Fragrance Review: Histoires de Parfums 1740 Marquis de Sade (2008)+ Dark and Sexy Perfume Draw

Gerald Ghislain of Histoires de Parfums

I have known Gerald Ghislain, the founder and Creative Director of Histoires de Parfums, since he created his first perfume line in 2008. I met him at the launch party for his collection of “scent tomes” at the much missed  emporium of niche and indie perfumeryTakashimiya in New York City.  Since Gerald has a strong culinary background, cocktails inspired by ingredients from many of the “library books” were served to the press and friends who attended. His fragrances at that time, a library really, were inspired mostly by well-known female and male historical characters and the number before their name signifies the year they were born.

Portrait of the Marquis de Sade by Charles Amédée Philippe van Loo, 1760

Of all the characters he brought to life none was more infamous than the Marquis de Sade, born in 1740. An atheist, and a scandalous writer; the word “sadism” stems from  his name.  

Geoffrey Rush and  Kate Winslet Quills  (2000)

Histoires de Parfums' 1740 has a cult following; if you love sensual leather and patchouli fragrances, dark and boozy… be prepared to be enslaved. –Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief

Histoires De Parfums 1740 Marquis De Sade Review (Sexy Leather+Patchouli) + Full Bottle USA Giveaway

Sr. Contributor Sebastian Jara of the YouTube Channel Looking Feeling Smelling Great, and founder of a popular Facebook Group reviews Histoires  de Parfums (his-TWOIR duh  par-FEH) 1740.

Photo  of Histoires de Parfums 1740 by Sebastian for CaFleureBon©

Thanks to EuroPerfumes the US distributor we have a 120ml bottle of 1740  for a registered CafleureBon reader and Looking Feeling Smelling Great subscriber in the USA (if you are not sure if you are registered click here (you must register on our site or your entry will be invalid. To be eligible please leave a comment ON THIS SITE with what you enjoyed about Sebastian’s YouTube review, if you have a favorite Histoires de Parfums .  Draw closes 7/10/ 2017. You can follow us @cafleurebon @lookfeelsmellgreat  @histoiresdeparfums and  official euro_perfumes on Instagram. 

 We announce the winners on our site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS FEED…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume

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58 comments

  • Daniel Oshima says:

    Sebastian’s reviews are always insightful and this is no exception. Like him, I’m fascinated by this Hoya’ use of historical figures and notable dates as the basis for fragrances. It’s like an olfactory history lesson.

  • aolendorff99 says:

    This fragrance sounds beautiful! I love the brand’s idea to incorporate history into fragrance. This allows us to take a look back and experience scents that existed long ago. Sebastian brought up some very interesting points about the idea of history and what the fragrance is inspired by. I have never tried this house, but it sounds great!

  • fazalcheema says:

    Sebastian provides good introduction about brand’s philosophy to those who may not know the brand and how it names its perfumes. From the review, this seems like the most masculine and bold of the offerings from Histoires de Parfums. The review makes it clear that patchouli and leather are the stars of this creation. My favorite from HDP is 1725. I am in the US.

  • Sean R says:

    Always great reviews. I loved the story behind this fragrance and the brand . The notes sounds great I would love to win the giveaway.

  • John T says:

    Really liked the description and explanation of the notes. I have a small sample of 1740, also like 1725. I live in Virginia, USA

  • Patrick Echevarria says:

    Sebastians description sounds beautiful and enticing. Love patchouli and leather done well and this seems to be one of it. Would love to finally own a bottle from Histoires de Parfum to add to my collection. San Diego

  • HL says:

    Sebastian got me here! Love his introduction on this, what he’s made this even more appealing is that he strips out the outstanding notes which are my cup of tea and almost spot on for me lol! When speaking of leather with dark patchouli, my reference scent is vtg Givenchy Gentlemen, with that sexy civet/musky feel lucking around, but I have not stopped searching for a more modern, more wearable one in this old and good genre, just not one yet!
    This one fully intrigued me, with all notes sing to my perfect imagination and expectation, for a dark feather-patch, I’ve got to try this! And this house is on my explore book for long as well!
    Thanks for the draw and big thanks to Sebastian too! Good day y’all!
    Houston Tx here!

  • NiceVULady says:

    Sebastian always has great descriptions of scents and this is no exception. I don’t really have a favorite Histoires de Parfum. This sounds most interesting. Thanks for the draw. I live in the USA

  • fqgouvea says:

    No, thanks.

    Perfumers are free to choose the names of their fragrances, but when someone decides to honor the Marquis de Sade, I will decline.

  • Mohammed Balsharaf says:

    It sounds interesting option for the coming winter. The notes according to Sebastian are promising. I have not yet to try anything of this house.
    Hopefully, I can win this giveaway n try it 🙂
    Thanks Sebastian n Cafleurebon for the review n giveaway.

  • Op says:

    There are very few fragrance reviewers that take you on the fragrance journey, Sebastian happens to be one of the very few. His love for the Mugler house and extensive reviews before and after his first youtube page had a problem, influenced me on my fragrance journey A very calm, laid back and fine gentleman whose reviews makes you feel like you both are having a fragrance discussion in a room. He explains in detail all you might need to know about a fragrance and even more.
    Histoires De Parfums 1740 Marquis De Sade seems to me like something I would really enjoy. I remember a few weeks ago when Notino had this on discount for about $86 and I had to check for reviews on youtube and read extensively on this beauty. Unfortunately, just when I was bought on this juice, it was already off sales. I can’t afford what it sells for now but I hope I can win this fragrance.
    Thank you for the opportunity.

  • hainss says:

    Thanks for the giveaway.
    I use videos of Sebastian to know more brands and perfumes. It’s a good introduction to the worlds of perfume. very informative and well done.

    Best regards

  • Vahagn says:

    Thanks for Sebastian beautyful review and for draw! Yes, 1740 very brutal, but in same time very attractive fragrance. Exelkent longevity and projetion.
    I like 1740 , Fidelus from Histeries de Parfumes.
    USA, DE

  • Hasib says:

    I like the idea by Histoire de Parfums
    Putting a scent with a certain time in history
    Interested in this one. Will be good for the colder days
    Thanks ✌

  • Nelson Murilo says:

    Great review Sebastian, as usual.
    Now Marquis de Sade is on top of my wishlist.

  • mrpeeck says:

    Creating Perfumes from the history of the world… Dark and Mysterious Journey that this fragrance is said to partake of. An intoxicating patchouli vibe.. That is what I got from Sebastian today… Great as Always! I do live in the US… THANK YOU

  • roxhas1cat says:

    If Sebastian says it’s one of his favorite patchouli’s then I’d love to try it. I was wondering if he would think a woman could pull it off even though it’s listed for men. I’ve smelled some from this line, I didn’t know much about them until this review. My favorite from Histories de Perfumes would be Noir Patchouli and Moulin Rouge. Thanks for the opportunity.

  • Chet Vhr says:

    I trust Sebastian’s excellent taste. I like watching all his Top 10 videos. Bought Diptyque Oud Palao and Parfum d’Empire Ambre Russe based on his reviews alone, and loved it. I’m excited to try Histoires De Parfums 1740 Marquis De Sade. Living in MO, USA

  • MrsPress says:

    Sebastian really got me interested in this. I love many of the notes in this: bergamot, cardamom, patchouli, leather, laudanum (oh my). I know he said it’s masculine, but it sounds like something I would love. Thank you for the opportunity to win this one! I’m in the United States.

  • Gina says:

    I’m an English major and took a master’s individual study on subordinate and dominant roles in literature. I read lots of de Sade and Sacher von Masoch. I tried and like this one. On me, it is smoke then a bit of sweet fruit then dries down to soft smoke/charcoal, and in the final base is lovely amber but all skin scent. No projection as most HdP. Not many have read 100 days of sodom. But, the best de Sade IMO is Justine. I like that Sebastian let people know who he was but I would have liked the emphasis on him as a writer and his literature. It is a bit disgusting and waaaay extreme for the time. On one wearing of many HdP, I have liked all of them but not loved any of them enough to shell out for a FB. I would wear it often if I won it but I don’t go WOWZA with most of them due to the projection and longevity.

  • Edward Gurango says:

    My comment on Sebastian’s review and which he found amusing:”So, will a flanker be called, ‘120 Journées de Sodome’?” This fragrance is intriguingly interesting enough to warrant a sniff. BUt I’d prefer the full bottle! – L.A. CA

  • Harry Wilson says:

    I Love Sebastian’s enthusiasm about the smell and his description of 1740. This always makes me want to either buy it or at least try it.

  • RAMY says:

    watching Sebatiam ‘s review it feels like you went with him into journey through the history of the fragrances

  • gregorysop says:

    So, Marquise de Sade bad, 50 shades of grey good?!? Seems to me a historical version of 50 shades. Apparently, an important figure in time if his legacy created the whole sadism following. Anyhow, the fragrance sounds very inviting and warm and would love to try it. Great job Sebastian.
    From USA.

  • Tom Schroeder says:

    I like how Sebastian describes how 1740 Marquise de Sade notes of Leather and Patchouli dry down on his skin as a beautiful dark and mysterious journey. Ok, now I want to experience this intoxicating fragrance.

  • Ron says:

    What I enjoyed about Sebastian’s review is his description of intoxicating and boozy. I like heavy fragrances, and this seems like it would be one. I’ve never tried a Histoires de Parfums fragrance before, so I’d love to try this one!

  • Gregory Duncan says:

    Sebastian always sheds light on perfumes nobody really talks about. This review is no exception. Thank you for the giveaway!

  • Carol K says:

    Sebastian you’ve described this scent perfectly. I’ve been longing for a bottle for some time. I also like Tubereuse 3 from this house…and 1969. Thank you for the draw.

  • Nadine says:

    Sebastian’s reviews are always detailed and well compiled. As good a review as can be expected. Keep doing great reviews Seb, always look forward to them.

  • Nancy Goodman says:

    I loved Sebastian’s review of this fragrance. It sounds a little naughty but also beautifully wearable. I need to discover this line further. Thanks for the drawing!

  • Anthony says:

    I always enjoy the CFB and LFSMG reviews as I learn so much from each. It must have been great to be there at the beginning of HdP and meet the founder. I have so many favorites but my first was 1969 and 1828 Jules Verne. I would love to enter this as I have always wanted to get my nose on it. Love the book concept and didn’t realize it was from like 10 years ago. I am glad Seb explained datura sensualis as I learned something new

  • Marc says:

    I always trust Sebastian’s careful and thoughtful reviews. Ive had a decant of this and really enjoyed this dark, complex scent! Thank so much for the potential to win a full Bottle of this great Perfume.!

  • keith says:

    Informative, history wise. I am not a fan of fragrance association with history. Although, I would love to give this one a try.

  • Steve A. says:

    I enjoy many patchouli scents and I’d love to see what this perfumer does with the note. If this is truly dark and complex I’m sure I’d love to wear it. I have sampled many from this house but if I have a favorite I can’t recall because of the numbers in the name, sorry. US

  • Brian says:

    Beyond having impeccable taste, I love how Sebastian researches the notes he may not be familiar with then relays that info to his viewers. I think it helps to bring the fragrance to life and creates more of an atmosphere to his videos. I don’t have a favorite from Histoires de Parfums, as I’m not familiar with the house. Being that I’m a history buff, I think I need to change that!

  • JahMikey says:

    I love patchouli based fragrances, and I wouldn’t mind giving this a try. With Sebastian’s copacetic reviews… You can’t go wrong.

  • Raee says:

    I love patchouli based fragrances just like Sebastian.
    Hope to win this and add a winner to my small collection.

    In US.

  • Chetopa says:

    I had been sampling HdP earlier in the week (1740, 1725 and 1899) and 1740 is my favorite from the discovery set. Just a really nice and unique leather scent, unlike others I’ve tried. Was great to see Sebastian’s review days after I had been wearing it. Hope to win this since I just added it to my wishlist earlier in the week. Thanks so much.

  • joefresh says:

    Really enjoy sebs review the indepth exploration of the fragrance you can almost smell it,i also admire the honesty from him.
    Fav frag from house ambre 114
    In u.s.

  • bhaffar says:

    Love this fragrance and Sebastian did a great job reminding me how nice this fragrance is – would love to win a full bottle! Thanks!

  • Alison says:

    Sebastian’s reviews are always insightful. I love how he shares a brief history of the perfume house or perfumer, along with details about notes. He is a trusted reviewer!!

  • Evan says:

    Sebastian is my top go to reviewer on YouTube. Just because he never ceases to grab my attention with fragrances/houses that i have never heard of before. great for getting to know about a lot of other fragrances in the world!

  • Rob whiff says:

    As a reviewer myself and a channel follower in the YouTube community is always a great pleasure to have someone like Sebastian in the fragrance community because only he has been able to bring to us closer to the very own perfumers and houses that we wouldn’t have know about with out his knowledge and the time he puts for us to learn , I truly enjoy everything Sebastian has to offer and this review of Histoires de Parfums 1740 was yet another example of his fun and exciting way to bringing to us another hidden gems to light , I had tested 1899 but had never thought of all the art that goes into their creations … thanks Sebastian and hope everyone get to read this you truly deserve the Praise ☺

  • Matt says:

    Sebastian is one of the best reviewers out and this review is why. I get introduced to scents I others never would have heard of. I love Woody scents all I’m very intrigued by this. Would love to win this! New Hampshire, US

  • SBMJ says:

    Two things:
    1) I’m super-happy he mentioned the movie Quills. It’s one of the more discomforting movies I’ve seen. It was, of course, the very first thing I thought of when I heard the name of this fragrance.
    2) 1740 is by far, hands down, my absolute favorite HdP fragrance (I’ve tried about seven or eight of them). I had what I think was a little more than 1 ml sample of it. I used it all up and saved the vial it came in so I could sniff it every so often. I love, love, LOVE this stuff. The give-away bottle would have a good, loving home if it found its way to me. 🙂

    Thank you for this opportunity!

  • FragranceBroken says:

    I been watching Looking Feeling Smelling Great, for a long time I like his review style.
    I had sample of Marquis de Sade few years ago and I liked it a lot. Leather is my favorite smell. I would like to win this amazing fragrance 🙂 California,USA

  • TaffyJ says:

    Sebastian is one of my favorite reviewers, so I pay attention when a fragrance is a winner for him. The top notes, along with “intoxicating patchouli”, sound very appealing.

    As for combining history with fragrance, I don’t think it’s a good idea in general. I imagine this fragrance is named Sade due to the leather aspect, darker notes, and for tongue-in-cheek shock value, but its name will repel some people. A name carries a lot of weight! I don’t name my pets after living cultural icons any more in case the famous ones end up as homicidal sociopaths. (Phil Spector the foster Cat).

    Noir Patchouli is a wonderful fragrance from this house, along with 1873 (Colette!)

  • Hikmat Sher Afridi says:

    Thanks for the video review, Sebastian! Hands down, this is the fragrance I am looking for quite sometimes as the notes are very appealing to me. I love dark, woody, boozy, earthy and intoxicating perfumes, so Histoires de Parfums 1740 Marquis de Sade is definitely for me and I am ready to be enslaved. My favorite Histoires de Parfums is Tubereuse 3 Animale.
    Thanks to EuroPerfumes for the generosity and CafleureBon for the opportunity to participate in the draw by letting my relative address in NY.

  • Beata Dufresne says:

    Sebastian always shows his passion for perfumes and this time he just described the fragrance perfectly! He is honest and sticks to the truth when reviewing perfumes. This time wasn’t an exception. I have tried this fragrance before and it has aways been on my wish list. Even though it’s supposed to be masculine and directed toward males, I find it unisex and it smells fabulous on my skin. 🙂

  • Beata Dufresne says:

    I forgot to add that my favorite of their perfumes is Ambre 114, but so is De Sade. I’m located in CO, USA

  • zam says:

    Very interested to try this one. From the house I only tried 1899 with the very sparkling and nice opening and dry-down similar to Spicebomb.
    again great review from Sebastian. Thank you.
    Need to explore the house more.
    Thanks to Europerfumes and Cafleurebon for the opportunity.
    I live in the USA.

  • doveskylark says:

    I agree with Sebastian that exploring history through fragrance is fascinating. This review highlighted the richness, darkness and sensuality of the fragrance. A few months ago, I ordered the discovery set (beautifully packaged by the company) and it has been a joy to sample and learn about history. I enjoy the fragrance that pays tribute to George Sand.
    I live in the USA. I subscribe to Sebastian’s Youtube channel.

  • Sean says:

    I liked the history references in the review. It does add to the impression of the fragrance. My fav. Histoires de Parfums is Noir Patchoui

  • Cynthia says:

    I really enjoy this line. I still have the originals, before they were slightly reformulated several years ago. I’d love to try this one, Marquis de Sade. Thank you for the chance.

  • ntabassum92 says:

    What a great review, I learned so many things! I didn’t actually realize this perfume was about the Marquis de Sade (even though it’s in the name), didn’t know sadism got the name from him, didn’t realize the movie Quills was about him (although I watched it) and everything makes so much more sense now. Thanks Sebastian for the mini history lesson as well as perfume review. I love so many Histoires de Parfums perfumes…1969, the one featured in this review, the Ambre 114, Noir Patchouli (?), etc. They are so good!

  • JozefJak says:

    I love Sebastian reviews for similar taste to mine. I like this house, I have Petroleum Histoires de Parfums.