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Dune Pour Homme by Dior

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Dune Pour Homme is one that I experienced for the first time many years ago. Sometime in the past year or so, I picked it up again in the form of a travel sprayer decant. I thought that I’d already published my review of it, but I guess not.

So, this is another blast from the past, a fragrance first released in 1997. How does it smell? Is Dune worth a try?

Dune Pour Homme Overview

Notes include: fig, sandalwood, cassis, vanilla, tonka bean, basil, sage, rose, mignonette, cedar

My Full Review

Here’s how Dior describes Dune: Original and harmonious, Dune pour Homme takes its inspiration from breezy seaside escapes. Its composition associates fresh, woody and oceanic notes in a fragrance that is serene and in harmony with nature.

I’m not sure when this scent got discontinued (Update: it is apparently back or has been limited to certain markets. So, you can actually get Dune fairly regularly now). Nor do I know when my decant of it is from. So, who knows if any reformulation took place that effected its performance?

The scent itself, I don’t think so, as that smells exactly how it is sounds based on the notes list.

The opening act is really fresh with basil and sage, coming out of the gate hard. There is a light fruity cassis note that joins, but never feels too pronounced on my skin. It just sort of hangs around for most of the wear.

Under that fresh spice? Fig. Lots of it. Also, mignonette, which based on what I’ve read is giving it that greenish-watery-violet smelling aroma. I like it, more so than the usual violet leaf note that gets stuck into a ton of fragrances.

The basil and sage’s dominance hangs around for a little bit. But, this one will go from more herbal/green/fruity to a warm and dry fresh woods.

That fig, cedar, and sandalwood really take shape. The sweetness here is very light and faint. Sure, vanilla and tonka are there, but not all that noticeable to me. After the first hour, not even on the radar.

I like Dune a lot at this stage. The remaining sage note gives it an enjoyable freshness when paired to that of the woody notes.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this stuff is light and airy. Again, maybe that didn’t used to be the case. This batch doesn’t really leave a scent trail and isn’t going to project too far from the skin.

It is a nice scent bubble. 1-4 feet for a majority of the wear. Dune isn’t a cologne that is going to overpower or bomb out a room.

That being said, I can still pick it up on my skin around six hours later. It’s passable, just know what you’re getting into with this Dior.

Seasonally, spring through early autumn. I like this in moderate temperatures and the warmer air. I really want to be outside when I have this on. I don’t live in a desert area, but I could enjoy wearing this around a place like Las Vegas on certain days.

Dune Pour Homme is a daytime fresh woody fragrance. Not a nightlife or romantic wear. But, within that daytime arena, this one is pretty versatile.

It isn’t totally stuffy nor childish. It can work casually or in a more formal setting. Not like tuxedo level, but it’d be fine in an office.

Overall Impressions of Dune

Overall, do I like Dune Pour Homme? Yes, I do. It has a style that is unique and yet feels timeless. I don’t know of another men’s fragrance that smells exactly like this. This Dior is such a departure from the other colognes out on the market today.

It evokes the sandy dry air of the desert, but where it just begins, and not too far off from the sea. I dig these sorts of scents, that give you visions of a specific place you’d want to wear it.

Fig is one of my favorite underutilized notes. The stages of freshness, green herbal, and then warm air and dry woods are great.

The performance? Not so much. Maybe the initial bottles had more power than this. But, this batch is pretty darn airy. When you pick it up, it’s beautiful. But, a lot of the time you won’t even notice.

As a skin scent or a 1-2 foot radius aroma, Dune Pour Homme will stick around for about six hours. Again, not great, but not horrific. If I had a full bottle, I’d be spraying a ton to really try and get the full effect.

As it stands, this Dior is discontinued. It’s a great and unique 1990s fragrance, but not a must have for most people. Sure, if you find a bottle for cheap, give it a try. However, unless you’re a collector, you probably don’t need to chase any super expensive bottles on the internet.

Though, as of now, they seem to still be under $100. So, it’s not too big of a gamble.

Sauvage Elixir vs Eau Forte

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Sauvage Eau Forte is the latest edition of the best selling Sauvage series from Dior. With any new release, it is obviously going to draw comparisons with what came before it. One of the more beloved options is Sauvage Elixir.

I have worn and tested out each of these fragrances fully and now want to compare them against one another in this post. How does each smell? Which lasts longer? Which is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Sauvage Elixir vs. Eau Forte

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

Sauvage Eau Forte

Notes include: elemi, spice, blanched lavender, wood, musk

Click here to try: Eau Forte from Sephora

Read my full review: Sauvage Eau Forte

Opening

Sauvage Elixir opens things up with a lot of spice. This Dior has a blast of cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In the top, there is a much lighter grapefruit versus the EDT version’s heavier use of citrus.

The next phase will have more of the lavender and some sweetness from licorice and amber. Sauvage Elixir is spicy, woody, with enough sweetness to change it up. Lots going on in the mix.

Eau Forte begins with a cold and fresh aroma. The elemi note is a mix of waxy and resinous that brings something a tad different to the table . There are spices, woods, and the impression of water from this alcohol free formula. It’s interesting.

The Sauvage lavender note is present and there is a good balance of the ingredients early on. The musk isn’t too much, the spice and cold are actually pretty wonderful.

Which do I prefer? I like how Eau Forte starts. It is much more approachable and less intense than is the powerhouse of Elixir.

Edge: Eau Forte

Projection

Elixir is a very strong fragrance, which projects itself to a wide radius. Now, it will obviously abate somewhat, but it is still going to be a powerful scent throughout most of the wear.

Eau Forte is in the lighter to moderate camp. Initially, it does have some punch, but this Sauvage is going to be more intimate than other editions in the line. It’s also not nearly as heavy of a sillage as Elixir.

It’s not a close match in this category.

Edge: Elixir

Longevity

Sauvage Elixir takes this category easily, as well. It lasts 12+ hours on my skin and is an absolute beast with how it performs.

Eau Forte doesn’t have a ton of power, in terms of projection, but the longevity is actually pretty good in that lighter state. For me, this version of Sauvage hangs around on skin for about 8 hours.

Still, not close enough to challenge Elixir.

Edge: Elixir

Versatility

Elixir isn’t a formal scent. It’s mostly one for autumn and winter. Evenings out or casually. Wearing it for work, you’ll probably want to go easy on the sprays.

In this category, I think Eau Forte is the more versatile of the two, as to when each can be worn.

I think Eau Forte has a more low key vibe that can fit in better for more formalized occasions. Even if it’s not a powerhouse, it’s not out of place in most situations.

That’s what can make it a better play for daily wear situations. It holds up well in almost any climate and doesn’t have that same in your face intensity that Elixir can.

Edge: Eau Forte

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these Sauvage releases do I prefer?

Eau Forte isn’t a bad fragrance. I like the way that it starts things off and I like the transition into the middle notes. It’s got a nice, fresh aroma that makes it very enjoyable to wear.

Now, the back half of the wear isn’t as interesting. More about the lavender note and it doesn’t have too much in the way of an outstanding performance.

It was a release that had a lot of potential, delivering something somewhat different than the other Sauvage colognes, but doesn’t fully capitalize on that. Something I think that Elixir actually did.

But, as a daily wear or something along those lines, Eau Forte is a nice enough cologne, just not great.

Meanwhile, Elixir is bold and the most unique fragrance in the Sauvage line. It is a lot to deal with at times, in the beginning stages of wear. However, I think its depth and nuance use of notes later on are a main draw for me.

Eau Forte isn’t as good as what I get out of Sauvage Elixir. Especially, at the retail price. If Eau Forte comes down significantly when it hits the discounters, that might be a reason to pick it up. Otherwise, I’ll pass.

Winner: Sauvage Elixir

Gentleman Society vs. Dior Sauvage EDT

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Dior Sauvage is a constant best seller, but so is the Gentleman series from Givenchy. It’s just spread over different fragrances with less in common with one another versus the Sauvage lineup.

One of the more popular options over the past few years, has been Givenchy Gentleman Society. Guys will often look for it and want to compare it with the popular Sauvage EDT.

In this post, I’m going to give my comparisons between these colognes, and talk about which I feel is the better of them.

Tale of the Tape: Sauvage vs. Gentleman Society

Sauvage EDT

Notes of Sauvage: bergamot, ambroxan, lavender, pepper, wood notes

Click here to try: Christian Dior Sauvage for Men Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4 Fluid Ounce

My Original Sauvage Review

Gentleman Society

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

Click here to try: Gentleman Society

Read my review: Gentleman Society by Givenchy

Opening

Sauvage starts off with a blast of bergamot, pepper, and the ambroxan note. It’s super bright, energetic, and clean.

The Sichuan pepper is a powerhouse early on, as is the bergamot note. The citrus here is very noticeable and actually is a nice note, even when it feels quite sharp.

The lavender will take on more of a role later on, but it’s presence is felt throughout.

Gentleman Society begins with a sweet, spicy, and seemingly nutty mix of notes. Sage is a leader up top, with some cardamom also coming through. That’s the spice of the mix.

Not too spicy, but tempered by the vanilla note and daffodil, that has it shine in the early stages of the wear.

Which cologne do I prefer here? I’m going with the Givenchy scent over the Dior for the opening.

It’s more interesting has a smoother blend than what I get with Sauvage EDT.

Edge: Society

Projection

The original Sauvage is an eau de toilette versus Society which is a higher concentrate eau de parfum.

However, it’s actually a closer match up in terms of their projection and sillage. Both start out as being above average with their reach. Neither is a weak fragrance, so don’t worry about that.

Then, both will moderate during the wear.

I think that Society has a high peak, though. Along with that, it maintains a higher level for me for longer.

Not a huge win here, but an advantage for the Givenchy.

Edge: Society

Longevity

With Sauvage EDT, it will last for 7-8 hours on my skin. It’s always been a solid performer and definitely gives you some value, in this regard.

But, Gentleman Society lasts longer than the Dior. For me, it seems to quit around 9 hours, so it can provide an extra hour or two of wear beyond what Sauvage seems capable of.

Givenchy takes this category.

Edge: Society

Versatility

Seasonally, I’d say Society is better autumn through early spring. I’ve worn it when it’s warm out and wasn’t pleased with the results.

Sauvage, does a better job across seasons. I’d still avoid extreme cold with it, but it can be fine for almost any other conditions.

Neither of these is a formal fragrance. Society seems geared toward younger guys, as does Sauvage to some extent. Day or night with either, but Sauvage actually might be the better daily wear.

I think this is where Sauvage EDT has a slight advantage.

Edge: Sauvage

Overall Scent

So, overall, which of these fragrances do I prefer?

I’ve never been a huge fan of the original Sauvage. I don’t hate it, I think that it smells fine, but I have grown tired of it and all the scents that have copied its style.

That being said, I still can appreciate the fragrance’s performance and the dry down which is better once the pepper note calms down.

With the Givenchy, I like the opening 45 minutes or so of the wear. That’s the highlight of the fragrance. After that, it’s fine but sort of boring, but I don’t think Sauvage does anything to make me really want it versus its competitor.

I’ll take Society over a bottle of Sauvage, even if I don’t love that Givenchy cologne. Actually, I would go with Society Extreme, which I enjoy much more than either of the fragrances we’re comparing in this post.

I might also pick Sauvage EDP over Society.

But, between these two, it’s Gentleman Society EDP.

Winner: Society

Sauvage EDT vs. Eau Forte

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Sauvage has become such a popular line, that it doesn’t appear that Dior will stop coming out with flankers of this fragrance any time soon. The latest one for 2024 is Sauvage Eau Forte. It’s a new scent, but how does it compare to the original Sauvage eau de toilette release?

Which of these colognes lasts longer? Smells better? Is the one to buy?

Tale of the Tape: Sauvage vs. Eau Forte

Sauvage EDT

Notes of Sauvage: bergamot, ambroxan, lavender, pepper, wood notes

Click here to try: Christian Dior Sauvage for Men Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4 Fluid Ounce

My Original Sauvage Review

Sauvage Eau Forte

Notes include: elemi, spice, blanched lavender, wood, musk

Click here to try: Eau Forte from Sephora

Read my full review: Sauvage Eau Forte

Opening

Sauvage starts off with a strong kick of bergamot, pepper, and the ever-present ambroxan note. It’s super bright, energetic, and clean.

The Sichuan pepper is definitely strong early on, as is the bergamot note. The citrus here is much more noticeable and in your face when compared to the cool spicy freshness of Eau Forte.

The lavender will take on more of a role later on, but it’s presence is felt throughout.

Eau Forte starts things off with a cold and fresh aroma. The elemi note is a mix of waxy and resinous up top. There are spices, woods, and the impression of water from this alcohol free formula.

The Sauvage lavender note is present and there is a good balance of the ingredients early on. The musk isn’t too much, the spice and cold are wonderful.

I prefer how Eau Forte starts when compared to the original EDT. To me, it’s the best part of this newer Sauvage release. Not amazing. Though, it’s a really nice introduction to what they were going for.

Edge: Eau Forte

Projection

Sauvage EDT is a strong scent in terms of how it projects and can leave a scent trail. It’s not a massive beast or anything, but it is extremely noticeable and settles down into something that’s still above average.

Meanwhile, Eau Forte is in the lighter to moderate camp. Initially, it’s got some nice pop to it, but this Sauvage is going to be more intimate than other editions in the line.

Now, I don’t think it’s a weak fragrance and it does stick around. But, the EDT is for sure the stronger of the two.

Edge: Sauvage EDT

Longevity

Sauvage EDT has always lasted 7-8 hours for me, like clockwork. Other people seem to get a bit more from it, but I’ve never personally experienced it.

Eau Forte might not seem like it’s sticking around, when it enters its lighter phase. However, the fragrance is still there. I get somewhere around 8 hours during testing of this new Sauvage.

Not amazing, but still quite serviceable.

They’re about the same in terms of how long they last. Sauvage is stronger, but it doesn’t go any further than Eau Forte.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Seasonally, both EDT and Eau Forte can fit in during any season, but it’s probably best to not use them in either the extreme heat or cold. So, no real separation there.

Sauvage is good for casual wear, school, maybe some office wear depending on where you work. It’s good for a night out, but wouldn’t be my first pick. Although, I know I’ve smelled this on other people while walking through crowds.

I think Eau Forte has a slightly more mature profile and more of a low key vibe that can fit in better for more formalized occasions. Even if it’s not a powerhouse, it’s not out of place in most situations.

Not a massive difference here, but I lean more towards Forte taking it.

Edge: Eau Forte

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these Dior fragrances do I prefer versus the other?

It’s tough, because they are so close in terms of rating them for each category, not to mention that I don’t think either is a great fragrance.

With Sauvage EDT, I’m somewhat biased against it. I was never a huge fan and I frankly sick of it and every other scent smelling like it. The opening was always harsh and sort of off putting, though, I do like it better during the dry down.

With Eau Forte, the opening is more enjoyable for me than anything that the initial EDT throws my way. The dry down is also pretty good.

In terms of smell? I’d pick Eau Forte.

In terms of performance? Sauvage EDT takes it.

Everything being equal, I’m picking Eau Forte in this matchup and just spraying more of it to get some better performance.

The only other factor is price. Eau Forte is overpriced, in my opinion. Sauvage EDT can be found from discounters at something much more reasonable. That significant difference could really sway your own choice.

Otherwise, I’m going with the newer scent.

Winner: Eau Forte

Sauvage Eau Forte by Dior

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Sauvage Eau Forte is the 2024 release under the popular banner from Dior. I wanted to get a sample of this one as soon as I could t see what this different formulation could provide (if anything) versus the rest of the lineup.

Sauvage Eau Forte Overview

Notes include: elemi, spice, blanched lavender, wood, musk

Click here to try: Eau Forte from Sephora

My Full Review

Apparently the innovation here is that this is a water based formula. Dior even says that it has a ‘unique milky composition’. I think that’s what it looks like in the full bottle.

I must say, it does sit on the skin a bit differently. It’s like a light stickiness when sprayed on and it does hang around.

Anyway, Sauvage Eau Forte starts off with cold feeling. A fresh and cold fougere, with a distinct elemi early on, and more of a generic spice. I wouldn’t be surprised if they blended some of the pepper used from other Sauvage entries.

The elemi note here is also found in Dior Homme Sport (2021). To me, the Dior elemi always seems to be more waxy than resinous, different from the one that Chanel has used in some fragrances. I do like it here, much more than in Sport.

Eau Forte does do a great job early on to capture the vibe of sitting by a waterfall in a forest. It’s more of an emotional impression to me, rather than the smell.

Although, the freshness with the woods and elemi, and emergent lavender to give you a naturalistic influence. There’s an earthiness here to the smell, the woodiness isn’t like a pine tree or anything just a resinous woody aroma.

I actually quite enjoy the opening act. It’s not too musky, you get a fresh and aromatic fougere, and there’s a good balance between the lavender and spices.

The next phase after the first 10-15 minutes is more influence from the lavender, musk, and the spices do hang around too. I get periods throughout the wear, when it seems the elemi is more heavily weighted than the musk.

But, ultimately the musk not is stronger. Lavender, musk, and spices. A bit of a different feeling than that waterfall impression, that I got immediately, still something enjoyable.

It’s clean with less of an intense freshness. It’ll shift into more of a laundry-like clean, as we move along, but it doesn’t fully stray into that territory as some others on the market.

The back half is where Eau Forte loses me. I get the first half, I like it. The back half is kind of a boring blend of musk and lavender. Elemi is still around some, a touch of wood maybe, no spice left on my skin.

Not a terrible smell. Just nothing really interesting.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, it’s not a powerhouse. It’s got a bit of a reach in the opening, but this is going to be more of a light to moderate fragrance. You can probably get a decent scent trail with some substantial sprays, but it’ll take more work than the other Sauvage perfumes.

That being said, the longevity is actually pretty good. It stuck around for just over 8 hours for me, on skin, despite this middle of the pack power.

Seasonally, I could wear this pretty much whenever. I might avoid the extreme cold or heat, but for the rest of the time, it’d be fine.

It’s not going to offend and probably won’t even stand out very much. Which, makes it safe enough to wear whenever, and basically fit in without problem.

Though, I would think of this much more as a casual or daily wear rather than something that is sexy or going to grab complements left and right. Although, I could see myself wearing this at night, if I wanted to.

Eau Forte isn’t too limited, for the most part. It’s not the sexiest scent nor the most formal. It’s good to go otherwise.

Overall Impressions of Sauvage Eau Forte

Overall, do I like Eau Forte? It’s pretty good, but nothing too spectacular. I do appreciate Dior actually taking the Sauvage line in a different direction and not just remixing the formula for another time.

Is that difference worth it? For me, not at this price point. It’s a fragrance that is worth trying out to see if you’re somebody it clicks with, but there’s no need to rush out and buy it.

Style-wise (not necessarily how they exactly smell),  Eau Forte reminds me of Rain Essence, H24, and a Narcisco Rodriguez fragrance (don’t remember exactly which one) in different ways.

Outside of Bvlgari Rain Essence, the other two are better fragrances than Eau Forte. Also, much cheaper than the $160 this one retails at as of now.

The opening 30-60 minutes of the wear is pretty nice. I like the coldness, the spice, and the balance of the notes. After that, it’s whatever.

It’s fine, on the whole. The performance is solid in terms of longevity, even if it isn’t a heavy sort of bomb that you may have come to expect from the series.

I would choose others in the line, if I wanted a Sauvage. I might pick this over Sauvage EDT, because that gets on my nerves now.

Eau Forte will probably get more hate for a while because it’s a Sauvage release. But, it’d be pretty mid-tier, if someone else had released it. A few years from now, people will probably be loving this edition.

I actually sprayed some Luna Rossa Ocean Le Parfum on my other arm, at one point during testing, and that cologne grabbed my attention more than this Dior. And I don’t even think that’s an amazing scent.

The truth is, this is a middle of the road scent. One that is overpriced for what you get in return.