Our take
What does Monsieur Balmain smell like?
The name Monsieur Balmain first appeared in 1964 on a formula by Germaine Cellier. In 1990 Calice Becker composed a new version, and that is the one still sold today and described here. The opening is all zest: bergamot, lemon and bitter orange, cooled by a crisp mint. Then the heart turns aromatic. Rosemary and thyme bring a scrubland feel, while ginger, pepper and nutmeg warm things up. A discreet rose softens the edges. Clary sage, vetiver and sandalwood form the base, with a little amber and musk. The scent stays dry and bright from start to finish. People often file it next to Dior's Eau Sauvage as a lemony gentleman's freshie. Monsieur Balmain is spicier and more herbal, though. It feels old school in the best sense. It deserves far more shelf space than it gets.
When to wear it
A spring and summer scent for the office or the weekend. Spray it generously, three or four times, like a cologne.
It belongs to the Citrus, Aromatic family. Monsieur Balmain is one of 7 creations by Balmain in our encyclopedia.