Carven Vetiver

This, in my opinion, is the vetiver of vetivers that are to be found among commercial fragrances. I have to agree that I didn't know much about vetiver until I got to smell this the first time. I had a certain belief regarding vetiver, thinking it was in fact what I could smell in most woody scents out there – that key ingredient that made it all work. Well I was wrong as in clearly having smelled it numerous times before. The dry, smoky, earthy, and for a newby almost repulsively intense smell, which is vetiver – and I know that because I bought a bottle of essential vetiver root oil – was never really there in any of the other perfumes. Surely, it is there in Tom Fords GV EDT, which I own, and a wonderful scent in its own, but not enough to actually be able to say that it is a vetiver dominant scent (sage and citrus are very strong in that one). Carven's version from 2014, which I also own and very gladly wear now, however, is. In fact you will not find another as authentic vetiver scent as this in your shopping mall that is not Guerlain or another older creation. Carven has succeeded in creating a fragrance that mixes nostalgia with timelessness, the bottle design included. It is fragrance that unites with me when I wear it, it is inoffensive, natural smelling, it is sharp but subtle, dirty but clean, simply right on the spot, with a beautiful balance between the strong initial vibe and the mellow dry down. This is a classic, and what's so good about it, is that it will never be over consumed, thus remain a special scent, a treasure among the others. Update (2017-10-07): having owned this bottle for two years now, I have become even more familiar with the note structure. Still a beautiful scent, I shall make a better attempt to describe the development of it. To my nose the scent goes through two distinct phases. It starts off with the mixture of an unmistakable, sharp lemongrass and a soft right-after-the-rain lavender (grapefruit is likely there, but acting behind the curtains). After a short while, the vetiver, the host of the party, makes it entrance and dominates, probably transported by a geranium note (with which I am not very acquainted in isolation, although more knowledgeable reviewers have said that the geranium is very much present). I also detect an aged wood, like old wooden bathroom cupboards, most likely the cedar presenting itself. The vetiver is smooth and earthy, wonderfully accompanied by that mature cedar. Absolutely amazing. During the end, the scent overall becomes warmer, more rounded, borderline resinous, while remaining true to the core. The longevity is moderate (three sprays to 4-6 hours depending on environment) and sillage close to skin except for the opening which is pretty loud, albeit never pungent. One could always wish for a stronger base, oakmoss coming to mind as a clear candidate, but most of us know how rare that is with newly launched (or re-launched) fragrances. Nevertheless, there are other offerings that satisfy the criteria of both lasting long and absorbing attention. Ultimately, vetiver centric fragrances in general do not tend to belong to the "powerhouses". This is more a cozy, comforting, very personal, scent which, as I said in my original review, is well-suited for most occasions, year round. As my first 50 ml bottle is beginning to come to its end, I am planning for the next one – this time I'll go for the 100 ml.

henri345que - thank you for a wonderful review. I love this Carven Vetiver, and it seems I have the same bottle as you said you have, and I find the perfume to be exactly as you say. It's lovely, and although I have never had the good fortune of smelling the original Carven Vetiver, and feel sure it would have been as you have described, I am completely happy with the one I have. I think it's marvellous. So fresh and citrusy, with such gorgeous lavender, and the pièce-de-resistence, the divine vetiver. Vetiver is one of my FAVOURITE notes in perfumes. I adore it, and it's perfect in this gorgeous gem. It lasts and lasts, my husband loves and wears it too (but, says he loves it on me more! and so do I!), and I am always complimented wherever I happen to be when I wear it. It's divine. It is wonderful. It is elegant, refined and classy. Superb.

An update (or if you prefer, a reboot) of the original Vetiver by Carven. These two however at not the same fragrance. This one is an uplifting/ fresh take on vetiver colored by lemongrass. Introduced by citruses at the start, the vetiver note predominates with its green-ness and iodine-like color. The base is rounded by cedar/ sandalwood/ and benzoin. This is a beautiful scent for early spring thru late fall. Of moderate sillage and projection, so spray somewhat liberally. As most have already noted, this is similar to the Guerlain version sans the tobacco note. It leans masculine, though women can pull this off. In like manner that Chanel's Sycomore can be worn by men. A good introduction to vetiver that is elegant and easily wearable. Recommended!

This fragrance by Carven is for the guy who wants something a little different thrown into the mix. I tried pour homme by Carven first and hated how it smelled like the typical, locker room bleu de Chanel. It was generic and for the masses. I was pleasantly surprised when I tried vetiver. It really is a unique smelling vetiver. I really get the citrus in the beginning and this really earthy vetiver that is just fantastic. The drydown is nice and woody with an underlying warmth. It's very unique. The bottle also deserves two thumbs up for individuality. Lasts a good 3-4 hours on my skin, longer on clothes. Could have a bit better sillage, but I think anyone looking for something new to wear would certainly enjoy this.

Unlike any other vetiver fragrance I have smelled, it's distinctive modern, dry, and versatile. Usually I find Vetivers either old fashioned or too sweet, but not this one. I get the opening blast of lemongrass which is amazing, followed by vetiver, benzoin and sandalwood. I'm not familiar with aromatic tart geranium, but if it's in the mix, perhaps that's the part I find distinctive. Very, very cool, masculine, nice bottle design, an excellent pick-me-up and a comforting dry down. It's a good one for work, due to not being overpowering, but I get about six hours from it. I also enjoy wearing it in the evening as a casual and relaxing scent. If you like something a bit different, give it a go.