Reviews · Estée Lauder · Fragrance
Is Estée Lauder Pleasures worth it? Who it suits, and who should skip it
Pleasures is Estée Lauder's sheer floral classic, created in 1995. This is a research-based guide rather than a hands-on test. It covers what it smells like, how it wears and who it's worth buying for, using Estée Lauder's own product information and UK retailers' listings.
Estée Lauder Pleasures Eau de Parfum 30ml
What works
- A soft, airy floral of lily, peony and jasmine that feels clean rather than heavy
- A genuine classic: Estée Lauder says it introduced the sheer floral style in 1995
- Polished enough for evenings but light enough for every day
- The 30ml bottle linked here is a lower-risk way to give a perfume someone hasn't chosen themselves
Worth knowing
- Sheer florals are deliberately quiet, so it won't suit someone who wants a perfume people notice across a room
- Retailers rate its staying power and projection as moderate, so expect to reapply for a long day
- If they dislike powdery or white-flower scents, lily and jasmine are front and centre
- 30ml goes quickly if it becomes an everyday scent; a 100ml bottle is also made
Who it's for
It's worth it as a gift for someone who likes soft, fresh florals and classic, elegant scents, or who already loves Pleasures. Skip it if they prefer fruity, sweet or spicy perfumes, or want a scent with a big trail.
Estée Lauder created Pleasures in 1995. The brand says Evelyn Lauder wanted a fragrance with a sheer, luminous quality, like flowers just after spring rain, and that it introduced the sheer floral style that many later perfumes followed.
Estée Lauder lists white lily, violet leaves and green notes at the top; black lilac, white peony, karo-karounde blossom, pink pepper (baie rose), pink rose and jasmine at the heart; and sandalwood and patchouli at the base. The overall effect is fresh flowers rather than perfume-counter richness, with a soft woody finish.
Because it's built to be sheer, Pleasures sits close to the skin. UK retailer John Lewis rates its longevity and sillage, meaning how far it carries, as moderate. That's what makes it easy to wear to work, but it also means it isn't the choice for someone who wants a scent that lasts from one spray to bedtime.
The bottle linked here is the 30ml Eau de Parfum. For a gift, a smaller bottle is sensible if you aren't certain they'll love it; if Pleasures is already their scent, the larger sizes are better value per spray.
Like most perfumes it's mainly alcohol and fragrance, and it contains common fragrance allergens. The full list is on the box.
How this page was written: I haven't tested this perfume myself. Everything here comes from Estée Lauder's product information and major UK retailers' listings. If I test it, I'll update this page with a hands-on verdict.
The verdict
Pleasures is worth it if they like soft, clean florals: it's an elegant classic that's easy to wear every day, and the 30ml bottle keeps the gift low-risk. Skip it for anyone who wants a bold, long-lasting or sweet perfume.
Estée Lauder Pleasures Eau de Parfum 30ml
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