Christian Dior

11 Fragrances Similar to Dior Sauvage EDT (Elixir or EDP)

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Dior’s Sauvage EDT became one of the most popular, if not the most popular, men’s fragrance over the past five or so years. It is amazing how near ubiquitous, that this scent has become. Once a cologne has achieved such popularity, it will no doubt spawn other fragrances which smell similar or very comparable.

In this post, I am going to provide ten options for guys who want a scent which is close to Sauvage by Christian Dior, whether you want Sauvage EDT, Elixir, or EDP like versions.

 

Colognes that are Like Sauvage

Best Overall 

Prada Luna Rossa CARBON for Men Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.4 ounce– Aside, from Sauvage EDP listed below, Luna Rossa Carbon is the closest smelling men’s fragrance to Dior Sauvage at any price. In fact, it is one which I actually prefer to the Dior fragrance. They share the bergamot, ambroxan, lavender, and pepper notes.

Carbon is smoother, less spicy with the pepper, but with more lavender. Carbon also has a slight metallic tinge, that Sauvage does not. I’ve compared these scents: here. Carbon has good performance and is a damn near clone of Sauvage, at times.

I recently wore both scents on back to back days. Honestly, my experience with Carbon was so much more enjoyable. Plus, I can get 7-11 hours of nice wear from it. I’m not always in the mood for a lavender fragrance, but I cannot really say that I’m ever going to choose Sauvage EDT against this Prada cologne. Luna Rossa Carbon Review

The First Inspiration

Aromatic Star Anise by Dossier– Dossier is a brand that has become well-known for their fragrances which smell a great deal like popular designer perfumes. Aromatic Star Anise is their impression of Dior Sauvage.

With these, you don’t get a 100% accuracy, but to say that it is above 90% of the same smell wouldn’t be outrageous. The same citrus, a focus one spicy star anise note (not the same Sichuan pepper, but a pepper note is there too), lavender, and the rest of the ingredients. 

All of that for the current price (as of writing) of $29. Beyond that, you can try it out and send the bottle back, if it doesn’t meet expectations. This is one from Dossier, I haven’t personally tried, but other options have been quite good.

Inspired 2

Selvaggio by Fragrenza– Fragrenza is another brand with cheaper fragrance impressions of expensive designer scents. It’s not too well known, as of yet, but I was impressed by the batch of samples that I bought from the company.

The perfumes really came close to what they were trying to mimic, not exact dupes, just very close and had outstanding performance. Also, you don’t have to buy a full bottle, you can buy a smaller sample to see if you’d like to go ahead with committing to the larger size bottle.

Selvaggio is the company’s Sauvage inspired cologne. It has the same basic structure as our target, including the citrus and Sichuan pepper start. The full bottle currently goes for $39, which is a really low barrier to entry in comparison to Dior.

Inspiration of All Sauvage

Savage Elixir by The Dua Brand– If you’re looking for something very close to Sauvage EDT, the Dua Brand has you covered.  (Update: It looks like this one isn’t currently available, so, I linked to the Elxir version. Not sure if it’ll come back, so you might want to check when you see this page). However, it goes further than Dossier and Fragrenza, because it also has its inspired versions of Sauvage Elixir, Sauvage EDP, and blends with other famous colognes.

It sort of depends what’s in stock at the time, but they’re usually really good a re-upping the popular fragrances. I haven’t had a bad experience with any of the inspired perfumes that I’ve bought from them in the past. Every one has been pretty much what you get with the designer brand, just sometimes a bit more linear and not the same exact depth.

But, if you want something very similar to Elixir, EDP, or EDT you can try out the options from Dua.

Better Sauvage Option

Sauvage by Dior Eau de Parfum Spray 60ml– The eau de parfum version of Sauvage, is obviously going to smell very much like the EDT original.

However, this one is arranged differently and smells better, in my opinion. This would be my first option, if I wanted a Sauvage fragrance.

The ambroxan note is stronger here from the start and takes the sharpness of the bergamot and Sichuan pepper away.

It also pairs a sweet and smoky vanilla note with the lavender and ambroxan, which gives it a nice distinction. Sauvage EDP also has great sillage and lasts for over 10 hours.

Yeah, it’s a flanker of Sauvage, but it still gives you enough of that original experience while being better in every regard. I’d also go with the Parfum version, before the EDT. Sauvage EDP Review

In the Same Vein

VERSACE Dylan Blue Pour Homme Eau De Toilette Spray Box Sealed, 6.7 Ounce– Dylan Blue is a close relative of Sauvage, as an aroma. This Versace starts off with a similar citrus pairing of bergamot and grapefruit, ambroxan, and pepper.

However, Dylan Blue also has a slight aquatic element to it, and a very prominent fig note.

If Dylan Blue, could have retained much of the opening act, with that fig note…I would be a much bigger fan. I like it, but it’s not a love. In most cases, I think I’d wear this before Sauvage EDT, but it’s more of a tossup.

I wasn’t really sold on this cologne, when I first tried it out. However, I came around to liking the opening hour or two, the more I wore it. I’m still not completely impressed by the second act, nor the fairly standard performance, but it is a very good scent overall. Dylan Blue Review

 
 

A Cheaper Alternative?

F Armaf Ventana Pour Homme Eau De Parfum Spray for Men, 3.4 Fluid Ounce– Ok, so, Carbon is probably the best alternative fragrance at any price. However, if you want something similar down market, Ventana by Armaf is a really good affordable option.

Ventana has a spicy quality to it, but definitely not the same level of pepper intensity as our comparison.

This Armaf has a fruitier open with a nice amount of lavender. You get grapefruit and a light mandarin, with woody notes, and a weaker amber. Ventana isn’t as much of a sillage beast, as what we’re trying to replace, but it does have very good performance.

Plus, after the first hour it smells very very close to Sauvage, all for under $30.

Overall, Ventana is a more mellow and understated scent than the EDT version of Sauvage. It provides you a very good substitute for our target, at this price level, while still having enough of a personality to remain a distinct scent.

Cheaper Close Blend

ARMAF The Pride Eau De Parfum Spray for Men, Multi 3.4 Fl Oz– The Pride is another option from the Armaf line, with a bit of a creamier profile than Sauvage EDT and in some ways a closer to Sauvage EDP…but not quite.

The citrus opening is similar to, but not exactly the same as Sauvage. More of a pure lemon than bergamot. Beyond that, the spices here aren’t as intense as the Sichuan pepper note. It is fresher and has less of a warmth to it.

Nonetheless, for the price The Pride by Armaf is surprisingly deep and has a bit of its own personality versus just being another comparison of the best seller.

Bottom Priced Story

La Rive Extreme Story For Men Eau de Toilette 2.5 oz 75 ml Spray– Extreme Story has a nice amount going for it at such a low price. This one sells for around $10, at any given time. Just getting it out of the way, this isn’t as good as Dior.

However, it’s also not terrible like you might expect. Actually, it isn’t as sharp with its citrus notes, and doesn’t have that power kick from Sichuan pepper. It does still have plenty of spice, just in a different variety. Mainly, cardamom. 

This La Rive cologne is fresh and has a cleaner floral/soapier aroma than does the more expensive designer scent. Geranium, lavender, and vetiver notes will do that.

The overlap is going to mostly be in the lavender and citrus notes, add spices/freshness and you’ve got something pretty close.

Less Citrus, Fresh, and Surprisingly Good

Ajmal Kuro for Men Eau de Parfum Spray, 3 Ounce– I became aware of Ajmal as a brand, after finding some of their women’s releases that also were close comparable aromas of famous perfumes.

Does this one replicate Sauvage? Ehh, a lot of the DNA is there, but not entirely to my nose.

The citrus notes are brought way down in comparison. It’s like Sauvage stripped of much of its citrus, more focused on freshness (geranium is pretty strong here), woodier, but with a nice lavender (actually much like Luna Rossa Carbon).

Performance is solid for around 6 hours and it only runs about $25 currently. Kuro is worth a shot.

A Bluer Parfum

Faris by Kajal– This isn’t a cheaper alternative. In fact, it can be pricier than Sauvage. However, it is a great alternative and more so favors Sauvage Parfum, while still doing its own thing.

This still has a spiciness to it with a clove, but it doesn’t come across the same as the Sichuan pepper in Sauvage. Personally, I like the change. There’s a deeper lavender and a freshness coming from the top juniper note.

More floral at times, but less of the citrus and not an explosion of lavender for the entire wear. Great performance too. Not exactly like Sauvage, it still has its own personality, but it covers much of the same ground in a great way.

Dior Homme Intense (2011) by Christian Dior

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Seeing as I just reviewed Dior Homme, I of course had to do one for its flanker fragrance, Dior Homme Intense. Don’t worry, I’ll do a comparison post of these two in the near future. Until then, I want to focus singularly on Intense as a stand alone scent.

How does it smell? How does it perform? When should it be worn? Is it worth a buy? Update: I am revising and updating this post, as I’ve gotten more experience with it, and the original Dior Homme.

What does Dior Homme Intense Smell Like?

Notes include: pear, iris, vetiver, ambrette, lavender, cedar

Click here to try: Christian Dior Dior Men Intense Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.4 Ounce

My Full Review

The opening of Dior Homme Intense hits with a blast of lavender, cedar, and vetiver. It’s a smooth woody affair that pairs with the ambrette to create a warm woods feeling. The iris emerges for me, after about a minute of wear and gives off that familiar powdery floral aroma.

The lavender is in many ways the leader, but what I guess is the ambrette, gives this fragrance its warmth and adds to the cacao sort of aroma. Cedar and vetiver solidify the base. The latter two notes, will have a greater impact later on, but I can detect them from the start.

Honestly, I think that my favorite part is the opening 10-15 minutes with this fragrance. It’s just so layered and wonderful. To me, the opening beats out Dior Homme. That’s saying something, considering Dior Homme has become a staple in my rotation.

I’ve noted in subsequent comparisons between the two, that I enjoy Dior Homme more, overall. That being said, I will combine this two, and it’s essentially a 1A vs 1B scenario.

One of the main differences with Intense, is the lack of the leather note, when compared to the original. This is woodier, with a sweeter warmth.

The iris is still dominant, later on, but tempered when compared with Dior Homme. The lavender here, plays a pretty big role in how the iris gets to develop.

As it settles down, it draws more toward the powdery end of things, and there is definitely the cacao note that is found in the original Dior Homme lurking in this mixture.

It actually dries down into a rich, chocolate (somewhat vanilla) powder, gourmand and that’s how Intense separates itself from Dior Homme.

I get a fresh and semi-sweet fragrance, once it’s fully developed. This is all sitting on a dry base of cedar and vetiver. Powdery, clean, classy, and surprisingly seductive.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The projection on Dior Homme Intense is quite good. It’s not nearly as loud as something like 1 Million but it definitely earns the intense moniker.

The longevity is excellent. Dior Homme Intense is an all day wear and then some. That’s one thing, that I really appreciate about this cologne.

On my skin, I can hit that 9-11 hour range of solid wear. Yes, towards the end of that set, it is much more of a skin scent. However, the performance is very good overall.

For wear, it’s a late fall and winter wear in my book. It has a really warm, sweet gourmand fragrance and just sits perfectly in the colder air.

I stay away from the two Dior Homme’s in summertime. Maybe, if I’m going to be indoors, during the evening. But, it has to be air conditioned, and low humidity.

In terms of versatility, it is another classy and dressed up kind of scent. Hell, I’ll wear it with t-shirt and jeans, but it exudes sophistication and is best represented when dressed to the nines.

I like Dior Homme Intense best for evening wear and romantic wear. It does a great job at filling that role.

It is a masculine fragrance, but not in a rough, or overbearing sort of way. This is a man who is well put together, not weak, but not boorish either.

I have gotten plenty of complements, wearing Dior Homme Intense. Several drivers, when I’ve headed out to the bars, have commented on how much they like it. Also, women, once I arrive in whatever nightlife venue respond really positively toward this scent.

Now, I do wear Dior Homme, over this usually. But, I do often combine the two, for greater effect. Maybe two sprays of Dior Homme for one spray of Intense. It brings out enough strength, blends well, while giving you some highlights of each of the colognes.

Overall Impression of Dior Homme Intense

Overall, would I recommend Dior Homme Intense? Yes, indeed I would. I enjoy wearing it and like it’s different take on the original Dior Homme.

You can totally have both of them, as they are different enough, to create their own experiences and have a slightly different personality, so to speak.

I absolutely love the opening act of this fragrance. It’s about as perfect, as I can imagine a scent to be, or that I have come across in all the hundreds of tests that I’ve done. It’s fantastic.

The performance overall is outstanding and there’s no overwhelming negative, that I can tell from, all of my time spent with this cologne. Dior Intense has achieved classic status, in my book.

Update: Intense is now the remaining Dior Homme with this formulation (outside of the scarce Dior Homme Parfum). The brand revamped the Dior Homme lineup, producing: Dior Homme 2020 review and the Sport variant. As such, DHI would be my number one pick from this line.

Sauvage Elixir vs. Spicebomb Extreme

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Two fragrances which have become massively popular for the colder months are Spicebomb Extreme and Sauvage Elixir. Both the Dior and Viktor & Rolf colognes are flankers to their super successful original namesakes.

The question is, which of these scents is better? Which lasts longer? Which cologne should you buy?

Tale of the Tape: Spicebomb Extreme vs. Sauvage Elixir

Sauvage Elixir

Notes include: grapefruit, wood, lavender, nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon, patchouli, vetiver

Click here to try: Sauvage Elixir at Macy’s

Read my review: Sauvage Elixir

Spicebomb Extreme

Notes include: tobacco, cumin, cinnamon, saffron, vanilla, bourbon

Click here to try: Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Extreme Eau De Parfum Spray 50ml/1.7oz

Read my Full Review: Spicebomb Extreme

spicebomb extreme edp

Opening

The spice in Spicebomb Extreme is actually kind of toned down versus what you get with the original. Yes, cumin and cinnamon are still players here, just not massive with it.

Instead, the early stages are really going to be dominated by vanilla, tobacco, and lavender notes. Smooth and warm, led by the tobacco, with a further freshness supplied by saffron peaking up through the middle.

With Sauvage Elixir, you get a lot of spice. In the Dior it’s: cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In the top, there is a lighter grapefruit versus the EDT version’s heavier use of citrus.

The next phase will have more of the lavender and some sweetness from licorice and amber. Sauvage Elixir is spicy, woody, with enough sweetness to change it up. Lots going on in the mix.

Which is better? It’s a tight race between them. Though, I think that I slightly prefer the opening of Spicebomb Extreme versus the loud spicy affair that is Elixir.

Edge: Spicebomb Extreme

Projection

Spicebomb Extreme starts out strong, maintains its level for a long time, but spends much of the rest of the wear at something that could be considered moderate.

Elixir, starts off stronger. It also stays very powerful for a longer time, and pretty easily takes this category against a Spicebomb fragrance that is no slouch itself.

Edge: Elixir

Longevity

Both of these colognes have been utterly awesome for me, with their performance.

Spicebomb Extreme goes at least 10 hours and can go as high as 12-13, depending on the climate of the day, etc.

Elixir routinely hit 12 hours for me. I’m not sure where it drops off at, as I will shower in that time frame, but it’s more than enough for anyone.

So, while both do have a long lasting duration of wear, Sauvage Elixir can take it a bit further.

Edge: Elixir

Versatility

Both of these fragrances are mainly for autumn and winter. I would avoid both during the hottest summer months, especially.

Also, I’d much prefer to wear both in casual or nightlife scenarios, versus the office. They are more mature as flankers than each of their original predecessors. Though, neither is really all that formal.

Well put together, yes. But, not tuxedo level formality.

I don’t really see much distance between them here.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these two colognes do I think is better? I really enjoy both of these, so, it’s not easy to have to choose between them.

With Elixir, you get a significantly altered version of the Sauvage formula. A focus on some different spices and the inclusion of a great licorice note, which somehow doesn’t get massively annoying with that unique aroma.

There are plenty of colognes similar to Sauvage EDT, but Elixir really sets itself apart, while remaining somewhat true to the idea of the series.

The performance is awesome. One of the best mainstream designer fragrances out there right now, in terms of its sillage and how long it stays around.

To me, though, I’d rather have Spicebomb Extreme. You take a bit of a step back with the performance, while still being excellent. The fragrance itself, smells better to me versus the Sauvage.

The vanilla and tobacco are awesome together. I like the spices, they are softer, but the round things out. Plus, the saffron helps to keep it from getting boring.

Not a huge margin between them, Extreme smells better and has long been a cold weather gem.

Winner: Spicebomb Extreme

11 Best Smelling Christian Dior Colognes

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Christian Dior is an iconic fashion brand that has been going strong from way back in the 20th century. We have already completed a list of the best ladies Dior perfumes and now it is time to present a top offerings from Dior list for men as well. Dior fragrances are usually very elegant, complex, seductive, and masculine.

Quite frankly, I consider it to be among the top of my favorite designer lists along with names like YSL. For this list, I have selected eleven scents for guys which all offer something different for the different personalities.

What are the Best Men’s Colognes by Dior?

Best Dior for Summer

Christian Dior Cologne Spray for Men, Dior Homme, 4.2 Ounce– Dior Homme Sport 2012, was my previous pick, but that’s been reformulated twice now. So, here on this update, I’m giving the nod to Dior Homme Cologne.

Dior Homme Cologne is a very simple scent, that is perfect for the warmer months of the year. It also shares a lot of overlap with Allure Homme Sport Cologne by Chanel. But, I think the Dior is slightly better.

Bergamot citrus, grapefruit blossom, and musk. Very juicy, cold, with a light floral aspect and musky base. Almost sort of a lemonade-like aroma, for parts of the wear.

Very well put together and fresh to wear around in the summertime. Decent performance, just not a complete beast. As far as I can tell, the newer update of this, is simply a new bottle design and nothing changed about the fragrance itself. Dior Homme Cologne Review

Intense Aroma

Christian Dior Dior Men Intense Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.4 Ounce– Outside of Sauvage, this is probably the next most popular Dior fragrance for men.

Dior Homme Intense is still around as of this year and didn’t get the complete overhaul that Dior Homme did (see further down on the list).

However, this is a fantastic fragrance that can have a spot, in any man’s rotation. The opening act is still among my favorites ever.

Smooth lavender, cedar, vetiver, along with pear and the signature iris note. It’s warm, seductive, woodsy, with an ambrette note that gives it a chocolatey sort of aroma. For a lot of people, this is the best Dior scent in the lineup.  Dior Homme Intense Review

Classic Dior Scent

Eau Sauvage By Christian Dior For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Oz.
A classic fragrance which dates back to the mid-1960s. Eau Sauvage is crisp, fresh, and fruit yet still retains an aura of total masculinity.

Eau Sauvage uses lemon and bergamot top notes with dry and spice herbal ones sitting underneath.

Bright, spicy, clean citrus with an old school style. There have been new variants released by Dior recently, which have a more modern approach to the original scent (like Parfum, below). So, perhaps that would be a better choice for some guys.

eau sauvage

Newer Better Eau Sauvage

Eau Sauvage Parfum– This one is harder to come by than the original Eau Sauvage. However, this 2017 update to another older flanker, is one of the best from Dior. Again though, bottles are scarce.

I had a travel sprayer full of this stuff last year, along with other entries in the Eau Sauvage series. But, this was my favorite.

Eau Sauvage Parfum kicks things off with citron, bergamot, and a resinous aroma to it. Bright, juicy, with a cold and refreshing feeling. The woods from the base already come up early on and add to the experience.

Jasmine, lavender, and vetiver play a larger role as we move the the dry down and the citrus will be more of a background player. If you can get some of this at a reasonable price, Parfum is for sure worth checking out. Eau Sauvage Parfum Review

Top Unisex Pick

Ambre Nuit Eau de Parfum– From the La Privee collection, but you could also give the nod to Fève Délicieuse. Ambre Nuit is the slightly better and wider appealing of the two, in my opinion.

Ambre Nuit features rose, amber, and pink pepper. It settles down as a lightly spiced scent, with a somewhat powdery aroma. The rose here isn’t super powerful and it never veers into coming across as a woman’s fragrance. Quite unisex indeed.

The scent itself actually does give a rather powerful performance, while the composition itself isn’t too complex.

The La Privee bottles are usually much more expensive than the standard bottles of Dior fragrances. The scents are more niche and some of them are well worth a shot.

1980s Powerhouse

Fahrenheit By Christian Dior For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 6.8 Oz.
This fragrance is one that most people will either love or hate. It can be too intense for some people to handle but for the right guy, this becomes a signature scent. Violet and honeysuckle open Fahrenheit and give off what has been described for decades now, as a gasoline like aroma.

I’d say it’s pretty accurate in my testing of this one.  It does settle down to have an emergent leather accord with the violet, which is much more pleasant than how many will find that petrol start.

There have been many flanker releases of this over the years, some are still available and take this formula in different directions. Some more bold, some lighter for summer, etc. Fahrenheit Parfum has a really awesome opening half, but I’m less enthusiastic about the dry down. Still, it’s probably the best, that are still fairly available.

People who tried this in the 1980s, say it’s not nearly as strong as it once was, but it can still pack a punch. Reformulations happen with older scents, this one hasn’t been completely diminished, though. Notes include: honeysuckle, balsam, and sandalwood. Read my Fahrenheit review here!

fahrenheit

My Personal Go To

Dior Homme By Christian Dior For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces

Light, fresh, elegant, and classy. Dior Homme is a modern classic and the scent that I wear on most days, when I’m not testing others for reviews. Dior Homme is light with floral notes like iris, on top of a woodsy base. Then, there is the sweet and raw cacao ingredient, which is lovely.

When it dries down, that’s when this one really shines for me. The leather note and how it interacts with the powdery iris and soothing lavender. It can have a makeup bag-like aroma, at times, which some folks don’t like. For men, it’s not like that but for a short time, and never feels feminine. Iris can hit your nose, differently, on occasion.

I absolutely love this stuff, the first time I tried a sample, I went out and bought the biggest bottle that they had. It is quite dry and fresh with an awesome balance between the wood notes and the floral. Semi-sweet, with a classy vibe, that is also very versatile and gets me plenty of complements. Dior Homme Full Review

This is another one Dior has updated for 2020. The newer version doesn’t have the same style as this one, but does share some overlapping notes. Mainly, the difference is the lack of iris and cacao. That can be a good or bad thing depending on who you are. It really is a completely different fragrance.

See below, as the newer version was good enough to make the list.

The New Dior Homme

Dior Homme at Macy’s– As I wrote above, the newer 2020 version of Dior Homme is a distinct fragrance from its predecessor. Not as good, in my opinion, but is still very well worth a try.

This one kicks off with a light bergamot citrus, pink pepper, and vetiver coming through early on. It’s a bit spicy, with some resinous qualities underneath, but is mostly fresh and clean.

The vetiver will have its run near the top, but the other woodsy/earthy notes will begin to have more of a role to play. Iso E Super, cedar, and cashmere wood. It becomes less spicy, more of a woody musk, with a certain amount of sweetness to it.

Again, not my favorite of the list. But, this one is very easy to wear, versatile, and has a pretty good performance as well. Dior Homme 2020 Review

Most Unique Dior Cologne

Dune By Christian Dior For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces
An underrated cologne, Dune has an oriental and woodsy profile. It is fresh, sexy, and earthy with notes of mandarin, moss, sage, basil, and cedar wood. Airy and masculine sandalwood and fig leaf, lead the way for this late 1990s release.

Can be quite green and herbal at times with the sage and basil mix, but never heavy. A unique find that is very different from most of what you’ll find on the market.

It works insanely well in the spring and summer months, but not like the usual aquatic fare. It’s getting harder to come by, but Dune Pour Homme is still absolutely brilliant, if you happen to fall under its spell. Dune Pour Homme

dune m

Top Sauvage Pick

Sauvage Elixir at Macy’s– Sauvage Elixir is a new release for 2021 and immediately got the edge above the eau de parfum as the best of the Sauvage line. It smells really nice and is a monster, in terms of its performance.

Lavender is still the main attraction here. However, Elixir is pretty different from the others in most of its notes, while still holding onto that spice, citrus, and woods DNA.

To me, the best part of Elixir comes from its newer spice accord, mainly the cinnamon and nutmeg notes. I never liked the Sichuan pepper very much in the original, but this newer mix is awesome with what it delivers.

Yes, it’s more expensive, but it lasts all day and actually brings a new interpretation to the line. The concentration here is really amped up, so, you’re going to have to pony up the cash for a smaller bottle. If you want something closer to the original Sauvage, go with the EDP (below).  Sauvage Elixir Review

Runner-Up Sauvage Fragrance

Sauvage by Dior Eau de Parfum Spray 100ml

However, Dior released the EDP version of Sauvage and changed up the composition. Everything that I disliked, went away. Not only that, they improved upon the performance and what worked well in the original release. The result? A better performer, that is sexy, and gets complements.

The ambroxan led opening is smoother and the citric harshness is gone. It feels more refined, clean, and more pleasant to wear. It is joined by a dark and somewhat smoky vanilla note and a much quieter lavender, which add to the clean creaminess of Sauvage EDP.

The Sichuan pepper is also toned down and joined by lighter spices like anise and nutmeg. Has really great versatility and works well in different weather and climate conditions. I really dig this variant versus the original EDT. It’s also still better than the recent, Parfum version, which is second in terms of Sauvage releases. Dior Sauvage EDP Review

Dior Sauvage EDT vs. Elixir

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Sauvage is a line that keeps printing money for Dior, and so, they’re obviously going to keep putting out new flankers for the foreseeable future. The latest, is Sauvage Elixir, an expensive and more concentrated take on the name. It’s enjoying early success, but how does this new fragrance compare to the original EDT. In this post, I will compare each in a variety of categories, before declaring an ultimate winner.

Sauvage Elixir or EDT? Tale of the Tape

Sauvage EDT

Notes include: Bergamot, Ambroxan, Sichuan Pepper, lavender, pink pepper, and more

Click here to try: Sauvage by Chrisitan Dior Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce

Read my review: Sauvage EDT Review

Sauvage Elixir

Notes include: grapefruit, wood, lavender, nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon, patchouli, vetiver

Click here to try: Sauvage Elixir at Macy’s

Read my review: Sauvage Elixir

Opening

Sauvage EDT starts off sharp with the citrus bergamot and Sichuan pepper notes out in full force. This is joined by that lavender note that is found across the Sauvage offerings. It’s intense and not all that great to my nose, especially when ambroxan gets thrown into the mix.

It does settle down and become more enjoyable and smooth. However, I’m not a fan of the pepper and bergamot combination. The lavender and ambroxan are nicer when they take the lead, as is the now faded citrus note.

Meanwhile, Elixir opens up with a lot of spice. Though, it doesn’t use the Sichuan pepper. Instead, you get cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom with a much lighter citrus note in grapefruit. This blend is wonderful and intense without the same sharpness.

The next phase will feature more of the lavender and some sweetness from licorice and amber. Sauvage Elixir is spicy, woody, with enough sweetness to keep it interesting. The licorice is a great addition to the composition, which helps this one stand out from the other Dior offerings. 

Which is better? Elixir. This newer concentration is just all around more balanced and pleasant to smell upon the initial spray. It is stronger while simultaneously being more tolerable. 

Edge: Elixir

Projection

The original Sauvage always had a strong sillage starting out and wasn’t ever weak at projecting. It does moderate after, but the EDT isn’t exactly a light cologne.

When compared to Elixir, the EDT is no match. Elixir has a very powerful ability to project and will be noticed throughout the entirety of the wear. Dior didn’t skimp out on the quality with this new release and it easily takes this category.

Elixir is one of the loudest mainstream fragrances out there and has a great ability to leave a scent trail in your wake. EDT definitely won’t be a disappointment, it can’t keep up with the heavier concentration of Elixir.

Edge: Elixir

Longevity

With Sauvage EDT, it lasts about 6-7 hours on my skin when it is warm and the humidity is higher. When it’s colder, I can get about 8-9 hours of wear from it. Some people get better performance than I do, but that’s been a consistent outcome for me.

Sauvage Elixir goes a lot longer than the EDT version. It really is a much more concentrated fragrance. I called it 12+ hours in my review, but it seems to go well beyond that 12 hour mark, during my testing of it.

Update: Even coming back to newer batches of EDT, it still hits that 6-8 hour range mostly. Elixir still goes heavy into the over 12 hour range without issue. It’s a beast as keeping things going.

Edge: Elixir

Versatility

Here’s where I think the EDT may have an edge over Elixir. For one, the EDT can venture into the summer months a lot better than Elixir can. Neither is a summertime fragrance, but the EDT won’t be overbearing in the heat, like Elixir.

Secondly, I think that the EDT can fit a wider spectrum of age range. Not many teens are going to be willing or able to rock the more mature Elixir, but they can and do wear the EDT version. 

Elixir is the more mature, but it’s not really a formal wear. Daily wear and more well put together, but I think the EDT could fit for a wider demographic.

So, the edge really comes down to a wider climate range, age range, and just overall versatility. Not to say Elixir is limited, it isn’t, just that Sauvage EDT fits a lot of situations.

Edge: Sauvage EDT

Overall Scent

Sauvage EDT is a perpetual best seller. To me, it’s become just a decent scent. Sure, it kicked off a whole trend in the industry, but fragrances like Luna Rossa Carbon have done the concept better. Also, the later Sauvage EDP and Parfum were also greater than the original.

That being said, I do like the middle and final acts of the EDT a lot better than how it opens. The performance is solid and it’s still an easy to wear crowd pleaser. For many guys, it’ll do just fine.

However, in this contest Sauvage Elixir is the clear winner. It smells better, outperforms, and presents a unique take on the DNA of this line.

The lavender, patchouli, and vetiver are the only commonalities in terms of notes versus the other Sauvage colognes. The structure of spice, citrus, and woods holds true…but they substitute newer ingredients.

Elixir has a great mix of spices. The cinnamon and nutmeg just work amazingly well within the composition. The lavender feels more natural, the amber smoother, and the licorice note adds a further distinct character.

Sauvage Elixir is easily better than the EDT. The price is where a lot of people will draw the line. It’s not cheap, but if that’s not a concern go with Elixir. If you can, you might consider buying Elixir and something else that tries to copy Dior Sauvage for cheaper.

Winner: Sauvage Elixir