fragrance-review

Carolina Herrera CH Eau de Parfum Sublime: A Sophisticated Scent for the Modern Woman

By James Whitmore · · Updated
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Carolina Herrera''s CH Eau de Parfum Sublime, launched in 2013, was a deliberate attempt to capture a more mature and sophisticated facet of the CH fragrance line. Positioned as an evolution from the more youthful original, Sublime aimed to appeal to a woman who embodies elegance, confidence, and a touch of playful allure. It entered the market at a time when many brands were exploring deeper, more complex floral and gourmand compositions, seeking to differentiate themselves in a crowded landscape. CH Eau de Parfum Sublime sought to carve out its niche by offering a refined yet approachable scent profile.

Within Carolina Herrera''s extensive fragrance portfolio, CH Eau de Parfum Sublime occupies a space between the iconic Good Girl line and the more classic Herrera fragrances. It’s designed for the woman who appreciates the brand’s signature blend of modern femininity and timeless glamour. Unlike the bold, statement-making nature of Good Girl, Sublime offers a more understated, yet equally captivating, presence. It represents a bridge, offering a scent that is both contemporary and deeply rooted in the house’s heritage of luxurious perfumery.

The inspiration behind CH Eau de Parfum Sublime is rooted in the idea of understated luxury and sensual femininity. It evokes the image of a woman who is effortlessly chic, confident in her own skin, and possesses an innate sense of grace. The scent is meant to be a personal indulgence, a subtle signature that enhances her natural charm rather than overpowering it. The concept plays on the idea of ''sublime'' – that which inspires awe and admiration through its beauty and refinement, a quality the fragrance aims to embody.

In the fragrance community, CH Eau de Parfum Sublime has garnered a reputation as a well-crafted, versatile floral-gourmand scent. While not as polarizing or as widely discussed as some of Carolina Herrera''s blockbusters, it is appreciated by those who seek a refined, feminine fragrance that performs well without being overly ostentatious. It’s often cited for its pleasing balance of sweet, floral, and woody notes, making it a reliable choice for various occasions. Its longevity and pleasant sillage contribute to its positive reception among wearers who value a scent that lasts and garners subtle appreciation.

The Nose Behind the Scent

The creation of Carolina Herrera CH Eau de Parfum Sublime is attributed to two renowned perfumers: Louise Turner and Quentin Bisch. Louise Turner, a British perfumer with a long and distinguished career at Givaudan, is known for her ability to craft elegant and sophisticated floral compositions. Her portfolio includes successful fragrances for numerous luxury houses. Quentin Bisch, also a celebrated perfumer from Givaudan, is recognized for his modern and innovative approach, often bringing a contemporary edge to his creations. Together, they aimed to create a scent that was both classic and modern, embodying the spirit of Carolina Herrera.

4.1 Overall
Longevity
4.2
Projection
3.8
Sillage
3.5
$75 - $110 for 50ml; $95 - $140 for 100ml
🌸Springβ˜€οΈSummerπŸ‚Fall❄️Winter

Accords

Sweet 30%
Floral 25%
Fruity 15%
Woody 15%
Citrus 10%
Musky 5%

Notes Pyramid

Top
BergamotPassionfruitOrange Blossom
Heart
RoseOrchidTiare Flower
Base
PatchouliSandalwoodCashmere WoodVanilla

Scent Journey

1
Opening 0-30 min

The fragrance opens with a bright and juicy burst of tropical passionfruit, immediately complemented by the zesty zest of bergamot and the delicate sweetness of orange blossom. This initial phase is vibrant and uplifting, hinting at the fruity-floral journey to come.

2
Heart 1-2 hrs

As the scent settles, the heart notes emerge, revealing a sophisticated bouquet of exotic orchids and creamy tiare flower, softened by the classic elegance of rose. This phase is where the floral character truly blossoms, blending seamlessly with the lingering fruitiness from the opening.

3
Drydown 4+ hrs

The drydown of CH Eau de Parfum Sublime is warm, sensual, and grounding. The creamy vanilla and smooth sandalwood create a comforting base, interwoven with the earthy depth of patchouli and the soft, enveloping texture of cashmere wood. This final stage leaves a lingering, sophisticated trail.

Performance Dashboard

⏱️ Longevity 4.2/5

Lasts a solid 7-9 hours on skin, with good presence throughout most of its wear time.

πŸ“’ Projection 3.8/5

Projects moderately for the first 2-3 hours, creating a noticeable aura without being overpowering. It then settles into a more intimate, skin-like scent.

πŸ’¨ Sillage 3.5/5

Leaves a pleasant, moderate trail that is noticeable to those in close proximity. It''s not an overwhelming scent bubble, but rather a sophisticated whisper.

When to Wear

🌸SpringBest
β˜€οΈSummerAvoid
πŸ‚FallBest
❄️WinterOK

Community Verdict

⭐ Overall
4.1
πŸ‘ƒ Scent
4.3
⏱️ Longevity
4.0
πŸ’¨ Sillage
3.7
πŸ’° Value
3.8

Pros & Cons

  • βœ… Beautifully balanced sweet and floral notes.
  • βœ… Excellent longevity for an Eau de Parfum.
  • βœ… Versatile for various occasions and seasons.
  • βœ… Sophisticated and feminine scent profile.
  • βœ… Pleasant sillage that garners compliments.
  • ❌ Can be perceived as slightly generic by some fragrance enthusiasts.
  • ❌ The sweetness might be too much for those who prefer drier scents.
  • ❌ Performance can vary slightly depending on skin chemistry and application.

Price & Value

$75 - $110 for 50ml; $95 - $140 for 100ml
Premium

“While on the higher end, the quality of ingredients, balanced composition, and good performance justify the premium price for many.”

4.1 Overall
Longevity
3.5
Projection
3.8
Sillage
3.5
$80-110 for 100ml
🌸Springβ˜€οΈSummerπŸ‚Fall❄️Winter

Accords

Floral 35%
Fruity 20%
Fresh Spicy 15%
Woody 20%
Musky 10%

Notes Pyramid

Top
BergamotPassionfruitPink Pepper
Heart
RoseGardeniaOrange Blossom
Base
Cashmere WoodWhite MuskCedar

Scent Journey

1
Opening 0-30 min

Bright burst of bergamot and passionfruit, with a lively pink pepper sparkle, offering an immediate fresh and uplifting feel.

2
Heart 1-2 hrs

Elegant rose and crisp gardenia emerge, softened by orange blossom, maintaining a radiant and sophisticated floral heart. Lighter than the EDP's denser florals.

3
Drydown 4+ hrs

A soft, warm blend of cashmere wood, clean white musk, and a hint of cedar, providing a refined and lingering finish without the heavy sweetness or patchouli of the EDP.

Performance Dashboard

⏱️ Longevity 3.5/5

Lasts 6-7 hours, typical for an EDT, less than the EDP.

πŸ“’ Projection 3.8/5

Moderate to strong for the first 2-3 hours, then settles closer to the skin.

πŸ’¨ Sillage 3.5/5

Leaves a noticeable but not overwhelming trail.

When to Wear

🌸SpringBest
β˜€οΈSummerBest
πŸ‚FallOK
❄️WinterAvoid

Community Verdict

⭐ Overall
4.1
πŸ‘ƒ Scent
4.3
⏱️ Longevity
3.5
πŸ’¨ Sillage
3.5
πŸ’° Value
4.0

Pros & Cons

  • βœ… Lighter and more versatile for daytime wear
  • βœ… Fresher and brighter scent profile
  • βœ… More affordable than the EDP
  • βœ… Good for warmer climates
  • ❌ Shorter longevity compared to the EDP
  • ❌ Less intense projection than the EDP
  • ❌ Slightly simpler scent evolution

Price & Value

$80-110 for 100ml
Good

“More accessible pricing than the EDP, offering a sophisticated scent for everyday wear.”

Who It's For

βœ… Ideal For

  • Women aged 25-50
  • Those who appreciate modern, feminine floral scents
  • Individuals seeking a sophisticated yet approachable everyday fragrance
  • Fans of sweet, fruity, and woody notes

⚠️ Not Recommended For

  • Those who prefer extremely light or fresh scents
  • Individuals sensitive to patchouli or sweet notes
  • Anyone seeking a bold, attention-grabbing ''clubbing'' scent

The Family

CH Eau de Toilette Carolina Herrera

A lighter, more citrus-forward interpretation.

CH L''Eau Carolina Herrera

A fresh and aquatic take on the CH essence.

CH PrivΓ©e Carolina Herrera

A more sensual and oriental flanker.

Explore More

πŸ” Similar Fragrances

LancΓ΄me La Vie Est Belle LancΓ΄me

Shares a similar sweet, floral, and gourmand profile with good longevity.

Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Yves Saint Laurent

Offers a comparable blend of sweet, floral, and vanilla notes with a modern appeal.

Giorgio Armani Si Eau de Parfum Giorgio Armani

Features a prominent blackcurrant note paired with floral and woody undertones, offering a sophisticated sweetness.

πŸ’‘ Clone Alternatives

Ariana Grande Cloud Ariana Grande

Users often note similarities in the sweet, vanilla, and airy aspects.

Al Haramain L''Aventure Blanche Al Haramain

A more budget-friendly option that captures some of the fruity-floral sweetness.

❀️ You May Also Enjoy

Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh Marc Jacobs

For those who enjoy a lighter, fruitier floral scent.

Dolce & Gabbana The Only One Dolce & Gabbana

If you appreciate a modern, sweet, and slightly gourmand floral.

Gucci Bloom Acqua di Fiori Gucci

For a more aquatic and green floral experience within a similar elegance.

More from Carolina Herrera

Good Girl Eau de Parfum Carolina Herrera
Bad Boy Eau de Toilette Carolina Herrera
Herrera Confidential Collection Carolina Herrera
CH Eau de Parfum Carolina Herrera

πŸ§ͺ Layering Ideas

πŸ† Final Verdict

Carolina Herrera CH Eau de Parfum Sublime is a testament to refined femininity. It’s a scent that understands the power of subtlety, offering a sophisticated blend of sweet passionfruit, exotic florals, and creamy woods. If you’re searching for a fragrance that transitions seamlessly from a busy workday to an elegant evening out, and one that consistently garners appreciative glances without demanding attention, CH Eau de Parfum Sublime is a worthy addition to your collection. It’s an accessible luxury, a personal indulgence that enhances your natural charm.

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