Sauvage Elixir – Review

Following the overwhelming success of Dior Sauvage – a fragrance that continues to top most mens (and womens) favourites as being one of the best colognes – the follow-up flankers were not only expected but, destined for great things.

The Eau Du Parfum was launched in 2018 with the Elixir making its arrival 3 years later in 2021. Its arrival had some – who hadn’t even smelt it – slate it, purely off the back of Sauvage’s extreme popularity. For the same reasons, it also had others excited for it. 

SAUVAGE ELIXIR – THE BASICS:

Top notes

Cinnamon, Grapefruit, Nutmeg and Cardamom 

Heart notes

Lavender

Base notes

Licorice, Sandalwood, Haitian Vetiver, Amber and Patchouli 

Launch date:

2021

Pricing

£124 (60ml)

Sauvage Elixir – Review

I've heard many comments about Elixir, but with any kind of overwhelming popularity (or controversy), there’s always a curiosity of “What’s the fuss?” and also the danger of getting caught up in the opinions of everyone else.

So what does it smell like?

In a word, strong. For those that like the smooth, easy, almost effortless balance of Sauvage, this is definitely a diversion. If the blend of opening notes of pepper and bergamot easily cocoon you in, then you may appreciate this – however if you like a straightforward ride, then this is where the appreciation stops.

Elixir becomes a mix of dark, seductive tones trying to fight for attention over its smoother characteristics. This can give it a weirdly unsettling presence, even on the dry down.

Some people might like this; the blend of spicy vs. a kind of sweet, softness. A place where too often, sex appeal lies. This said, it’s not as universally crowd-pleasing as Sauvage, which is like that popular kid who can say anything – virtually anything – and everyone will laugh.

Battle of the notes

This is like the black swan; more daring and adventurous. It will make clothes smell mysteriously dark and masculine. The longevity is truly fantastic. And for those that like strong, in-your-face scents, you’ll love this.

If you like the safety of Sauvage and get more than enough woodiness from it, stick with that. Elixir is smokier, more intense and just feels a bit wilder and untamed. The ingredients almost feel like they’re at war with each other.

The best way to put it is two boxers in the ring, with equal amounts of charisma, similar personalities and skill level and with everything to lose, refusing to give the other one an edge. Round after round of “who do I give that win to?”. One long battle for glory.

Amongst my fellow small crew of fragheads, there was both immediate love for it and a need to do further tests to be sure we at least liked it. 

That said, Elixir is definitely not Sauvage and we are all so grateful for that. It stands on its own two feet, and dances boldly to the beat of its own drum. This is not a fragrance that hides in the shadows of its original predecessor or feels cut from the same cloth.

So, if the horror of smelling Sauvage everywhere put you off from trying any further addition to its range, you can relax here. Due to its strength and the way it behaves as a fragrance, unlike so many do with Sauvage, this is not one you want to overspray. This means you may not be hit with the smell of repeated applications here, there and everywhere you go. Additionally, the price tag it carries isn’t exactly cheap.

MY VERDICT:

“A statement of a fragrance with superb longevity, that binds to your skin effortlessly. Strong, spicy, captivating and easily able to entertain its own crowd without needing to resemble Sauvage”

(Featured Image courtesy of Dior)