The story of La Prairie
It all starts in 1931 on Lake Geneva. Dr Paul Niehans opened the Clinique La Prairie in Montreux, devoted to rejuvenation treatments. For decades it drew a wealthy international clientele. In 1978 a skincare line grew out of that world and took the La Prairie name. The two became separate entities in the 1980s. The cosmetics brand adopted its cobalt blue and aimed for the very top of the market. Beiersdorf, the group behind Nivea, bought it in 1991. Fragrance has stayed a sideline. Midnight Rain came out in 2006 as the scented extension of a skincare brand. La Prairie never made perfume a major focus.
An olfactory signature
Midnight Rain smells of warm rain on tropical fruit. Guava and mandarin open onto juicy pomegranate. Freesia then brings a fairly sheer floral freshness. It suggests a palace bathroom more than a stormy night. It is clean and polished with no rough edges. You can tell a skincare brand made it: the texture matters as much as the smell. Longevity is average, which fits its quiet character.
Which La Prairie perfume to choose?
Midnight Rain suits fans of sheer fruity florals and spa moods. Wear it by day in spring or summer. It is safe at the office. Start with two sprays and top up in the afternoon. It has become hard to find, so check batch dates with online sellers. The price is high for this profile. For an easier alternative, try Marc Jacobs Daisy, which leans strawberry. Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue is the more lemony option.