Givenchy

Gentleman Intense EDT by Givenchy

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Gentleman Intense eau de toilette is a popular edition of the now long-running Givenchy series. It was released back in 2021. It’s one that I’ve tried numerous times before, but never posted my full review of. Well, I received a sample of Intense with a recent order, so let’s dive into it now.

How does it smell? Does Gentleman Intense last long? Is it actually worth a try?

What does Gentleman Intense EDT Smell Like?

Notes include: blue iris, bergamot, cedar, basil, cardamom, cypress, coumarin

Click here to try: Gentleman Intense EDT

My Full Wear Review

Gentleman Intense often gets compared to the Dior Homme series, from the last decade. Yes, many of the scents from this Givenchy line have overlap in notes and style with those colognes.

Mainly, the notes they share are: bergamot, iris, and cedar. Gentleman Intense EDT particularly favors Dior Homme Eau, that was discontinued a long while ago. Mainly because, they are the woodier fragrances of the bunch that still have a strong iris.

However, Gentleman Intense does manage to stand apart on its own. It opens up with a mix of the bright bergamot, a strong cedar, and a nice kick from the basil note. Here, it smells more to me like Dior Homme 2011, just without the leathery aspect.

Still, they’re fairly close. I do enjoy how this Givenchy opens up. The basil and the cedar really work well together. But, you also get a decent amount of the cardamom here for some further depth and spice.

As we head into the middle act, it gets less spicy more woodsy fresh. The cardamom stays around the longest, but even it will fade.

Iris will be at its powdery peak, once the spice happens. But, it’s splitting a lot of the workload with the cypress and especially the cedar.

Cedar, iris, and tonka bean in the base. A touch powdery and creamy. Yet, the cedar and remaining cypress note pull this one towards the woody side of things. It feels fresh, crisp, and here’s where it has a closer aroma to Prada L’homme.

I’d say it’s more like the original than the more powdery L’eau.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

While not being a heavy sort of cologne, this Givenchy scent does have some sneaky strength in terms of how it projects.

Not a massive cloud of fragrance following you around. However, the scent bubble that it does create will be substantial and it performs well above average overall. After 2-3 hours, this one is more intimate, but isn’t weak until deeper into the back half of the wear.

On my skin, I will get 8-9 hours of wear from Gentleman Intense. Not really anything beyond that, unless I sprayed it on a t-shirt directly. It’s quite good for most purposes, but doesn’t hit a truly elite level.

Seasonally, Gentleman Intense EDT can be worn pretty much whenever, outside of the height of summer. Even then, you could wear it inside. It’s actually not great in the heat. I like it best, when it is sort of chilly outside and it can venture deep into springtime as well.

It’s great strength is its versatility. This is one that can be worn in a wide variety of scenarios, from casual to more dressed up to date night or out at to a bar. It doesn’t scream for attention, but just works well with that chill, woody iris aroma.

Overall Impressions of Gentleman EDT Intense

Overall, do I like this fragrance? Yes, I do. I’m not even a massive fan of the Gentleman series from Givenchy, but Intense strikes me as being one of the best of them.

Sort of like Dior Homme Eau, but, just going off of memory this might be the better scent. I really like the opening with the basil, cedar, and cardamom coming out. The basil and cedar pairing is great to go along with the signature iris.

It does hold up well throughout, also. When it becomes like a Dior Homme Eau/Prada L’Homme hybrid sort of scent. Though, it doesn’t hold my attention as much towards the back half.

Still, for the price you can get this at, it is well worth a try. I see it for sale in the $70 range, currently, which is a good deal versus a lot of its comparable designer fragrances. Some of which, aren’t even around any longer.

If you like the Gentleman series or want an easy to wear, super versatile woody-floral for men, given Intense EDT a go.

Xeryus Rouge by Givenchy

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Xeryus Rouge is a fragrance that I’ve encountered, owned, and enjoyed over the decades. My experience this one definitely precedes this website or even my real interest in perfume. Givenchy released this back in 1995 and it’s one that is still being sold, despite completely flying under the radar of most people.

I bought a bottle of this within the last year to try Xeryus Rouge out again and see if I still liked it. How does it smell? Does the performance still hold up? Is this 1990s classic, still a worthwhile scent today?

What does Xeryus Rouge Smell Like?

Notes include: red pepper, cactus, kumquat, cedar, geranium, musk, tarragon, sandalwood

Click here to try: Xeryus Rouge by Givenchy

My Full Review

Here’s how Givenchy describes it: Warm and intense, Xeryus Rouge is a classic, Woody-Oriental designed for a man who embraces his freedom and is a risk-taker at heart. His fiery, intuitive sensuality is irresistibly captivating with an underlying mystery that cannot be resisted. Succulent kumquat and green cactus are dusted with red pepper and crushed cedar wood for a seductive scent that lingers.

The word is that this one has been reformulated. Personally, I can’t really tell since I’m going off of memories from a bottle that I owned long ago. Memories I don’t entirely trust, so, I can’t really compared an older version versus what is offered today.

Still, my new bottle smells pretty much as I recall the old one.

I did notice that kumquat has been added to where it used to be mandarin orange. The kumquat reminds me of that one found in Gucci Guilty Love, just way tempered by the other notes in the mix.

The opening is bright, juicy, greenish, and herbal. Cactus is definitely in play, not letting the kumquat get too sharp or dominant in the blend.

While you do have this juicy/watery quality from the fruits up top, Rouge will always have this warm spiciness and freshness to it, even at these early stages. Red pepper and geranium start to show up big on my skin, 10-15 minutes after application.

Those notes are there from the initial spray, but some of the kumquat and cactus needs to back off before each really comes into their own.

The red pepper has the edge early, but that shifts quite a bit, and geranium starts to pop. It’s an interesting effect with the cactus note still hanging around. Much greener, fresher, and has more of a herbal undertone.

Rouge becomes drier, more of a classic aromatic and woody fragrance. The citrus really falls off, as does the red pepper. You will still have a slight spice, but this leans towards the fresh woods end of the spectrum.

Cedar, geranium, musk, cactus, and some light sandalwood. That’s basically the order of the notes by strength in the dry down. A sweet woodsy aroma, masculine, almost barbershop (minus the usual lavender).

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Rouge is pretty moderate with how it hangs in the air and the scent trail that’ll leave behind. This isn’t a heavy sort of fragrance. Lighter and fresher. Projects from the skin 5-7 feet at its max. Then, will slowly reel itself in, until it’s in skin scent territory.

I will say, it can be deceptive. You might not smell it on yourself and then someone will complement you.

On my skin, this one lasts in the 6.5-7.5 hour range. Those last few hours definitely aren’t powerful, but the fragrance is still there. I think I used to get a couple of hours more with my older bottle, so it wasn’t completely gutted. Just a step back.

Seasonally, I really like this one anytime other than the height of summer. That warmer opening, lends itself to the autumn and winter months. However, it becomes greener and fresher, which works in the springtime too.

I’ve worn it outside on warm days in the spring and Xeryus Rouge held up well.

xeryus rouge review

Rouge has a classic masculine style while still having its modern edge. This one can be a daily wear and venture out into the evening if necessary. It’s not a nightlife cologne per se, but it wouldn’t be totally out of place either.

It’s a likeable scent that I do get complements with. Not completely ‘sexy’, but it has its charm and appeal. The fresh aromatic smell that comes through past the opening act, is one that people do enjoy. It didn’t last for nearly 30 years, without reason.

Overall Impressions of Xeryus Rouge

Overall, do I like this one? Yes, it’s no one that I wear all of the time, but it has been a fragrance that I’ve come back to multiple times over many years. Though, it might not be everyone’s cup of tea.

That being said, it has been around since 1995, so it has plenty of fans. There’s nothing that smells exactly like Xeryus Rouge. That red pepper, light kumquat, aromatic freshness, the cedar, and the unique cactus note…what else has that?

Sure, Hot Water by Davidoff has overlap with its style, but even that just strikes me as being quite distinct from Rouge.

The dry down is more typical of other colognes out there. Though, this Givenchy just always seems to have its own unique aspects which come through.

The performance is pretty good. It was never a monster in terms of power or a crazy long-lasting scent either. It’s fine, I didn’t have to pay a lot, and the performance is good enough.

Xeryus Rouge is one that is worth checking out. I did notice that it is now no longer for sale on Givenchy’s website (maybe it’ll return). I pulled that description of it from the site many months ago before publishing, but there are plenty of bottles available online for a good price.

Try it out and experience this mid-1990s gem.

Gentleman Society by Givenchy

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Gentleman Society is a new release from Givenchy for 2023. I wasn’t in too much of a rush to try yet another addition to the Gentleman line, since it can be pretty hit or miss for me. Anyway, I’ve been testing this one out for a full review on the site. How does Society smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a try?

What does Gentleman Society Smell Like?

Notes include: sage, cardamom, daffodil, vetiver, sandalwood, cedar, vanilla

Click here to try: Gentleman Society

My Full Review

Here’s how Givenchy describes it: A scent as a signature. A wild narcissus flower enhanced by a deep woody accord.

The first time that I tried Gentleman Society was in the Miami airport while waiting for my flight. I don’t think I liked it at all and simply found it annoying. But, I chalk that up to being annoyed by a delayed flight and having to then sit on a plane.

So, I bought a full sample when I got back home, to really give it a fair chance.

On my skin, this one opens up with more of the sage being loud than the cardamom spice. Now, that’ll flip and more of the cardamom show up, but early on I get a bunch of sage.

Not that this is super spicy or anything, as Society is actually pretty sweet up top, kind of nutty. Even the cardamom here, feels more like the kind found in Azzaro Wanted. Sweeter, maybe with a lighter tinge of a lemon-like aroma.

The sage is paired with the emergent vanilla note, that’ll play more of a role. Also, the daffodil, which has been gaining more traction in men’s fragrance as of late. H24 also used a narcissus flower to great effect.

What’s interesting is that Hermes cologne, also has a lot of sage and woody notes in the base. Society is a lot like this scent, but with cardamom and vanilla piled on and without the metallic aroma.

Back to Society, the sage note will pretty much burn off in that first 15-30 minutes on my skin. The cardamom and narcissus will come to the forefront, with the floral note really developing and adding that yellow sort of musky finish to this scent.

The further along we get, the drier this one feels. Vetiver and palo santo wood aren’t massive influences in the mix, but towards then end this definitely has a more striking woodiness than the floral aspects of the early stages.

It’s an woody and earthy cologne at the end, with a big hit of vanilla still sitting on top. I don’t get anymore of the cardamom, narcissus, or sage at this point. Just woodsy notes and vanilla.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Society starts off with a pretty high level of ability to project off of the skin and leave a scent trail. I wouldn’t call it elite, but it is well above average throughout the wear.

Obviously, it is going to moderate as you move along in the wear, but I never felt like it was a weak cologne while having it on.

The longevity is also good. I’d say it’s in the 8.5-9 hour range, on my skin. With heavier spraying and a full bottle, I might be able to hit the double digit hour mark. Either way, I wasn’t disappointed in the performance and this Givenchy gives you good value.

Seasonally, it strikes me as one for the cooler to more moderate temperatures. Autumn through early spring, in most places. I wore it in the daytime once, here in late spring when it was really warm out, and Society wasn’t too good.

So, keep it indoors or only when the heat isn’t blasting you outside.

Society comes across as a fragrance better suited for men in their 20s. Not completely juvenile, but its sweetish aroma, might not be mature enough for some guys.

This one can go daytime or night. It’d work great as a nightlife sort of scent. It doesn’t scream for attention, but it has enough power and appeal to grab some. Seems like one that women will like to smell on a man.

Overall Impressions of Gentleman Society

Overall, do I like this fragrance? It’s fine. I do like it much more than I did when trying it in the airport. It has some familiarity with other colognes out there, but it does separate itself ultimately and do its own thing.

The opening 30-45 minutes is my favorite part of the wear. Narcissus, sage, the nuttiness, sweetness, and cardamom. It has depth and nuance that is at least interesting, while not being the most amazing cologne ever.

After that, I’m less enthusiastic about it. Kind of boring, can feel too sweet, and just not anything that I truly enjoy.

One advantage that Gentleman Society does have, is its performance. This projects very well and will provide a full workday’s worth of wear at least before quitting. Some guys might even get a longer amount of time with Society than I do.

I think that this is a mainstream fragrance that is worth a try, especially for younger guys. It’s one that is going to be popular and probably get you some complements. Easy to wear, more of a crowd pleaser, that does everything well enough.

To me, it’s nothing spectacular, just a fragrance that smells pretty good and can deliver in the performance department.

Gentlemen Only Casual Chic by Givenchy

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With my recent sample haul, I received my third fragrance from Givenchy’s Gentlemen Only line, Casual Chic. This was released in 2015. My favorite of the previous two was Gentlemen Only Intense, but Casual Chic seemed to be more of an imitation of the original than that particular flanker cologne.

In this review, I’m going to cover what it’s made of, how it smells, performs, when it should be worn, and if I think that it is worth a purchase or not.

What does Gentlemen Only Casual Chic Smell Like?

Notes include: cedar, ambroxan, birch leaf, sandalwood, cardamom, ginger, juniper

Click here to try: Givenchy Gentlemen Only Casual Chic Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.3 Ounce

My Full Wear Review

Here’s how Givenchy describes it: A seductive fragrance for the easygoing gentleman. Fresh and relaxed for a casual chic allure.

The initial spray of Casual Chic seems to have an element of orange for the first 30 seconds or so before the spicy and woody aroma emerges. It has an outdoorsy vibe that is topped by the ginger and juniper notes which creates quite an interesting combination.

Casual Chic is energetic and fresh with an old school feel that never strays into the unisex category like some other scents.

The ginger note provides that characteristic spice throughout the life of the scent and Casual Chic is one of the better uses of this note, that I’ve experienced recently.

I find it to be quite ‘green’ and woodsy, like a walk in the forest on a late spring or summer day, but it doesn’t go full woods as compared to another scent like Azzaro.

The ambroxan note, keeps it warm and smooth without getting overpowered by the cedar.

When compared to the original Gentlemen Only, I do find some similarities in the composition, but the original is much smokier and actually does have that orange not that Casual Chic briefly mimics.

Sillage, Longevity, and When to Wear

It’s projection is pretty moderate but it is better than its predecessor in this regard. It’s not an overwhelming fragrance, but it is noticeable.

It’ not a heavy fragrance, lighter to moderate in terms of sillage. However, it does project rather well. So, you do get some value out of this spring and summer wear.

It does have good longevity on my skin, probably 7 hours of wear. This is when the original fell flat by hour 3…so that’s a good improvement.

Not an elite scent, I’m just glad it outshines the original at least. Surprising, considering what its based on, but Casual Chic worked pretty well for me.

I’d rate this as a casual scent, as the name implies. Good for work, school, or a day spent around town.

It’s a outdoorsy kind of cologne but it seems to be best for warmer weather, when so many other similar scents get stuck in the winter category. This is a nice change of pace from the norm.

It could probably be worn to work or semi-formally. Not really a club scent or something super formal. But, the freshness and easy going nature gives it the ability to be worn fairly extensively in the spring and summer.

Overall Impressions of Casual Chic

Overall, is Casual Chic worth a buy? I enjoy it but it doesn’t really fit me and my style. That said, it is better than the original Gentlemen Only.

So, if you like that or if this composition seems to fit your personal style, it could be a good purchase at the right price. It’s solid all around but it doesn’t particularly blow me away ever, for what it does, it does it well enough.

The juniper and ginger are the highlights for me. Not too big on the ambroxan and birch, but the other woods give it a nice freshness. Nothing about Casual Chic is bad, more of an above average cologne that some guys will really like, while others will mildly enjoy.

Update: While there are still bottles around online, Givenchy discontinued this one some time ago. The one’s I have seen are mostly on eBay and are selling for around $100. Not going to be worth the reach for most people. Unless you’ve already tried it and loved it, you can pass on Casual Chic.

Gentlemen Only Intense by Givenchy

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I have already reviewed many scents this week, including Gentlemen Only. Since I’ve also got a mini size of Gentlemen Only Intense, I thought that I’d go ahead and do a review post on it. This is another cologne from Givenchy and one which is masculine and suited toward the cooler months of the year. How does it stack up? Is it better than the original? Please read below for my full take on this scent.

What Does Gentlemen Only Intense Smell Like?

gentlemen only intense

Notes include: tonka bean, birch wood, mandarin, patchouli, leather, amber, and cedar

Click Here to Try:Givenchy Gentlemen Only Intense Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.3 Ounce

My Full Review

OK, so after trying the original Gentlemen Only and enjoying it, (only to later be disappointed by its longevity), I was looking forward to trying the Intense version of this cologne. As it turns out, I actually like this one much better.

Let me state beforehand that I love sweet/spicy/leathery fragrances in the fall or winter months. I am a fan of tonka bean (Versace Eros), leather even in something like Dirty English, and the sweet/spicy incense of something like Body Kouros. As such, I was drawn to this fragrance right off the bat.

The opening is a sweet blend of tonka bean, amber, and the leather note. This is an interesting departure from the original which featured more of the birch wood, mandarin, and vetiver, which are downplayed a great deal in Intense. The opening has a bit more fresh spiciness, than this one will later feature. You get some of the mandarin, mint, and pink pepper.

The composition is pretty inverted from the original. As such, you are hit with a different sensibility and less of the dry sweetness than Gentlemen Only. Intense presents itself as much more of a sweet/incense take on the original, that at times seems somewhat gourmand without going overboard (like in Very Irresistible by Givenchy)  but keeping an underlying smokiness.

Again, this one might not be for everyone but if you enjoy that kind of sweet/leathery/masculine type of scent this could be a good look. The dry down becomes a woody, sweet, leathery, creamy/amber-laden affair.

It has that Gentlemen Only dryness, spice, and smokiness but those are relegated to bit players. It all comes together, as being super smooth. I really enjoy the way that it smells, even if the development isn’t too complex.

Sillage and Longevity

Projection wise, it is pretty good. It’s not a beast but it is better than Gentlemen Only, though, I believe Intense is a misnomer…it’s not intense but quite moderate. Even with that spiciness. It’ll project itself 4-6 feet from the skin for a while, before settling back down, closer to the skin.

Longevity was the drawback of the original and honestly, Intense isn’t much better in this regard. 4-5 hours of life at most. The only saving grace is that I feel that this is a nighttime fragrance and so that longevity might be enough in that situation.

However, it really should be better than that and I’m disappointed that it isn’t. Shouldn’t an ‘intense’ fragrance, have a strong sillage, and staying power?

I think others have gotten a slightly better result with this one. For me, it refuses to stick around for very long on my skin, which is usually fine with not ‘eating up’ colognes.

When Should Gentlemen Only Intense be Worn?

Again, to me, this is a nighttime fragrance. The original was more of the office type of daily wear, while this one is a sexier evening wear option. On a cold evening, Intense is actually really awesome, and will get complemented.

Well, at least for those first few hours. It is a mature fragrance and will generally be a better fit for those in their late 20s and up.

Overall Impressions

Overall, is it worth a buy? Maybe. It smells really good, in my opinion, but the longevity questions remain. The fragrance itself is an awesome blend of sweetness, woods, leather, and spice. On that end of things, Gentlemen Only Intense is pretty brilliant.

It’s not an all-time great or anything, but this had the potential of being a under the radar favorite. The tonka bean and leather combination is so good here.

It’s one that I could definitely find a place for on occasion, but, at the price I could get something else that is a much better performer. It’s not a bad fragrance, actually quite good, but it could be magnificent.

Updating this post, a few years after the initial review, I think that it’s been discontinued.

I still have a mini bottle of this, wear it occasionally, and still cannot believe what a missed opportunity this was for greatness. You might be able to pick up a cheap bottle, at the discount sites now, and it would be worth a shot.

Newer Update: I just saw it going for around $100 when I looked it up, which is a bit of a stretch in my opinion. So, you’ve probably missed out on getting this one for anything reasonable.