Our take
What does Eau de Givenchy smell like?
Givenchy introduced Eau de Givenchy in 1980. It is a feminine eau de toilette built for lightness, the opposite of the house's heady evening perfumes. The opening is green and tart. Bergamot, mandarin and grapefruit lead into a mint leaf that gives a cold snap. The heart is the busiest part. Honeysuckle and jasmine take the lead, followed by rose and lily of the valley. Tuberose is kept at arm's length. Cyclamen keeps the whole thing fresh and almost watery. Nothing feels heavy, even with this many white flowers. The base lays clean sandalwood over oakmoss, with cedar and a soft musk. That moss dates it. In 1980 a fresh floral still carried a trace of chypre. Diorissimo is the natural comparison, another spring floral built around lily of the valley. Eau de Givenchy is fruitier and less fixed on a single flower. Above all, it is quieter.
When to wear it
A daytime floral for spring or mild heat. Spray it freely on skin or on a scarf.
It belongs to the Floral, Fruity family. Eau de Givenchy is one of 40 creations by Givenchy in our encyclopedia.