Fragrance fans, the wait is over; our vs series is back! For first-time readers, we’ve put together the ultimate fragrance assault course to trial some of the newest fragrance flanker launches and put them head-to-head against the original iconic fragrance from the collection. We’ll test the fragrances completely blind – no brands, no gender and no price – just the fragrance and three team members’ expert noses.
Discover which classic luxury fragrances came out on top and which newcomers knocked the beloved icons off their pedestal with September’s blind perfume trial…
Round 1: Clarins Treatment Fragrances
The Icon (A): Clarins Eau Dynamisante Natural Spray
The Newcomer (B): Clarins Eau Extraordinaire Natural Spray
What’s The Difference Between Dynamisante And Extraordinaire?
Eau Extraordinaire joined the Clarins fragrance collection in 2022 with its bright and floral spin on the classic. The two unisex fragrances are more like distant cousins, as the only similarities they share are that they’re fresh and they both contain skin-loving ingredients doubling up as a treatment. The best-selling Eau Dynamisante is known for its firming and toning action and its invigorating, refreshing aroma reminiscent of a luxury spa. On the other hand, Extraordinaire is a vibrant and energising treatment with a fresh and lightly spiced floral scent designed to awaken the senses and revive the body.
Notes/Essential Oils:
Clarins Eau Dynamisante Natural Spray (A): lemon, patchouli, petitgrain, ginseng and white tea.
Clarins Eau Extraordinaire Natural Spray (B): citrus, ginger, jasmine, rose, cedarwood and patchouli.
Who Are They For?
Our team members felt Clarins Eau Dynamisante Natural suited a clean-cut gentleman due to its crisp, freshness. Eau Extraordinaire was repeatedly described as ‘soft and delicate’, so we felt it was best suited to fans of sweet and elegant scents.
Longevity Test:
After four hours of wear, we were impressed with the longevity of both Clarins fragrances, but Clarins Eau Extraordinaire was voted the ‘longest lasting’ scent by a small amount.
The Results:
It’s a draw! As a testament to Clarins, our team couldn’t agree on their favourite scent at the end of the blind trial.
Round 2: GIVENCHY Gentleman
The Icon (C): GIVENCHY Gentleman Eau de Toilette
The Newcomer (D): GIVENCHY Gentleman Eau de Toilette Intense
What’s The Difference Between Gentleman EDT And Gentleman EDT Intense?
When GIVENCHY created the 2017 Gentleman Eau de Toilette, they wanted it to break away from a classical scent with a new deep, sensual and vibrant leather and patchouli dimension. The 2022 Gentleman Eau de Toilette Intense still holds the artisanal qualities of the classic Eau de Toilette Originale but takes the confidence of the Eau de Toilette one step further by encompassing the strength and sensitivity of the modern man with an exciting blend of fresh citrus, spicy cardamon and sweet iris. To put it simply, the Gentleman Intense has a fresher, green signature, whereas the Eau de Toilette showcases a deeper, aromatic twist.
Notes:
GIVENCHY Gentleman Eau de Toilette (C): pear, orris, lavender, leather and patchouli.
GIVENCHY Gentleman Eau de Toilette Intense (D): bergamot, cardamom, basil, blue iris, cypress, cedarwood and coumarin.
Who Are They For?
We think GIVENCHY Gentleman Eau de Toilette is suited to an edgy, masculine character in a leather jacket and white t-shirt. GIVENCHY Gentleman Eau de Toilette Intense divided opinions; we felt it was light and sweet and could be suited to many characters.
Longevity Test:
Shockingly, GIVENCHY Gentleman Eau de Toilette performed better than the intense version during the 4-hour longevity test with 3-0 on the votes.
The Results:
It’s a win for GIVENCHY Gentleman Eau de Toilette Intense; 2 out of 3 of our team members preferred the new aroma.
Round 3: Initio The Black Gold Project
The Icon (E): Initio Oud for Happiness Eau de Parfum
The Newcomer (F): Initio Oud for Greatness Eau de Parfum
What’s The Difference Between Oud For Happiness And Oud For Greatness?
The Initio Black Gold Project is a selection of niche perfumes developed around the impressive joy-inducing forces of oud. Both Ouds contain similar properties that encourage positivity, meditation and healing. However, Oud For Happiness has brighter, uplifting qualities from the fresh citrus, liquorice and sweet vanilla. Both Happiness and Greatness mellow into warm, sensual tones, whether that’s the aphrodisiac ginger from Happiness or the spicy saffron and nutmeg from Greatness.
Notes:
Initio Oud for Happiness Eau de Parfum (E): bergamot, ginger, cedarwood, Indian oud, liquorice, a blast of herbs, vanilla and musk.
Initio Oud for Greatness Eau de Parfum (F): wood, saffron, nutmeg, lavender and patchouli.
Who Are They For?
We paired Initio Oud for Happiness with a fun, bubbly character, and we think it would suit any fans of sweet scents that are slightly alternative. Initio Oud for Greatness was a favourite for Chris Hemsworth for its sexy and spicy feel.
Longevity Test:
Initio Oud for Greatness beat Oud For Happiness in our longevity test with more staying power after four hours.
The Results:
It was a tricky one, but Initio Oud for Greatness was the firm favourite of the day.
