The luxury fashion house of Dior has been influencing fashion since 1946 under its founder Christian Dior, whose brand continues to dress and scent the world’s most elegant and influential people.
This post may have affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission on purchases through the links (at no extra cost to you). This does not change our opinion but does help support the site. Thank you!
Movie stars from many eras have graced the fabric creations of the House of Dior. Modern male icons like Rami Malek, David Beckham, Antonio Banderas, and Robert Pattinson still strut their stuff in classic Dior style.
Then there’s Johnny Depp, with his edgy vibe, who is the modern role model for Sauvage.
The name Sauvage is borrowed from Dior’s friend Percy Sauvage when he developed the original and first Dior men’s perfume.
In this Dior Sauvage perfume review, we’ll discuss the newest 2015 rendition of Sauvage in the dark blue glass bottle and not Eau Sauvage in the original clear glass.
Dior Sauvage Eau de Parfum vs Parfum
Traditionally men wore alcohol-based aftershave that seared their pores shut after shaving. They could have drunk it as a cocktail because it contained so much alcohol (not recommended).
Those with ‘sensitive’ skin preferred a soothing aftershave balm to treat the open wounds left by cut-throat razor blades.
Earlier renditions of designer men’s fragrances became very popular in the 1980s. Many of these were often heady and eye-watering. Iconic fashion houses saw a need for more refined scents that complimented men and their cosmopolitan styles.
Men didn’t wear perfume. They slowly upgraded to cologne. In a hierarchy, perfume is the most potent, followed by EDP (Eau de Parfum), EDT (Eau de Toilet), and EDC (Eau de Cologne). All slightly diluted versions of the original perfume’s essential fragrance.
Sauvage Fragrance Notes
Fragrance notes define a brand. Dior has always been a mix between the best of classic and edgy.
Redesigned by Francois Demachy in 2015, Sauvage speaks to the complexities of a mature and sophisticated male audience who always keep something raw and unpredictable in reserve.
It’s this unpredictability that resonates with Sauvage clients and sets them apart.
Top Notes:
Top notes in fragrances are not forgiving. They’re the introduction and the best place to make an impression. Sauvage instantly beckons the nose with its citrus tones spiced by Calabrian bergamot and pepper.
Middle Notes
As the scent develops, the middle nose draws on its unique formulation of Sichuan pepper, calming lavender, pink pepper, and the clean smell of vetiver, and warmed by patchouli oriental influence.
Base Notes
Delivering a truly unique fragrance experience and allowing the perfume to develop on the pulse points, Sauvage warms with ambroxan (ambergris family), cedar, and labdanum (rockrose) as it finally simmers down on the skin and makes itself comfortable.
Eau de Parfum
Dior Sauvage EDP is a potion derived from the mother perfume and essential oil formulation. Introducing clients to the art of developing a nose for fragrance and understanding the layers is a reward for beauty and fragrance consultants.
The Sauvage EDP version is a perfect choice for longevity. It typically lingers on the skin for six to eight hours without overpowering. The quality of the ingredients speaks to the long delivery, and the EDP gets top marks for performance.
Sillage
As a refresher, sillage is the footprint the fragrance leaves, and the EDP version of Sauvage doesn’t disappoint. The owner of this powerful scent will not be mistaken for someone else.
The citrus undertones speak to a clean palate, but the warm and unique base tones add wood to the fire.
Potency
Full-spectrum scents, this masculine EDP is for all seasons but has a serious quality that makes it an excellent accessory for business meetings and formal functions. That is not to say it isn’t everyday wear on the right body.
Longevity
EDP typically develops with a longer lingering effect than the EDT, but shorter than pure parfum. Expect six to eight hours of scent delivery.
Pros:
- Top-quality ingredients
- Outstanding bergamot and vetiver notes
- Timeless and sophisticated with an edge
- Masculine packaging and image
Cons:
- Mimics classic designer fragrances
- Maybe too mature for younger less confident males
- Very unique and polarizing scent
Prices may vary; look for GWP offers and experiment with companion products for layering effect.
Parfum
Some men may feel uncomfortable mentioning they wear perfume as they typically sport cologne or aftershave skin care essentials.
Dior Sauvage Parfum 100ml lasts for 24 hours on the skin, developing on application to pulse points on the wrist and neckline until it settles into its warm or cool undertones. Perfume leaves a signature mark and doesn’t dissipate as much as EDT or EDC.
Perfume also costs more because it contains a high concentration of essential oils. Sauvage perfume notes blend exotic oriental tones with the untamable beauty of animals bathed in mandarin, tonka beans, and an endless sky.
Sillage
Sauvage perfume makes a statement: I have arrived, I left my mark, I’m unforgettable. Perfume signatures are traditionally more defined.
The Sauvage perfume footprint appeals to an audience on every continent and distinguishes itself with its wider bloom and deeply engraved signature.
This trail marker makes Sauvage a favorite with Middle Eastern, Latin, and Indo-Europeans.
Potency
Only developed connoisseurs will appreciate the fragrance in its pure form. Sauvage perfume is designed for confident men in various settings, including offices, conferences, romantic evenings, and party atmospheres. This powerful fragrance lasts 24 hours and gradually carves out the base notes.
Longevity
Because this perfume contains quality ingredients, Sauvage isn’t going to quit the wearer. Expect a 24-hour performance with an encore.
Pros:
- A volatile and complex blend of citrus (bergamot) and lavender
- A unique blend of sweetness and wildness
- Appeals to strong and confident males
- Gorgeous packaging
Cons:
- Inflated price
- May be too complex for the average person
- Signature sillage may be heady
Many Dior Sauvage Parfum reviews also mention that the packaging speaks in a masculine, deep-blue, black glass format that intensifies its sophistication by being understated yet bold.
COMPARISON TABLE | ||
---|---|---|
|
|
VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
|
|
VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
Eau de Toilette
Clients who lavish themselves with luxury designer fragrances understand the image they want to project. Sauvage Eau de Toilette is a perfect introduction and milder version of the EDP and parfum.
Dior Sauvage Eau de Toilette’s longevity is ideal for everyday activities, including work, private, and public functions. On a side note, the Elixir is the witch’s brew of Sauvage. Its smoked essence of lavender and patchouli mystifies the wearer.
Which Dior Sauvage Is Best?
The fragrance is a personal choice like our taste in fashion, music, and literature. By choosing one component within a category, we define who we are.
The best competition isn’t among Dior Sauvage Eau de Parfum vs Parfum, or even vs Eau de Toilette but among polarizing designer houses. Sauvage is a heavyweight contender in the ring facing Chanel Eau de Bleu.
Which Dior Sauvage product is best? The versatility of less potent EDP or EDT appeals to the mass market. Layering these application methods with shower gels, shaving gel and aftershave lotions, from the product family, produces an indulgent multiple delivery effect.
FAQs
How do Dior Sauvage Eau de Parfum or Parfum compare in terms of versatility?
Dior Sauvage Eau de Parfum is ideal for everyday wear with a balanced scent that lasts 6-8 hours, while Parfum offers a more intense and long-lasting fragrance, perfect for special occasions or evenings out.
How does the pricing of Dior Sauvage Eau de Parfum and Parfum compare, considering their potency and longevity?
Dior Sauvage Parfum generally costs more due to its higher concentration of essential oils and longer-lasting scent compared to Eau de Parfum. While both offer potency, Parfum provides a more luxurious and prolonged experience at a higher price point.
What factors should people consider when choosing between Dior Sauvage Eau de Parfum and Parfum, besides longevity and potency?
When choosing between Dior Sauvage Eau de Parfum and Parfum, consider other factors such as personal fragrance preferences, the occasion you’ll be wearing it for, how it reacts with your skin chemistry, and your budget.
Born and raised in Austin, David is a dedicated writer and avid fragrance lover. When he's not trying out perfumes, he enjoys traveling and exploring new restaurants.