L’Interdit EDP Rouge by Givenchy

L’Interdit is a long running fragrance with Givenchy. In recent years, however, the brand has been adding newer flanker fragrances to that original formula. Perhaps the most popular of them, is L’Interdit Rouge, which was released in 2021. I’ve been testing out this entire lineup over the past little while, after purchasing samples of each. How does Rouge smell? Does it last long? Is it actually worth it?

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What does L’Interdit Rouge Smell Like?

Notes include: blood orange, ginger, jasmine, orange blossom, tuberose, patchouli, sandalwood

Click here to try: L’Interdit Rouge by Givenchy

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My Full Review

Here’s how Givenchy describes it: A whisper of carnal excitement is at the heart of the iconic L’Interdit white flower bouquet. Luminous orange blossom and opulent jasmine combine in incandescence. A spicy red accord composed of blood orange, ginger, and pimento leaf is caressed by suave sandalwood, leaving a trail of provocative promise.

Wow. I really enjoy the way the Rouge starts off. Blood orange and ginger. The ginger is the same as the original EDP, but the dose has been turned way up. It’s sweet and spicy, with that familiar L’Interdit candy-like aroma, just matured.

There is a good amount of the orange blossom early on here. But, that note fades really quickly and this becomes tuberose dominant much more quickly than the EDP. Jasmine has a reduced role but sticks around.

That initial sweetness will tone tone, but the spicy warmth and sweetness on the whole, sticks around just with less of a punch.

Noticeably, this one lacks the vanilla. I like the change, but be prepared for more patchouli and sandalwood.

That warmth of ginger and patchouli spice is really a highlight for me. With the tuberose, the creaminess, and the general woodiness of the sandalwood base, Rouge really takes the L’Interdit formula in a new direction…without being completely far off from the original DNA.

Though, it ends pretty close to being like EDP. Both have the tuberose and patchouli. Except this goes with a sandalwood finish versus the aforementioned vanilla.

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Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here is strong, scent trail for a nice long time, but not overwhelming. It’s got a solid punch, but isn’t a complete beast with how it projects itself. But, Rouge also won’t be accused of being a weak fragrance.

On my skin, it reached around 8 hours of wear, maybe a bit more. Again, not completely incredible, but more than enough for most use cases. Rouge will give you plenty of time to spend with it.

Seasonally, this is autumn and winter all the way. The spice and thickness here from the creamy tuberose doesn’t really fit in during the summer months, and would pretty much take a beating in the heat and humidity.

Rouge does have a mature sort of smell. Not ‘old’ or like out of touch, but something that is confident and sexy. It has its sweetness, but doesn’t come across as childish or something designed for youth.

I would like to smell this more in nightlife or other evening situations. But, I suppose daytime use is fine as well. Just go easy with it. But, on cold and crisp nights, this would be one to grab and spray on before heading out.

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Overall Impressions of L’Interdit Rouge

Overall, do I like L’Interdit Rouge? Yes, this is a fantastic perfume. It’s become my favorite from the L’Interdit series. Just a notch above the original and Intense, but it’s really separated itself in my mind.

The contrast between that bold ginger spice and the blood orange is really awesome. It’s a great start to a fun ride, on the whole.

The toned down vanilla is actually nice and the tuberose plays its role nicely, as the signature of this Givenchy lineup. Warm, sweet, spicy, and the balance between ginger and patchouli in the latter stages…all amazing.

The performance here isn’t top notch, but definitely above average in every way. This is the most dynamic and memorable of the L’Interdit line, in my opinion.

I think that it’s worth a try and lives up to the hype that Rouge has gathered since its release. It might not be your favorite out of them, however.

Try it, but I’d also check out Intense and the original too. One may fit more in line with your own style, but I think that this one is a great place to start.