Dior Sauvage Parfum vs. EDT Comparison

2019 has brought the release of a new Sauvage flanker, with it. This time it is called Sauvage Parfum (not to confuse with the EDP version), but how does it stack up when compared to the original and highly popular Sauvage EDT? In this post, I want to break them each down and declare an ultimate winner, between them. Which smells better? Which lasts longer? Which is the better buy? I have worn and reviewed each and am ready to share my thoughts.

Sauvage EDT or Parfum?

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 Parfum

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

Click here to try: Sauvage Parfum

Read my review: Dior Sauvage Parfum Review

Opening

The EDT starts off with a sharp and spicy blend of bergamot and Sichuan pepper. It hits boldly and with a loud quality, but settles thereafter, with a big dose of ambroxan and lavender.

I’ve really never enjoyed the opening of Sauvage EDT, all that much. It comes across as somewhat too harsh to my nose. It settles down and smells better, as it moves along.

Sauvage 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.

Too much ambroxan can become sickening to smell. That seems especially true now, as so many men’s colognes have added that note, in order to emulate the success of Sauvage. Parfum’s restrained use of it, along with the citrus notes, really help set it apart.

Which is better? I prefer how Parfum begins. It’s much smoother and doesn’t have the big spiciness that the original EDT can develop. For me, Parfum is a much more pleasant experience.

Edge: Parfum

Projection

I’d say that they both start off strong. The EDT can feel as if, it is bolder, but it doesn’t have the same sillage staying power. I’d say that Parfum is much more consistent overall.

Parfum may not be stronger with its sillage, but it’s an equal and is steady. I’ll get a similar experience to the EDT’s opening, hours into the wear. The original Sauvage did have really good power for an eau de toilette, so, the power has never been an issue with this line.

Edge: Parfum

Longevity

A parfum version of a scent is going to have a higher concentration, so it should last longer on the skin. However, Parfum’s projection strength wasn’t greatly better, so what’s the longevity like?

Sauvage EDT has always gotten me 6-9 hours worth of wear, which is good. It’s a wide range for me, depending on the climate and what I’m doing.

However, Parfum, lasts for over 10 hours, on the skin. Neither one is a slouch, but Parfum is just better, in this regard. It was also more consistent in testing than EDT.

The baseline of Sauvage Parfum is better for me, than the best case that I’ve gotten, when I’ve used the EDT.

Edge: Parfum

Versatility

Here is where they are pretty evenly matched. Sauvage EDT is better in the heat, but isn’t spectacular in that regard, itself. Parfum is more mature and can be worn in an office-like environment better. Both can easily be worn as a nighttime cologne and are attractive.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Sauvage EDT was never my favorite fragrance, but I do like it well enough. The top can be a bit bothersome to me, but I like the lavender and ambroxan, in the dry down. The scent holds up well and does a good job at performing.

However, I prefer the newer Parfum version to the EDT. It’s smoother, darker, and more refined. It has a dryness, a sweetness, and isn’t an ambroxan bomb. The Parfum is more closely related to the EDP version, than it is the EDT. Actually, Elixir and the EDP, are the best of them.

It ends up being more woody and vanilla, but I really appreciate the use of the citrus notes in Parfum. The mandarin orange is a nice touch, that helps to set it apart somewhat from the others in the series.

Parfum does a great job performance wise, makes the Sauvage DNA more interesting, and the warm creamy aroma is super nice to smell on the skin. For me, it’s not really a close call. I’d rather wear Sauvage Parfum versus the EDT.

You can usually find the EDT for the cheapest, out of the Sauvage fragrances. So, if price is an issue, it might make more sense for you to go with that one.  On smell alone? Parfum.

Winner: Parfum

Best Men's Colognes

Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with different fragrances, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, I have written hundreds of reviews and other pages about perfumes and colognes.