Head to head
Guerlain Vétiver and Terre d'Hermès are often compared by people choosing between the two. Both belong to the woody family, and they share vetiver and pepper. They are close in style: much of the character of one is also in the other.
Vétiver stands apart with bergamot, lemon and mandarin, while Terre d'Hermès brings orange, grapefruit and pelargonium. Terre d'Hermès lasts longer (long-lasting against moderate), and they project about the same (moderate). Vétiver is the cheaper one: about $110 against $125 for a standard bottle.
How we picked. We put the two fragrances side by side using the data in our catalog: notes, olfactory family, longevity, projection, the seasons and occasions each one suits and its typical price. A fragrance smells different on each person, so try both on skin if you can. Prices are typical US retail prices and may differ at checkout.
| VétiverGuerlain | Terre d'HermèsHermès | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | $110 · 3.4 oz | $125 · 3.4 oz |
| Concentration | Eau de Toilette | Eau de Toilette |
| Launched | 1959 | 2006 |
| Family | Woody, Citrus | Woody, Citrus |
| Top notes | Bergamot, Lemon, Mandarin, Neroli | Orange, Grapefruit |
| Heart notes | Vetiver, Pepper, Nutmeg | Pepper, Pelargonium |
| Base notes | Tobacco, Tonka bean, Oakmoss | Vetiver, Cedar, Benzoin |
| Longevity | Moderate | Long-lasting |
| Projection | Moderate | Moderate |
| Best seasons | Spring, Summer, Fall | Spring, Summer, Fall |
| Occasions | Office, Everyday, Formal event | Office, Everyday, Formal event |
| Style | Classic, Natural, Elegant | Natural, Elegant, Classic |
Guerlain
$110 · 3.4 oz · EDT · Men · Woody
Crisp citrus, earthy vetiver root and a trace of tobacco. A dry, green classic that has set the standard for vetiver for decades.
Choose Vétiver if you want a lower price.
Hermès
$125 · 3.4 oz · EDT · Men · Woody
Earth, mineral and bitter orange. A walk between the vegetal and the mineral, sober and deeply elegant.
Choose Terre d'Hermès if you want longer wear and something better suited to cold weather.
Answer 7 quick questions about the person and the occasion, and we will match the fragrances that fit best.
Take the quizTerre d'Hermès lasts longer (long-lasting against moderate), and they project about the same (moderate). Longevity also depends on your skin and on how much you apply.
Vétiver is the cheaper one: about $110 against $125 for a standard bottle. These are typical US retail prices for a standard bottle and change often, so check the current price before buying.
They share vetiver and pepper. They are close in style: much of the character of one is also in the other.
For spring and summer they are about equally suited. For fall and winter, Terre d'Hermès is the better fit. Vétiver is at its best in spring, summer and fall, and Terre d'Hermès in spring, summer and fall.
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