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Givenchy L’Interdit vs Rouge

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Givenchy’s L’Interdit series has enjoyed a good deal of popularity over the past few years, with its newer releases. Two of the most popular options remain the revamped EDP and the newer offering, L’Interdit Rouge.

I’ve tested out the line in order to do reviews for the site and present a head to head comparison of each. Which of these fragrances smells better? Lasts longer? Is the better buy?

Quick Overview

L’Interdit Rouge is the overall winner because it takes the familiar white-floral DNA of the original and gives it a spicier, more dynamic character. Blood orange and a stronger dose of ginger make the opening more interesting, while tuberose, patchouli, and sandalwood create a warmer and sexier dry down.

The original L’Interdit EDP has the stronger performance. Its pear, orange blossom, tuberose, jasmine, patchouli, and vanilla combination projects a little more strongly and lasts around 8–9.5 hours, compared with roughly eight hours for Rouge.

Both are best suited to fall and winter, although the EDP can move into spring more comfortably. Rouge gets a slight versatility edge for nightlife and its more mature, sensual character, while also winning the overall scent comparison by a narrow margin.

Category L’Interdit EDP L’Interdit Rouge Winner
Opening Opens with pear, bergamot, orange blossom, and ginger. Sweet, fruity, and floral, with a slight candy-like quality before tuberose and jasmine become stronger. Starts spicier with blood orange, stronger ginger, and orange blossom. Tuberose develops earlier, giving it a warmer and more energetic opening. L’Interdit Rouge
Projection Strong projection with an excellent scent trail. During testing, it was slightly easier to detect from farther away. Also projects strongly and leaves a noticeable trail without overwhelming a room when applied reasonably. L’Interdit EDP
Longevity Usually lasts around 8–9.5 hours and often lands toward the upper end of that range. Generally lasts around eight hours, sometimes a little more or less, but does not reach the same high end as the original. L’Interdit EDP
Versatility Best for fall and winter, though it can move into spring more easily. Works well for everyday wear, evenings, and nightlife. Also best in cooler weather, with a slightly more mature and sexier character that gives it an advantage for nightlife. L’Interdit Rouge
Overall Scent A sweet pear-and-orange-blossom opening that settles into a traditional tuberose-heavy white floral with patchouli and vanilla. Keeps the recognizable L’Interdit style but adds blood orange, stronger ginger, patchouli, and sandalwood for a spicier and more dynamic experience. L’Interdit Rouge

Tale of the Tape: L’Interdit EDP vs. Rouge

L’Interdit EDP

Notes include: tuberose, pear, orange blossom, jasmine, vetiver, ginger, patchouli, vanilla, ambroxan

Click here to try: Givenchy L’interdit Women, Eau de Parfum Spray, 1.7 Fl Oz

My Full Review: L’Interdit EDP

L’Interdit Rouge

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

Click here to try: L’Interdit Rouge by Givenchy

My Review: L’Interdit Rouge EDP

l'interdit rouge review

Opening

L’Interdit EDP starts off with a blend of pear, bergamot, orange blossom, and ginger. The bergamot and ginger add an initial kick to the mix, but quickly fade out.

The orange blossom is the star white floral in the early stages, that will be joined by tuberose and jasmine,  as they strengthen. But, I actually get a good deal of patchouli from EDP, on my skin.

The opening is actually a sweet floral, that some people compare to the smell of grape bubble gum. I understand the comparison, it’s just overblown.

With Rouge, we go spicier from the start, and use a greater amount of citrus. Here, it is blood orange. The ginger is the same between the two, but is amped up and sticks around for much longer in Rouge.

It is interesting, that you also get that big orange blossom start with Rouge also, but it is the note that fades away quickly. The tuberose moves into full strength earlier, in this edition.

Which is better, at the start? I really like each of them a lot early on. Though, I have a slight preference for Rouge. That ginger spice and blood orange is really great and just somewhat more attractive than EDP.

Edge: Rouge

Projection

So, both of these perfumes are what could be considered strong fragrances. You will get great projection off of the skin, a scent trail, without completely bombing out a room (if you don’t over-spray).

The sillage of both is actually pretty similar. During my testing, I did find L’Interdit to be a bit more powerful when compared to Rouge.

It isn’t a huge difference, but I do seem to be able to pick up the scent of EDP on a shirt, somewhat further away than I did when I did the same later with Rouge.

Edge: L’Interdit

Longevity

With L’Interdit EDP, it will last between 8-9.5 hours on my skin. It is a good amount of range, but definitely leaned towards the higher end, during testing.

With Rouge, it’s a bit of a step back from that, but a similar level. I get somewhere around 8 hours, maybe less or a little bit more. However, it doesn’t hit that same high end that the original does. 

I tested each of them out multiple times and it was consistently the case that EDP was outdoing Rouge.

Not a huge discrepancy, though, there’s enough of a difference to have a clear distinction. 

Edge: L’Interdit

Versatility

Neither of these fragrances is built for the hottest days of the year. I’d stick mostly to autumn and winter with each. But, EDP can more easily venture into the springtime than Rouge.

Rouge is a bit more mature and sexier, when compared to the EDP. Both can fit into nightlife wear, but Rouge is a better option there.

Not a huge difference, basically on par with one another. Rouge does have a very slight edge.

Edge: Rouge

givenchy l'interdit perfume

Overall Scent

Which one of these fragrances is better? To me, it’s actually a close race, as they are my two favorite perfumes from this Givenchy series.

With EDP, I like the opening act with the pear and the orange blossom. Sure, a candy-like at times, but still a wonderful scent. The dry down is more of the traditional tuberose led, white floral. Still, I like it.

However, even with a slightly better performance, I prefer Rouge more so than the original. 

It’s not a major sure fire win for the flanker scent. Yet, the opening is better to me, as is the whole experience. 

It’s got a more dynamic start with blood orange and ginger, while still retaining that familiar L’Interdit DNA. I like the spicier vibe and dry down with plenty of sandalwood and patchouli. Rouge is a great perfume release, to me.

It’s a perfume that I wanted to keep coming back to, time and time again.

I can honestly recommend either one of these. Or really, any of them in the series (if you enjoy tuberose or can stand it). Just in this head to head battle, I think L’Interdit Rouge stands just a notch above. 

Winner: Rouge

Givenchy L’interdit vs Intense

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L’Interdit is a tuberose led fragrance series, that has grown in popularity over the past few years. New releases have seemingly one upped each other, but what really is the best fragrance? Today’s comparison is between the original L’Interdit EDP and EDP Intense. Which smells better? Lasts longer? Is the one to buy?

Tale of the Tape: L’Interdit vs. Intense

L’Interdit EDP

Notes include: tuberose, pear, orange blossom, jasmine, vetiver, ginger, patchouli, vanilla, ambroxan

Click here to try: Givenchy L’interdit Women, Eau de Parfum Spray, 1.7 Fl Oz

My Full Review: L’Interdit EDP

L’Interdit Intense

Notes include: vanilla, tuberose, orange blossom, sesame, patchouli, vetiver

Click here to try: L’Interdit EDP Intense by Givenchy

Read my Full Review: Intense
l'interdit intense review

Opening

L’Interdit EDP starts off with a blend of pear, bergamot, orange blossom, and ginger. The bergamot and ginger add an initial kick to the mix, but quickly fade out.

The orange blossom is the star white floral in the early stages, that will be joined by tuberose and jasmine, as they strengthen. But, I actually get a good deal of patchouli from EDP, on my skin.

It’s at its absolute sweetest, at this point, and becoming increasingly floral. Some don’t care much for that level of sweetness, but I think it absolutely works here.

With Intense, at the start, you get a strong orange blossom, a bit of spiciness, vanilla, and the usual tuberose note. Early though, that orange blossom is stronger.

This one doesn’t have the sweetness, no fruitiness, but does include a nice sesame note.  It’s nutty and gives Intense a different smell from the others in the series.

Which is better? It’s a close call, but I still like the EDP’s opening act versus Intense. The sesame note, which I do really enjoy, is more of a factor a bit later on. Both have orange blossom, but I dig the sweeter aspects of EDP.

Edge: EDP

Projection

Both of these fragrances are strong and leave a great scent trail for a long time. I don’t think anyone would be disappointed with either.

They have the potential to fill a room if sprayed too much and will be very noticeable throughout the wear. These Givenchy perfumes are no slouches with how much punch that they pack.

However, Intense does have the edge here. It is the strongest of the series, has the furthest reaching projection, etc. Now, EDP is second best, but it is a distinct second place.

Edge: Intense

Longevity

With L’Interdit EDP, it will last between 8-9.5 hours on my skin. It is a good amount of range, but definitely leaned towards the higher end, during testing.

Intense does take this category, as I get at least 9 hours with it. But, the majority of the time it easily exceeds 10 hours of total wear, and even a few beyond that. So, it lives up to the stronger moniker, and performs wonderfully.

Edge: Intense

Versatility

So, seasonally each of these fits into more of the autumn and winter time frame. But, EDP can venture deeper into springtime than can Intense.

Yet, Intense is probably the better option if you want something for nighttime, while still having the option to be a daytime wear, if you don’t overdo it.

Head to head, it’s kind of a wash and neither really sets themselves apart with how versatile they are.

Edge: Push

givenchy l'interdit perfume

Overall Scent

Overall, which one do I prefer?

With EDP, I like the opening act with the pear and the orange blossom. Sure, a candy-like at times, but still a wonderful scent. The dry down is more of the traditional tuberose led, white floral.

With Intense, I get the same a really good start, but a somewhat boring finish. Here, it is tuberose and vanilla. Like, all of the more interesting aspects of the perfume have faded.

That opening is worthwhile, yet falls short in terms of my enjoyment when compared to L’Interdit eau de parfum.

So, in my mind, the original EDP is better than Intense. Actually, Rouge is the best of them all. But, in this contest, EDP.

Now, for some who don’t like the sweetness of EDP nor the spice of Rouge, Intense is going to be the one you want to go with. It’s third best, but honestly not too far behind the others.

The performance is better and the sesame/orange blossom notes are great. Finish is still fine, but just nothing amazing.

Winner: L’Interdit EDP

Gentleman Society Extreme by Givenchy

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Gentleman Society Extreme is the follow up to the fairly popular, Gentleman Society. Extreme was released in 2024.

This flanker has gotten some attention already for being a worthy second act in the line. But, does it actually live up to the hype? How long does it last? Is Society Extreme even worth a try?

Gentleman Society Extreme Overview

Notes include: sage, peppermint, nutmeg, iced coffee, narcissus, iris, vetiver, cedar, sandalwood, vanilla

Click here to try: Gentleman Society Extreme

My Full Review

I grew to like the original Gentleman Society a bit more after I initially tried it. However, it never became something that I ever got too excited about wearing. So, I really wasn’t expecting much coming into testing Extreme.

I must say, this version is simply better to my nose. Yes, they are quite similar but the differences are enough to really make a difference, for me at least.

The opening here really sets the tone. It’s like an iced coffee drink smell with nutmeg and peppermint. A mix of freshness and later warmth. Not to mention the clary sage from the original is still around. Though, in a reduced role.

The addition of the coffee note is fantastic. I’ve seen a few reviews saying that they don’t get much coffee, but it really sticks out on me, thankfully. That’s one of the notes that appealed to me before trying this version.

The iris here is a richer orris root. It’s certainly a powdery fragrance, but that’s not the sole focus at all. The iris isn’t to the degree of something like L’Homme L’eau by Prada.

Coffee, fresh spiciness, powder, and the emergent vanilla note are what I get in the first phase of the wear.

Later, we will start to move into it’s woodier aspects. But first, the iris and narcissus shine alongside the coffee note.

To me, this has less of the narcissus than the original, at least to my memory. The original had the cardamom and narcissus pairing with the vanilla, whereas this goes coffee, iris, vanilla, and mint.

Either way more weighting on my skin toward the orris root. There is a slightly green or earthy quality here. Faint at times, but between the floral notes, swath of vetiver, cedar, and sandalwood this one starts to get woodier as we dry down.

The tail end is going to be the iris, vanilla, coffee, vetiver, and cedar. It depends on the time, as to which note is leading the way at which point, but they all seem to get some shine. Actually, this is when Extreme seems to smell the most similar to the original Society.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The original Society was a pretty strong fragrance at its start and was above average for the duration.

Extreme, is even more powerful with its projection early on, and does a better job at maintaining throughout.

Now, it’s not an absolute monster. However, it’s got plenty of reach, particularly during the first few hours.

It’s not super heavy either. Substantial for sure, but this perfume doesn’t bog down or ever feel cloying on me. The sage, cedar, etc. do a nice job at giving this enough aromatic freshness to keep it pleasant.

On my skin, I get 10-11 hours of wear with this one. Not a complete projection bomb, but one that will stick around and be noticeable for a long time. A good value, especially if you can get a bottle on sale.

Seasonally, I’d stick to autumn through early springtime with this Givenchy. I wore this on a warmer day before and it wasn’t too great in that environment. Though, in the colder weather it hangs beautifully in some crisp air.

The additional notes give this one a greater balance and a more refined style than the original. It’s more acceptable for all age ranges, to where Society felt geared more toward men in their 20s.

Nonetheless, this retains the ability to work during days or nights. It’s a great fragrance to wear out in a variety of scenarios from a party to a date and in between. Yet, it’s not so loud or anything that it can’t fit in at the office as well.

Overall Impressions of Society Extreme

Overall, do I like Society Extreme? Yes, it’s one of my favorite designer releases of 2024. Not that it was too difficult of a field in a slow year, but it actually is a very nice perfume that I enjoy wearing.

The coffee note and peppermint combination really makes this one for me. That opening is distinct from the original and the overall composition has a better balance with everything.

Less of the sage sticking out and the freshness is incorporate well with the sweeter notes. Plus, the Givenchy iris is still great.

Society Extreme does live up to the name, giving you very good performance for a designer wear, while also checking the box of being a daily wear scent.

After trying the sample, I bought a full bottle on Black Friday for $100. I’d say it’s worth retail price, if you can’t find a discount, but I’m sure it’ll available for around what I paid for it again sometime soon.

This is well worth a try and I think that it will continue to grow in popularity. It’s an easy going floral cologne that isn’t going to alienate the average guy by straying too far into the ‘flowery’ territory.

Givenchy Gentleman Society vs. Extreme

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Givenchy’s Gentleman line has spun off in a few directions is seems. Society is one of the newer iterations of these fragrances from the brand, which has now also spawned, Society Extreme.

I’ve tested out both of these scents numerous times and am now ready to do my full comparison between them. Which smells better? Lasts longer? Is a better a buy for most people?

Tale of the Tape: Gentleman Society vs. Extreme

Gentleman Society

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

Click here to try: Gentleman Society

Read my review: Gentleman Society by Givenchy

Gentleman Society Extreme

Notes include: sage, peppermint, nutmeg, iced coffee, narcissus, iris, vetiver, cedar, sandalwood, vanilla

Click here to try: Gentleman Society Extreme

Opening

Gentleman Society starts off with a sweet, spicy, and seemingly nutty mix of notes. Sage is a strong note 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.

Meanwhile, Extreme starts off cold and with a fresh spiciness. The sage is still present, just not as strong as in the original. Here, we get a great peppermint note and some further nutmeg.

The nutmeg and peppermint go well with the newer coffee note and the vanilla. Yes, very much like an iced coffee. Yet, it isn’t too intense with that accord and still gives you the emerging woods and iris, in particular.

Which is better? I like Extreme a lot more than Gentleman Society. The iced coffee element and the stronger orris root give this one a balance and captivating aroma.

Still plenty of overlap, between them but the vanilla, sage, and daffodil are toned down with Extreme.

Edge: Extreme

Projection

Projection wise, each of these is above average in totality, with a strong start initially.

Society Extreme seems to hit a higher mark and maintain that power for longer. Neither is a super heavy scent, but they’ve each got a nice reach, and can create a good scent trail.

Gentleman Society isn’t weak and it isn’t too far behind Extreme, but there is a clear edge here for the flanker.

Edge: Extreme

Longevity

Both of these are great performers, with how long they last. Gentleman Society EDP lasts for 9 hours on my skin. Really, no complaints there.

Society Extreme does outdo the original, however. I get 10-11 hours of wear out of this newer flanker fragrance.

It’s not a massive difference and the two smell quite a bit alike in the dry down, but Extreme takes this category.

Edge: Extreme

Versatility

Both of these fragrances are better in colder to moderate temperatures. I wasn’t too enthusiastic about how either of them react in the heat. Outside of that, they wear quite well.

Either of them can be worn day or night, both as a daily wear or something that is good for nightlife.

I think the distinction is that Extreme feels like a more mature and balanced scent. Gentleman Society seems geared more towards men in their 20s, while Extreme has more refinement, even with that greater power.

Edge: Extreme

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these two fragrances do I prefer?

Gentleman Society Extreme.

The original Society release was just fine. Had some elements that I grew to like, such as the opening act, but then was a bit too sweet and irritating at times.

In fact, I wasn’t particularly enthusiastic about trying out this newer release.

Surprisingly, I think Society Extreme is a very good fragrance. It’s one of the better mainstream designer releases, in my opinion.

The ‘iced coffee’ elements, even the peppermint, are really good together. The shift in focus away from cardamom and vanilla toward the coffee and iris just works.

In the end, the both have a woody and earthy finish, but Extreme is more substantial. Givenchy managed to produce one of favorites from this line, without me even caring much about the previous entry.

Winner: Gentleman Society Extreme

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