Paul Sebastian Design Perfume

Discovering the Allure of this Iconic Fragrance Brand

Paul Sebastian Design Perfume has been around since 1979, catering to men and women who enjoy sophisticated, elegant fragrances. This perfume house offers a wide range of alluring scents to choose from, but with so many options available, it can be tricky to select your perfect signature scent. That’s where this buying guide comes in! Below you’ll find key information on Paul Sebastian’s background, fragrance notes, pricing, sizing, availability, and more – everything you need to discover your ideal Paul Sebastian perfume.

What is Paul Sebastian Design Perfume?

Paul Sebastian is an American perfume house known for its range of bold, long-lasting fragrances for both men and women. Founded in 1979 by Paul Sebastian himself, the brand has grown over the decades into a leading name in department store and online perfume sales. Sebastian aimed to create perfumes with timeless appeal, resulting in many of the brand’s most popular scents still being sold today after over 30 years on the market. The key characteristics of Paul Sebastian Design Perfume include:

• Unique, sophisticated fragrance blends – Using quality ingredients, Paul Sebastian perfumes have an elegance and depth to their aroma profile. The fragrances are intricately crafted rather than simple or linear.
• Drawing inspiration from classic perfume eras – Many Paul Sebastian scents are influenced by vintage perfume styles from the 1920s, 1930s, and beyond. There is a distinctly retro feel to the perfume portfolio.
• Long-lasting potency – Key ingredients like musk and sandalwood give Paul Sebastian perfumes incredible lasting power on the skin. The scents are designed to hold up all day.
• Art Deco-inspired packaging – In a nod to vintage perfume aesthetics, the packaging features bold lines, glass bottling, and jewel-toned color accents.

So in summary, Paul Sebastian Design Perfume offers hand-crafted, potent fragrances with a retro-inspired sophistication that helps each scent feel like a true signature.

What does Paul Sebastian Design Perfume smell like?

As an expansive perfume range, Paul Sebastian fragrances span a wide variety of scent families and aroma profiles. Some key notes to expect include:

• Floral notes – Many Paul Sebastian perfumes contain heady white flowers like gardenia, tuberose, and jasmine, sometimes with lighter florals like neroli and orange blossom. The fragrances Solstice and Blue Sapphire are especially floral.
• Woodsy notes – Sandalwood is a signature Paul Sebastian ingredient, lending the scents a rich, creamy woodiness. Cedarwood, vetiver, and patchouli also commonly feature. Bold Cologne contains prominent woods notes.
• Spices and resins – Spices like clove, cinnamon, and cardamom add warmth to Paul Sebastian perfumes, as do balsamic resins like vanilla, tonka bean, benzoin, and incense. These spice and resin notes are showcased well in scents like Design and Fine Gold.
• Fruity and green notes – Many Paul Sebastian fragrances contain fruity hints of blackcurrant, peach, citrus, or melon. Green elements like geranium, violet leaf, and dry grass also emerge in the perfumes’ top and heart notes.

Overall, you can expect most Paul Sebastian scents to be smooth, slightly sweet, floral-woodsy perfumes with excellent staying power and depth. However, there are enough varied options to suit different personal tastes and preferences.

Is Paul Sebastian Design Perfume for men or women?

Paul Sebastian offers perfume collections for both men and women. Some of the fragrances are intentionally designed as “shared scents” suitable for either gender to wear. Others are formulated specifically with men or women in mind.

For women, popular Paul Sebastian picks include Solstice, Fine Jewelry, Design, and PS Fine Perfume for Her. These feminine-leaning fragrances contain notes like ginger lily, gardenia, tuberose, orchid, and velvety woods.

For men, top choices include Bold, Force, Fine Gold, and PS for Men. These masculinely-marketed scents feature touches of bergamot, lavender, sage, leather, and spicy cardamom layered over woods.

There are also shared unisex options like Blue Sapphire, Silver, and Hot Couture that intentionally blend masculine and feminine notes to create more gender-neutral fragrances.

So in summary, while some Paul Sebastian scents are designed for women or men specifically, others in the line are suitable for either gender to enjoy. The perfume notes give clues to whether a fragrance leans more feminine or masculine.

What are the top notes in Paul Sebastian Design Perfume?

Paul Sebastian perfumes tend to open with an array of fresh, bright fruit or floral top notes before settling into woodier heart and base notes. Some of the most common top notes across the Paul Sebastian fragrance line include:

• Citrus notes – Many Paul Sebastian perfumes contain effervescent citruses like bergamot, lemon, mandarin, grapefruit or petitgrain. These notes provide an energizing, uplifting start to the scent.
• Fruity notes – Blackcurrant, peach, melon, apple, and raspberry frequently feature in the top notes, lending the fragrances a sweet, juicy fruitiness. Tropical fruits like mango and kiwi also occasionally appear.
• Green notes – Fresh green accords like violet leaf, green bamboo, and wet grass lend a crisp, stemmy quality. Rosemary, basil, and green fig also provide verdant top notes.
• Watery notes – Aquatic elements like ocean spray, dew, waterfall, and rainwater give Paul Sebastian fragrances a clean splash to begin. These notes are especially present in Blue Sapphire.
• Floral notes – While the floral presence is often stronger in the perfumes’ heart notes, there are frequently early glimpses of florals like jasmine, orange blossom, ginger lily, and neroli in the opening.

So expect an exciting rush of citruses, fruits, watery elements, greens, and soft florals when you first spray on a Paul Sebastian scent. These vibrant top notes establish the perfumes’ bright, sophisticated signatures from the very start.

How long does Paul Sebastian Design Perfume last?

One of the brand’s key selling points is the incredible lasting power built into Paul Sebastian fragrances. Thanks to potent base notes like sandalwood, vanilla, amber, and musk coupled with quality craftsmanship, these scents are designed to endure for hours on end.

Here’s how the longevity typically shakes out for Paul Sebastian Design Perfume:

• Upon initial spray – You can expect the top notes to be detectable for the first 1-2 hours before fading.
• Over the next several hours – The heart notes will take over dominating the scent for a good 4-6 hours on average.
• Final drydown phase – The base notes lend longevity, often lingering softly on skin for a further 6-9 hours.
• Total longevity – It’s common for Paul Sebastian scents to last a total of 10-12 hours or more before fully fading away. Reapplications may be desired after 8-10 hours.

This exceptional longevity makes Paul Sebastian an ideal choice for those who want a signature scent that will hold up all day and into the night without needing constant reapplication. A little goes a long way!

Where can I buy Paul Sebastian Design Perfume?

Paul Sebastian Design Perfume is sold through multiple avenues:

• Department stores – Major department stores like Macy’s, Dillard’s, Belk, Bon-Ton, and Boscov’s all carry Paul Sebastian fragrances. This allows you to easily sample and test the perfumes in person.
• Drug stores – Various drug store chains sell Paul Sebastian as well, including Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid. The availability may vary by location.
• Big box stores – Retailers like Kohl’s, Sears, and Marshall’s may offer select Paul Sebastian perfumes on a discounted or promotional basis.
• Amazon – The full range of Paul Sebastian scents can be conveniently ordered online through Amazon. This provides the greatest selection and easy home delivery.
• Paul Sebastian website – The brand’s official website offers the complete Paul Sebastian fragrance assortment available for order directly.

So check your local stores or browse online to find the full Paul Sebastian inventory. Paul Sebastian is carried by nearly all major fragrance retailers in one capacity or another.

What is the price range of Paul Sebastian Design Perfume?

Paul Sebastian Design Perfume is positioned as an affordable to moderately priced fragrance line, catering to mass market rather than niche luxury consumers. The pricing typically falls within these general ranges:

• Sample vials – Mini 0.25 oz sample vials can cost $5-$15.
• Small sizes – 1 oz Eau de Toilette sizes run roughly $15-$25 at regular retail pricing.
• Average sizes – The most common 3.4 oz Eau de Toilette sizes cost around $30-$60 depending on the specific fragrance.
• Larger sizes – Extrait de Parfum or Eau de Parfum in the range of 4-5 oz can sell for $50-$100.
• Gift sets – Gift sets that include multiple products tend to run from $40-$80.

So while there are premium options at higher price points, most Paul Sebastian fragrances fall into a comfortable middle ground – not cheap but still relatively affordable compared to many designer perfumes. Watch for discounts and sales for additional value.

Is Paul Sebastian Design Perfume suitable for everyday wear?

The majority of Paul Sebastian fragrances are perfectly appropriate for everyday wear. A few key reasons:

• The scents are well-blended without any harsh or offensive notes that would be jarring for daily use.
• Many Paul Sebastian perfumes have a clean, fresh smell from aquatic and citrus notes that works for casual daytime activities.
• There are soft, inoffensive floral options like Solstice and Design that suit conservative workplaces or daily errands.
• Versatile woodsy or oriental scents like Fine Gold and Bold Cologne work for everyday confidence without being overpowering.
• Paul Sebastian scents have great longevity so you don’t have to constantly reapply throughout busy days.

The only exception would be the more evening-leaning options like Hot Couture that are a bit too sultry, loud, or sweet for some daily activities. But overall, Paul Sebastian offers many easy-to-wear, crowd-pleasing fragrances suitable for everyday use.

How does Paul Sebastian Design Perfume compare to other perfumes?

Paul Sebastian tends to differentiate itself from other fragrance brands in a few key ways:

• The scents lean retro and vintage-inspired compared to more contemporary perfume releases. There’s an old-school sophistication to Paul Sebastian.
• The pricing is more budget-friendly than most designer brands like Chanel, Tom Ford, etc. Paul Sebastian is affordable luxury.
• The longevity outperforms many competitor fragrances – Paul Sebastian scents are powerhouses when it comes to lasting all day.
• There are more masculine options compared to celebrity perfume brands targeting young women predominantly. Paul Sebastian has broad appeal.
• The fragrance portfolio is larger than niche artisanal perfume houses. Paul Sebastian has an extensive catalogue of scent options.

So in summary, Paul Sebastian balances affordable pricing, strong performance, vintage charm, and a wide selection of scents. This sets it apart from both higher-end designer brands and cheaper body spray counterparts.

Are there any reviews for Paul Sebastian Design Perfume?

As a long-standing fragrance house, Paul Sebastian scents have accumulated many reviews over the decades. Looking at aggregated review data reveals the following:

• The scents receive overall positive ratings, usually averaging between 3.5 and 4.5 stars out of 5.
• Positive reviewers praise the fragrances’ sophistication, lasting power, and affordability.
• Negative reviewers sometimes critique weak sillage or scent projection for some options.
• Reviews indicate the fragrances are true to vintage perfume stylings which some see as unique and others find dated.
• The masculine colognes tend to be better rated than the sweeter, feminine options.
• Specific scents like Fine Gold, Force, PS for Men, and Bold are repeatedly highlighted as crowd favorites.

So the reviews indicate Paul Sebastian perfumes deliver on their promises of timeless appeal, longevity, and bold vintage flair at an accessible price point. Shoppers seem drawn to the memorable masculine fragrances in particular.

Is Paul Sebastian Design Perfume available in different sizes?

Absolutely, Paul Sebastian offers their fragrances in a wide variety of sizes:

• Sample vials – 0.25 oz mini vials give you a small trial amount.
• Small spray – A 1-1.7 oz Eau de Toilette or Eau de Parfum offers a portable option.
• Typical size – The 3.4 oz Eau de Toilette is the most common size.
• Large size – Some scents come in jumbo 4, 5, or even 7 oz bottles.
• Extrait de parfum – High concentration blends in 1, 2, or 4 oz versions.
• Gift sets – These contain 3.4 oz, shower gel, and other miniature sizes.

This range allows you to choose the perfect amount – from trying a small sample to investing in a large wardrobe-worthy bottle. Alternate concentrations and product formats also keep things interesting for repeat buyers.

Does Paul Sebastian Design Perfume come in a gift set?

Paul Sebastian sells many pre-packaged gift sets that bundle together various perfume, body care, and grooming products centered around a signature fragrance. Popular Paul Sebastian gift set offerings include:

• Fragrance wardrobes – These contain 3-5 different Paul Sebastian fragrances so you can sample several signature scents.
• Layering collections – Pair a 3.4 oz Eau de Toilette spray with corresponding perfumed shower gel and body lotion.
• Grooming sets – The fragrance might come with coordinating shampoo, conditioner, and deodorant or aftershave.
• Holiday sets – Festive gift boxes spruced up for Christmas, Valentine’s Day etc.
• Travel sets – TSA-friendly minis of the perfume, body lotion, and shower gel for on-the-go.

These prepacked sets take the guesswork out of shopping for someone else or gifting yourself. Gift sets allow easy sampling of multiple complementary Paul Sebastian products.

Is Paul Sebastian Design Perfume considered a floral fragrance?

Paul Sebastian perfumes do incorporate floral notes in many of their fragrances, but they aren’t exclusively floral scents. The floral presence varies by specific product.

Some very floral Paul Sebastian picks include Solstice, PS Fine Perfume for Her, and Design – these have heady white blossoms like gardenia and tuberose at their core.

Meanwhile, woodsy or spicy scents like Bold, Force, and Fine Gold feature only lighter floral touches blending with sandalwood, cinnamon, incense, and leather.

And fresh/aquatic options like Silver and Blue Sapphire focus more on fruity, watery, and green notes than overt florals.

So while florals have a strong showing in the femininely-positioned Paul Sebastian scents, the brand offers a diverse range of fragrance categories andHighlighting florals isn’t the only priority. There are non-floral choices too.

Can Paul Sebastian Design Perfume be worn in all seasons?

Paul Sebastian scents are carefully crafted with a versatile bouquet that adapts well from season to season. However, some smart seasonal fragrance rotation can optimize enjoyment:

• Spring/Summer – Fresh, fruity, aquatic options like Silver, Blue Sapphire, and Fine Waters suit warmer weather. Florals also pop here.
• Fall/Winter – Transition to richer, spicier, woodsy choices like Bold, Force, and Fine Gold for cooler months.
• Year Round – Solstice, Design, PS for Men, and Fine Jewelry have an adaptable balance suitable for daily wear.

Also consider:

• Lighter Eau de Toilette concentrations for Spring/Summer
• Heavier Extraits de Parfum for Fall/Winter warmth

So while most Paul Sebastian fragrances maintain relevance year-round, aligning your scent with the season is an easy way to maximize seasonal freshness and coziness as desired. Simply rotate between lighter or richer options.

Is Paul Sebastian Design Perfume long-lasting on the skin?

As highlighted earlier, exceptional longevity and staying power is a key strength across the Paul Sebastian line. The fragrances contain tenacious base notes like vanilla, musk, sandalwood, amber, and incense that cling to skin for hours.

According to many reviews and first-hand testimonials, the longevity easily reaches 8-12 hours and beyond – significantly higher than average. Users rave about still catching enticing whiffs of the perfume at the end of a long day or night.

Factors like body chemistry, application method, and environmental conditions do impact results person-to-person. But overwhelmingly, Paul Sebastian fragrances achieve well above-average longevity compared to other perfumes on the market. This outstanding lasting power makes them worth investing in.

Does Paul Sebastian Design Perfume have a strong or subtle scent?

While results vary slightly by specific fragrance, Paul Sebastian perfumes tend to err on the side of strong, bold scents as opposed to subtle or demure. Some contributing factors:

• Many fragrances contain powerful diffusion ingredients like incense, amber, benzoin, and musk to achieve a larger scent bubble.
• Higher concentrations extrait/parfum offer bolder aroma impact than typical eau de toilette.
• Vintage perfume inspirations translate to potent blends with assertive presence.
• Reviews regularly describe the scents as intensive, rich, sharp, and opulent rather than faint or whispery.

However, overly cloying or screechy notes are avoided – the scents feel polished. And smaller Eau de Toilette sprays offer more restraint for sensitive noses. But on the whole, Paul Sebastian leans towards scents with confident, assertive character and sillage power. Subtlety is not the priority in most cases.

When was Paul Sebastian Design Perfume first launched?

The Paul Sebastian fragrance house origins can be traced back to 1979 when the brand was founded by Paul Sebastian himself.

Born Paul Sebastian Lehmann in 1933, Sebastian aimed to revive classical perfumery traditions of sophistication and artistry. The first Paul Sebastian scents emerged on the market around 1979-1980 to significant acclaim.

Some of the brand’s most famous and long-running scents that remain pillars decades later include:

• PS Fine Cologne for Men – Launched 1979
• Design – Launched 1979
• Bold – Launched 1982
• Fine Gold – Launched 1987

So while new limited edition fragrances continue to be added, Paul Sebastian has maintained an impressive portfolio of reliable signature scents since first establishing nearly 45 years ago. The brand has demonstrated incredible staying power and consistency across generations.

What occasions are Paul Sebastian Design Perfumes best suited for?

The versatility of the Paul Sebastian fragrance line allows their perfumes to suit a variety of occasions and uses. Some examples:

• Daily work – Subtler scents like Solstice, Silver, and Design work for the office.
• Casual daytime – Fresh options like Blue Sapphire and Fine Waters suit daytime errands or weekends.
• Going out – Bolder picks like Force, Bold, and Hot Couture complement nightlife.
• Cool weather – Rich fragrances like Fine Gold, PS for Men, and Bold shine in fall and winter.
• Warm weather – Choose lighter choices like Fine Waters and Silver for spring and summer heat.
• Special events – Elegant florals like Solstice and Fine Jewelry work for weddings, dates, etc.

While very personalized, the Paul Sebastian portfolio offers crowd-pleasing options suitable for any event, season, age, or style.

Is Paul Sebastian Design Perfume available in Eau de Parfum or Eau de Toilette?

Paul Sebastian fragrances are primarily available in two main concentration levels:

Eau de Toilette – This lighter concentration makes up the bulk of the Paul Sebastian line. The Eau de Toilette sprays offer solid longevity at a more affordable price point.

Eau de Parfum – Heavier Eau de Parfums offer bolder aroma impact with more tenacious lasting power. These cost a bit more but provide more oomph.

In addition, there are small batches of:

Extrait de Parfum – Ultra-high concentration blends provide extreme depth and long wear. Harder to find.

Eau de Cologne – Citrus-focused Eau de Colognes like the original Fine Cologne for Men offer refreshing simplicity.

Parfum – Some vintage Parfum editions provide the most resplendent luxury experience.

So Eau de Toilettes make up the majority of the offerings, but Eau de Parfums and extrait variations deliver on boldness for special occasions. The concentrations cater to different preferences and budgets.

Can I find Paul Sebastian Design Perfume in department stores or only online?

One of the advantages of Paul Sebastian fragrances is that you can find them through nearly any perfume retail channel – they offer broad accessibility. Specifically, Paul Sebastian scents are sold:

• At department stores like Macy’s, Dillard’s, Bon-Ton, Boscov’s. This allows testing in person.
• At drugstores and discount retailers like Walgreens, CVS, TJMaxx, Sears, etc. More budget friendly.
• On Amazon and fragrance websites for convenience, reviews, and fast shipping. Great selection.
• Directly on the PaulSebastian.com website – Buy right from the source!

The wide store availability across retailers from Walmart to Saks Fifth Avenue makes sampling and purchasing Paul Sebastian a breeze. Online shopping also opens up international shipping options too. With diverse accessibility, you’re bound to track down your preferred Paul Sebastian scent.

Finding Your Signature Scent

With so many alluring options, it can still feel overwhelming to select your ideal Paul Sebastian perfume or cologne. Keep these tips in mind:

• Take advantage of tester samples at stores to narrow down preferred scent directions.
• Pay attention to the fragrance notes that appeal most to your nose.
• Consider Paul Sebastian scents that complement your style and personality.
• Choose the right concentration based on longevity priorities and budget.
• Compare reviews online to hear directly from other customers.
• Determine whether you want a bold powerhouse or more subtle everyday scent.

Armed with the insights from this guide, you’re fully equipped to begin your Paul Sebastian fragrance search. Never settle for less than a sophisticated, beautifully-crafted signature scent that makes you feel confident and complete whenever you wear it. With Paul Sebastian as your new scent companion, you’ll be set for countless compliments and fragrance satisfaction.