Katrina Rosales
The first perfumes were created by distilling flowers, oils, and aromatics, and their scents were likely more natural and floral-based. Ancient texts and archaeological excavations show that the use of perfumes dates back to some of the earliest human civilizations, with the art of perfumery originating in Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indus Valley civilization, and possibly Ancient China. Modern perfumery, which began in the late 19th century, involves the commercial synthesis of aroma compounds, allowing for a wider range of scents. Today, perfumes are typically composed of top notes, heart notes, and base notes, with the top notes being the most delicate and short-lasting, and the base notes, usually composed of wood, amber, and musk, lasting the longest.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Top Notes | Bergamot |
| Heart Notes | Jasmine, Champaca |
| Base Notes | Sandalwood, Musk, Amber, Vanilla |
| Overall | Floral, Resiny, Sweet, Well-balanced, French |
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What You'll Learn
The scent is long-lasting
The scent of First by Van Cleef & Arpels is described as long-lasting by some wearers. One reviewer describes how they "used to use this all the time" and that it is a "lovely fragrance that stays with you all day". Another reviewer describes how they have "been wearing First for over 35 years" and that it "lasts forever".
However, the extent to which the scent of First perfume is long-lasting appears to vary between wearers. One reviewer describes how they "bought this EDT after reading 'SPARE' [...] and was very disappointed. The scent is almost non-existent on my skin and on my clothes. Weaker than weak". Another reviewer states that, while they "really like the scent, [...] the scent is weak and doesn't last that long".
The long-lasting quality of the scent may be influenced by the concentration of the fragrance. One reviewer suggests that, while the Eau de Toilette version of the fragrance is weak, the Eau de Parfum version may "deliver a more potent smell".
The scent of First is described as a "well-balanced floral" with notes of jasmine, sandalwood, musk, amber, and vanilla. The interplay between these notes may contribute to the perception of the scent's longevity, as one reviewer describes how "[w]atching the opaque sharpness of First's opening notes give way to the jasmine in its heart is, in my opinion, one of the most glorious transitions in perfumery".
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It has notes of jasmine
The First perfume by Van Cleef & Arpels is a complex fragrance with a variety of notes that unfold over time. While it has a well-balanced floral character, it is particularly notable for its prominent jasmine notes.
The perfume's opening notes are opaque and sharp, giving way to the heart of the fragrance, which is dominated by jasmine. This transition from the top notes to the heart notes is described as "glorious" and "moving". The jasmine heart notes are complemented by sweet florals, creating a well-rounded and harmonious bouquet.
The jasmine in First is described as sunny and revelatory, adding a bright and cheerful aspect to the fragrance. It is said to be particularly well-blended, with the different notes working together in a "glorious transition". The jasmine heart notes are cradled by a base of sandalwood, musk, and amber, adding depth and warmth to the fragrance.
The dry-down of the perfume is also noteworthy, with the spicy sandalwood balanced by the sweetness of vanilla and amber. This combination creates a lasting impression that lingers on the skin. The jasmine notes in First are so prominent that perfumer Ellena describes it as "about jasmine", reflecting its central role in the fragrance's composition.
Overall, First by Van Cleef & Arpels is a sophisticated and well-crafted perfume that showcases jasmine in a harmonious blend of floral and resinous notes, making it a beloved choice for many fragrance enthusiasts.
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It's a floral fragrance
First by Van Cleef & Arpels is a floral fragrance. It is described as a "sunshiny, well-balanced floral" that is "loud, not big". The perfume's opening notes are opaque and sharp, giving way to jasmine at its heart, which is described as "one of the most glorious transitions in perfumery". The heart notes of sweet florals are cradled by sandalwood, musk, and amber at the base. The drydown is a stunning contrast of spicy sandalwood and the sweetness of vanilla and amber. The floral bouquet is enhanced by a modern touch of gourmand sweetness and a sparkle of bergamot in the top notes.
The perfume has been described as "French" and "grown-up", and has become a signature fragrance for many, with some users wearing it for over 35 years. The scent is long-lasting and powerful, making it suitable for special occasions.
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It's a strong scent
The First perfume by Van Cleef & Arpels is described by some as having a strong scent. One reviewer describes it as "very powerful", while another says that it is "too strong".
The perfume is said to have a lot of different notes, with one reviewer wondering, "What's NOT in First?". It has been described as a "well-balanced floral" that can be "a little loud". The top notes are characterised by the sharpness of bergamot, which gives way to a heart of jasmine, cradled by sandalwood, musk, and amber. The base notes are characterised by the sweetness of vanilla and amber, with a hint of spicy sandalwood.
Some reviewers have commented that the scent is long-lasting, with one person saying that it "stays with you all day". Others have described it as a classic and old perfume, suitable for special occasions.
While some people enjoy the strong scent of First, others have been disappointed by it, describing it as "rancid" and "weak". It is important to note that individual body chemistry can also affect how a perfume smells, which may contribute to the varying perceptions of its strength.
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It's a French perfume
"First", the iconic floral aldehyde fragrance, was created for the prestigious French jewellery house of Van Cleef & Arpels, founded by Alfred Van Cleef, Charles and Julien Arpels. It was launched in 1976 and took the world by storm, becoming a favourite of many fragrance enthusiasts.
The perfume has been described as having a well-balanced floral scent with hints of champaca, a floral and resiny note, and jasmine, which is said to be at the heart of the fragrance. The top notes include bergamot, which adds a touch of sparkle, while the base notes are comprised of sandalwood, musk, amber and vanilla, resulting in a sweet and spicy drydown.
Some wearers have described the scent as "French" and "grown-up", perhaps reflecting its sophisticated and complex composition. The fragrance is long-lasting and powerful, making it suitable for special occasions and evening wear.
First by Van Cleef & Arpels has stood the test of time, with some reviewers noting that they have been wearing it for over 35 years and continue to receive compliments on its exquisite smell.
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Frequently asked questions
Perfumes are complex compositions of top notes, heart notes, and base notes. Common top notes include citruses like bergamot and florals like jasmine. Heart notes tend to be herbal, floral, and spicy, while base notes are usually composed of wood, amber, and musk.
Every person has a unique skin pH and lifestyle (sports, diet, smoking, drinking, etc.) that affects how a perfume smells on their skin. Additionally, the chemistry of the skin and raw materials used in the perfume causes it to evolve over time, with the top notes burning off first.
Perfumes are built on a pyramid system of notes that evolve as they begin to evaporate, with the more volatile top notes fading faster and the longer-lasting base notes lingering.
There are many types of fragrances, including fruity, aquatic, woody, leather, and floral scents. Generally speaking, all perfumes are unisex, and it is up to the wearer to decide how they want to smell.
