absolu isn’t a complete overhaul of Le Male Elixir, but it creates enough separation between these two to not only be different, but better.

With Elixir, I enjoyed it when it came out and still like it, but have lost some interest in wearing it. There are times when the sweetness is too much, too thick with that honey note. I think JPG came through with a nice remix of the formulation.

The opening act of Absolu, isn’t my favorite. Still kind of a mess. Some kind of warm spice in there, taking the mint’s place. Smells like cumin to me.

But, if I had to buy only one of them, I’d get the newer release. If you already own the first one, try this Elixir Absolu out, when you can. But, I don’t think it’s a situation where you’d need or want both.

Winner: Le Male Elixir Absolu

JPG Le Beau EDT vs. Le Parfum

by

Le Beau is a series that has really been strong for Gaultier this decade. The original Le Beau EDT is well liked and it has spawned numerous flankers already. The most popular of which, is probably Le Beau Le Parfum.

In this post, I want to compare and contrast these two colognes, to see which one is superior. Which smells better? Lasts longer? Is the best one to buy?

Tale of the Tape: Le Beau vs. Le Beau Le Parfum

Le Beau EDT

Notes include: bergamot, coconut wood, tonka bean

Click here to try: Le Beau by JPG

Le Beau Le Parfum

Notes include: ginger, pineapple, sandalwood, ambergris, iris, cypress, coconut, tonka bean, woods

Click here to try: Le Beau Parfum

Read my full review: Le Parfum

le beau parfum review

Opening

Le Beau EDT starts off with its citrus and coconut wood blended together. It’s got a fresh and blue-ish tone to it, at this early stage. Not nearly as complex as, what you’re going to get with Le Parfum.

To me, this one really gets going once the tonka bean note has ramped up and the bergamot has settled. That’s when the creaminess of the fragrance unfolds.

With Le Parfum, I get a really tropical vibe with the pineapple coming out of the gate strong and the coconut note sitting underneath.

It’s juicy, creamy, and sweet with an added light spiciness from the ginger note. I like the addition of the ginger here.

The ginger will fall away and the pineapple will lose its prominence at the top. Coconut, tonka bean, amber, and a general set of woods will dry this one up and take away the juiciness of that tropical vibe, at least.

Which Gaultier is better? I’m giving the opening act to Le Parfum. The start of Le Beau EDT is my least favorite part of the cologne. The bergamot, coconut, coconut wood combination isn’t as good as the depth found in Le Parfum.

Edge: Le Parfum

Projection

Le Parfum beings with a good amount of power and projection. It’s not too heavy of a fragrance, but it will project itself off the skin and can fill a room early on with enough sprays.

But, that’ll temper down and the sillage here is basically above average.

Still, it’s definitely got more reach and intensity than Le Beau EDT.

Edge: Le Parfum

Longevity

Le Beau EDT isn’t a great performer. It’s pretty middle of the road, overall. For me, it’s the worst of the line with how long it lasts. 5-6.5 hours, is what I get out of this one. Even below what I get with Flower Edition, as lighter and fresher flanker.

Le Parfum is the longest lasting of the Le Beau series thus far for me. It will go for 9-10 hours, on my skin.

An easy win for Le Beau Le Parfum here.

Edge: Le Parfum

Versatility

Seasonally, both of these are best for spring and summer. Le Beau EDT might be better in summer than Le Parfum. But, I think Le Parfum extends its wear better into autumn than EDT.

I’d skip the winter with either.

Both are more of a casual to nightlife sort of cologne than anything. Not a formal or dressed up kind of cologne, in either case.

Not really an office wear or anything. Each is suited for younger guys, mainly. Likeable fragrances that are both already popular and are attractive in a fresh and sweet kind of way.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these Le Beau colognes do I like more?

Personally, I’m not a super fan of either of these scents. They’re more of fragrances that I enjoy and both have mass appeal.

With EDT, I’m not a big fan of the opening. It’s nothing too interesting and it’s kind of annoying to me. However, the middle and the dry down of this fragrance are really nice. I like the coconut, tonka bean, and the woodiness. 

Creamy and has just the right amount of sweetness. The problem is that it’s not too strong at this point. Not completely weak, but I wish it had more power, by the time Le Beau EDT really gets into the best part.

I’ll pick Le Beau Le Parfum. The opening is better, this is more complex, has a stronger and longer lasting wear, and still does a lot of what the EDT brings to the table.

The trade off is that it is woodier and has an added amber, which makes the latter stages less enjoyable for me. Still likeable, just prevents it from being something I really want a bottle of.

So, neither is a love, but I’d lean more towards Le Parfum in this match up. If you want something simpler, easy to wear, and cheaper; Le Beau EDT can do a good job.

Winner: Le Beau Le Parfum

Le Beau Paradise Garden vs. Flower Edition

by

Le Beau is a series of fragrances by Jean Paul Gaultier that are starting to add new flankers to the mix, over the past few years. The latest in 2025, is Le Beau Flower Edition, which comes on the heels of the popular Paradise Garden.

I recently bought bottles of both of these colognes and wanted to do a direct head to head comparison between them. Which JPG smells better? Lasts longer? Is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Paradise Garden vs. Flower Edition

Le Beau Paradise Garden

Notes include: mint, ginger, fig, coconut water, salt, tonka bean, sandalwood

Click here to try: Paradise Garden

Read my full review: Le Beau Paradise Garden

Flower Edition

Notes include: kumquat, lemon, violet leaf, tonka bean, cashmeran, patchouli

Read my full review: Le Beau Flower Edition

Opening

Paradise Garden opens with a mix sweetness, freshness, minty spice, and an aquatic undertone to it all.

It’s a greener aroma from the fig note asserting itself, that pairs well with that coconut, and I get a good deal of the ginger note coming through early on. The fig is sweet and green

Paradise has a coconut water note. Though, there is still some creaminess in the blend. All supported by sandalwood, fig, and tonka bean, which adds that creamy touch further. I get more of the sandalwood in the dry down.

Le Beau Flower Edition starts off being sweet, fruity, green, and fresh. The violet/violet leaf is paired up with the kumquat and slight lemon at the start and is quite good.

It is in place of the coconut, that Paradise Garden and the other Le Beau fragrances feature.

When the kumquat starts to fade, it becomes greener and somewhat musky with how it presents. Obviously, the violet is sticking around for the duration.

Which is better? I like both of them a lot. Flower Edition is much better than I expected and I was surprised by how I enjoy it. Though, in this opening act, I think I like the scent of Paradise Garden somewhat more.

Edge: Paradise

Projection

Paradise isn’t a heavy fragrance, it’s not a completely light scent, and has some body to it.

Though, it does have good projection for what kind of cologne this is. It’s a lighter moderate for spring and summertime. 

Flower Edition is lighter and doesn’t sustain its reach for the same amount of time. Though, in that first hour, they’re actually neck and neck. This newer Gaultier actually has more power than you would expect and isn’t a weak scent.

It’s more airy and light in its sillage. Not one to bog you down, but it sticks around well.

Edge: Paradise Garden

Longevity

Paradise Garden will go for 8 or so hours. I’m not even sure that it’s hit 9 hours thus far, while I’ve worn this Gaultier cologne. Solid enough, but nothing amazing.

With Flower Edition, I get 7-7.5 hours of wear from it. It’s not a powerful aroma there towards the end, but it is still quite present.

I think I get a little bit better performance than some other people seem to with these scents. But, there actually isn’t too much of a difference, just a slight favoring of Paradise Green.

Edge: Paradise Green

Versatility

These two scents inhabit a lot of the same space. Both are spring and summertime wears. The lightness and ozonic qualities of Flower Edition, might make it slightly better on the hottest days. 

Though, Paradise Garden wouldn’t be too shabby either.

Both of these are more casual daytime wears. Not formal or something that you’d wear to the office. They do tend to skew younger, as well. Though, for when you’d wear each of these, they fit fine for all ages.

Flower Edition might be the more versatile one, as it’s closer to being unisex, can hold up better in the hottest temperatures. So, I’ll give it this category, but it’s a very close competition here.

Edge: Flower Edition (slightly)

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these Le Beau fragrances do I actually enjoy more?

It’s a closer race between them, than I might have expected coming into things. 

I like Flower Edition quite a bit.

The opening act is really good and the kumquat makes it interesting. The dry down is a good use of violet and tonka bean. It gets somewhat powdery, while still being light and built well for the heat.

However, I think Le Beau Paradise Garden is the better JPG scent. 

It has a good balance between the different notes, better performance (even if it’s only slightly), a great tropical vibe, and is a very pleasant scent to wear around.

I’m going to continue to wear both of these Gaultier fragrances as things heat up. So, maybe I’ll change my mind. For now, it’s Le Beau Paradise Garden, that’s my pick.

Maybe you can go with Flower Edition, if you don’t like the coconut note, and you’re a big fan of violet. I’m not sure how many people that applies to. Outside of that, it’s pretty safe to pick Paradise Garden between these two.

Winner: Paradise Garden