Fall is right around the corner, and that means it's time to start relying on your wood and spice-based fragrances for when you go out.
Personally, I've never been the type of person who believes that certain fragrances can only be worn during specific seasons, so while all of the fragrances mentioned in the fall series can be worn year-round, I think the optimal time to use them is during the cooler weather.
In today's premier video of the fall series, I have two substantially different earthy fragrances going head-to head for the title of best go-to fall fragrance.
In fact, I didn't realize how different these fragrances were until I closely compared them both.
First, I have a vintage fragrance from Dior: Eau Sauvage Extreme. This one, which was first released in 1984, is a primarily herbal-based fragrance. It is very heavy on rosemary and lavender, which makes for a very unique, very earthy fragrance. Perfect for the cool fall weather.
Going against it is another, slightly newer classic fragrance from Burberry: Burberry London. This one has been described as smelling like Christmas because of the various spices it contains. It is also a great choice for the cooler weather.
Like always, I highly recommend both fragrances, but for the sake of the match-up I'm just going to assume you only want to buy one.
In case you missed the summer matches, we are going to have three rounds to determine the winner: composition, performance, and usability. If necessary, there will be an additional round added at the end.
But without further delay, let's get into it.
Round I: Composition
Dior Eau Sauvage Extreme: Top Notes: Lemon, Bergamot, Patchouli, and Lavender Middle Notes: Rosemary, Bay Leaf, and Coriander Bottom Notes: Amber, Patchouli, and Cedar
I was actually surprised when I tried Eau Sauvage Extreme. I know the Eau Sauvage EDT is very citrus-heavy to the point that anything else in the composition is a secondary player.
The Extreme version, which is an Eau De Toilette Intense, is a completely different Eau Sauvage. Instead of relying on citrus notes to carry the fragrance, it uses herbal, earthy notes, which make it ideal for the cool fall weather.
When I first apply it, I get a lot of the rosemary mixed with what smells like pine trees. The citrus is also there for the first few moments before quickly dissipating. After that, it becomes predominantly earthy- reminding me of a walk through a luscious green forest.
Dior Eau Sauvage Extreme is definitely a more vintage, unique fragrance, albeit it is not a complicated one. What I get in the first hour of wear is what I get during the last hour.
Even so, this is without-a-doubt the epitome of what a fall fragrance should be, in my opinion.
Burberry London: Top Notes: Cinnamon, Lavender, and Bergamot Middle Notes: Mimosa and Leather Bottom Notes: Tobacco Leaf, Guaiac Wood, and Oakmoss
Burberry London is a vastly different kind of fragrance than the former. While Eau Sauvage Extreme is a green fragrance, London would probably be considered an oriental fragrance, making them nearly opposites according to the fragrance wheel.
London is actually a fragrance that many reviewers say "smells like Christmas," I would definitely agree with that. I think the cinnamon gives the fragrance a perfect holiday feel.
Much like the first fragrance, it is not a complicated scent, but that's alright because it's the simplicity in London that makes it such a fall appropriate composition.
When I apply it initially, I get a lot of the cinnamon fused with a bit of the guaiac wood and tobacco leaf. The lavender also plays a part in adding an earthy kind of feel to the fragrance It is really quite nice.
Also, a great choice for fall wear, although perhaps more suited for the second half of the season when the weather's getting cooler.
Winner: Personally, I actually prefer the composition of Burberry London. It reminds me a lot of Maison Christian Dior's Spice Blend. However, because I am not judging these fragrances based-on my opinions, I think both are equally good choices for a fall go-to scent. It really just depends on whether you prefer green fragrances or oriental fragrances, like me. Therefore, this round is a draw.
Eau Sauvage Extreme: 0 Burberry London: 0
Round II: Performance
Dior Eau Savage Extreme: 6 hours longevity, 40 minutes projection
Burberry London: 7 hours longevity, 1.5 hours projection (light), becomes a skin-scent shortly after
Both fragrances are pretty decent in terms of longevity and will give you a nice scent bubble for the first few hours.
Because they're not overpowering fragrances, I feel like you can generously apply them without having to worry about over applying. I I used twelve sprays each for this battle.
As you can probably tell by the numbers, London does offer slightly better performance. It lasts for an additional hour-- granted it's a skin scent at that point-- and projects for nearly twice as long.
I feel Eau Sauvage Extreme does project a bit more loudly in the opening hour of wearing the fragrance which complicates my decision a bit.
Also, both fragrances seem to perform better in the cooler weather; akin to the performance of D&G Light Blue in the heat.
Winner: Considering the last hour or so of Burberry London it is a skin scent, I once again have to declare the round a draw. Both Eau Sauvage Extreme and London are great performers in the fall weather; either would be an incredibly great choice for a fall go-to fragrance
Round III: Usability
Dior Eau Sauvage Extreme: Both casual and professional wear, great for intimate gatherings, generally safe, may require some thought before wear
Burberry London: Both casual and professional wear, perfect for intimate gatherings, great date fragrance, very safe
I think both fragrances are just about equally versatile. Both can be used both casually and professionally as well as to intimate gatherings.
But there is one significant difference between the two fragrances that will ultimately determine the outcome of the match-up.
And that is this...
Because more people seem to appreciate spice-based fragrances, including myself, more than herbal, earthy, green fragrances, I think Burberry London is a much safer choice between the two. This is because it is more mass-appealing.
I'm not saying Eau Sauvage Extreme is an unsafe fragrance or one that you have to carefully consider before wearing, rather I think it's one that is simply not going to work in every situation or with every person.
That doesn't mean Burberry London is a completely safe choice. I'm sure there's still going to be people who think it's too much, but in terms of a go-to fragrance, I think London is a bit better of a choice.
Winner: While both fragrances are pretty versatile in terms of situations and events, I think Burberry London is a bit more mass-appealing due to it's festive-like composition. Therefore, the winner of this round has to go to London.
Eau Sauvage Extreme: 0 Burberry London: 1
Final Thoughts: Both Eau Sauvage Extreme and Burberry London are great choices for fall fragrances. Both perform incredibly well in the cooler weather and both contain fall-related notes. It was incredibly hard putting these two head-to-head, because, like I said in the introduction, I wasn't even aware how different yet similar these fragrances are. But what it ultimately comes down to is the fact that a spice-based fragrance, like London, is going to be a little bit safer to wear than an herbal fragrance like Eau Sauvage Extreme.
Best Go-To Fall Fragrance: Burberry London
-Ryan S.
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