Christian Dior

Dior Sauvage EDT vs EDP Comparison

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For this head to head cologne match up, it’s an eau de toilette and eau de parfum battle between: Sauvage EDT vs. Sauvage EDP. The original and its flanker follow ups, have become the most popular fragrances in the world. So, there are many who want to know the distinctions and strengths of each option.

Which one of these Christian Dior fragrances smells the best? Which one has better strength? Is sexier? Please continue below for my full comparison, as well as, my original reviews for both of these scents.

Note: If you’re looking for the new releases, Sauvage Parfum or Elixir, click there for my full review on it.

Sauvage EDP 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 EDP

Notes include: nutmeg, bergamot, ambroxan, vanilla absolute, lavender, Sichuan pepper, anise

Click here to try: Sauvage by Dior Eau de Parfum Spray 100ml

Read my original review: Sauvage EDP

Opening

The opening of the EDT features a fairly sharp bergamot note that is joined by the spicy Sichuan pepper and calming lavender. It’s pretty intense to my nose, not that pleasant from the jump, but it does calm down and get smoother as it moves forward.

It’s just the way that the citrus juiciness interacts with the spicy warmth of the pepper, I find it to be somewhat bothersome. Not terrible, but the eau de toilette original, never fully won me over to its opening charm.

I think that the eau de toilette, really starts to shine once the pepper fades a bit, and the lavender/ambroxan combo get into full swing. With those notes flanking it, the citrus smells better, as well.

It becomes balanced, instead of ‘in your face’.

Sauvage EDP,  starts off with the ambroxan note that has become a distinct ingredient in both of these scents. The ambroxan is warm and joined by a nice smoky vanilla and less lavender than the EDT version.

When it doesn’t have the same Sichuan pepper blast, I find the result to be much more pleasant and wearable. The nutmeg and anise, share some of the weight of that accord, and the end result is great.

Which do I prefer? The EDP, it doesn’t have the sharpness or spiciness of the original, and it’s just a better aroma for me. There still is enough spice to keep the eau de parfum from being flat and boring, but it also keeps things smooth.

It is a simple change of the composition’s structure and the addition of the vanilla, but Dior did it perfectly and improved upon the original.

To me, the opening of the EDP is the perfect Sauvage blend to date, and I doubt, that they’ll be able to improve upon it.

Edge: EDP

Projection

Sauvage EDT has pretty strong sillage from the start and then settles into something more moderate. The EDP should have the ability to project itself better, since it has a higher concentration of fragrance, does it?

Yep, the EDP is a beast with its sillage. It doesn’t take much to create a warm cloud of fragrance around the wearer and it keeps going.

When testing it out, numerous times, the EDP really only needed a few sprays. Anything beyond that, can fill up a room, rather easily. The original can do the same, but only for a short while, before it turns moderate on my skin.

So, the EDT even when starting strong, never seems to reach the same heights as the eau de parfum.

Edge: EDP

Longevity. How long does Sauvage last?

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.

How long does Sauvage EDP last? It will go 10+ hours, without any worry that it’ll quit. Seriously, the enhanced concentration and newer composition structure, really boost the longevity of this name.

The Sauvage EDT, is pretty consistent in how it lasts. It’s definitely not a bad option, by any means, but doesn’t hit the same heights as the higher concentration eau de parfum.

I’ve never been able to get double digit hours of wear from the EDT, like some people, apparently can. This is a clear win for the EDP.

Edge: EDP

Versatility

There really isn’t a difference in how versatile either of these is. Both fragrances can fit well in a variety of situations from casual to more dressed up to club wear. They can also work in different climates without much issue.

Maybe, the original feels slightly better in warmer weather, as it isn’t as heavy. Though, it isn’t strictly a summer fragrance either, but it’s solid in the heat. That’s about it.

With the EDP, perhaps it works better in formal situations. Otherwise, it’s an even match. In either case, you will get plenty of opportunity to use whichever Sauvage scent.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which fragrance is the better buy?

I always thought that the original Sauvage EDT was good but not great. It was something that I could wear from time to time, but it never really captured my interest for very long. It’s nice, it’s popular, and definitely has its uses but it wasn’t my favorite.

The more time that I spent with it, the less I enjoyed it. It still has nice aspects, isn’t a terrible fragrance by any means, but I don’t really like wearing it. Plus, it’s been copied to death, and a lot of the originality is gone for me.

The EDP has given me a much greater appreciation for this name. Dior took what I didn’t like about the original (mainly the sharpness and spiciness and abundance of lavender) and then created this version, which is awesome.

It smells better, performs better, and is sexier than the EDT. The ambroxan and vanilla are great together and the spice is more varied and not as strong, as it had been.

The bergamot is a role player in the EDP, but it is much better suited, and adds a change of pace from the rest of the wear.

The EDP is powerful, clean, warm, and just a joy to wear. Without a doubt, I’d pick it over the EDT.  There are too many scents like EDT, trying to be the ‘best dupe’ of Dior Sauvage. EDP hasn’t been copied nearly as much.

Even with the release of the newer Parfum version, the EDP is still the best smelling cologne of the Dior Sauvage lineup.

Winner: Sauvage EDP

Sauvage Elixir by Dior

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I didn’t know that Dior was coming out with another Sauvage flanker here in 2021, but I naturally bought samples of the fragrance immediately upon learning of it.

I was looking forward to trying it out to see what this concentrated version of the popular men’s fragrance would be like.

So, here are my thoughts after testing. How does it smell? When should it be worn? Is it really worth a try?

What does Sauvage Elixir Smell Like?

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

Click here to try: Sauvage Elixir at Macy’s

My Full Review

Before I get into my review of Elixir, let’s see how Dior describes it:  The quintessence of Sauvage. An extraordinarily concentrated fragrance, like a fine liqueur made of exceptional ingredients. The emblematic freshness of Sauvage with an intoxicating heart of spices and a lavender essence tailor-made for Dior. A blend of rich woods forms the signature of its powerful, lavish, and captivating trail.

Right off the bat, Sauvage Elixir is a different animal from the rest of the series. The overlap of actual notes is the ubiquitous lavender note, patchouli and vetiver from EDT, and the nutmeg from Sauvage EDP.

Outside of that, the structure is going to be the same, just with different notes. So, grapefruit for the citrus. A blend of other spices and wood.

What Elixir actually reminded me of, is a much better version of Alien Man by Mugler. The spices, lavender, and fresh woods is pretty similar at times. Alien Man just had that weird opening act with a dill note and never got close to being as good as this.

However, the two are in the same vein, in terms of style.

Elixir opens up with it’s spice blend shining, grapefruit, and the ever present lavender. The grapefruit is pretty light on my skin. Mostly, I pick up cinnamon and nutmeg, with just a bit of cardamom to round it out.

It is a bold and intense mix of spices. I’m so glad they dumped that Sichuan pepper note from the original and gave us this instead. The spices are so much better in Elixir. 

After the wave of spices calm down somewhat, you get into the middle act. This is where the lavender takes over. You also get a licorice note that adds some sweetness, amber, and more of an indication of the woods.

The nutmeg and cinnamon are still very present for the duration of the wear. They play off of the lavender and amber beautifully and really helped to sell this one for me.

Finally, the dry down is lavender, with some sweetness, and fresh woods. The spices are lingering, but no longer packing that same punch. Elixir at this stage, is much softer and aromatic. 

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Elixir is a powerhouse. Seriously, it’s up there with some of the strongest fragrances that I’ve come across, at its peak. Not the absolute biggest beast, just very close to it. Even a few sprays, really filled up the surrounding area from my skin.

Elixir does back off somewhat, but remains very strong for much of the wear. I absolutely adore how this one projects and hangs around throughout the day.

Add to that, spraying it on a t-shirt, I could detect it from like 10 feet away, while I wasn’t wearing any cologne. Dior wasn’t lying when they said that this one was super concentrated.

 

The longevity is perfection. Sauvage Elixir just keeps going. I’m not sure what the final tally ends up being but it’s easily above 12 hours, at a still very solid strength. Yes, this one is expensive in comparison to the other Sauvage offerings, but you get the performance to back it up.

Update: Testing it out a few more times, Elixir seems to hit the 13-15 hour range for me, at its max. Really depends on what I’m doing, while wearing it. 

Seasonally, I’d like this best in the autumn. Winter and spring will also work, just avoid the summertime heat. Which, yeah, I had to test this during the summer months. Indoors, it’s just great. Outdoors, that humidity kind of wrecks its charm.

I do think that Elixir has a more mature profile than the other Sauvage’s, especially the original EDT. That worked well for guys in their teens and twenties, but Elixir might not be for those in the high school age range.

Sure, for some it will be an option, but this one might not have the same appeal for those in that demographic.

Elixir isn’t completely a formal fragrance. It doesn’t feel out of place, wearing it while dressed up though. It may be too bold for certain functions, but it has plenty of versatility.

This Sauvage can be worn in the nightlife or while out on a date. It does have a sexiness and enough of a mass appeal to get complements from those around you.

Overall Impressions of Sauvage Elixir

Overall, do I like Sauvage Elixir? Yes, I do. Actually, as of now it is my favorite from the series. I give it a slight edge over the EDP, though, that may change as I spend more time with it.

Elixir brings some familiarity, while going in a different direction. The freshness and the spice blend are great here. It doesn’t have a sharp citrus and Sichuan pepper blend up top. The cinnamon and nutmeg are brilliant as replacements.

Lavender is allowed to shine and honestly comes across much better here than in the others. Just a touch of sweetness from licorice, really helps to round out Elixir. I was worried going in, as a too heavy licorice note gives me headaches, but it’s not an issue.

If you liked the Sauvage releases up to this point, you’ll want to give this a try at least. It’s definitely different, though, in an awesome way.

If you didn’t like the other Sauvage fragrances, this one could change your mind. I’m not much of a fan of the EDT original, but really enjoyed the others. This one gets rid of the weakest parts and comes up with something new.

The price may be a deciding factor. It’s currently $155 for a 2 ounce bottle. That is steep for a lot of folks. As such, it may not be one to blind buy.

Dior Homme Sport (2012) by Christian Dior

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Today, we’ve got a review of Dior Homme Sport by Christian Dior (2012 edition). This is a flanker fragrance of the fantastic Dior Homme line of scents that has been released over the last decade plus. How does this one rate? What does it smell like? How does it perform? Continue reading below for my full wear review of Dior Homme Sport.

What does Dior Homme Sport 2012 Smell Like?

Notes include: Sicilian Citron, iris, ginger, cedarwood

Click here to try: Christian Dior Dior Homme Sport Eau De Toilette Spray 2012 Edition for Men, 1.7 Ounce

My Full Review

Alright, from the start, I have concluded that this sample I am reviewing from is a 2012 Edition of Dior Homme Sport. There is also a 2017 version which has some differences in the composition, so make sure you know which one you’re getting, before buying…even though, they still are somewhat similar.

If buying from a discount retailer, I would suspect you’ll be getting the 2012, at this point in time and of course that can change going forward. Update: Not any more.

From the opening, I notice how much this Homme Sport edition smells like Hugo Red. They both share citrus and cedar notes of different variations, but they really do strike a familiar chord to one another.

This is great for me, as I enjoy wearing Hugo Red during the warmer months of the year, but the comparison is mostly confined to the opening 30 minutes or so.

It’s interesting because Red contains a metallic aroma and Dior Homme Sport even manages to mimic that, perhaps it’s the combination of citrus and the heavier iris note?

Dior Homme Sport has a very sharp lemon kick and an energetic freshness, which I find quite wonderful. The iris becomes more dominant as the fragrance moves along and adds the floral/green vibe with support from the cedar wood.

So, it moves from heavy citrus and Hugo Red like to something that is more woody/green with a solid presence of citrus. Dior Homme Sport is a very straightforward kind of cologne, not much changes through the wear.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The projection is quite good for the first hour or two and then drops down to something more moderate and close to the skin, which is disappointing, but not terrible.

Longevity wise, it’s not great but again, not awful. I get around 5 or 6 hours of wear from Dior Homme Sport. Meh.

While I do find this scent to be attractive, it doesn’t strike me as sexy, or any type of club scent. It’s a great casual wear for the warmer months of the year. Outdoorsy, in a leisurely sport kind of way. It’s got class and a nice sense of energy behind it.

Overall Impressions of Sport 2012

Overall, would I recommend Dior Homme Sport 2012? I enjoy it. Again, there are different versions and as I recall this one is different from the original, which I really liked.

If you need a summertime wear for the day, this is a very good choice.

It’s upbeat and clean and pleasant to wear. One might go with the aforementioned Hugo Red, if wanting to save money, since the start of each scent is so similar. Yes, they do end up on different paths, but both are good smelling colognes.

Update: Yes, 2012 was one of the best editions. Much better than both 2017 and 2021 (which is my least favorite so far). If you’re wanting something along these lines, maybe you can still find Luna Rossa Eau Sport around.

Other than that, Sport 2012 is basically long gone, outside of bottles on a site like eBay. Even with those, they are very much overpriced versus what the scent used to go for. To me, it’s not really worth it. Though, this was a great summer wear.

Dior Homme (2011) by Christian Dior

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Somehow, I’ve never gotten around to reviewing the Dior Homme line (other than Sport), up to this time on the website. Since I didn’t have a bottle of this stuff anymore and it’s been a while, I had to get myself a sample vial, and put it through its paces once again. In this post, I’ll cover what’s its notes are, how it smells, performs, and whether or not it is worth a buy.

What does Dior Homme Smell Like?

Notes include: vetiver, iris, cacao, bergamot, amber, leather, sage, and lavender

Click here to try: Dior Homme By Christian Dior For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces

My Full Review

Note: Dior has updated Dior Homme with a new formula, that I have yet to try, but will smell quite different. It apparently doesn’t have the iris note. In this post, I am reviewing the last formulation, which was a sort of reformulation itself...Dior does these things. So, note that if you’re buying from the major retailers going into 2020, you’re going to be getting something different than what I’m describing here. I will do a separate review for the new release, when I get to test it out.

I am updating this review, a few years after the fact. Why? I needed to expand upon this fragrance and what it is. I purchased a bottle in the largest size, after my initial review, and it became my go-to scent outside of testing things for this site.

The opening of Dior Homme is a clean rush of iris, that has sort of a unisex quality to it.  However, there is this underlying cacao note that gives it a certain sweetness and helps to further the powdery aroma.

The cacao will get a bit stronger, later, but does make an early appearance. Dior Homme is very smooth and floral, especially once the lavender note begins its ascent.

What I think is unique about this fragrance is its use of bergamot. Obviously, lots of male scents use this notes, but here it is so damn subtle and just about perfect in how it comes across. It’s just a peak of citrus popping off of the floral/leather/cacao notes, which gives it this zesty freshness.

It is an interesting contrast, between the light juiciness of the bergamot, and the underlying dryness coming from various notes like sage and vetiver. The sage is only noticeable to me, for a brief period of time.

I’ve smelled it as a more intense note in other men’s fragrances, but it has never had that much power in this composition.

To me the cacao isn’t as noticeable as it is in Dior Homme Intense, but it does give off that sweetness, and I think it’s the leather that’s holding it back somewhat. Then, there is the vetiver, which has the woodsy sharpness that seems to tie things together.

What I’m ultimately left with is a smooth and fresh blend of mostly the iris and leather. The cacao and lavender, as a secondary pairing. Some amber, with whatever’s left of the other notes. It hits my nose with such a cooling sensation. Like, a really dry cold breath of fresh air.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, I’d call it a softer fragrance. Not super weak but more toward the moderate end of the scale. It’s not an overwhelming beast, but does have a nice perimeter around your person.

The longevity lasts me from anywhere to 5-7 hours, depending on the circumstance, and it can hang around on the skin for longer than that…but that’s when it’s noticeable.

Update: with the full bottle and its powerful sprayer, the longevity is a bit better than 5-7 hours. Now, I’d say it’ll give me 8 hours, pretty regularly. 9 with good climate conditions.

Seasonally, I wear this mainly in autumn and winter. The springtime is great too, but I generally stay away from the heat of summer.

The high humidity can make it a bit messy. We’ve had a week of temperatures of 50-75 degrees Fahrenheit, and Dior Homme, fits in beautifully.

In terms of its versatility, Dior Homme is on the dressy casual to fully dressed up end of things. Though, I would honestly have no problem wearing this anytime, it does have that air of class, maturity, and refinement.

So, yeah, you could wear this casually or out on a date. It does have a sexy quality and women enjoy smelling it.

The reaction that you get will largely depend on how that person, deals with the iris note. Some don’t like the powdery or ‘make up bag’ sort of smell. Though, the leather and other notes, do prevent this from being a female scent…for me at least.

I’ve never once gotten a negative reaction from wearing Dior Homme, but I have gotten a ton of positive reactions. It’s not necessarily the most complemented, but it does draw them.

Overall Impression of Dior Homme

Overall, would I recommend Dior Homme? Of course. It’s probably a classic, at this point in time. It’s such a well balanced scent that has a interesting and unique aroma, that can be appreciated by anyone, and not just those who are really into niche fragrances. This is great juice.

I’m kind of sad that they’re reformulating this cologne. I still have plenty left, but I guess I may need to buy another back up bottle, unless the new version just blows me away.

Dior Homme is a modern fragrance, that is extremely well put together. It has been emulated by other colognes, over the years, but this remains my favorite use of the iris note. I love this scent, it’s basically my signature wear, if I can have one outside of my commitments to this site.

La Nuit de l’Homme vs. Sauvage EDT Comparison

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Today, I am going to be taking a closer look at two of the best selling men’s fragrances out there, and comparing what sets them apart. The two contestants? La Nuit de L’Homme vs. Sauvage EDT. Which smells better? The Dior or the YSL? Which cologne lasts longer? Has better sillage? Is the better buy? I have tried out and reviewed each of them, now it is time to see which is the winner.

Tale of the Tape: La Nuit vs. Sauvage

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

La Nuit

Notes include: cardamom, bergamot, vetiver, lavender, cedar

Try it out: Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit De L’homme Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.3-Ounce

Read my review: La Nuit de l’Homme

Opening

The opening of Sauvage EDT is a spicy citrus blend of bergamot and Sichuan pepper. It is strong and fairly sharp, but is quickly joined by a calm lavender, and the ambroxan note. The ambroxan will become more prevalent as it settles on the skin.

La Nuit de l’Homme kicks off with cardamom and bergamot. It is also a somewhat spicy citrus blend, but the spice is fresher, smoother, and the bergamot is lighter in this YSL. La Nuit is warmer than it is spicy and the lavender note here, eventually takes over most of the citrus.

Which is better? I think that I prefer the start of La Nuit versus Sauvage. Sauvage can be too sharp at the beginning for my nose and I like the cardamom note better than the Sichuan pepper.

Edge: La Nuit

Projection

La Nuit starts off pretty moderate with its sillage, before becoming a much lighter cologne. Actually, newer bottles are fairly light for the entirety. It was never a heavy fragrance, but now it’s got even less punch.

Meanwhile, Sauvage EDT, starts off with a powerful burst and gradually becomes more upper moderate. The sillage is an easy win for the Dior.

Edge: Sauvage

Longevity

La Nuit will last in the 6-8 hour range, on my skin, but it’s usually more towards the six hour end. Update: newer bottles of this YSL don’t hit that 8 hour mark anymore. I can still get six, usually.

Sauvage will go 6-9 hours, but usually towards the nine hour mark. Sometimes, they’ll be equal, but more often than not it’s Sauvage winning.

Edge: Sauvage

Versatility

Both of these fragrances have a lot of versatility and can excel in a variety of situations. I think that the distinction comes in, with the climate. Sauvage can work year round, better than La Nuit, which holds up in cold to moderate temperatures but not so much in heat.

Also, Sauvage is better suited for the night club kind of environment. They are pretty equal in other respects.

Edge: Sauvage

Overall Scent

As you can see, Sauvage performs a bit better and is somewhat more versatile, than is La Nuit. However, I have to say that La Nuit de L’Homme smells better than Sauvage EDT.

Sauvage starts out with that intensity, that I’m not too fond of, and it becomes smoother over time with its lavender and ambroxan note. It is warm, spicy, and crowd pleasing with its citrus.

La Nuit is very clean and masculine with a lavender and cardamom blend, leading the way. Under that, you get woodsy cedar and vetiver. It is fresh with a really nice aroma.

I’m going to give La Nuit the win over Sauvage, because I do think that it is better smelling fragrance. It’s performance is good enough, to make up for lagging behind Sauvage in area, by just having the better scent.

Update: The performance has suffered with Nuit recently. It still smells like a better fragrance. I wouldn’t pay full price for either, but I enjoy La Nuit much more.

Remember though, I’m talking about the more popular EDT version of Sauvage versus La Nuit. I would actually go with the EDP version over either. This is how I’d rank them: 1. Sauvage EDP 2. Sauvage Parfum 3. La Nuit 4. Sauvage EDT.

If it’s between just these two, go with La Nuit. Otherwise, I’d pick Sauvage EDP. If you want EDT, there are plenty men’s perfumes like Dior Sauvage.

Winner: La Nuit