Sauvage EDP by Christian Dior Review

For this review, I am going to be taking a closer look at another Christian Dior cologne, this one from the insanely popular Sauvage line: Sauvage Eau de parfum. I was interested to see if this would be an improvement or a complete dud. How does this fragrance stack up versus its competitors and even the EDT original, that has been a best seller since its release. How does it smell? Does it perform? How’s the sillage? Is EDP worth a buy?

What does Sauvage Eau de Parfum Smell Like?

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

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

My Full Wear Review

I’ve never been a huge fan of the EDT release of Sauvage. One of my biggest complaints about it, was the sharp bergamot/pepper opening, and the amount of lavender that was in the composition. So, I really wasn’t too excited to try the eau de parfum version, and have held out up until now.

I have to say, the EDP’s opening gets it right. It leads off with the famous ambroxan note at full strength, which subdues the harshness of the citrus and Sichuan pepper. The opening isn’t really all that spicy and definitely way smoother than its predecessor.

The added vanilla and a lower amount of lavender, team up with that ambroxan, and give the scent a fresh warmth. The vanilla is quite dark and smoky, which makes for an interesting aroma.

After the opening, Sauvage EDP really begins with the spices. Again, it’s still not as sharp as the original EDT fragrance from Dior, but it does have a well rounded spice. The Sichuan pepper, is joined by nutmeg, and star anise.

Both of those additional spices are a lot less in your face. The bergamot note, comes into its own during this time for me, as it isn’t overshadowed completely by that amber-laden opening. Very clean, somewhat sharp, and juicy.

The citrus is there at the start. But, on my skin, it doesn’t seem to really emerge on its own until later. That could just be how it reacts to my body chemistry.

Ultimately, from this EDP, I get the ambroxan, a host of spices, bergamot, and some lavender. It’s super fresh and smooth. The dry down is great. I like how chill and confident this cologne comes across. My opinion of the original has gotten lower, over the years, and I hated having it on the last time I tried it.

This, I don’t get that feeling. It is an enjoyable wear throughout. Fresh, crisp, with periods of absolute smoothness and depth.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, the sillage of Sauvage EDP is beastly. Seriously, this stuff can project itself like crazy, and doesn’t require you to spray it a lot in order to create that effect. This is what you’d expect from an eau de parfum, but I can tell you, that is definitely not always the case.

Sauvage EDP has the power that it should have, though.

How long does it last? Well, the longevity is also fantastic. It hit double digit hours on my skin, with any hint of slowing down. Awesome value. Somewhere around 12 hours, seems to be the norm for this cologne.

Seasonally, I can’t quite pin it down. I think that it would work well year round and in a variety of climates. It is a solid blend of different notes, which can operate in so many different types of situations.

Sauvage EDP has wonderful versatility, as it can be worn casually, dressed up, at the office, and especially out for the evening. It is more mature than the original, but still retains a high energy, about it.

Is Sauvage EDP sexy? Yes, this is one that is going to draw the complements, particularly from the ladies. Toning down the sharpness was an important step for Dior, toward making the eau de parfum, a real crowd pleaser.

Overall Impressions of Sauvage EDP

Overall, is Christian Dior’s Sauvage EDP version worth a buy? Yes. I like it a lot, and again, I am someone who is pretty indifferent with regards to the EDT. I still have a sample vial of that and never choose to wear it (and would rather wear, Luna Rossa Carbon).

This, I almost certainly will. It took what was right about the original and improved upon it. Then, more importantly, fixed its short comings. EDP performs extremely well and is one of those highly versatile year round colognes. Bravo, Dior.

I like how much better the citrus is in this blend. Also, the Sichuan pepper, having to share the stage with anise and nutmeg makes it work perfectly.

Updating this initial review, having also tried the Parfum version of Sauvage, I can definitely say that the EDP is the best. I like that newer release also and would rank it second.

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.