Are you a Renaissance man? A guy who does things effortlessly, is knowledgeable in many fields, educated, and cultured in the arts? If this is you, you’re a bonafide gent who deserves the best Givenchy cologne.
Givenchy is a luxury French fashion house founded in 1952. Five years later, in 1957, Givenchy created L’Interdit Eau de Parfum for the sole use of Hollywood’s favorite leading lady, Audrey Hepburn. The first Givenchy fragrance for men came in 1959.
From Givenchy Pour Homme Blue Label to Givenchy Pi, the smell of success is more than evident in the full Givenchy cologne for men line-up.
Givenchy fragrances thrive under the endorsement of a host of popular celebrities. And the most recent singer-songwriter, actor, and producer Benjamin Clementine is the epitome of a true Renaissance man. He is the perfect fit for the Givenchy Gentleman fragrance series.
“I am delighted to be associated with this Maison, whose values of respect, openness, elegance and boldness I share,” added Ben.
Sex and success sell, so celebs and artists who lend a sacred power to luxury brands are nothing new.
When it came to revealing the best colognes for men, I set out to find whether Givenchy’s rep is hype or hard-core fact. I am happy to say that as a fragrance brand, Givenchy lives up to its reputation for combining classic glamor with timeless elegance.
Key Takeaways
Fashion house Givenchy is the epitome of effortless French elegance. While we may not be able to splash the cash on a piece of designer clothing, we can still enjoy a taste of luxury courtesy of the best Givenchy colognes.
Here, I bring you the best Givenchy fragrance pairing for every eventuality. Whether that be Givenchy Gentleman EDP which sits proudly in my hallowed hall of fragrance fame or Pi, a masterclass in elegant seduction. Givenchy cologne for men is the ultimate finishing touch for modern gents.
A modern re-imagining of a classic 70’s scent. Givenchy Gentleman EDP is the G.O.A.T for guys yearning for an attractive, grown-up cologne. While my search for “the cologne to end all colognes” will never cease, this one comes close.
Released in 2018, this Givenchy cologne for men is uber-masculine. Gentleman EDP offers a warm, spicy blend of cloves, cinnamon, orris, aromatic bergamot, and lavender. The sharpness is smoothed out with rich black vanilla and tonka bean. Add an amber and patchouli finish to the mix, and you have a cold-weather wonder that lasts on the skin for 8+ hours.
The only gripe I have with Givenchy Gentleman is the opaque black bottle. Don’t get me wrong, I love how it looks, but it’s impossible to see how much juice is left. For someone who doesn’t like to be caught short without their favorite frag, it’s a little inconvenient.
Top Notes: Black pepper, lavender, bergamot | Middle Notes: Orris, cloves, cinnamon | Base notes: Black vanilla, tonka bean, benzoin, patchouli | Size: 3.3oz | Type: Eau de Parfum | Season: Fall, winter
Let me introduce you to a lesser-known gem in the Givenchy cologne lineup; Givenchy Insense Ultramarine. This 1994 classic offering is by far the best Givenchy cologne for men wanting a splashy summer scent.
You know that blissful moment on vacation when you hop out of the pool and grab a freshly laundered hotel towel? Oddly specific, I know, but that’s what Insense Ultramarine reminds me of, thanks to its clean, aquatic scent. The top notes may list blackcurrant and watermelon, but this is not a sweet and fruity cologne. Insense Ultramarine is more airy, refreshing, and aromatic.
I’ll be upfront with you. Insense Ultramarine doesn’t play out the same on every skin type. The floral heart notes tend to lean a little artificial on some guys. So, it’s not a guaranteed blind buy success. But a Givenchy cologne for men that costs less than 50 dollars? You can afford to take a punt.
Top Notes: Blackcurrant, watermelon, bergamot, galbanum| Middle Notes: Iris, magnolia, mint, carnation, cardamom, lily of the valley, sage | Base notes: Tobacco, vetiver, cedar | Size: 3.3oz | Type: Eau de Toilette | Season: Spring, summer
Whether you’re a vanilla cologne virgin or a die-hard fan, Givenchy Pi is a sugary scent with some serious soul.
Pi’s opening is green-tinged with mandarin, tarragon, rosemary, and basil notes. The dry down unveils earthier spices with powdery florals, which transition to the star of the show – the base. Here, smooth vanilla mingles with nutty almond and tonka bean. The overall effect is rich, romantic, and unique. Pi is the perfect fall fragrance and date-night go-to.
Out of all the best Givenchy colognes on this list, this is hands-down the fragrance that earns the most compliments from women. Pi has an intoxicatingly sweet, magnetic scent which seems to be what makes it so attractive to the fairer sex. For some guys, the level of sweetness is too much of a good thing. However, if you’re comfortable in your masculinity and willing to embrace something that more unisex, it won’t disappoint.
Top Notes: Mandarin, tarragon, rosemary, basil | Middle Notes: Anise, neroli, geranium, lily-of-the-valley | Base notes: Vanilla, almond, tonka bean, benzoin, cedar| Size: 3.3oz | Type: Eau de Toilette | Season: Fall, winter
On the hunt for an everyday hero? Pour Homme is the best Givenchy cologne for checking the versatility and wearability boxes.
When you want to grab attention and stand out from the crowd, opt for a bold scent that will divide opinions and get people talking. On the flip side, when choosing a signature scent, you need something less controversial and more appealing to the masses. Citrus scents with woody notes are serious contenders for daily wear. Luckily Givenchy Pour Homme has both in spades.
Pour Homme opens with mandarin and grapefruit peppered with some spices. It then blends down to an aromatic woody aroma that sits close to the skin. This combination is very in keeping with the classic Givenchy colognes. The vibe is approachable, clean-cut, and adaptable to pretty much every season.
Is Pour Homme going to stop people on the street in their tracks? No, but that’s not what we’re going for here.
Top Notes: Mandarin, grapefruit, coriander, violet | Middle Notes: Vetiver, lavender | Base notes: Cedar, labdanum | Size: 3.3oz | Type: Eau de Toilette | Season: Spring, summer, fall, winter
One of the newest members of the Gentleman club, Givenchy Gentleman Reserve Privee is a boujee buy that’s still within most budgets.
A flanker of the ever-popular Gentleman range, Reserve Privee takes the DNA of the collection’s core colognes and elevates it to a new level. Here, some interesting notes come out to play. The powdery iris element present in the OG is still very much around. This time, it’s complemented with boozy whisky, rich chestnut, woods, and warm amber notes.
If you love leathery fragrances with old-school appeal, Gentleman Reserve Privee is undoubtedly the best Givenchy cologne to add to your after-dark collection. It’s a long-lasting scent that works best for special occasions and big nights out.
Top Notes: Bergamot | Middle Notes: Iris, chestnut | Base notes: Whiskey, wood notes, amber | Size: 3.3oz | Type: Eau de Parfum | Season: Fall, winter
Don’t know what to wear to work? This alluring office scent sits somewhere between robust enough to smell good and subtle enough to avoid offending sensitive noses.
Pour Homme Blue Label is a safe yet sophisticated Givenchy cologne for men that will keep you feeling fresh. Notes of zesty grapefruit and bergamot meld with pepper, lavender, cardamom, cedar, and vetiver. Refined enough for the boardroom without being too stuffy for casual Friday, if you know what I mean.
I find the staying power fair, lingering on my skin for about 4-5 hours, so I often reach for a top-up after lunch. But this is pretty standard with all Eau de Toilette formulations, regardless of brand.
Top Notes: Grapefruit, bergamot | Middle Notes: Pepper, lavender, cardamom, artemisia | Base notes: Cedar, vetiver, olubanum | Size: 3.3oz | Type: Eau de Toilette | Season: Spring, summer, fall
Are you starting to see a pattern here? The Givenchy Gentleman range may be expansive, but Boisee is no generic clone. Released in 2020, It’s a mature, smooth fragrance for well-suited and booted men.
This classy scent is subtly sweet and warm with an enticing powdered cream aroma and just enough spicy depth to make it a date-night contender. Dry down is a balance of iris and woods, with a hint of underlying patchouli. You may notice some similarities to Gentleman Reserve Privee but there is a key difference that sets them apart. Privee is boozy while Boisee is more chocolatey thanks to the cacao pod note.
I love this scent in spring, fall, and winter, although I do have friends that can easily pull it off in warmer months. Longevity is reasonable at 6-8 hours, and it holds its own as a stand-out scent in a room full of guys. Boisee is the epitome of quiet confidence, boy need not apply.
Top Notes: Black pepper, geranium, coriander | Middle Notes: Iris, cacao pod, cedar | Base notes: Woodsy notes, sandalwood, patchouli | Size: 3.4oz | Type: Eau de Parfum | Season: Spring, fall, winter
What to Look for in the Best Givenchy Colognes
Price
They say everything comes at a price, but luxury doesn’t always have to be expensive. The best Givenchy colognes debunk the myth that designer brands are only for the rich and famous.
On a sliding scale, these 6 Givenchy colognes for men range from Gentleman Reserve Privee at $124 to best budget Insense Ultramarine at $33, and every pricepoint in-between. This affordability makes the brand attainable for newbie fragrance fans and younger guys.
Seasonal
Givenchy Pour Homme is the go-scent for the classy man of all seasons. Whether you spritz it in the chill of winter or the heat of summer, it won’t disappoint. Its citrus notes keep it fresh and airy in the warmer months, while the vetiver and cedar work well when the temperature takes a nosedive.
Meanwhile, three of my best Givenchy colognes, Gentleman Reserve Privee, Pi, and Gentleman EDP, rely more on spicy or woody notes. This means they fare far better in fall and winter. For purely summer vacation vibes, reach for my top fresh pick, Givenchy Insense Ultramarine.
Long-lasting
The best Givenchy colognes are created by some of the most talented noses in the perfume industry and, by design, are on the whole long-lasting. The brand does have a reputation for producing some potent scents with impressive longevity.
Some Fragrantica reviewers often say their colognes linger for eternity. One particular reviewer says of Gentleman Reserve Privée, “this stuff lasts forever on my skin, getting about 12 hours out of 4 sprays. I can also still smell it on myself after a shower.” If that sounds like too much commitment, opt for something a little lighter and more short-lived like Givenchy Pour Homme Blue Label.
Final Verdict
Being a gentleman is a lifestyle. Choose a fragrance that exudes class and confidence, then let it become your olfactory trademark.
If you’re the sort of guy who prefers a timeless classic rather than a trending fad, then add to bag, the suave and masculine Givenchy Gentleman EDP. Just like the other best Givenchy colognes on my list, it’s signature scent worthy.
FAQ
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If you were to ask English A-list actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson which is the best Givenchy cologne for men, his favorite would undoubtedly be Givenchy Gentleman. But then again, he was named by the brand as the face of the re-invented seventies fragrance. At the time, Givenchy called the young Brit “the cool and sexy archetype whose masculinity doesn’t preclude sensitivity or generosity. In short, he is a man who never disappoints.” I can’t quite live up to this glowing description, but one thing we both would agree on is Givenchy Gentleman is one hell of a hard act to follow.
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The definition of luxury is something that’s an indulgence rather than a necessity. So, it’s a tough one for me. I consider smelling sensational non-negotiable. So, I would say Givenchy is a luxurious – rather than a luxury – brand. Plus, not all fragrances in the Givenchy scent stable break the bank. My best budget buy, Givenchy Insense Ultramarine for Men, slips under the radar at less than $35. Famous for its haute couture, the forward-thinking brand also offers a ready-to-wear collection which, although luxury, has mass appeal. One thing is certain, though, you don’t get much fancier than the super successful house of Givenchy.
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Mal Lee
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