Bal d'Afrique Absolu

I've only had this for three days and I've already worn it every day. I know that's not a long time, but I genuinely think this is my favorite fragrance I've ever smelled. The best way I can describe it is that it feels like warmth. Not the heavy, spicy kind of warm, but the feeling of the sun coming through your window while you're still wrapped up in a blanket. It's bright and fresh at first, but it never feels sharp. Then it slowly becomes creamier and softer, and that's the part I'm completely obsessed with. It has this really comforting quality that keeps making me smell my wrists all day. Every time I catch a little bit of it, it just makes me feel happy. It smells clean, cozy, elegant, and expensive without feeling like it's trying too hard. I can't stop thinking about it. Some fragrances are beautiful, but you admire them from a distance. This one feels personal. It feels like something you'd wear on a quiet morning with a coffee, walking through a park in autumn, or just lying in bed reading while the sunlight comes through the curtains. It somehow fits every mood. I've seen people call it uplifting, and I completely get why. It honestly just puts me in a better mood every time I wear it. It's the kind of scent that makes ordinary days feel a little nicer. I know I'm still in the honeymoon phase since I've only owned it for a few days, but I haven't felt this strongly about a fragrance before. I've tried a lot of perfumes, and none of them have clicked with me the way this one has. This is the first one that's made me think, "Yep, this is my scent." I don't know if it'll stay my favorite forever, but right now I honestly can't imagine loving another fragrance more.

I am ruined. This fragrance makes me want to throw out all my other perfumes and declare undying loyalty to it. It’s giving a sacred grove of citrus trees tended by nymphs just after a rainfall when the sun is coming out and glistening through the mist in a rainbow. It’s the earth goddess glowing gold flecks of dewy fertile skin. It’s the song Citadella (Revisioned) by Yaima played by angels to honor the divine solar feminine. It’s addictive, and it’s sophisticated, and it’s elevated, yet down to earth. It’s ethereal yet familiar. It’s the olfactory version of flow state. Received several compliments in one day. The longevity is realllyyyy good. It has that sort of BR-540 vibe where you get waves of it hitting your nose throughout the day and where others can smell it on you more than you can...which is not a bad thing. I couldn’t smell it for a couple hours at the end of the day, but then got in my car with the windows down at 5:30 pm (applied at 7am) and could smell a lovely, potent cloud surrounding me.

Bal d’Afrique Absolu offers a clearer, brighter, and creamier sweetness compared to the classic EDP version. With its playful, modern, youthful, and urban character, it is extremely comfortable for daily wear and especially appealing to those who do not enjoy bold, overly feminine, intense, or overtly sexy fragrances. Its safe, mass appealing, and four season friendly structure delivers satisfying longevity while never feeling dull or characterless. It carries a clean, fruity, and joyful energy, truly a “safe haven” for those who prefer dynamic, cheerful fragrances with a balanced sweetness over boring scents. Compared to the classic EDP, the citrus notes are more pronounced, followed by a soft and sweet transition, it can also be worn comfortably during colder autumn and winter days, offering a clearly perceptible niche quality compared to many fragrances in a similar profile. It smells like a bright, lively, joyful, sweet, and sophisticated interpretation of freshness.

I had a long list of fragrances I wanted to try.... and recently had the opportunity at Frankfurt airport during a transfer. Spent a good hour in Duty-Free. Managed to smell a large chunk of my list... but found that many of the hyped and popular scents were really good... but just didn't grab me. I like something a little different, and they were all... 'I have smelled this DNA before'...I was actually feeling disappointed. I was at the end of my smell adventure when I tried Bal d'Afrique, and the Absolu. The Absolu... for me, 'stopped me in my tracks'. The scent was complex and masterful. Excellent balance and quality. Delicious realistic/fruity opening, but with the complex background perfectly present. I think the balance and ingredient quality is what did it for me. I believe, that if a dupe of this was made... it would not appeal to me, as it would not capture that special something in the bd'AA.

I only recently became involved with fragrances. I received a gift card to purchase a fragrance of my choosing at Nordstrom, and after browsing through dozens of fragrances, I finally came up on Bal D'Afrique (non-absolu, as the absolu was sold out) and left with a sample of it. The more I wore the sample, the more I loved it. When I came back a few weeks later, I snagged the final bottle of the 50mL absolu and after one spray, it blew my mind. It's so much better than the standard EDP. I couldn't stop smelling my arm. Couldn't have been happier with my purchase! To me, it's a woodsy, but creamy, fresh, but slightly warm, very very slightly spicy and slightly sweet, fragrance... It's impossible to describe it properly because it is everything in one fragrance, but in the best way possible. Definitely on the pricer side but it could not be more worth it for me.

Incredible fragrance. Truly isn't anything like it anywhere else. My personal favourite from Byredo (MG close behind). Opening is very citrus-y and fruity, which eases down into a more woody, musky fragrance over time, which is still super appealing, especially at closer distances (might wanna make sure your girl doesn't mind the woodyness first tho). I do wish the opening lasted a bit longer, but it does maintain the top notes for longer on clothes than on skin (imo). Perfect for summer days outside, but the woody notes make it usable in the winter as well, I've found. I imagine this fragrance as a cut log from a fruit tree with flowers adorning. If you're looking for an easy, daily wear that works in any situation, look no further. The hype is real and very much justified, and it's always a conversation starter and a compliment getter. It's that good.

I love this perfume and overall 9/10. Smell: For me, it smells like if you put a brown sugar on top of a sliced lime. slightly citrusy sourness and sweetness. kind of like a mojito but not minty. its just clean, fresh, citrusy and slightly sugar type of sweet. Suitable for everyday wear. Longevity: Eternal for me. i had two sprays on my right wrist and i can still smell it after 20+ hours. Sillage: Strong sillage, you will leave a nice smelling trail while walking. people near you can smell this easily. you might even fill a room with this one and i think this wouldn't disturb anyone. You can wear this with any type of summer outfit. this goes well with both elegant outfits and casual outfits. Edit: i just realised people voted this perfume as unisex and leaning towards female but i think its definitely unisex since it kinda smells like a cocktail.

I’m not particularly fond of the opening. It comes across as very sharp and overly sweet. However, the dry down is absolutely perfect and really saves the fragrance for me. It actually felt quite familiar, and after checking the notes, I realised it shares similarities in terms of its middle and base notes with Angel’s Share Paradis, which I owned. The overall vibe reflects that comparison too. It opens somewhat like Angel’s Share OTR, but much sweeter and sharper, then settles into a dry down that closely resembles Angel’s Share Paradis. That said, I don’t think this fragrance would perform well in a hot climate. It’s simply too sweet and can become quite overwhelming, potentially even headache-inducing in high heat.

Love this one. This is a perfectly executed flanker and layers beautifully with the Bal D'Afrique body care. The citrus here is top tier. It’s almost like a pineapple or june plum scent. The fruits are fleshy and sweet and citrusy and perfect for summer vacation without the typical solar or sunscreen vibes. THE. PRALINE. IS. GORGEOUS. What an incredible addition to the original DNA. The Absolu is sweeter than the original, but still fresh. While the original Bal D'Afrique feels like a summer scent to me, I can wear the Absolu in spring and fall because of the added sweetness. It also lasts longer than the original with a decent projection.

This is the EDP but amped up. Projection and longevity are a lot better, I can still smell it end of the day and I don't turn nose blind to it even after a few consecutive days of wearing it, but that would be what I expect for this price. This is a nice safe scent, wearable through all the seasons, will get you compliments because it is such a crowd pleaser. Nothing really exciting but it is a excellent quality blend for day to day wear and to me it is a really good mix between modern perfumery (molecular) and a classic (violet). Not FB worthy, mainly because it is expensive AF, but I will finish the 8ml deluxe sample with pleasure.

Bal d’Afrique Absolu is ABSOLUtely divine! The opening is a gorgeous mix of bright citrus and natural blueberry that feels both sweet and sophisticated. There’s zero medicinal quality here and no one will ever accuse this scent of smelling like household cleaner. That smooth blend of amber, vetiver, and cedarwood just elevates the entire composition giving it a resinous depth. This is a bright and uplifting fragrance that is a total head-turner. It’s 100% full-bottle worthy and addictive. You'll want to smell this every minute of the day. Also, I'm over the beast modes. This leaves the perfect sillage.

I tried this in Space NK a while ago, instantly loved it. My wife also absolutely loves this on me. I bought a 3ml decant and went through it quickly so I had to get a full 100ml bottle (I would not pay retail for this) It opens with a zesty but warm citrus rind, the praline adds a subtle sweetness to it. This is not a strong fragrance at all, it’s fresh, soft, airy and uplifting. Despite it not being overly strong it projects well for the first couple of hours, stays as a skin scent for around 10 hours but lasts days on clothing. Completely inoffensive, perfectly unisex and office safe.

Definitely sweeter than the orignal Bal d Afrique, less airy, more smooth, lasts longer and projects stronger (even though, for the price tag it's still not amazing longevity). I wouldn't say the praline is dominant, so despite being sweeter than OG, it's still far from a gourmand scent. I'd say it's predominantly woody. Also certainly not a linear scent, the dry down is very similar to the OG, despite the more citrusy and sweet opening. Unisex scent, but leaning female in my opinion. It makes me feel energized, positive, and expensive. I like it.

Hyped up but one of the few fragrances that truly deserves it. Such a pleasant fruity scent that has a touch of sweetness but is far from cloying and still maintains the originals airy light nature. Long lasting but sits rather close to the skin making it the perfect scent for professional settings. I do think it’s very overpriced for the scent profile because it’s clean and simple but you don’t need to spray much of it so a 100ml bottle will last you a while. Perfectly unisex and can be shared with couples at least that’s what my wife and I do.

wow. have never felt like i needed a byredo fragrance until i smelled this one. can't decide between this scent or absolu mojave ghost but this one is SO GOOD. clean, inoffensive, smells expensive, more suited for work/daytime because of the freshness but layered with a woody fragrance it is perfect for nighttime as it does have a woody element on the skin. some waves of it smells like an inexpensive spa lobby, reminds me of a scent that I can't put my finger on, maybe the Downey unstoppable beads in the rose/honey scent? (in the best way)

I tried the edp version about a year ago and loved the dna, with the only drawback being the terrible longevity. I tried the absolu version the other day and it is absolutely worth the hype. I definitely has the OG bal'dafrique smell but is upgraded in almost every category. The main difference that i can pick up is the more intense fruity notes in the opening that is clearly stronger than the edp. I only sprayed it in clothes but two days later i can still smell it. Definitely a unisex creamy scent that can be used in any occasion. 9/10

Gave this a try at the store and my wallet immediately regretted that decision. Fragrance is incredible, sweet but not too sweet. Suitable for all year round but in my opinion this is a very sexy fragrance that is perfect for date nights and night outs. Performance is ok, projection is very moderate which in this case is not necessarily a bad thing because it allows this fragrance to be used in summer without choking everyone out. Longevity is between 6-8 hours for me. Definitely overpriced, but its just too fucking good!

When I smell this, I instantly feel happy. This is my happy scent. I tried bal d’afrique the original at the airport and wanted to buy it for my birthday because I loved it. When I wanted to make the purchase I didn’t find the original in stock so I blind bought this with my hand on my heart. This was the best decision I ever made and I am glad the original was not in stock because this is way better. I still love the original and would buy it someday but this!!! This is a heavenly scent. Very classy and sophisticated.

A very clean, slightly creamy, scent that comes off as pineapple-y to me for some reason. Performs amazingly for a fresh scent profile with amazing longevity and projection. Bought this after smelling in store and while the price is a bit high, I get my enjoyment out of it for sure! Slightly sweet from the black currant but not in a sickly sweet way, it adds character to the scent and simply brightens the wearer, but can definitely become a bit cloying if oversprayed on a hot day. Love it every time I wear it.

This one arrived on Thursday. Compared to the original, the scent is richer, deeper, and significantly more noticeable on skin. There’s a delectable gourmand nuance that immediately stood out. It initially struck me as a vanilla twist, but turns out it’s the praline note lending that creamy, indulgent density. It thickens the composition beautifully without making it heavy or overly sweet. In short, it’s everything I hoped for and more. This makes me 3 for 3 with the Absolu line. An absolute hit!!

I am going to be honest.... I wasn't a big fan of the original because it was kind of headache inducing for me. However, I went into Neiman Marcus the other day and saw the new Absolu verson of this and it was love at first sniff. I think the main note that I loved so much. I was a big of its sweetness and that praline note is perfect. I went home and bought it online after letting it sit. It lasted the whole day as well. The projection is insane as well.

This makes me want to get rid of everything else and have a few bottles of Absolu instead. It’s like falling in love again, for the first time in a long time. A lot of people are saying it’s overhyped, but it’s because it’s such an easy reach to confidently wear knowing you’re not going to offend anyone, nor yourself, while not smelling cheap. As I’ve worn it more, I will say, the OG has my heart as it’s not as sweet. Absolu is just a bit ‘happier’.

Probably the best fruity fresh fragrance at the moment. The openings a full blast of ripe fruits of all sorts and I get some pineapple and mango although not listed, as time passes it gets more musky and ambery, giving it a br540 sort of band aid smell and I mean it in the best way possible. Also the packaging makes you feel you bought the latest device from Apple lol. Bottle is very high quality and the cap is magnetic which is always nice.

just get your nose on it, and on skin. When i first smelled it on a tests trip i instantly regretted not spraying it on my hand just to continue sniffing it throughout the day. The test strip was plenty for me to half blind buy this fragrance due to the constant talk about it online. SO so good. Beautiful start of citrus as it dries down to the same floral muskiness such a beautiful scent and I do not regret my purchase whatsoever. 5/5

Its leans pretty far feminine, but that doesn't stop my toxic masculinity from enjoying feminine fragrances. I love this fragrance, but I wish it performed better for the price. I get about 3 hours of 6' projection and then its a skin scent. I don't count skin scents as performance, so this is very lacking in that department. I don't want to smell my arm for a whiff. I want to be in a scent bubble. Ill still give it an 8.5 though.

This is hands down, the MOST beautiful sweet fresh lemon fragrance out there. The scent profile is absolutely addicting. This is unisex, but leans more feminine. As a guy, I would definitely still wear this, but I think I would prefer it if my girl wore it instead. It's classy, simple, sophisticated, put together, and alluring. If I had the money, I would definitely get a full bottle. Overall rating: 10/10. No notes 👌

I tested the perfume and immediately bought it. It definitely keeps the vibe of the traditional Bal, but this one adds performance and depth. The special touch of this perfume is the praline note, which brings extra sweetness and creaminess. However, it’s not a chocolatey-sweet praline; it leans more towards a milky, sugary scent that blends perfectly with the rest. Even so, it remains a very well-balanced fragrance.

When your rich cousin who went to Yale Law, killed it at a Wall St hedge fund and has that beautiful French wife, shows up to the family reunion... He smells like this There are levels in perfumery and this one checks all the luxurious notes, its blended with elegance and it just feels like you are starring in a Bond movie. Its a beautiful spring day or a beautiful cool summer night at the same time 10/10

I sprayed this two hours ago while shopping in an outdoor mall and have received 2 compliments in 30 minutes. I really like the original but, this one seems to have more sillage. I cannot accurately give a longevity rating but needless to say, I went back and bought it 😁. The praline is not overly sweet, it’s just right. I am going to go out on a limb an say this is probably going to sell very well.

Cant knock this bad boy! Smells great! Love the smell. The absolu definitely turned up the volume. If you have contralto this is redundant both I do like it. Not as beast mode as contralto in terms of projection. This scent smells like soft comforting woods with a touch of sweetness ans fresh air. The cozr part does last and is what pushes this scent towards all season use. 4.4/5 ...Just not unique

It’s the only fragrance from the Byredo Absolu collection that I think really deserves a place. I don’t like the original because it dries down very vetiver-heavy and masculine on me. This version is much more feminine and has a lemon-candy-like character. I didn’t expect it, but it actually reminds me a bit of Baccarat Rouge, which I also like. The longevity is pretty good as well.

I assumed it was going to be a citrusy fragrance but its so much more than that. The combination of the citrus and the praline turns this in to its own unique and welcoming scent. Its something you can wear for any occasion as well turning it in to one of my easy grabs in the collection. The Absolu version is long lasting as well so no need to reapply every few hours like the OG.

A very nice-smelling blackcurrant, musky, praline scent. Citrus is prominent in the opening. Praline becomes very strong in the dry down. It is not as woodsy as I thought it would be. Compared to the EDP, the praline is quite obvious, the woods are dialed down, the citrus dialed down, sweetness is more intense. I really like this fragrance.

Very beautiful woodsy, gourmand-floral that I purchased a full bottle of right away. Iris Malikhân 2020 Is a similar clone of Between Two Trees 2017. But Bal de Afrique Absolu is a gourmand version of Iris Malikhân — which is why this perfume is so popular. The more I wear this perfume, the more I am in love. I only wish it was more potent.

There's a reason this one never leaves my rotation. Bright citrus that opens with an energy and warmth unlike anything else, then transitions into the most beautiful ambered woods - creamy, smooth, completely seamless. It feels expensive and effortless at the same time. If I had to pick one fragrance to wear forever, this might be it.

Time to jump on the bal d’Afrique absolu hype train. This is propably the best choice for your first expensive fragrance, very universal, you can use it almost anytime. Best value for money when we talking expensive every day scents, by far. Classic bal d’Afrique but with better projection and longevity, and better smelling actually.

So warm and pleasant&not chocking at all. Opens up with a very gentle citrus, and there is so special blend between black currant and cedarwood.I also feel violet for sure. It's so gentle and sweet but not a caramel sweet. It's so cozy and sunny, wraps up like a blanket and makes my mouth drool from how good it is. In absolute love!

This is a stellar release IMO.... It opens with a juicy blast of blackcurrent combined with a citrus zest. Unfortunately the blackcurrant doesn't last long but citrus becomes the star of the show combined with florals and a gourmand sweetness from the praline note. The performance is great with a good projection.

This is absolutely incredible, a beautiful creamy citrus scent that lingers beautifully. All day I feel like I’m cloaked in the most comforting cloud. It’s so clean and cosy and refreshing. I adore contralto too and the similarities are very noticeable - perhaps this is a tad creamier. Highly recommend 10/10

I will be so honest this fragrance does have a lot of hype, but if you go into smelling this with no expectation this will be your favorite fragrance. There is something about this that is perfect and I think that is simplicity, if you can appreciate that you are bound to appreciate this. 10/10 masterpiece

Such a nice surprise. Bal d'afrique is too soft and feminine to me, but, the absolu version is beyond compare. A little bit reminiscent of BR 540, but overall more pleasing and versatile. The performance is also surprisingly very good. A standout perfume release from Byredo.

Basic but done beautifully. This is way more uplifting and fresher compared to the EDP in opening. You get some woods that is clean with a very creamy and sweet praline note. This is everything you want in a bottle. Bright & uplifting, clean woodsy notes, sweet creamy.

Straight 10/10. Blackcurrant is so, so great, and all the citrus notes have claws. They are so fresh, but still smooth. What a blend. One of my absolute go to 2026 summer fragrances. Scent: 10/10 Compliments: 10/10 Price: 6/10 Uniqueness: 8/10 Is it worth it? YES.

Whoever said below that this smells like Loreal glycolic gloss conditioner nailed it, it smells exactly like it. I actually liked this more than the original, a creamier and stronger version- lasted about 7 hours on my skin but it doesn't have a strong projection.

Smells exactly like the L'Oreal Glycolic Gloss Shampoo, Conditioner, and Lamination gloss. Like when I first smelt this, I was immediately drawn to it as I was trying to find a perfume that would blend well with the L'Oreal shampoo! Smells so floral and fruity!

Bal D’Afrique Absolu is the creamy sweet sister of the original... and my favorite between the two; and of the brand. Both bright, long lasting, unique and delicious, original has a dry feeling, true unisex, while Absolu is round, bit more feminine.

OMG!!!! what is this I owned the OG but I did not like it a lot but the addition of citrus in this one shifted it to another place whie kept the same DNA A TRUE MASTERPIECE IMO the performance from two sprays on a card is unclear 😍😍😍😍 a must try

Reminds me of a shaving cream in a good way. Definitely unisex but if you’re a girl with some daddy issues this might be just for you. Also as a someone with a sensitive nose this is more respiratory system friendly than other byredo fragrances

I fear I am obsessed with another Byredo release this year. It smells like the original but also more warm. I love them both. I can see myself leaning towards this one in the fall/winter and the original for the spring/summer.

Tried it at store. Citrusy but not in your face it’s smooth. Super clean slightly gourmand fruity citrus smell and I literally washed my singlet I sprayed it on and I could still smell elements of it on it after a full wash.