Christian Dior

Sauvage EDT by Christian Dior

by

In the world of fragrance, it is often an exciting event when Christian Dior releases a new cologne for men. After all, this is a brand which has come out with some absolutely amazing scents in the past and has a long history of creating winners for guy’s who enjoy a sophisticated scent.

In 2015, they released a new fragrance, Sauvage, which features an ad campaign starring Johnny Depp. Since then, this fragrance has become an absolute powerhouse in the world of men’s colognes.

Sauvage is super popular and a constant best seller (literally became the first men’s fragrance to be number one worldwide, outselling even all ladies’ perfumes) . The question is, is it worth it?

In this post, I want to give some of my thoughts about this new cologne and whether or not it lives up to the name of Dior. How does it smell? What are the notes? Does it last long? How’s the sillage? Is it actually something one should buy?

What does Dior Sauvage EDT Smell Like?

sauvage

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

Click here to try: Sauvage by Christian Dior Eau de Toilette for Men, 2 Ounce

My Full Wear Review

By now, one has probably seen the magazine adverts or the short ‘film’ starring Johnny Depp, in the media blitz before this fragrance’s release. This eau de toilette cologne is definitely a mass market affair.

However, that doesn’t mean that it is a terrible cologne. In fact, I rather enjoy the scent even it isn’t 100% unique in it’s scent or even if it can become a signature cologne for a guy.

2022 Update: Sauvage has become an absolute best seller in the world of men’s fragrance and has spawned seemingly endless imitators and somewhat similar scents (like: Dylan Blue)

Before we start, let’s see how Dior describes this eau de toilette: A radically fresh composition, dictated by a name that has the ring of a manifesto. That was the way François Demachy, Dior Perfumer-Creator, wanted it: raw and noble all at once. Natural ingredients, selected with extreme care, prevail in excessive doses. Radiant top notes burst with the juicy freshness of Reggio di Calabria bergamot. Ambroxan, derived from precious ambergris, unleashes a powerfully woody trail. Sauvage is an act of creation inspired by wide-open spaces. An ozone blue sky sprawled above a rocky landscape, white-hot beneath the desert sun. 

The composition is rather simplistic yet definitely delivers the masculine vibe that the designer was going for. The ambergris derivative , Ambroxan, is quite noticeable and gives Sauvage a solid foundation from which to present itself. It is clean, fresh, and inviting with a warm and spicy kick delivered by the Sichuan pepper note.

The opening features a very sharp bergamot note and lavender to go with that pepper kick. It is very similar to that of Luna Rossa Carbon, only that Prada fragrance doesn’t have the same level of citrus intensity in the start. I’ve done a post comparing these two colognes.

While Sauvage definitely has a sharp start, I feel like it gets smoother after some time has passed after application.

On my skin, the citrus subsides, after about 20 minutes of wear and I really start to get a noticeable ambroxan aroma. It is so well blended with the pepper, that some of the spicy edge is taken off of that note. However, the warm and smooth composition does have that solid spice throughout.

Sauvage is another cologne that strikes me as really fresh and sort of has that ‘right out of the shower’ vibe to it. The lavender note, which is found in so many soaps and fresheners, really adds to this feeling.

Lavender is one of the main differences between Sauvage and Luna Rossa Carbon, as it is much stronger in the latter than in this Dior scent.

The floral notes here are a bit underappreciated. Yes, the lavender is prominent in the composition, but there is also geranium and labdanum that are present in the background of Sauvage.

These help to support the outdoorsy, wide open spaces, vision that the designer was going for. They are pretty faint but they can come through in a whiff, if you’re familiar with how these notes smell.

While it is warm and has that underlying spice, there is a certain woodiness of cedar, which helps to further the raw masculinity which comes through in this scent. It is a very pleasant experience, though, it does draw reminders of other colognes I have smelt in the past.

So, I can’t really reward it points on a factor of uniqueness. A lot of that enveloping sort of feeling that comes with Sauvage, I think is due to the presence of pink pepper, especially in the dry down. It’s one of the main notes in something like Guess Seductive Homme, and I pick up on that pink pepper vibe with this Dior.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sauvage is a fragrance for the warmer months and it did very well on a hot day here. It seems like it should have been released before the summer season and not after because I don’t get a cold weather aura from it at all. That’s sort of odd considering how ‘warm’ it smells with the amber and pepper notes.

It has a moderate to fairly strong projection, in that it doesn’t overpower but it seemed to hold up fairly well on my skin for maybe 6-7 hours so the longevity is at least decent as well.

This is based of doing a few sprays for each wear, however, it can be overwhelming sometimes if you’re prone to wearing a lot of fragrance.

The opening act can indeed pack a punch. But, that is fairly short-lived and it becomes more moderated thereafter. Still, not a bad ability to leave a scent trail or just project off of the skin.

Update: Since I originally wrote this review, I have a lot more experience with Sauvage, and I do get much longer wear during the wintertime. Maybe bump that to 8-9 hours. Humidity, stifles its ability to last on my skin for its full capability.

Other folks report, having much better longevity with Sauvage than I do, and say it goes all day. Again, like every fragrance, it is going to depend on your own skin chemistry and how the cologne reacts with it on a particular day. For me, it’s just pretty good but not outstanding in how long it lasts.

Sauvage is actually a very versatile fragrance and I think that is one of the reasons that it has become so popular with the masses.

It’s something that could be worn to work or school (if you go light), but can be worn causally, dressed up, or even at the bar. It really has become ubiquitous at this point, but it does have so many uses that it’s completely understandable.

Lots of women do find this to be a sexy fragrance. I think it smells more ‘clean’ than anything sexy, but if members of the opposite sex are saying its sexy, I guess it is.

It’s pretty ubiquitous at this point, there are so many guys wearing it, and so many clones that it’s lost some of its appeal.

Overall Impression of Sauvage EDT

Overall, I think this is a very solid cologne but nothing all that special. I’ve never been a huge fan of wearing it, but I like it well enough. Dior Sauvage is too sharp for me at times, but then I catch a whiff and I rather like the ambroxan/citrus/lavender blend of the eau de toilette. I ‘get’ why people like it so much.

Though, as someone who reviews and wears a ton of different colognes, Sauvage just strikes me as kind of meh. However, if you want a cologne that is very versatile, has a wide fan base, and delivers good performance…Dior Sauvage EDT is a solid bet for the vast majority of guys. You won’t stand out, but you’ll get a lot of use out of a scent, with such a massive appeal.

Since the release of this original Sauvage, Dior has also released, the EDP and Parfum versions. In my opinion, they are both better than this one, Sauvage EDP being my personal favorite.

This version is very wearable and will provide a solid daily wear option for many guys. It’s not amazing, but it does an overall good job.

Dior Sauvage EDT vs EDP Comparison

by

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 Parfum vs Elixir Comparison

by

Sauvage has become the most popular fragrance in the world. Seriously, the original is the best selling men’s or women’s scent, as of publishing…the first time a men’s cologne has done that.

As such, the Dior brand has naturally rolled out a line of flanker scents to capitalize on this fact. Two of them, Parfum and the newer Elixir are among the best of them. But, which one actually is more worthwhile? Lasts longer?

Tale of the Tape Sauvage Elixir vs. Parfum

Sauvage Parfum

Notes include: mandarin, bergamot, cedar, sandalwood, vanilla, tonka bean, ambroxan

Click here to try: Sauvage Parfum

Read my review: Dior Sauvage Parfum 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 Parfum opens with the usual bergamot note from the line. However, this time, it is paired with a mandarin orange as well. The mandarin adds a juiciness to the start and actually ends up being the stronger note of the two.

Another aspect that I enjoy, is that both the ambroxan and pepper notes are toned down in Parfum versus the EDT.

Parfum begins with that same bergamot note, but paired with mandarin orange, also. It’s juicy, not as sharp, and the mandarin outlasts the bergamot, to my nose. The ambroxan is toned down and the spicy pepper notes aren’t present.

It’s really smooth and less sharp. Parfum will end up being geared more towards vanilla and the woodier parts of the scent, but that’s what you get in the opening.

Elixir kicks things off with a lot of spice. This time, it’s a blend of: cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. The citrus is light and is coming from grapefruit. I enjoy it and it gives off a nice intensity from the jump.

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.

Which has the better opening? It’s a really close call in my mind. But, I have always liked how Parfum starts off. To me, it really nailed the Sauvage notes in a perfect balance in the start. Elixir is also great, but kind of does its own thing.

Edge: Parfum

Projection

Parfum has a strong projection, that is pretty consistent for many hours, and leaves a nice silllage trail. Not too overpowering, but certainly above average in the world of fragrance.

Elixir is much stronger, though. It’s a beast with its performance. Beyond that, the strength doesn’t just come and go, it will stick around for a long time with that same projection level.

Edge: Elixir

Longevity

Both of these Sauvage fragrances will last over 10 hours. Neither is going to give you a bad performance, but one does have a longer wear.

Sauvage Parfum will hit that 10 hour mark, maybe get me 11, depending on the day. It’s by no means weak or ineffectual. This and the Eau de Parfum are well above the original EDT.

It’s just that, Elixir, will keep right on going. 12+ hours without issue and can go well beyond that. I’m not exactly sure when it quits, because I don’t need anything more.

Elixir takes this round too.

Edge: Elixir

Versatility

Elixir and Parfum are two of the more mature scents from the Sauvage line. Neither is going to be a summertime wear, so they are about equal in terms of the climate.

I think Parfum gets the edge, as it will appeal to a younger audience as well as older guys. Both can venture into the nightlife, but I think that Parfum will probably be better for day to day wear.

It’s not as powerful, since you would need to go easy on spraying Elixir. Plus, that heavier spice and licorice note, might not fit in quite as well in some circumstances.

Edge: Parfum

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these fragrances do I prefer?

Again, close call. I really like the opening act of Sauvage Parfum. I think that Dior got it right with that blend. A good use of the citrus notes, without the same level of sharpness and peppery spice.

It’s smoother, darker, and more refined than the EDT, which everything on the market is trying to be a knockoff of Dior Sauvage EDT. It has a dryness, a sweetness, and isn’t an ambroxan bomb.

It ends up being more woody and vanilla, but I really like the opening act with the citrus. The dry down is good, but the woodiness isn’t quite as appealing to me.

I think Elixir is the better fragrance. It takes Sauvage in a new direction, while still being true to the concept. Plus, the performance is unreal.

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.

It is the better buy. However, it you want something closer to the original EDT, you might still go with Parfum.

In this contest? I’m going with Elixir.

Winner: Sauvage Elixir

Sauvage Elixir by Dior

by

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

by

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.