Reviews of Eau Sauvage (1966)
by Christian Dior

Stylish to this very day. A classic in every way. Recommended for all.

This is an okay fragrance in my book. I was close to giving it a neutral. I was expecting to be blown away and instead got something that was just good. Even though this is a green fragrance it still felt dirty. This is not a fresh fragrance that you find all over the place nowadays. I'm not sure if I will go seek this one out again. It's good, but not great.

I like it. No i dont love it but i like it.
If you smell it on someone else, you can easliy tell it is 1950s-1960s scent.
But than again it smells very fresh, clean. For a fresh scent longevity is very okey.
I like citrus scents and this is a very good example of it. No it is not a classic but a scent that cheers you up

Dior Diorella and Eau Sauvage Comparison Review

Left Arm: Dior Diorella
Right Arm: Dior Eau Sauvage

Eau Sauvage Notes: Lemon, Rosemary, Petitgrain, Basil, Vetiver

On first application, I smell lemon fruit, almost edible, definitely not like lemon household products. It smells like it may have bergamot or some other bitter note to blend with the lemon, maybe even a hint of neroli since there is a bit of floral sweetness. ES is developing quickly, and the lemon is beginning to fade after only a few minutes. It settles in a place that is fresh and light, but a little bit indolic. This could be neroli, or perhaps another indolic floral such as jasmine. Either way, it is a white indolic floral, but is quite faint and it does not detract from the clean sense I get.

After 15 minutes, ES starts to develop into more of a green scent. There is still a hint of citrus, but now it also smells herbal and grassy. The notes list rosemary, basil and vetiver--and I think it is the basil that gives this fragrance its masculine edge. The vetiver provides the dry, almost bitter and grassy quality. The floral note I smelled earlier is really not discernible now, but this green stage does not completely lack in sweetness. In fact, it is quite balanced--sweet, aromatic and a touch bitter.

Diorella Notes: Sicilian Lemon, Peach, Asil, Italian Bergamot, Melon, Green Notes, Honeysuckle, Jasmine, Violet, Rose Bud, Carnation, Cyclamen, Oakmoss, Vanilla, Clove, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Musk, Patchouli.

On first application, I also smell citrus, but it is more of a woody, resinous citrus. It is very mellow and deep. When I inhale, it goes straight to the center of my heart, a sensation I do not get with very many fragrances. I am not sure it is a fair comparison to Eau Sauvage, because I am pretty certain the Diorella is a stronger concentration. Diorella is surpassing Eau Sauvage as far as strength, longevity and interesting progression of notes. The indolic floral in Diorella is much more prominent than in ES. However, it doesn't seem like a floral fragrance, but is rather more like a floral chypre--the sweet fruit and floral is offset by dry, nutty, slightly spicy, woody basenotes.

Now that it has developed a bit, I can smell a boozy overripe or fermented fruit. Could be the melon, but it does seem a bit peachy also. Rose also can get this boozy quality. Either way, it is an "on the verge of going bad" kind of fruit and flower smell that reminds me of Chanel Coco's central rose accord. It also reminds me a little bit of Coco Mademoiselle, although the melon in CM is much cleaner than this. I love this kind of accord as long as it stays slightly edible-drinkable, like how grapes with botrytis fungus make a delicious, syrupy, raisiny, sweet and tart wine.

In "Perfumes the Guide", Turin states that Diorella is a "perfected Eau Sauvage". From the two samples I have, I am not sure I see this, except for a sort of family resemblance. I don't get the "vietnamese beef" accord in either one. To me, Eau Sauvage is a well mannered citrus-floral-herbal cologne. Diorella is a gorgeous, almost edible dessert wine of a fragrance. There is a bit of overlap in the drydown, and it seems that the herbal part of Eau Sauvage combines with a light powdery floral. This tendency is also showing in the drydown of Diorella. But up to this point, they smell like distinctly different, although artistically related, fragrances.

Thoughts about the late drydown...Eau Sauvage is a soft skin scent with a hint of something herbal, probably a light vetiver. Diorella is also a skin scent now, but is fruity and raisiny with a touch of tart melon and a tiny bit of powdery oakmoss. Wearing Diorella all day makes me think that this was the inspiration for Chanel 31 Rue Cambon.

Quite a classic, which truly may remain timeless. Not a complicated fragrance, but a perfect blend highlighting citrus at it's finest. My initial impression was that it could last longer, but it does, in a subtle drydown lasting for ten to twelve hours on my skin. Bravo.

Everyone should have sophisticted, refined classic in their collection. You could do a lot worse than this stuff. It transcends it's 40+ years, smelling fresh and relevant whilst exuding old school charm. initially citrusy, giving way to an exquisite blend of herbs. yum

the most stylish fragrance. very classy. subtle and discreet. works grea on my skin. last for about six hours.

Fresh and sophisticated. Not terribly long lasting. This is a classic that I have loved for years. My perfect day time scent. I love the play of citrus and herbs. IMO this is the best men's citrus scent ever made.

Fantastically crisp and 'light' fragrance (but not a light sense). Unfortunately on my skin I don't get much of the herbal, woody basenotes, it just sort of fades out within a couple hours. Nonetheless it's a great classic that deserves a try by everyone.

I have a problem with classic scents, in general. To me, they all seem to follow a recipe that has been proved to be safe. No major innovation, nothing really new, nothing original or earthshaking. I have to admit though, that they smell pretty good. But again, it's a recipe, and when it comes to fragrances, I don't find this approach very salutary.
Eau Sauvage... another classic scent, but a very good one. It starts off very loud, very sharp (too sharp IMO)... it's like blades going through your nose. But once you get pass the first minute or two, it becomes bearable. The citrus notes are on the center stage, so the fragrance remains fresh and invigorating even after about an hour. Then it gets a bit warmer and smoother... now it really becomes great. The drydown is somewhat similar to Armani pour Homme: elegant, comfortable, with warm citrus giving it a classy allure.

Take a fresh and ripe lemon peel and bent it to release the intense spray of the essential oils from the skin. That is the citrus fireworks the opening notes of Eau Sauvage bring to my mind.

This superb beginning quiets down rapidly and slowly evolves into a less explosive but still rich mixtue of citrus, patchouli, caraway and so much more. Definitely a fragrance for those who cut their own path and would never leave a trail of fluff in their wake

This is the only frag in my collection that I have to have 2 opened bottles of.(the extra is for me to take along when i go for longer outings). I rem as a little boy i used to follow everything my grandfather did, like comb my hair the way he did and wear a little bow tie the way he wore his and of course used his ES as much as he did along with Paco Rabanne PH and some others. We were both very proud of each other and were extremely close. ES is a scent so close to me not only because the taste was acquired young, but also because it was was the best way of being remembered of his presence after being so devastated at his passing on. It took sometime to get over him, and now i really enjoy this scent so much. I used it all the time even in my teenage years (quite some time back) despite many hinting it was weird back then coz it was naturally quite a scent for the older crowd. Nonetheless it has been by far the scent that i have used most in my entire life, with more bottles bought than any other ever. Though now i have expanded my range, this is still my fave, though i have been using less of it since falling in love with other scents as well naturally. as a scent, it has to given the credit for its very strict use of natural scent extracts and its herbal and citrus mix. When one compares this to ie CK one(which i regard quite highly btw), one would be able to notice why the latter would be regarded as synthetic smelling. With the influx of mass citrus scents in the present, it is hard not to be influenced by their take on what citrus scents were first made to smell like. Eau Sauvage is the original and pioneering scent and nothing by far has been close to even trying to emulate. I have a bottle which was used by my grandfather and i reckon it be close to or over 2 decades back by the look of the bottle and certain inscriptions and lack of details. The scent on the older bottle is still as fresh after so long but i find it to be stronger and thicker compared to the ones sold presently. A must must have, even if you are not for the classic, you will find this very easy to grow on. Its perfect for any occassion other than the sporty or hot outdoors.Even if one is just starting on his adulthood, i would reccommend it, it did well for me back then and im sure it will do well for a guy who is looking to being smelling of distinct and classy taste. Though this may not be the best for someone below 17, it is definitely a legend in my books. 2 thumbs up.

potent citrus old school done perfectly. i use it rarely but always gets stares from the older crowd.

SIMPLE AND TIMELESS!

Citrussy, spicy, herb.....wearable at any occassion!
Sooner or later everybody admires it!

I love "cold" and refined scents which "sparkle", and ES is one of few which does so. It is always on my top 5 list. Other very good refined/sparkling/smoky scents that I love are Antaeus and Acqua Di Parma.

This is an amazing zesty, citrus scent. I don't feel the "out-dated-ness" of this at all. Very crisp and great for all around wear. Very strong as well.

On a travel I got the possibility to try Eau Sauvage on DH:s skin. And I was totally breathtaken! This is the next bottle I will buy for him!!! I don´t find it old-fashion at all. It is really fresh and I do belive it is an easy-to-wear-frag, too. I never found anything like this yet... Haven´t tried it on my own skin yet, but I will when I get the possibility...

Rosemary, basil.... and something like jasmine, I think. So, I checked, and one website gives the following notes;

lemon, rosemary, basil, bergamot, caraway, fruit note
jasmine, rose, carnation, orris root, coriander, patchouli, sandalwood
oakmoss, vetiver, musk, amber

I think that sounds like a more complete picture of this scent. Roudnitska's early classic. Very hesperidic, but balanced in a kind of extra strong form by some pretty muscular heart and base notes, beyond the old eau-de-cologne tradition.

I love this fragrance on others but on me I can't wear like so many other fragrances. To those who can wear it more power to them!!

This is my favorite cologne because for the life of me I can't nail down everything I smell in this wonderful bouquet of scents.

The lemon is there definitely but not in a sour or sweet obnoxious way. Id say it leans more towards the sour end though.

So far this is my signature scent and thats saying alot. Im still on the search though.

I just wish it lasted longer. Sometimes I think it smells like sweetened pink lemonade with herbs.

I once owned this, it's a citrus scent, I smell lemons and more lemons. I smelled this today on a older fella (older than me) about 50 yrs old. Smells good but not for the younger crowd.

Notes: lemon, rosemary, petitgrain, basil, jasmine, rose, iris, oakmoss, vetiver, and musk.

Eau Sauvage (ES), the 1966 classic from Perfumer Roudnitska was groundbreaking in its use of the synthetic hedione molecule. This citrus chypre has influenced many, and while it may have been usurped by other fancy new citruses in the media, it still has the moves which can surprise many.

Opening against a backdrop of clear and light lemons, ES almost immediately generates soft floral notes of rose and jasmine which are rendered "masculine" because of the lemon and petitgrain notes...the petitgrain note isn't too strong so as to introduce an annoying "dry & woody" sensation which lesser citruses do. This supremely light citrus-floral combo mingles for a while before the most intriguing phase of ES comes into play ... its the vetiver note, and at this point ES smells like if you took a whiff of the air after someone who has had too many lemon drop candy let one lose. It smells a bit like lemonade infested with maggots...yet it works. This dirtiness gives ES its fine distinguished character, and it works because its light and balanced. Roudnitska probably knew that to convince people to splash on this dirty water, it had to be a light, balanced, and only slightly offbeat. And judging by the success of ES, he has entirely succeeded in doing so. I dont smell a lot of oakmoss, if at all..compared to another substantial classic, Chanel pour monsieur, ES smells impotent in its oakmoss content. ES lasts a good 7 hours ... there's not much sillage, but someone in close vicinity can certainly smell the dirty-clean vetiver-lemon bubbling on your skin.

ES probably won't wow as many people as it did during the Kennedy era. It might be the old man of citruses, but its definitely no old man scent..it smells as relevant today as it did when it was launched, and few citruses are as balanced and expertly blended. When everything else fails, just grab a bottle of ES. As Donald Trump once said, "If you need Viagra, you are probably with the wrong woman". Apparently Dior has been very faithful to the original formulation of ES....ES don't need no modern molecules to keep up with the spunky new CKOne's of this world. This old timer can still surprise the ladies with its stamina, energy and years of experience.

Rating: 8.5/10

This fragrance sends a message: "I am very kind. I am very nice. I am very reliable." A discrete mix of light lemon and soft herbs. There is a sour note, too, that reminds me of the sour note in Acqua di Gio; it is quite weak, though. The scent has a melancholy undertone that is hard to describe. It is not difficult to see why GeorgeBernard associate with funerals. Not an everyday scent, but it can be very useful under the right circumstances.

It's the "Eau" in Eau Sauvage that resonates for me. Right or wrong, I think of this as an update of the classic eau de Cologne formula, with a more lush blend of herbs in the heart and a woody flourish in the base. It doesn’t seem all that “sauvage” in a market that includes things like Muscs Koublai Khan and Parfum d’Habit, but it’s a classic: dignified without being stuffy, elegant without pretense, and eminently wearable. A great standby for daily wear and business.

Eau Sauvage is a true classic, in the lemon and light herbal Mediterranean mode. The fragrance notes above are the only ones given on the Dior site, yet the simplicity of these few things creates a very effective and pleasing result. The citrus notes are excellent, fresh and natural. The rosemary, basil, and orange leaf give a green tinge and complexity to the lemon. Light vetiver provides a pleasing grassy foundation. This scent conveys effortless enjoyment. It is intended to be a summer splash, so apply it in a carefree manner throughout the day and enjoy! (I advise avoiding the ES Extreme, which is totally different and quite obnoxious.)

I don' think this is necessarily out-dated or old-fashioned, but it is classy in the classic sense.

Apparently, this also contains Jasmine and Moss (?), but I dont really get any Jasmine...

Simple, clean, under-stated and masculine. I say this because too may people poo-poo it these days.

Its easy to wear, and very versatile. But not necessarily something that I would go out and buy particularly for myself per se, but it is nice.

In this sort of genre, I prefer Lauder for men, just as available and versatile, a little less expensive, and less harsh. Lauder itself sits somewhere in between Eau Sauvage and a lighter, brighter Aramis.

The perfect scent! Not too citrusy and just enough of the herbs so that one smells wonderful. Lasts a long time and compliments galore!

I just got a bottle Saturday. It sticks on me like glue. It does remind me of the 60's. I'm only 40. What I did is I bought some skin lotion w/ almost the same smell. I haven't gotten any feedback yet though. I might look into the Eau Sauvage Extreme.

beautiful bottle and great citrus scent-elegant and classical.Decent,discret,fresh, clean and light.i used to wear this edt for years and although i gave it up it remains an eternal and timeless fragrance that i can highly recommend to all the people looking for a good and well done scent.you don´t do any mistakes using this classical scent-very lemon and french.It may be a bit strong, herb ab´nd harsh but if you look for a smoother and warmer edt i can recommend pour monsieur par chanel.
They will always remain and be there forever.......

The best fragrance for summer.After all these years eau sauvage still rules.its a legend no doubt.
N.B:the girls love it!

Lemons followed by sherbet lemons, quite short lived, but nice while it lasts. Balmain lasts twice as long.

This was "THE" brilliant iconic preppy citrus fragrance symbolizing quality, class and priviledge, before Ralph Lauren came along with Polo cologne and took over the No. 1 spot with this constituency (1967-1982). I think it is reference in hallowed tones in The Preppy Handbook. It is an excellent boy-man scent without great longevity and can be worn in all contexts, but in my mind it goes best with a Lacoste tennis shirt; rumpled khakis; banged up old beach shoes; a dog; and, a beautiful blonde girlfriend. Old hulking woody Jeep Grand Wagoneer extra!

Just purchased today unsniffed - as it was a bargain and i had a gift voucher "thanks mum:)" I quite like it - the citrus is clean and the soapy just showered freshness is nice to have around - it hasn't lasted a great while - but enjoyable nonetheless - I'm glad i purchased it

This is great stuff. The stuff of Men. Classy french 60's type men. A vetiver with some lemon. Can't go wrong with this stuff.

No one has said anything about the real magic of Eau Sauvage. It does seem to "not last" but, there is a hidden feature in that. You can literally bath in it in the morning and by the time you leave for work you will not leave a vapor trail. All day there will only be the slightest hint of the fragrance. By the afternoon no trace of it at all. Later, in the evening when you add some body heat and friction the fragrance returns in full force. Women go nuts. This juice is made for sex.

I'd say this stuff can't be beat, but that wouldn't be truem aa there's always the Extreme version.

I feel inclusive citrus smell allways,
of course among 2 hours - because
longevity is 2 hours. its longevity is the worst part - though this problme solved in Eau Sauvage Extrême.
Despite Davidoff & Kenzo products that
are similar, Dior products are not
similar to each others.
Eau Sauvage is important citrus-scent.

To me, this is the scent of Paris. You know that when Parisian boys are wearing it, it has to be good. this one is as refreshing as lemonade in the summer and as warming as hot cider in the winter. It manages to be both light and full of character at the same time. Youthful and sage. Always uplifting and delightful with just a note of melancholy. An all time classic.

A classic - smells like you've just had a shower - clean - the old ones are good aint they?

Wonderful scent on a man, especially in the heat of summer...steamy and sexy! Love it.

The gentleman's citrus. I like eau sauvage more and more each time I wear it. In the summer, I naturally find myself using light citrus fragrances more, but Eau Sauvage is head and shoulders above most by virtue of its classic, retro feel. It maintains a kind of dignified, masculine put-together-ness, which puts most other citruses to shame and exposes them for the watery lemonade they are. An unassailable classic.

To anyone who thinks citrus scents are necessarily young and unrefined, I say meet Eau Sauvage. With its lemon opening (the most mature of citrus accords, I find) and vetiver drydown (the most masculine note I know), Eau Sauvage conveys the steady, sure confidence of an accomplished gentleman. "Charming and assured" is exactly correct. If you are looking for a citrus that doesn't connote peach-fuzz, please buy Eau Sauvage.

I love the fresh smell of Eau Sauvage. I bought a bottle for my husband as a Christmas stocking stuffer. He hasn't worn it yet so I don't know whether he likes it. Maybe he will find it more agreeable this summer. I don't agree with Scenteur7 about its bitterness - I find it rather mellow - but everybody's take is different obviously. I know both sexes wear it, but on drydown it's still a tad too mannish to completely agree with my chemistry. I prefer Diorella, Eau Sauvage's twin sister, for myself.

As a woman I can assure you that this is a very sexy scent. I find it irresistable and even borrow my husband's on occasions. It makes men seem very charming and assured who wear it,

A classic, and one of my all-time favorites. Excellent, light lemon-citrus overtones that are grounded by the Vetiver.
It doesn't last as long as I'd like, however...for a longer-lasting version try the "Extreme".
DEFINITELY a keeper, though!

A true all time classic. Superbly crafted lemon and grass tones, slighlty woody and mossy. Even the box and the bottle exhale an impeccable, somewhat nostalgic, opulence. The typical conservative mature gentleman's cologne.

very citrusy, fades a little too quickly and there are some unpleasant notes that show up after awhile, however with all that said I still give it a thumbs up because I like it nonetheless :)

Love Eau Savage! Try Eau Savage EXTREME (Black bottle). Much better fixer, lasts longer than regular Eau Savage.

A must-have for summer months. As a teenager, I used to "borrow" this from my older brother for special occasions when I didn't want to overpower with one of my '70s powerhouses. It has been a staple ever since. Subtle, discrete and very classy.

Once a citrus fragrance, now a timeless classic. This is a sparkling citrus fragrance, that is a must own in almost any collection. It’s great for summer. Eau Sauvage is complex and elegant enough to be worn even on special occasions, but it’s also not so stuffy and rigid that it earns that “old man” reputation.

Every man should have a bottle. Classic citrus with a basil bite. Often immitated, never duplicated.

A must have in your wardrobe.Classic and timeless. It has been relaunched in 2005,luckily the juice remains the same.

Just like music has its hall of fame, this is in there amongst the fragrance all time greats, exudes sophistication, paris in springtime/summertime in a bottle!!.

An enduring work of art. A classic like Mozart's Jupiter symphony or Watteau's Pilgrimage to Cythera. For many years, this was the only fragrance I wore, and I was not the worse for it. Even though I have now diversified and have explored the nooks and crannies of the world of perfumery, a large bottle of Mr. Roudnitska's craft will always be close at hand. Bracing and crisp with brilliant citrus and sharp grassiness balanced by the very subtle warmth of vetiver, Eau Sauvage will forever be my special friend.

The other day I happened to bump into Andre, the somewhat fractious valet of my friend Marcel. 'You know, Monsieur,' he confided to me, 'I am beginning to despair of my master's taste in fragrances. Now he has been trying to persuade me what a distinguished scent Eau Sauvage is. I had to tell him bluntly: "Yes, Monsieur Marcel, distinguished as you like, but can it rake in the honeys? Is it a babe magnet? Will it make the chicks chuckle? Will it make the damsels drool? Will it make the sugars shake? Will it make the cutecakes crumble? I don't think so!" Between you and me, Monsieur Nitram, as one man of the world to another, I'm afraid my poor master hasn't got a clue about what it takes to make a good fragrance!'

Basenotes reviews have guided me (a novice)to the beginnings of a decent collection. Eau Sauvage is one of the "oldies but goodies" I have acquired in order to learn what a truly great, quality scent is all about. Christian Dior products are wonderful (Fahrenheit being my other one). Some may say that this scent is for the mature man. Perhaps; but while I may be middle-aged, I enjoy the reaction I receive from the ladies, young and otherwise, in the office when I wear Eau Sauvage. It makes me feel dressed up.

The true original, after wearing this fragrance once you WILL submit to it's ultra-classic citrus appeal!

I lay hands to this stuff very lately, but when first used then only i realized that why Eau Sauvage is rated as one of the classic of all time. A perfect wear for hot, hot summer days

I love this scent but do not wear it myself. I DO wear the Eau Sauvage Spray Deodorant. The only problem is finding it. I bought mine in Paris and may have to go back to re-stock! It's a great spray deodorant after a shower.

I got a sample of Eau Sauvage EDT sent to me today, and I must admit that I'd forgotten how great it is!

I tried this EDT today for the first time. I love it! Truly fantastic! This is a very classic EDT (launched in 1966) but it's still excellent today. This is the perfect balance of lemon with vetyver. I'm going to buy it!