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LOVE IT!! I always get compliments on it.

Unique scent

I LOVE IT!! Thank you for carrying it!

I just bougth one, it smell like some nasty parfum, it do not smell like the one my mother bought a long time ego and it took forever to sent it. wandering if they are not boot leg

First is always elegant, rare, never overpowers, and eventually it just might be your one and only fragrancem as it is mine.

I love it, I have used this for years and always have gotten great compliments. lifts my spirits the minute i put it on

when u wear this perfume u can feel luxurious though its a classic aldehydes but its still modern u wont go unnoticed when u wear this a true luxury.

I first smelt this as a child when at a dinner dance with my parents all the ladies were given a miniature. I remember thinking it was like what an expensive perfume should smell like. I can't remember much more but the reviews on this site have persuaded me to purchase a large bottle of it & I can't wait to try it. I'm glad to see the bottle is still the same shape.

When FIRST came into my life, the other few perfumes I had used (seasonally,time of day, for an event) were gradually sidelined. At last FIRST seemed to have become my very own fragrance, and that, was a first! It's elegant and refined, and has extraordinary high notes that are anchored by a mature resonance. It's fresh and timeless, all at once. FIRST just doesn't smell like anything else, and I love wearing it, every day.

Classic discreet elegance, a Grace Kelly of perfumes!

My Husband was working in the West Indies and became good friends with a family that owned a perfume shop. He gave him a bottle of First to bring to me.This was in 1982, Since that year, I recieve a gift set or 3 oz bottle of First for my birthday each year. I also had a friend visit this shop years later and she also purchased a bottle from them, as did my brother. This was such a special joy for me. Every one I know , Knows I only wear First>

I was first introduce to first by a friend of mine in 1980, who went to Paris and gave it to me as gift. Ever since then, I always use first. It has this sensuous smell that I will always wear it.

First is my First,One & Only! I've been wearing it since 1981 and it is the only perfume I can say "It's me". My Mom says when ever someone in her presence wears "First" she looks for me - she knows I must be around even though we live 2 continents away.

Where do you find the JLS #!?

I just noticed your message - I haven't been on the board for a while. To answer your question, yes Jean Louis Scherrer is the original and first fragrance, then came Jean Louis Scherrer 2 which is an oriental type. Yes JLS does have good lasting power. It is top quality.

This is also my signature scent. I've been wearing it since the birth of my son who turns 30 next month. I always receive raving compliments from men. But, most of all, I've tried others and nothing even comes close to FIRST!

A friend introduced me to first in 1980 and I have loved it ever since. The bottles have changed but the scent remains the same. It's hard to find the shower gel though. And sugguestions where? Boucheron is a classic as well. These two are the only thing I wear.

This is my signature scent. I've been wearing it since the 70's and have tried others, none of them were "me". I had a friend who bought a bottle for herself, and after hearing someone comment that they knew I was at the party because of the scent, she gave it to me !

I've read on other fragrance boards that the formula changed around 2004 and that the newer version is not as nice (they complain of a stale/buttery note in the drydown). I recently got a sample from someone who had a bottle given to them and they are not sure how old the bottle was. Could someone who has purchased a bottle of First before 2004 and after, please let me know if there is any difference. Thanks!

Thankyou for your advice regarding Jean Louis Scherrer #1. I will look for it. Two questions: does it last? and, is it the same as Jean Louis Scherrer, without the #1? Thanks.

Another one you might like to try is Jean Louis Scherrer (#1). I've recently bought some after having a sample in 1979 when it came out. From memory it hasn't changed, it's very French, has a light green note and has that classy soapy-clean note that I like in First. It's lighter and easier to wear than First and good in the daytime as well as evening.

I am trying to find "First gel parfumant pour la douche" by Van Cleef and Arpels. Anyone know wher I can find?

This truly is the most memorable scent I've ever worn. I've tried many different scents but always come back to my # 1 First .. It's elegant / sophisticated / classy / smells expensive ... Always commented on.

Because I'm a sweet/ambery oriental-fragrance-lover I need years to 'understand' and appreciate FIRST... I guess my nose didn't smell all the fine notes exactly in this well balanced composition. Now I categorize FIRST as a bright classic clean white floral with a hint of exquisite soap. Meanwhile I can understand why it's a beloved fragrance for so many women around the world: First smells elegant, refined and expensive... and... it is here to stay!!!

The scent of the parfum or just the body creme alone is just amazing and always takes me back to a more romantic time in my life.

I love the scent; its soft; and not overpowering. I get so many compliments from men when wearing this.

Just found First again - I thought it was discontinued. I love it. Also wear Channel Number 5 and Tresor.

Sue, thank you for your suggestions regarding casual alternatives to First. I finally bought Cerruti 1881, and it works great for the work/casual aspects of my life. I get many compliments. First is still my favorite for evening/"dress-up" occasions, and my husband's favorite too.

This is definitely signature scent material! I am trying it out over time with that objective in mind!

II think Frist is a beautiful, complex floral scent that doesn't get tiresome or boring. It wears well through the day and is a timeless classic.

I bought this on a whim today - I asked the lady behind the counter if she could spray the tester for me and I was taken immediately. It's just perfect - it smells fantastic! I'd heard of First before and wasn't sure whether it was one I'd purchased years ago (I think I might have had Van Cleef by Van Cleef) HOWEVER I'm blown away by this. I'm quite fickle when it comes to perfumes and it takes a really special one for me to stick with it, and this is definitely I could stick with. This could definitely work as my signature scent. I'm going out tonight and I can't wait to wear it!

First! Years ago, a friend of mine bought this for me. I've had so many compliments over the years when I wear this. Strangers (even women!) come upto me and tell me it smells wonderful! It's not always easy to find, but diffently worth the effort for me. A perfume specialist once explained that perfumes react to our body chemistry, and that everyone has a signature scent. She did not know what I was wearing at the time, but she did say that whatever it was, was my signature! When ever I want a postive reaction from those around me, I wear First!

Your suggestions for casual alternatives were very helpful. I've tried Cerruti 1881, still thinking about it. And I bought Eclat d'arpege, love it!

this is one classy perfume !!! so sophisticated ! it is more for the day. a very elegant perfume that evokes an image of a very beautiful woman who allows her perfume to speak for her and choses to be an enigma herself. a classic beauty ..... much like the perfume itself !!!!

I agree that First is not appropriate for work in a hospital setting. You might like to try the new summer version of first, or try another fragrance from the floral aldehydic family - a good one is Eclat d'Arpege - light, fresh, modern and sophisticated. It's a little like D & G Blue but nicer. My favourite scent for work is Cerruti 1881 with its clean fresh linen scent softened by a subtle fruity woody base.

It's wonderful and lasts all day, very elegant and feminine. I will buy it again.

Van Cleef & Arpels is coming out with a new Limited Edition of First. This will be a relaunch of the 2004 version! Have not tried it but looking forward to getting my hands and nose on it :) Supposed to be for summer - this is coming out in September 2005 again... The fragrance is said to be seductive, luminous and fresh... A modern version of First*: Here is the descriptions: Fresh and sparkling: tangerine and blackcurrant leaves (love blackcurrant!); Floral and luminous: peony and Casablanca lily; Warm: amber and white ceder!!! This sounds incredible and not to be missed!!! Can't wait to try it! If anyone has tried it could you please elaborate on this -- did you like it?

This wonderful fragrance is perfect for my chemistry. I love it and get compliments from the people I know and perfect strangers, too. I put it on in the morning and, while it is not overpowering, it lasts all day.

After reading the comments of the other perfume afficcionados, I became curious why First got a high rating. I went to the local shop which sells this perfume and smelled it myself. No offense meant for those who love this perfume but I don't think I like the smell. It is too strong for a humid place like the Philippines where I live. I even associate the smell to the religious figurines found inside the churches. Really, this is not my number 1.

My husband bought me first years ago, and I have recently started wearing it again. I love the balance, clean smell, sophisticated, etc.. My question is, I am a nurse and looking for an appropriate "lighter version" of something similar to wear for daytime. I have tried White Linen and White linen breeze, they don't work with my chemistry. Also tried 212, a bit too heavy. Any suggestions?

first is the finest. first tme. forst love. first romance. stars. wonderful.

I have been using First for many years, and have never gotten so many compliments by the wonderful fragance of First. Such a soft not overpowering smell.

I don't know what people see in First. I thought maybe my bottle was off but I sprayed it from the shop yesterday and still hate it - think I have a thing about tuberose also it's not very feminine on me - chemistry? However I love Gem -why has it been discontinued?

Absolutely breathtaking. Heady, soft, full bodied, it lasts all day without touchups, brings my guy to his knees everytime.

Going on big first date...and used to wear l'ombre rose. Still have bottle but want to find something that will drive men wild?Any answers anyone?

I put this on at 6:30 am it is now 6:26 pm & i can still smell great. Juat don't forget everyone is different and perfumes can act differently on each person. I hope it works for you. I have been wearing First since 1977.

i work in a stressful place, does this perfume last long into the night?

does this frangrance last long?

I love it, such an elegant fragrance, but I think primarily for evening, sometimes business formal, and as a winter fragrance.

I have been using this fragrance since 1980. It is classy, sexy and everybody comments on how wonderful I always smell.

Hi ladies, purchased this on internet from another web site based upon positive comments. To me this is a big NO! it smells like rotting peaches and dead flowers. It is not at all similar to Chanel 19 which I love nor Murasaki which I have been wearing for the last five years. Nothing at all like So Pretty by Cartier, either! Sorry , no offense to thise who love it but I tried wearing it and also spraying in my home, but no go. To make matters worse I assumed the pressed scented powder compact would be the size of regular powder compact but it is the size of a tiny pillbox. How on earth does one apply powder to body with something so tiny, lip brush? Box states gift with purchase so I paid for something that First gave away free.

Bath powder is available on the web, from perfumebay. It is a solid powder in gold compact 3.5 oz under 15 American dollars, amazing price for such quality!

I just love the way first make me feel.

My usual preference for perfumes is for fairly light 'goody-goody' florals a bit on the tame side. But there is something compelling about this fragrance and I had to buy some. It is soft but insistent at the same time and definitely not for casual or daytime use. It requires elegant dressing in deep rich colours and I would avoid warm weather. Black velvet would be perfect. When you try it, give it time, it has great depth and grows on you and is very sexy. The use of blackcurrant and blackcurrant buds is unusual and gives it a distinctiveness. The body lotion is very good and would be OK for daytime with smart dressing. First really is a beautiful and elegant fragrance.

First is not a casual perfume.It's clean and very rich smelling.In my opinion it complements business suits or evenings when your very well dressed.This perfume really reminds me of expensive jewels.Especially white diamonds.A keeper.

I am in the UK and also close to France. First is not being discontinued at all. They are still producing everything except they have discontinued the Dusting Powder only. This is in response to the press scares of ovarian cancer being linked to talculm powder.

I went to the Van Cleef & Arpels web site and they still have First listed. I don't think it is being discontinued. I have used this scent for 20 years, it makes me feel very feminine

I first got a scent of First in 1982...I bought it right away and got rid of all my other perfumes. I never wear anything but First! Everytime I wear this I get so may compliments. I have yet to meet anyone who didn't like this soft scent!

I was pleased to see the letter about First perfume. I too long for the exquisite fragrance of this lost perfume. I also remarked to my husband that First perfume had some of the notes of my beloved crepe de chine. I keep hoping that Millot will rise again and start to produce that lovely scent.I challange the makers of First to try as they have some of the notes already! Please, Please try!

For over 20 years, First has been my absolute favorite. I know things don't smell the same on everyone, but I am ALWAYS told how good I smell, and don't feel completely dressed without it!

I have been wearing first for over 25 years and love it. I have heard that Van Cleef has stopped making it, does any one know what the story is. I don't know if whats out there is the real deal or fake.

The "green" notes are overpowering and this just smelled like an old lady to me.

I bought this perfume for my wedding fragrance. I love it, my husband adores it and it reminds both of us of our holidays abroad, where the fragrance just clings romantcally to clothes in the warm balmy evenings. I noticed that people shook hands much slower and lingered a while and kisses always had a demand of,"What is that perfume you're wearing?" Of course, I'd say I couldn't remember!!! It remains my luxurious surrounding and forget the desert island disc, this is the first thing I'd pack.

Last year on a plane to Australia to meet my boyfriend, I was sat next to a delightful French Lady called Dominic who was on her way to meet her husband in KL anyway she gave me a sample of First and said I would smell nice when I met up with my boyfriend. She was right and the effects were wonderful. Well when I left Australia to return home for a while, I purchased a bottle and the memories remain fresh in my head, as does the fragrance on my wrists and neck. It's wonderful.

Simply classy

Classy

I heard they are not making it. I can't understand why they would not. It is GREAT. If anyone knows where to buy it let me know

CLASSY

I can stand it for 5 minutes, at best. Then it's all dying flowers and sweaty stuff. Not for me.

Do not get fooled by the "goody2shoes" first impression of this fragrance... As it settles on the skin, and starts mingling with skin oils and such, it gradually becomes quite sexy. The scent appears to emanate form the wearer, not a bottle, all the notes are well balanced and blended so the only prevalent scent is that of the wearer... The fragrance itself is more like a background singer. One of my favorite florals.

is that it seems a bit tame. I would expect something with oak moss to knock me off my feet and make me say wow. I like it though, nothing offensive about it. Maybe with more time and more attitude, it will develop a kick.

Many, many thanks to the very kind readers who took the time to answer my question regarding an alternative to First. I have compiled the names you suggested and will endeavor to try everyone of these perfumes, to be sure. It's such a pleasure to have found this website whereas we can all share our love of precious scents. Thanks again. Pascale

Haunting, classy and wonderful. First is definitely one of my favorites.

Want to smell sophisticated and classy? Then try First! Perfect for those Winter days.

I have been told that the new owners have discontinued the First dusting powder. I loved it and would love to find it as well.

I was trying to remember some floral-aldehydic fragrances for you: Givenchy III, Sisley, Paloma Picasso, Safari, Y (YSL), Paris, and from those more contemporary scents - Coco Mademoiselle, Christian Lacroix, Intrusion (Oscar de la Renta)... Good luck!!!

You should be able to purchase First at most of the larger Dillards Dept. Stores. The OKC, OK Penn Square Store carries it. Hope this helps you.

Hi Pascale, as another fan of First, may I add to the list of suggestions the following fragrances: Nina (Nina Ricci) Fleur de fleurs (Nina Ricci) Chanel 19 Murasaki (Shiseido) Tamango (Leonard) So Pretty (Cartier) Good luck.

Many years ago, my Aunt Jean brought back a fragrance from Paris. The fragrance was Crepe de Chine. First reminds me of this fragrance which has not been made for the last thirty years. Thanks to the ladies who took their time to write such glowing comments about First, I bought it, receiving two surprises--the long-lost fragrance of Crepe de Chine in the heavenly fragrance of First.

Anyonbe find the dusting powder???? Mom is all out and I need to find her some.

I have been unable to find it online either. Anyone have any ideas?

i am currently compiling a more detailed list of perfume family. i can suggest a few fragrances with similar ingredients to First. Chanel No. 5, Lanvin Arpege, Rochas Madame Rochas, YSL rive gauche, Hermes Caleche, Guerlain Chant d'Aromes & Liu. hope it helps.

I recieved First as a gift and enjoyed every squirt of it. Unfortunately the bottles empty now and This is the only place I've heard of it mentioned. Do they sell it in any regular shopping stores or Canadian perfume stores? If you have any info for me that's awesome becuz I don't have a credit card to use for the net. thanxs.

H Jakqua, thank you so much for your suggestions regarding a possible alternative to First. I will follow your instructions carefully as I have been pray in the past to the non-linear perfumes ( whereas what you end up with is NOT what you thought you were buying ) and have done too many impulse purchases on the spot! A costly way to learn about head, heart and base notes indeed. I am hoping I can locate 3 of your suggestions ( a bit harder to find around here). Ysastis and Paloma appear to be more easily available. Thank you for your help. PascaleP

I have several suggestions for you. Ysatis by Givency Paloma Picasso by Paloma Picasso Zahra by Fashion Fair Mitsouko by Guerlain Pheromone by Marilyn Miglan Please, try these fragrances individually before you purchase them. Ask the ladies at the counters for samples of any kind or just spray them on, by themselves, one at a time and wear each of them all day, make sure you put on enough though. I am almost certain you will like one or all of these. Let me know which one(s) you like. I have already got dibbs on the one that you will like the best!!!! Good Luck!!!

Hi Bonnie, Many thanks for your suggestions regarding a alternative to First. I am familiar with Arpege but have yet to sample Caleche (Hermes, is it not?) or Quelques fleurs. I am grateful for these tips. Thanks a bunch. ppayne

I agree that First is one of the more elegant and classy scents. I too have tried Chanel #5 and like it, more in the winter than summer. I do have a couple of suggestions for you to try. Arpege by Lanvin is wonderful (however, does have jasmine) or Caleche by Hermes (also has some jasmine). I was wondering if you have ever tried Quelques Fleurs by Houbigant? It is a floral, but a little more aromatic and powdery. I received some for Mother's Day and loved it. Hope this helps you. By the way, if you'd like, email me at BJ0402@aol.com and let me know if any of these worked for you.

Hi everyone, I was hoping you could give me some suggestions regarding a First-like fragrance. I bought a bottle of "First" from Van Cleef and Arpels a week ago and while the head notes are truly lovely the heart notes turned into one strong jasmin scent which unfortunatly does not suit me at all. Any suggestion for a similar floral aldehylic fragance without the jasmin/gardenia middle notes? I already tried Chanel # 5 which I very much liked but which oddly enough (since I am not prone to allergic reaction ) did not set on me very well. Thank you in advance for your suggestions. PPayne

I am an absolute perfume addict. The first time I smelled First was when I stayed in my in-laws home, now 23 years ago. As soon as my mother in law would leave the house, I would sneak into her bathroom and use some of her First. I thought that if I used just very little, no one would notice..... My mother in law was such a good sport about it, she never said one word about it! I now have my own bottle of First on my night stand and my 11 year old daughter steals my perfume whenever I am not around. I pretend I never notice!

First - gel parfumant pour la douche - is my wife's very favorite bath product ... but I believe that Van Cleef & Arpels have ceased production. Any ideas where we can find this?

Love it.. All my friends think of it as "my" fragrance.. that it just doesn't smell the same on anyone else.

I have been using First since 1979, I love it!!! It is me!

My signature scent. I love it! It's not over-bearing or heavy.

My signature scent. I love it!

I have worn First, by VanCleef & Arpels, since 1976 or 1977. My husband loves the fragrance. I have never become tired of it.

I have allergies to those strong perfumes but First by Van Cleef is the best.

Sharp and very floral, but not bad! Soap is great and refreshing!

I found out about First in a Danielle Steel book. Since the first time I bought it I've been hooked. Love it. The fragrance is so soft.

Unfortunately, this one does not suite my skin at all.:( Pity, because I like it very much. I gave it to my mum. Smells lovely on her.

For almost 25 yrs. FIRST has been my fragrance and although everyone loves the scent, they consider it mine. I love it.

I have been using ONLY First products for 25 years and still LOVE them.

I would like to know if Perfume Emporium handles FIRST dusting powder. I have been unable to find it in stores in my area.

I have been unable to find First Bath Powder on the web anywhere!