Our take
What does Eau d'Ivoire smell like?
In June 2013 Balmain followed Ivoire with a lighter version called Eau d’Ivoire. Sophie Labbé of IFF composed it as an eau de toilette. The brand told a story of a trip to South Beach, which explains its cheerier mood compared with the Ivoire relaunched a year earlier. The opening pairs tart redcurrant with crisp bergamot. Picture a red berry sorbet served by a pool. The heart is more delicate. Osmanthus brings its dried apricot and tea notes, while magnolia adds a lemony freshness. The base is kept to a minimum with clean patchouli and white musks. The 2012 Ivoire works orange blossom and galbanum with far more body. Eau d’Ivoire is fruitier and more see-through. It also lacks its elder’s staying power. Expect three hours at best on skin, a little more on fabric.
When to wear it
A fruity floral for spring weekends. Three sprays, on skin and in the hair.
It belongs to the Floral, Fruity family. Eau d'Ivoire is one of 7 creations by Balmain in our encyclopedia.