Probably most well known for the advertising campaign featuring Johnny Depp, Dior Sauvage was released in 2015. As such, we’ll be using the Bespoke Unit Fragrance Formula in order to give it a full evaluation.
In this review, you will discover Dior Sauvage with a focus on the following topics:
- Bespoke Unit Fragrance Formula (BUFF)
- Fragrance Overview
- Blend & Fragrance Strength
- Tested 3rd Party Feedback
- When To Wear Sauvage
- Presentation & Value
Use the links to jump ahead or scroll on to read more.
Overview
- Brand: Dior
- Fragrance: Sauvage
- Concentration: Eau de Toilette
- Introduction: 2015
- Olfactive Fragrance Family: Aromatic Fougère
- Related Fragrance: Kenzo Pour Homme
- Price On Amazon: $126 [Buy Now]
- Price On FragranceX: From $90 [Buy Now]
Despite following the namesake of Dior’s 1966 classic, Sauvage is an entirely different collection. Confusingly, both are still in production now and Eau Sauvage itself was reformulated and relaunched back in 2009.
However, both fragrances are completely different. Whilst Eau Sauvage retains the heritage of the fashion house, Sauvage seeks to be a young and bold fragrance. All that they have in common are a few aromatics and the name.
Sauvage was developed by François Demachy, a nose well-known for his various Dior blends. He has worked on countless Dior fragrances from Dior Homme to Fahrenheit as well as countless variation of both Sauvage and Eau Sauvage.
Dior Sauvage’s Composition
Unlike the 1966 classic, which was an Aromatic Citrus, Sauvage is an atypical spin on the more conventional Aromatic Fougère family.
Head Notes
- Bergamot
- Mint
- Pepper
Opening on fresh mint, a burst of bergamot and exhilarating pepper, Sauvage begins as a remarkably sharp fragrance. Overall, the head is quite light and little depth at first.
Heart Notes
- Lavender
- Geranium
- Patchouli
As the dry-down reventually reaches the heart, we begin to pick out some aromatic notes of lavender, mild geranium as well as a little earthy patchouli. The latter provides some substance to the blend so far. However, it is still rather mild. There might be a few notes of vanilla emeri in there but they’re exceedingly faint.
Nevertheless, the lavender and pepper begin to develop an interesting accord, which is quite fresh to the palate.
Base Notes
- Cedarwood
- Ambergris
- Labdanum
A potent note of sea-breeze ambergris emerges, which adds a mild animalistic touch of musk. This is further extended by an oily note of labdanum. Finally, a touch of cedarwood comes in to extend the overall experience.
Sauvage’s Life-Cycle, Wake & Strength
Overall, Sauvage’s composition is mild and light. Until the base sets in, it lacks much depth but cycles quite quickly before getting there.
Therefore, both the sillage (wake) and projection, both are quite mild and hard to pick out unless the fragrance has been over-applied or you’re particularly close. If the former is the chosen method, then it may lack nuance.
As for the longevity, Sauvage is an enduring fragrance that will offer many hours of scent. Although they’re quite mild, they are present and will give you some performance throughout the day.
Do People Like Dior Sauvage?
The first thing people would say is that they recognised the scent. However, they had difficulty in being able to identify it precisely. What seemed to be the case in general was that Sauvage is familiar but not overly memorable. This differs from other popular fragrances such as Paco Rabanne 1 Million, which people can identify straight off the bat.
A few observations that were quite humorous was that a few people suggested that it smelled like an ex-boyfriend. However, they still struggled to name the fragrance. As seems to be very much Sauvage’s curse, it’s a spectacularly popular scent and worn by many people. Therefore, it’s no surprising that it’s not as enjoyed as perhaps it should be.
Nevertheless, it seemed to be liked overall. A lot of people noted that it was remarkably fresh and enjoyable for this reason. They referred to it as quite “sexy” as a classic men’s cologne.
When Should You Wear Sauvage?
Overall, Sauvage’s aromatic composition makes it a decisively spring and summer blend. This is a fragrance that suits the warmer months very well. Similarly, its mildness would really struggled to be noticed in the cold air of the winter months.
In fact, we believe that it’s even one of the best fragrances to wear during the spring!
As for the most suitable age range, it could be wearable but just about any man. Whilst it would be fine for anyone above their thirties, it might be best suited for people in their twenties.
Additionally, it would make an ideal evening fragrance that is worn when the sun starts to set on a warm day. You could wear it casually, formally and even at the office. However, it may be an excellent choice for dating. Just be mindful that an ex-boyfriend may have worn it before you!
Finally, the masculinity is certainly present. However, Sauvage is quite moderate in this regard. It’s not overpowering nor too assertive. Anyone not looking to make a statement would be comfortable with this.
Presentation and Value For Money
Whilst Eau Sauvage opted for an ornate bottle that evoked the early 20th Century, Sauvage has gone for an exceedingly modern design. The smooth finish has a black smoked glass effect with the text written in an understated white font.
As for the atomiser, it performs very well and the packaging is indeed eye-catching with its understated and gothy black look.
Finally, know that Dior Sauvage is a very pricey cologne.
At $125 for 100ml on even Amazon, it’s far from cheap. This isn’t particularly surprising given that it’s from a leading French designer brand. However, it may put a lot of people off. Given that it’s quite a mild fragrance, it may not be very satisfying against the price point.
However, you can find it for less and an unboxed tester costs only $90 through FragranceX.
Closing Thoughts
If you’re looking for a classic and thoroughly designer fragrance, Dior Sauvage may be the right one for you. Reminiscent of other fragrances of its breed such as Bleu de Chanel, it’s elegant and fresh. However, it doesn’t seem to have either the substance or the character of its predecessors.
Opting for Sauvage doesn’t necessarily mean that you follow a trend. Nevertheless, be mindful that it’s a victim of its own success and you’ll unlikely be the only one wearing this fragrance wherever you go.
Men’s Fragrances Contents
Fair review. What do you think about the EDP?
Hi Blondie,
Although the EDP is an improvement of the EDT, I think that both suffer from the fragrance’s general popularity.
Best,
CP
So how many sprays would you recommend for a better projection and sillage?
Hi Alex,
I’d actually suggest this method for applying Sauvage for reasonable performance. However, just because you spray more doesn’t mean it’ll last much longer.
Best,
CP
Thank you very much!
You’re very welcome!
Hello, there! What do you think about the “reformulation” people talk about? Is it a fact or just people with olfatory fatigue not being able to smell Sauvage? I’m asking because I’m planning to buy it, but I read way too many comments on different forums about Sauvage not being the same as before. I tried EDT and EDP last Saturday at the mall and I can say EDT is a bit stronger/long lasting than EDP, but I don’t want to buy it and find that now the fragrance doesn’t smell the same as the tester at the mall. Cheers!
Hi Isaac,
Although it isn’t quite as strong as before, it should smell like the tester you try at the mall. However, if you’re not convinced, you could look online to actually buy an older version or even a tester bottle if you’re lucky.
All the best,
CP
I regret buying this cologne. After wearing it for a few hours it smells like cheap deodorant.
Hi Ben,
You’re sadly not the first to say this. It depends on skin types but a few people have had the same complaint.
All the best,
CP
Great review! You reference eau sauvage (my fav!) And was wondering what your opinion is of the 1966 classic! Would love to see a review some day!
Keep up the great work!!
Hi Bob,
Yes, this is a fragrance that I’d very much like to review too! Personally, I much prefer Eau Sauvage over Sauvage. It’s an elegant citrus-herbal bouquet whereas the new Sauvage is somewhat bland and a touch vulgar.
All the best,
CP
Great review, I also much prefer Eau Sauvage EDT. Just out of interest, in the citrus range do you prefer Eau Sauvage, Aqua di Parma Colonia or Terre d’Hermes….as a signature scent ?
Hi Adam,
Both Paul and I would probably agree on Terre d’Hermès there!
Best,
CP
Hi there.
So happy to find and absolute masterpiece in range of reviewing a cologne. I would like to ask if you can compare it to Aqua di Gio (or even Profumo)? I’m about to buy one from these two (three) and I can’t still decide. I found that many people dislike Sauvage because of popularity and almost chemic smell. And it is just widely popular lately. But also I think that AdG is little bit tender that I’m not even aware of it while trying out. Also I didn’t find any review of AdG/Profumo on your website which is a shame.
I’m curious partiulary how long these last comparing to each other and also what is the best year’s seasons.
Thank you so much, John.
Hi John,
Many thanks for your kind words! We’ve been working on lots of content for our different subjects but we’ll be getting back to fragrances very soon.
Although we haven’t formally reviewed ADG, it’s a fragrance that Paul owns. In fact, it’s one of his favourites and we featured it in the Best Fragrances For Summer.
Both the original and Profumo are largely summer fragrances. While the original is more aromatic with aquatic notes, Profumo is less aromatic and focuses much more on the aquatic side. I’d argue that Profumo has a closer profile to Sauvage but all three have a lot in common.
Profumo is great but our biggest gripe is it’s lack of longevity as you highlighted. It fades quite quickly into a skin scent while the original lasts somewhat longer.
Of course, there are lots of alternatives to these. If you want a true aquatic fragrance, I personally love Kenzo Pour Homme. Alternatively, you could instead opt for aromatics like Paco Rabanne Pour Homme. They’re both much older fragrances but they’re classics!
If you prefer something contemporary, I honestly think Bleu de Chanel is better than ADG and Sauvage. There’s also Chanel Allure Sport, which might interest you. And of course, there’s Aventus and its clones like CDNIM.
All the highlighted fragrances listed above link to reviews so feel free to read them to learn more!
Hope this helps!
All the best,
CP
Thank you so much for your answer CP. I have read all the links to your reviews and also few other articles here.
Your ideas are very much appreciated although I have to consider more frangrances than I thought that it will be easier to choose from two. Thank you for that. :) When you would choose consider those 3 – ADG. Profumo and Sauvage – which is is the best in longevity?
I quite fell in love with ADG but it’s tough to buy in our country at this time. Only EdT is offered through the internet. I honestly thought tha I could make some workflow for frangrances – EdP left at home and spray for mostly special occasions and EdT which would travel daily with me for using anytime. And Sauvage smell a bit of strongly to me.
Both Chanel’s are more expensive than ADG / Kenzo / PRPH, right? Does it mean that they also lasts longer?
Thanks, John
Hi again John,
Chanel is more expensive but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it lasts longer. However, I believe that they do generally have better performance than ADG and Sauvage. Older batches for Sauvage used to perform very well, but I’ve heard that it isn’t the case anymore.
In terms of the longest lasting fragrance from your three options, it’s honestly hard to say these days. I admit that I haven’t tried the latest batches so I wouldn’t be able to give you an honest and accurate response.
My advice would be to go to a shop and spray one of each on the back of your hand at the start of the day. You’ll be able to then compare them throughout the day and see which one performs best.
How does that sound?
Best,
CP
Thank a lot again.
Honestly, that was my intentions but I just wanna make myself sure by asking. Thank you for your help. I’m quite sad that the ADG is no longer an option to buy in EdP but I will try few shops.
Have a nice weekend,
John
No worries! Have you tried Notino? They shut down in the USA but they’re still quite prevalent Europe!
Best,
CP
As a complete ignorant in these matters (as with so many others) I end up spending a lot on huge bottles and regret having bought them the next day. Somehow they just don’t stick on my skin.
Yesterday at 8pm I got hold of a tester of this and to my amazement it was still there this morning (12 hours). I showered and after 16 hours it seemed to make an explosion of scent again as if i’d just sprayed it on. It’ll be 24 hours in a few minutes and still it’s there.
I’d only sprayed it around the knuckle area, no wrist spray..
It’s an EDT, cheaper than many EDP I’ve had. This proves to me something that so many of you point out about how it all depends on the interaction with your skin etc. You just never know until you find it.
I wont review the scent since apart from my ignorance in the matter I´m also also lacking in taste. Good day.:)
Thanks for your input, John! That’s great to hear! Indeed, it really depends on skin, which makes it difficult to recommend fragrances for specific people. However, we try our best by providing decent reviews and guides! :)
Hi CP,
Great review, thanks. I agree about Sauvage but wanted to know what’s your favourite men’s fragrance from the house of Dior….that could be signature scent worthy, if any?
Thanks again, appreciate your response.
Best
Amir
Hi Amir,
My favourite? I’m pretty fond of either the original Eau Sauvage or Dior Homme Intense.
All the best,
CP
Thanks CP,
What do you think of the Dior Homme original EDT (the non intense version), the one that came out slightly earlier than the Intense version ?
There is a new version called Dior Homme 2020, that was launched a week ago, I’m personally not a fan of this latest one but do like the original EDT, hence why I wanted to get your view on it.
Also the classic Eau Sauvage is the EDT, do you consider this as a more summer fragrance or one that can be worn all year round ?
Thanks again,
Amir
Hi Amir,
While Eau Sauvage is technically a spring-summer fragrance, I think it sufficiently enters signature-scent territory for year-long wear.
As for Dior Homme, I haven’t tried the 2020 version so I couldn’t confirm or contradict what you said. Nevertheless, the original EDT is great too. I prefer Intense’s booziness. However, the EDT is a classic.
Best,
CP
Thanks CP, will be interested to get your take once you have smelled the new version. I think it’s nice but isn’t nowhere near as unique as the original given the missing iris note etc.
Another line I am growing much more finder of recently is Comme des Garçons. It’s not as well known although not niche. Are you a fan? If so, have you smelled Black Pepper (one of my favourites) and the latest one called Copper?
Thanks again for all yo ur great reviews and have a great evening.
All the best,
Amir
Hi Amir,
To be perfectly honest, I haven’t tried anything from Comme des Garçons. That’s a Japanese brand despite the French name, isn’t it?
I’ll be sure to let you know (or maybe even write a review) if I ever try the 2020 Dior Homme!
All the best,
CP