Ivoire

I've wanted to write a review of Ivoire for months, but it's so hard to put into words. I love it so much, but I can't really explain why. I found it rather by accident; someone who loved it mentioned the name, so when I bought another perfume I got a sample of this, without having looked up notes or anything. At first I didn't feel strongly about it either way, it just reminded me of Dove soap a lot, but the more I wore it the more I fell in love. It makes me question my knowledge of my own taste, because based on the notes I never would have marked this as interesting; all those flowers? patchouli?! I guess I'm going to have to widen my field of vision...Although maybe it helps that this is so well blended; I really can't make out any individual note. It just smells whole, perfect. The opening phase is wonderfully clean and cool; green and floral, quite soapy and powdery, but in an interesting way, very luxurious. I like to put it on after a shower, it makes me feel more sophisticated instantly. As it dries it becomes sweeter and even more powdery; it's really wonderful througout. I would never have expected it, but it looks like this has become something of a signature scent for me; I love it enough to wear it all the time, and it works for all occasions. It's crowdpleasing enough for work and interesting enough for an evening out. On top of that, it works in all seasons; all day in spring and fall, at night in summer and in the morning in winter.

I was rather blown away by this perfume as it's smells so damn good!! I never got a chance to smell the original, and maybe that's a good thing as I have nothing to compare it with, but this little beauty is very vintage, classic and timeless. The initial spritz is a little peppery and woody before the violet makes an appearance. This perfume is all about the violet, as she plays centre stage even when the Jasmine and yang-ylang try to sneak in. I can barely smell the patch which is extremely well behaved in this composition so I would say that if you're not much of a patch lover, you may still love this perfume. I get a vague undercurrent of a soft vanilla but violet dominates. The whole composition is wrapped around a sprinkling of soft powder. This perfume is simply glorious! It disappears for a few minutes and then it reappears with the most delicious scent just reminding you that it's still there. Ivorie is the epitome of French chic in all it's glory. If I had to sum up this fragrance in one word, it would be 'elegant'. The longevity is amazing because just when you thought this had settled down it reappears and wafts heavenly aromas under your nose. I give this 11/10, I simply love it!

This opens as very green for me, and takes a while to dry down to a soft, powdery and woody scent on my skin with a bit of sweetness. Low projection but I don’t mind that. I had to hunt this one down over time, as a blind buy. I had hoped it would match some of the soapy fragrances I love - based on reviews and comments - but I wouldn’t describe it as soapy or perfectly clean (though it is a clean fragrance). There are better examples to me of freshly soapy skin or laundered clothes if that’s what you’re after. I think the patchouli stops it achieving that for me. I think i’d love this more minus the patchouli. It is more of a vintage cosmetics smell on my skin. A very nice, sweetly clean, musky skin scent, but not yet a love - I have been known to change my mind though. Edit: Ok, it is now a love! Everything above is still true but I’ve become more in tune with it for what it is, rather than expecting it to be something based on other people’s perceptions. Yes, Love.

Today is my luckyday!! I sniffed this perfume yesterday, came home and wondered where that special smell came from, and it was this little beauty! Back in 1983 I bought Armani Giorgio for Her at the airplane on the way to my new job as an au-pair-girl in England. -I loved my new perfume, and bought another bottle later on. Much later, it was no where to be found in Norway, and I have been hunting high and low to fill the gap my Armani left behind.. The perfumeshopowner gave me a great discount today, only 25 euro for 30 ml, and this little gem fits perfect in my tiny hand :)) And, I have detected what it is that is so spelling for me with these two perfumes: -It's the GALBANUM effect that makes it! They are both very powdery and soapy, just what I like, they are both woody, green and balsamic, and I can smell the cedar, the rose and the sjasmin in the background. I am so very greatful, and happy, so yes, this is defently my lucky day :D

Beautiful Ivoire. This fragrance is such a delightful chameleon on my skin. Sometimes the iris and violet leaf are prominent, making it that soft, super soapy, lightly green delight that enticed me in the first place (let’s call this Ivoire Version A). This version tends to play up on my skin in cooler weather. At other times I get a more of the woodsy notes and galbunum, and the effect is sterner, more retro and like a shadowy, paired down version of the vintage Ivoire (Version B). I like version B. But I LOVE version A. I have an almost full 30mls of this which I use sparingly, as since finding out this has been discontinued (for the love of God, why?!) I live in fear of ever finishing this. There is nothing else like it. NB: Eau d’Ivoire is nothing like it, btw. Osmanthus and a thin red berry note which I’m virtually anosmic to ( but even if I wasn’t, the notes aren’t for me).

An ideal perfume for anyone who loves the white-floral-and-soap pairing. The note list is long, and you could easily imagine a completely different profile just by reading it but to me, this is simply Dove Original bar soap. It has that same creamy, white-floral, crisp cleanliness. I tracked down this specific version with difficulty, because the newer release is a completely different scent with no real relation to this one. When I focus on the details: white florals (a refined jasmine), galbanum (lightly sharp, green), and plenty of iris. The “powder” here isn’t airy, not baby powder, not talc. It’s a cold, chalky, almost matte iris. The base includes vetiver as well, and it’s equally refined. I wear this when I’m rushing out the door or after a shower, when I want to smell even cleaner. It has never let me down. Tag(s): soapy, dove, creamy, clean, cold, austere, powdery

i love this perfume. It is a very clean elegant perfume with abundant character. it is not soft feminine intoxicating seductress. it is strong, simple, bright, straightforward and efficient career women. Unlike the currently popular fruity or floral frangrance, this is not juicy or sweet. There is no particular note which stands out. if there is any perfume which makes me feel dry, clean and cool after heavy travel and exposure under the summer sun, that would be this! the bottle is very elegant as well. Well representing the mood of the scent inside. i don't think the scent is similiar at all but somehow it remains me a bit of CK Eternity. This can be a unisex perfume. Edit: I since got hold of a year 2012 bottle. The scent is rounder smoother and warmer than the more recent bottle I think. I prefer the older one. p.s. the more i wear it, more i smell lily?

Another TJ Maxx find, what a steal! I do know the original Ivoire through my mom and yes, they are completely different. However, this version still holds some classic elements making it a timeless scent indeed. The opening is fresh and rather green. To me the violet leaf is quite prominent and distinctive (I love that note). After that it dries down pretty quickly and stays the same for hours. A slightly powdery, woody scent. The iris really works its magic here! I can make out a dry vanilla and the woody notes, the patch is rather subdued as are the other flower notes. Must be my skin chemistry. All in I love this scent and can see myself wearing this for years to come. Classy and elegant with a gorgeous trail that my co-workers appreciated today :) The bottle is also very nice, love the simple design with the ivoire accent on the neck!

I must start by saying , I have never tried the original version, my quick review is solely based on the current formulation . Wow . If you are looking for a clean soapy shampoo scent , this is it . If you are looking for good projection and staying power , let me tell you that after spraying before bed , I woke up still smelling as if I just spritzed . This to me, is incredible . I rarely can smell my fragrance within an hour let alone feeling as if it was freshly applied . Now , I may need to spray a bit lower as it may even be too much to have this fragrance going 12+ hours at full potency . All in all I would say this is quite a quality perfume , and for the price..a steal .

Even with all the reviews on here I still did not know what to expect with this little number from the house of Balmain! I surely did not expect to fall in love with it! It's something I was missing in my wardrobe! I am shocked I don't see any musk listed in the pyramid at all! I get... A lovely clean musk with hints of florals it's composed so well that I get a little of every thing and I just can't get enough! In the heat it blooms and the musk becomes warm and addictive! Just clean and refreshing all while still being classy, clean, and eloquent from in its opening spray to its musky addictive drydown it's just gorgeous in a minimalistic way!

I am heartbroken that this has been discontinued. What a lovely, clean, elegant floral/soapy/powdery fragrance (my description doesn't even capture it). I have nothing else quite like it, and I see that the remaining sellers have upped their prices significantly, which is a shame. I hope I can secure at least one more bottle before they disappear. I still have about 1/2 of a 3.3oz bottle remaining Why, Balmain ~ WHY????😕 This was such a unique beauty. The fact that everyone didn't wear it is one aspect that made it so special. Pretty soon the perfume houses will discontinue all but those scents worn by the masses . . . So very sad.

I blind bought Ivoire. Bought it directly from Balmain online. 100 ml as well! Talk about risk taking. I have no regrets, I love it. I have so much faith in Mr Almairac's compositions. I have not tried the original so I am only judging the modern version. I think this is a very underrated perfume and very good value. It lasts so long on my skin without being overpowering. Honestly I get a very slight soapy smell. Most of the notes are floral drying down to this lovely very green warm note (galbanum?) with vanilla. It's fresh, elegant and unusual if you compare it to most department store scents. Ivoire 2012 should get more love.

Ooooh, where do I start? I have a 30 ml bottle and I keep it for very special occasions. A unique and very elegant perfume. Perhaps I feel this way because of the powdery notes. I can imagine '50s impeccably dressed ladies wearing it. It is woody and lacks sweetness, which is a good thing in this particular case. Gives off a distinguished, serious vibe. Very long lasting on my skin. It will surely stand out from the crowd. I tried to wear it in summer and I would not recommend it, because it is potent and can become stuffy. Perfect for spring, fall and winter. Wear it with pride!

Such a lovely fragrance. Well blended, almost seamless. Very bright and at the same time very cozy. I am not going to talk much about the notes since those have been well characterized by others. What I am going to rave :-) about is the longevity. On skin 8+ hours, on clothing or hair it is well over 12 hours. And the best thing is that you can still smell the "brightness" after 12+ hours, not just the base notes. This is going to be a well-loved and much used part of my perfume wardrobe. I also want to thank you the previous reviewers for leading me to this gem.

This little woman is a proof that perfumes can have a sad and lonely vibe but not in a negative way. Galbanum and Iris make a sophisticated atmosphere which excludes joy and happiness from the perfumes. I use this one when I feel lonely. Editing: I finally caught what notes can give a perfume a melancholic vibe! Yes. The mixture of violets, violet leaves, iris and galbanum have this atmosphere. De Profundis by Serge Lutens and Comme de Garçons insence 3 and N’imes que mou by Caron have these state too and they are all in common with these notes! Love all of them.

My mothers colleague gifted this is to me. It isn't something I would normally go for, but I love it! Someone said the longevity is poor, but I find that it sticks around a long time. The bottle is older... Ivoire seems very classy to me, the perfect look to go with this would be a tan, cream colored cashmere, pearls, and perfectly placed hair. Maybe some hosiery lol. When woman dressed or dress femme. It is a little powdery, chypre, floral, tiny bit musk I suppose, or mossy? I know the notes are listed but this is what I pick out. Clean yet heavy... Me likey.

I don't have a signature perfume, but if I did, Ivoire would probably be it. It is clean and soapy, but not like a Dial bar soap. It instead resembles the expensive, creamy, fragrant bath soap that Mom put out for company that you weren't allowed to touch. Ivoire has that same type of polished elegance. I'd describe it as pretty but not romantic so think boardroom, not bedroom. It's really, IMO, a nearly-perfect every day fragrance. The juice aside, the bottle is gorgeous and as esthetically pleasing as any Chanel or Guerlain packaging.

A soapy floral right of the bat, intensely powdery and cosmetics type in the best way possible, almost screechy in its soapyness. If I'm not mistaken it is a dove soap intensified ×300, so if you like the true scent of cleanliness, then this is for you. Abstract scent, inedible, really lovely, very lady-like. A wrist-crack scent, for all the time that I have been using my sample it would create a cloud around me and project very well. It has a quite different character from the first Ivoire Balmain. Also, galbanum for starters.

Soapy, clean and fresh. Dries down to a more floral and woodsy fragrance, but keeps the "aura of clean". Very wearable and elegant. Feminine. This reminds me of summer in Sweden. Taking a bath in the evening in a lake, using only a bar of soap to clean your skin an hair and then drying in the last sunrays sitting on the jetty with a big fluffy bathrobe. Makes me very nostalgic! And of course the design of the bottle is impecabble. This one next to my "Mon Jasmin Noir" and "Shalimar" makes me swoon. Trés elegant.

I have the 2012 version. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! I don't like the sickly sweet, "in your face" perfumes that are trending lately, so this little gem is a pure delight. Nothing sweet, at least to my nose. Only flowers, woodsy notes and then glorious powder. The bottle is beautiful. I appreciate simplicity when it comes to perfume bottles - such simplicity that can be seen in Chanel bottles -because when the juice is good enough to impress on its own, there is no need for extravagant shapes and ostentation.

OMG, soooooo unexpected. Very nice composition. open up with mandarin, galbanum and violet. mandarin and violet leaf are prominent in the top note. citrus and very light powdery. in the heart note are rose, jasmin, ylang-ylang and iris. the scent is starting with warm and bit heavy powdery. then, in the base notes, there are vetiver, cedar, patchouli and vanilla. they are so warmy, woody, floral and light sweet, i feel i'm in the 80s. this perfume remind me my mum compact powder in the 80s.

This is the cleanest scent I know. But it's not an "aseptic" and cold kind of clean, it smells like warm skin after a nice bath in Dove cream. I had a sample from a lovely Fragrantican and bought a full bottle. It's the perfect scent for when you want to feel calm, clean and cozy. No schreechiness (the opening blast is a bit green, but it only lasts a minute), no harsh edges. The lasting power is quite good, the sillage is moderate/soft, but it does envelope you in a gentle aura. I love it!

This is my Noa. It's got the atmospheric, softly floral, musky, soapy character that just suits. Could be worn anywhere, but I like it best for office, weekend errands, Sunday morning. Not demanding, just easy. Update 7/7/15: I am surprised, this is wonderful in the summer heat. I like it fine in cooler temps, but in this hot weather it is like emerging from a shower, fresh and cool. Lovely, with soft edges and loaded with class. A definite love this summer, in heavy rotation.

Ok this is REALLY GREAT STUFF and needs a lot more love than what I'm seeing here! Is it possible to be this unique and go so unnoticed? If you Fraganticans haven't tested this one, my suggestion is DON'T because you will fall in Love and have to buy it on the spot! PS... if any of you perfume lovers are like me, I'm sure that you are enticed but what I just said and are heading over to the nearest Neiman's to try this beauty out! This SCENT ADDICTION IS CRAZY! Isn't it? Lmao

This is ladylike. Inspiring power and calm at the same time. I have a 30 ml bottle and will keep it for some very special occasion, because it is special. It is indeed woody and floral. I imagine a very classy woman wearing it - and by classy I don't mean necessarily fashionwise. A timeless perfume, in my opinion. It can be overpowering if oversprayed, so beware of triggerfinger! :) Longevity is excellent. Longevity: 8 /10 Scent: 9/10 SIllage -0 I can't really say. About 6/9

This is ladylike. Inspiring power and calm at the same time. I have a 30 ml bottle and will keep it for some very special occasion, because it is special. It is indeed woody and floral. I imagine a very classy woman wearing it - and by classy I don't mean necessarily fashionwise. A timeless perfume, in my opinion. It can be overpowering if oversprayed, so beware of triggerfinger! :) Longevity is excellent. Longevity: 8 /10 Scent: 9/10 SIllage -0 I can't really say. About 6/9

PLEASE bring it back! I love this so much - I'm afraid to even touch my stash - I don't think I could bear seeing the level going down in my bottle. Very clean, full bodied, and yes, it does smell like a VERY expensive French soap. About as non offensive as you can get. Lasts beautifully, office safe, and as lofty as it is, it's never snooty. Gives you courage and comfort all at once. If anyone in the States has some they'd like to trade off, please send me a note!

Love it! The longevity is great, it lasts almost all day on me. Ivoire is that perfect combination of fresh/clean and sexy/feminine smell, all in one. It's perfect for springtime. The opening is greenish then it settles into more powdery scent. Very refreshing fragrance, one of the best in the soapy/powdery category. Not offensive to people around you, but be sure they will still remember how good you've smelled even after you leave the room.

Where has this been for so long? This is one of those underrated scents you seldom hear about. Im very glad it has finally passed my way and caught my attention. I love these posh, upscale soapy scents. They don't scream for attention like some do. This one whispers soft and low. It's understated and happy being in the background, a humble wallflower. Unique and clean, it stands apart from many of those center staged today. A keeper, indeed.

This fragrance is the perfect representation of the Balmain aesthetic; it's refined, elegant, luxurious, and assured. It has no need to announce itself loudly because its quality is simply there. This perfume is no sillage beast that you can smell across the train station. It travels in chauffeured cars, thank you very kindly. And it doesn't need to sell itself with trendy, sugared fruitiness. It's soft and effortlessly refined.

First of all, this bottle is pure class. Ivoire starts of with a sharp note, which after a little while calms down and turns in to a classy, green, clean and quite "strict" smell. It ́s also a bit powdery. When the base comes out it ́s has a slight sweetness to it as well. Ladylike! I like it for work in spring and summer. It ́s what I reach for when I don ́t know what to wear. Bonus: It`s an absolute bargain!

Adore this one! Classy, elegant, feminine. It's very creamy and soapy, lots of comforting powder! Makes you feel cozy! Would not offend anyone, you could wear for any occasion and I think any season! I don't get any orange or jasmin, I get lots of iris, violet and mostly galbanum! The bottle is pure class! Moderate sillage, longevity on me is around 2-3 hours, the only drawback but am happy to reapply!

Ooo, I adore it, maybe not modest to say but my skin LOVES it. And I love myself wearing it. It has ability to get stronger every half an hour and changes slightly, which to me is characteristic of a good quality of fragrance. Creamy-woody on me, with just a hint of floral. Very feminine, languorous, very calm and confident due to the violet and powdery iris. Harmonising Ivoire.

The reviews sum this up pretty well but I agree with those who don't get the "green" in this. I get a creamy, powdery rose and iris perfume with a slightly woody base. Nothing edgy or sexy, but you don't always want that. This is elegant, timeless and inoffensive. Great for feeling fresh and clean. Happy with my 30 ml but likely to move on after its finished.

I have a crush on this perfume. It is an elegant woman's perfume. Yes, it smells soapy and powdery but we are not talking bar soap and baby powder, think five star hotel in Paris. It is only sold as an EDP I believe so it has respectable lasting power and sillage. I wore 80's Iviore as a teen and they aren't alike, but they are both fantastic.

For me is a working place perfume. Smells clean (kind of soapy), soft, powdery and elegant, no sweet whatsoever. You can imagine that cute good looking girl that smells like she just left the shower and rubbed her skin with flower soap. Long lasting on the clothes it's drys out like floral, not so long lasting on my skin :(

A clean smelling, soapy everyday scent, I like it very much. I like quite spicy, oriental, stronger perfumes but this is nice when I want a nice quiet scent just for me.It is soapy but an expensive smelling soap, ideal for office wear, I'm glad I bought it. EDIT: Just wanted to add that the longevity is really good!

Fragrant Desert: LOL....too funny! A few years ago, I got this when it first came out. My MALE co-worker put it on and HE got complimented all darn day long by the female customers. "Ooooo, you smell good. What IS that?" He then would giggle, point at ME, and say, "HER perfume." (Meanwhile, I got no compliments.)

Timelessness: that's the Word! I bought it a few days ago. I bought a 30 ml flacon, but I'm planning to buy a 50 ml one, just to keep it. I think a woman can wear this fragrance since her late 20s till she's 95, 100 or even more!!! This one could be my everyday Autumn-Winter fragrance from now on.

A versatile, non-offensive, soapy perfume—just what I’m in the mood for. It’s very calming to me, as it reminds me a block of time in my childhood. On my skin, it settles into a scent similar to Barbie dolls’ rubber scalp. On clothes, I can detect wisps of ylang-ylang and fresh jasmine.

This is the best soapy scent on the market. It's luxurious, elegant, soft, ladylike. The perfume reminds me of some expensive soap which is very calm and smooth. It's also well-blended and not harsh. I don't get any powdery scent at the drydown, just smooth, silky feeling. So lovely!

I don't care for the bitter green opening but by the time the heart notes surface I'm in love. I love the classic lines of the bottle. It looks much more expensive than it really is. Surprisingly long-lasting. Great blind buy based on Fragrantica reviews!

This version of Ivoire is very clean, subtle, elegant, lightweight, yet lasting, inoffensive yet noticeable. Cool and soothing, a pleasure to wear. Smells mostly like soap/galbanum, iris and vetiver on me. So refreshing after cold winter months.

Clean,elegant and very soapy.Very long lasting and powerfull,you need only one or two tiny spritzes, no more ,otherwise you'll almost taste the bitterness of galbanum all day long.In my opinion,not a safe blind-buy.If you ask me,I love it!

I'm an iris and violet fan so I had high hopes for this one and I wasn't disappointed. Very classy, soft and elegant perfume. I was surprised on how long it lasted on me. After 7 hours I could still smell it. Worth every penny!

First spray I knew it was for me. I love them! Fragrance has no gender. I love how it smells on me. Might not be for every male but it suits for me. I assumed it will last about 5-6 hours and again I was wrong! It last longer!

I adore this. It's subtle and classy. It's one I could wear any day for any occasion. Very comforting. It's inoffensive and almost like you're not wearing perfume at all, just makes you smell real nice.

This is the concentrated fragrance oil that they use to scent original Dove soap. Not the version of Dove you can buy in the drug store, but if Dove had a luxury version exclusively at Harrod’s.

I was unsure whether I'd love this but it is the most gorgeous clean scent ever. This is what a fresh perfume should smell like to me--warm and soapy without any citrus. A new favorite for sure.

Angeldaisy...... Is it possible you got the Eau'D Ivoire? That one is pink juice and DOES have fruit in it. Yet it is the same shaped bottle. The tan liquid Ivoire...smells like soap.