L’Interdit Édition Millésime by Givenchy

I find L’Interdit strange: the EDP feels far too heavy, yet this version has finally won me over. It keeps those nardus and orange blossom notes, though toned down with an almond milk undertone that adds creaminess. The projection and longevity aren’t quite like the original, but that’s a good thing as it doesn’t overwhelm me in summer or winter.

I bought it after reading many positive reviews, although I no longer buy perfumes blind. I didn’t like the EDP of Interdit and thought this, being softer with bitter orange, ginger and almond milk, would be wonderful. Instead, it was a complete disaster for my face: I can’t wear it, it overwhelms me and makes me dizzy with just one spray. I’ve tried it in every season without success and now I just want to shower to get rid of that nardus scent.

A perfect blend between EDP and EDT, with a sparkling opening of ginger and toned-down nard, and a hint of citrus comes through, ideal for summer 😊

For me, it’s almost perfect; the neroli, a note I adore, arrives to relax and accompany the nard. It’s basically the original L’Interdit with neroli added, that’s what I smell and perceive in all phases; it’s intoxicating. Almost perfect, because on my skin it lasted ages but didn’t project as much as I expected, which is why I’m not giving it a 10.

I’ve always been queasy about the concept of flankers. I start thinking, ‘another copy, seriously?’ and tell myself I won’t fall for it, that it’ll be the same. But then I shut my mouth. This happened with L’Interdit Millésime. What a punishment! I went into a perfumery a while ago to try things and there he was, among the new releases. Well… I couldn’t refuse. They gave me a blotter, I smelled it and was surprised, but that was it; I left and put it in my bag. Why? To torture me, because afterwards I couldn’t stop smelling it. L’Interdit by Givenchy has several derivatives; I own the first two (EDP and EDT) and I adore them. With the Intense it didn’t work out for me, unfortunately, because its excessive vanilla plus the sesame are too much for my skin. And this latest one? I found it wonderful. Why? Because it hits a middle ground between the EDP and the EDT, but differentiates itself enough so that owning all three isn’t redundant. The opening is majestic: citrus and ginger. Please, that ginger! Almond-like, slightly spicy (like the opening of Twilly). Minutes pass and the citrus fades, but the ginger lingers, accompanying the white flowers that emerge, wonderful. Unlike the other versions, here in addition to the neroli (which remain the protagonists) there is orange blossom, which with its citrus touch alongside the ginger make a perfect mixture. According to Fragrantica it has almond milk, vetiver, musk and patchouli, but honestly what I perceive are white flowers with that almond-like citrus note that lingers until the end, and in the little time I’ve used it, I can say it has excellent longevity, definitely more than 7 hours. In my opinion, it’s the most floral and least sweet of all flankers, absolutely versatile, sparkling and super elegant, noticeable without being overwhelming. Don’t prejudge as I did and dare to try it. For everyone who wasn’t satisfied with the previous ones, pop into a perfumery and try it; after all, you won’t lose anything.