Reviews of Eau de Givenchy (original) by Givenchy
Is it bitter? Is it sweet? Is it dirty? Is it neat?
Eau de Givenchy is unique for its kind as it can at once remind me of mowed grass and muguet scented gin with a squeeze of grapefruit and then intermittently whisper dirty jasmine nothings from a mint-garnished décolletage. An eau, a "water," should be fresh, but this at once seems fresh in the literal sense and then again in the figurative sense, but mind you, discreetly so.
This is all good and proper, but what puts it right in the socket is a musky sandalwood dry down with suggestions of muted green echoes and white musk nuzzles, which sure enough butters my toast. I like it!
Eau de Givenchy is unique for its kind as it can at once remind me of mowed grass and muguet scented gin with a squeeze of grapefruit and then intermittently whisper dirty jasmine nothings from a mint-garnished décolletage. An eau, a "water," should be fresh, but this at once seems fresh in the literal sense and then again in the figurative sense, but mind you, discreetly so.
This is all good and proper, but what puts it right in the socket is a musky sandalwood dry down with suggestions of muted green echoes and white musk nuzzles, which sure enough butters my toast. I like it!
Ugh. Muguet and jasmine together, in a screechy chemical stew. Eau de Givenchy couldn't have done anything more to alienate me if it had put on a Freddy Kruger mask and chased me around my bedroom.
And this was the vintage version. How bad must the modern one be?
And this was the vintage version. How bad must the modern one be?
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Head-to-head comparison of the vintage (V) vs. the reformulated (R) version:
V: the top notes combine bergamot, whiffs of mint, green connotations, and a ripe and deep and slightly raisinous rose impression growing stronger with time.
The drydown sees a shift away from the fresh towards to more unequivocal floral side, with jasmine, lily-of-the-valley and cyclamen blended together very harmoniously.
Sandalwood is prominent in the base of V, with a dark but restrained musky - but not too faecaloid - undertone, and a soft patchouli. I get a pleasant nut not very firm oakmoss in the background that fades out slowly towards the end.
R: a bright, loud and fresh minty opening with a fresh fruity backgound and a grassy sideline - with a touch of bitter lemon added in - defines the opening blast. Soon the floral heart notes arrive, also on the bright side, dominated by jasmine and white florals.
The base of R is quite lightweight, with woodsy notes - cedar mainly - and white musks being the main components. I only get whiffs of a rather perfunctory moss impression here.
Both versions display moderaye sillage and very good projection; and both have a longevity of eight hours on my skin, with V being closer to my skin towards the end.
Comparing both versions of this spring scent, V strikes me as being composed of ingredients that are more natural, richer, vivid in colour and of much higher quality. V's opening is darker and more sensual, whilst the top notes in R are brighter, fresher, and have a slightly screeching character at times.
From the drydown on V becones less convincing that in the toop notes, but still expresses considerable development and quality. On the other hand, the heart and the base notes of R are rather synthetic and quite generic at times. Both perform equally well on me.
Scores: V: 3.5/5. R: 3.0/5. Total: 3.25/5.
V: the top notes combine bergamot, whiffs of mint, green connotations, and a ripe and deep and slightly raisinous rose impression growing stronger with time.
The drydown sees a shift away from the fresh towards to more unequivocal floral side, with jasmine, lily-of-the-valley and cyclamen blended together very harmoniously.
Sandalwood is prominent in the base of V, with a dark but restrained musky - but not too faecaloid - undertone, and a soft patchouli. I get a pleasant nut not very firm oakmoss in the background that fades out slowly towards the end.
R: a bright, loud and fresh minty opening with a fresh fruity backgound and a grassy sideline - with a touch of bitter lemon added in - defines the opening blast. Soon the floral heart notes arrive, also on the bright side, dominated by jasmine and white florals.
The base of R is quite lightweight, with woodsy notes - cedar mainly - and white musks being the main components. I only get whiffs of a rather perfunctory moss impression here.
Both versions display moderaye sillage and very good projection; and both have a longevity of eight hours on my skin, with V being closer to my skin towards the end.
Comparing both versions of this spring scent, V strikes me as being composed of ingredients that are more natural, richer, vivid in colour and of much higher quality. V's opening is darker and more sensual, whilst the top notes in R are brighter, fresher, and have a slightly screeching character at times.
From the drydown on V becones less convincing that in the toop notes, but still expresses considerable development and quality. On the other hand, the heart and the base notes of R are rather synthetic and quite generic at times. Both perform equally well on me.
Scores: V: 3.5/5. R: 3.0/5. Total: 3.25/5.
I haven't smelled the reissue, and this review is for the vintage version.
I had come to accept that my chemistry must have changed a lot, because I used to do so well with green chypres and green florals, yet I never find a new release along those lines that works for me. However, wearing Eau de Givenchy for the first time in 25 years makes me realize that our context for what qualifies as a fresh or green or dewy scent has really changed!
For this scent is objectively just as I remember it, with the minty burst up front, the un-sweet florals, and the mineral-y, grassy drydown, yet it's not a happy-go-lucky scent by today's standards; it is so shockingly somber and formally structured compared to, say, what's going on at Hermes. As much as Jour d'Hermes should be something I'd love - and it did smell magical to me in the air - as worn, it became a flat and monotonous lemony musk. Whereas Eau de Givenchy doesn't smell that "happy" and springlike in the bottle - it's definitely perfume and not the magical capturing of a spring day - it DOES magically develop into a cool spring day on my skin.
The drydown actually reminds me a lot of Sisley's Eau de Campagne.
Certainly could be unisex, yet I hold it up there with vintage Diorissimo as an example of how lily of the valley can be devastatingly beautiful in a feminine.
I had come to accept that my chemistry must have changed a lot, because I used to do so well with green chypres and green florals, yet I never find a new release along those lines that works for me. However, wearing Eau de Givenchy for the first time in 25 years makes me realize that our context for what qualifies as a fresh or green or dewy scent has really changed!
For this scent is objectively just as I remember it, with the minty burst up front, the un-sweet florals, and the mineral-y, grassy drydown, yet it's not a happy-go-lucky scent by today's standards; it is so shockingly somber and formally structured compared to, say, what's going on at Hermes. As much as Jour d'Hermes should be something I'd love - and it did smell magical to me in the air - as worn, it became a flat and monotonous lemony musk. Whereas Eau de Givenchy doesn't smell that "happy" and springlike in the bottle - it's definitely perfume and not the magical capturing of a spring day - it DOES magically develop into a cool spring day on my skin.
The drydown actually reminds me a lot of Sisley's Eau de Campagne.
Certainly could be unisex, yet I hold it up there with vintage Diorissimo as an example of how lily of the valley can be devastatingly beautiful in a feminine.
Eau de Givenchy is a nice, pleasant, relaxed chypre which brilliantly manages to combine a fresh, minty, summery breeze, almost "iodine" in a way, with a denser, darker and stickier base line of notes more typically found in classic chypres the usual musky/animalic mossy base, not particularly earthy or heavy here, but still carrying that kind of slightly skanky-sweaty smell. In the middle, a bouquet of flowers ranging from carnation to rose, then sandalwood, patchouli, perhaps vetiver. Shortly a classic Oriental chypre on the mossy-woody side with a remarkable fresh twist halfway mineral and fruity, azure and refreshing, played not on calone but rather on a combination of balsamic, floral, fruity notes which delivers a colourful, fresh breath, slightly aqueous too. Totally refined, a kind of "weekend" relaxed elegance. Perfect elegant drydown (which despite the name "Eau de...", is quite long-lasting). A good one for sure!
8/10
8/10
Genre: Fruity Floral
Eau de Givenchy is a screechy, chemical citrus-floral composition that's at once harsh and hollow. It smells more like an unpleasant soap than a perfume. To employ a technical term: ick!
Eau de Givenchy is a screechy, chemical citrus-floral composition that's at once harsh and hollow. It smells more like an unpleasant soap than a perfume. To employ a technical term: ick!
Eau de Givenchy is an overlooked masterpiece. I wonder how so many fine noses missed the gentle caress of green grassy notes as they part for a brilliantly-executed honeysuckle, lily of the valley, jasmine, and tuberose exposé. Although the florals follow the lemon and bitter mint, they don't take center stage for very long. As the evolution trends dangerously close to floral territory, bitter oakmoss and grassy notes reemerge to flank the sweetness. Eventually everything dries into a citrusy green melange of herbs and spices, tinged by the gentleness of honeysuckle, and darkened by a withdrawn-but-present tuberose. Simply beautiful, and comparable in tonality to Chevrefueille Original by Creed.
It's funny comparing 1980's idea of 'light and fresh' to today's.
The Berga-Mint opening reminds me a little of Paco Rabanne's XS, and EdG performs barely any better, but the ingredients seem okay. Not too much going on other than that light grapefruit-bergamot-mint that quickly blows away and leaves what is basically the scent equivalent of an afterimage of white floral and vague wood. This fragrance is devoid of any personality.
This might serve as my signature 'forgettable scent,' were that not really an oxymoron.
The Berga-Mint opening reminds me a little of Paco Rabanne's XS, and EdG performs barely any better, but the ingredients seem okay. Not too much going on other than that light grapefruit-bergamot-mint that quickly blows away and leaves what is basically the scent equivalent of an afterimage of white floral and vague wood. This fragrance is devoid of any personality.
This might serve as my signature 'forgettable scent,' were that not really an oxymoron.
Fruity, grassy, flowery - this is my all-time favorite spring scent and it suits all the same on the first hot days of early summer. Just refreshing and reviving the spirits. I guess, it has no great seductive impact on others, it is just a cheerful ambiance for ME ....
I wore this scent in the late 80s and early 90s, in fact it was one of the very first perfumes I owned. I purchased the original formula on Ebay a few months ago - the one that comes in a round-cornered rectangular bottle with the marbley blue cap. It smells just as I remember it, though I now have a greater vocabulary to described it. Someone here described it as dewy, and that is what I get as well. As with all perfumes I like, it is so well blended that I have trouble picking out the notes. It's on the sweet side but has a non-distinct citrus sharpness that prevents it from being overly sweet. It also, thankfully, does not smell like any flower in particular. The moss is probably the only ingredient that my amateur nose can isolate. Makes it smell natural and secretory. Should attract folks who revel in the scent of another's skin.
I purchased a mini of the vintage-formula Eau de Givenchy a few years back and never gave it much thought. On first sampling it seemed to fall a little short - not quite pungent enough to be a proper citrus cologne, not as textured as a chypre, and a tad too fruity to be 'green' scent. I came across this mini a few weeks ago and much to my surprise I greatly enjoyed the sampling. With a more sophisticated nose I can now see that what I once interpreted as 'not quite' is actually restraint and balance. Eau de Givenchy manages to straddle being a citrus/green/floral very well without any one component dominating. The slightest hint of fruity notes adds the right amount of sweetness without getting close to ditzy territory.This is a simple summer-type scent so don't expect a master work of perfumery, but for what it is Eau de Givenchy is excellent. A couple weeks of careful watching on eBay yielded a 60ml vintage bottle for under $10, and even if you're not so patient vintage 100ml bottles can be plucked for around $30. Do not bother with the Mythical re-issue. Like the other re-issues (Vetyver excepted) it doesn't come close to the original.Thumbs UP.
Spearmint, muguet, jasmine, moss- the notes sounded so fresh to me- but what I got instead was stale and uninspiring, unfortunately- the overwhelming scent impression that I got was "wet hay".
Tried this one yesterday, and its a women's fragrance I actually like. Doesn't smell to "old" like many other praised women's fragrances smell. My wife loved it too, so I think this one is a winner.
I owned this in the US in the late nineties, and recently got one of the last available mall bottles of the Givenchy Mythiques re-issue. I know that tastes change, memories too- but have they reformulated this, as well as changing the bottle (which was a perfect complement)? The initial hit seems harsher, the mids sweeter, and slightly more chemical than I remember. It could also just be the time and place....
But it is still a lovely, delicate thing to spritz on a summer day before the heat sets in.
But it is still a lovely, delicate thing to spritz on a summer day before the heat sets in.
Ouch-that's a big sock in the sharp floral/disinfectant part of my nose. If Pine-Sol came in "FLOWER" this would be it. I scrubbed the microscopic swipe of it off my arms, and then took a disinfectant wipe from my desk supply and gave that a go. The wipe was nicer (seriously.)Very 1980s kapam, overall.
Just tried this today and found my new summer scent. Lovely green and dewy muguet scent. This is all but gone me after an hour though--too bad. my only wish for this scent was to make just a little sexier and have that jasmin more noticeable. oh well, it is an "eau" after all. thumbs up from me
I sense Ylang Ylang behind the muguet epiphany. this one is a fresh green frags that suitable for both men and women. EdG also gives opportunity to layering with woody and incense hits. Feel free to explore the greenest area on earth.Eau de Givenchy in adj:Level 1: air breezeLeve 2: tropical rainLevel 3: deforestation
A very pleasant green floral, in my opinion suitable for both sexes. It strikes a fresh-floral note and reveals the green and mossy woods aspects more and more as it dries down. Citrus, fruity, and green notes (with marigolds) in top lead off, followed by a floral bouquet of white flowers with honeysuckle, orris, and a light rose, all supported by a base of woods, musk, and moss. This is especially good to wear in fine weather; it matches the sunny mood. Its a pretty optimistic scent, giving one a feeling that everything is going to be just fine: "Everything's coming up roses and daffodils" (well, narcissus...). A very definite thumbs up for this Daniel Molière classic from 1982.
Eau de Givenchy is a light green floral fragrance that has a distinctive touch of spearmint and ozonic/marine notes. I know that the spearmint aspect may sound odd and gum-like but it actually makes the perfume quite refreshing and cool. There are no citrus notes so Eau de Givenchy is definitely unlike other Eau's out there. Finally, it would really appeal to someone who like Balmain Vent Vert.
Like Coty's Muguet de Bois, but with a bit more body. Will most likely please any lover of lily of the valley. I've been wearing it on and off for about 20 years. Spring in a bottle.
Where I grew up, we had lily-of-the-valley flowers bloom every spring. This reminds me of their crisp green stems, the delicate white flowers, and the cool damp earth that they like to grow in. A scent for spring or summer, especially hot weather, as it isn't a heavy or cloying floral. I have the EDT, and wish it would last longer.
This was the best lily of the valley fragrance I ever smelled - with a really natural lily of the valley impression. I loved and used it when I was about 20 years old. It's very fresh and cool with a soft, sweet and somehow stale drydown - and at the same time a bit dark and melancholic.
I've always really liked this scent. I first discovered it in high school, and it was perfect. It's a soft scent, not too overpowering. Yet it smells delicious. I still get it every now and then, as I love perfume, and this one doesn't seem to upset the nose of an allergic coworker. My only complaint about it is that the scent just doesn't seem to last very long at all. Not on me, anyway.