Bal d’Afrique by Byredo

I absolutely loved the citrus notes in this; I used to hate them. It starts with sparkling citrus but has powdery notes that make it distinct. It smells clean effortlessly, like it’s saying ‘I smell fresh and cheerful without trying.’ At one point, I was transported to the Adam Sandler movie Blended: I imagined that luxurious African hotel, fresh air, and adventure. It’s bright at first, but as it dries down, it becomes addictive and a bit sexy (without being dirty), very cozy. Forget the ‘elderly’ vibe from the word luxurious: it’s youthful and super unisex.

Smells good, it’s a very charming sweet scent, but for me it’s too strong and feminine; I wouldn’t wear it. Maybe worth trying more, but not for the price.

I love it: the citrus and aromatic opening is wonderful and addictive. The first minutes are energizing, and as it dries down, the floral notes emerge with a musky touch that gives a sense of cleanliness. It’s pleasant, light, and has personality. The downside is that on my skin it doesn’t last long, projects little, and lasts no more than 1-2 hours; up close it reaches 4-5 hours, and a bit longer on clothes. Such a pity given how beautiful it is. I see it as ideal for everyday wear and warm months; it’s discreet and pleasant, totally unisex. By the way, the Absolu version that came out recently was a disappointment for me; I expected something identical with more longevity, but it’s different. At Massimo Dutti, there’s one that reminds a bit of Bal d’Afrique, the White Tulip & Barley; it’s not a dupe but shares some things. Despite its performance, I’ll keep coming back because it’s gorgeous.

A comforting perfume that smells like clean, moisturized skin with a creamy, buttery undertone. It’s fairly linear, with moderate longevity and modest projection; those kinds that send you light bursts when you move. I absolutely love it, and it’s a scent or vibe that has become basic in my wardrobe. Its moment to shine is spring-summer.

Cute and pretty perfume. So far, I know Sundazed and Bal d’Afrique by Byredo well, and they are both wonders. The first is a clean, youthful, and versatile neroli, and the second is delicate but very special and comforting. Bal d’Afrique is a vetiver perfume with violets, cyclamen, and incense among other notes. It’s very wearable, like a soft silk blouse. It can perfectly be a signature scent.

One of my favorites for summer, but it’s versatile enough to wear year-round. It’s light yet substantial. Fresh, but in a particular way; I don’t detect anything citrusy. To me, it smells like cream, milky, with clean woods and musk, slightly sweet like rice pudding with vetiver and a young, timid flower added. If this makes sense, haha, because the official notes don’t match, but that’s how I perceive it. It’s informal without losing elegance, youthful without sacrificing sophistication. Hard to explain, but if you’ve smelled it, it’s easy to understand. It evokes everything except Africa; my Western mind expects something else, but here it’s surprising. When I tried it at a El Corte Inglés, I was blown away. It requires reapplication: if I put it on at 7 am for work, by 12 pm there’s nothing left, not even on the skin. Its trail is intimate; you don’t fill the room. That’s why I wanted it for years without buying it, but the scent was so lovely that I finally caved. Age: any. Unisex 100%. Perfect for any climate, shines more in heat. Scent: 9.5/10. Longevity: 6/10. Duration: 4-5 h. Projection: 5/10. Versatility: 8/10. Price: $$$ (2.4 €/ml). Final Score: 7/10.

Clean vetiver, aromatic, citrusy, with a floral, fruity, and above all, musky side. As a whole, it’s a clean scent, subtly sweet, and very creamy. It’s luxurious; it seems simple at first glance but is complex in its entirety. It’s daytime, luminous, and suitable all year round, though ideal for spring and summer. Although I think it’s more popular among women, I see it as totally unisex. On my skin, it lasts about 6 hours: projection and trail are wide at the start but drop quickly until it’s skin-scented in no time. The scent is super pretty, but in my opinion, it’s not worth the price due to its performance. I’ll settle for something like White Tulip & Barley by Massimo Dutti; they’re not identical, and I admit Bal d’Afrique has more nuances, but it’s a similar alternative for those who don’t want to pay so much. Try it, maybe on your skin you’ll have more luck and be fortunate.

From the first time I smelled it, I fell in love. On my skin, it has developed beautifully; it’s an addictive scent in the sense that it invites you to smell it constantly. Personally, it smells clean, a bit spicy, with a touch of sweetness. It’s hard to describe but it’s not complex. I loved it from the moment I smelled it in the tester and then on skin.

How many times have I read that they don’t feel Africa. Gentlemen and Ladies, stop with the clichés. It’s hard to shake the idea of associating Africa with potent ingredients (strong wood notes, spices, incense, etc.). With this fragrance relic, Byredo aims to break mental schemas. Because Africa is pure fantasy, and in this product, Ben Gorham (creative director and founder) wanted to evoke his tenderest memories about his father and represent the shyest, most peaceful, and cheerful character of the continent. 😍💛

What a bomb of a perfume, so beautiful and special, but so expensive… I knew it first in a hand cream; I was fascinated. In the cream, it was very edible: smell of butter, popcorn, grilled croissant, mixed with a three-hour shower at a Four Seasons. In perfume, things change: it keeps that edible charm but is cleaner, sharper, with a slightly raspy edge, sometimes sugary, sometimes powdery. It changes with the moment, has a classic touch, smells expensive and neutral yet with personality. It’s a calm scent but with a rebellious touch (a bit like Zadig?), powdery when it wants to be, intriguing, like a cookie and lemon cake, muddy citrus… But I don’t feel Africa; it doesn’t evoke travel or distance; it’s a fragrance for a spacious salon with moldings, a consultant’s salary in Salamanca, and varnished wood floors. To my taste, Byredo is gorgeous, but the price doesn’t work in its favor. I understand the exclusivity, but I don’t think it’s worth it, like with Le Labo. I suppose they don’t want to mass-produce it, but in the end, it doesn’t last long enough and could have a better trail.

It’s a quiet spring day with soft sunlight and a blue sky. I was captivated from the start (even though I’m not usually a fan of citrus or vetiver, this one is a total love today). It opens herbal and citrusy, very potent. On my skin, the citrus stands out, but I notice a sweet-and-sour fruity touch that smells more like pineapple than blackcurrant. Over time, the vetiver takes over, making it woodier and blending well with the jasmine and orange blossom. It dries down creamy and clean. I love it for vacations; I took it on a trip and used it all summer until I ran out. It’s cheerful, sophisticated, clean, fresh, and versatile. Unisex, leaning feminine. Soft sillage and medium longevity (about 5 hours). I’ll be trying it again thanks to a friend, and I already know I want the original—I’m not settling for dupes. Finally, a perfume I love for spring/summer (I’m usually into potent, intense scents), but this one has stolen my heart for the next collection. ❣️

Versatile and rich for any season. Simple but effective composition; it copies the Vetiver Tonka formula from Hermès but with a more relaxed and youthful tone. It’s a citrusy, soapy vetiver. As it dries, the typical Byredo sour-fruity accord appears, more fun and playful. Clean and crisp aroma. Longevity is low-to-moderate, a drawback given the price, though worth it during sales. It could be your signature. 100% unisex. For something more serious and masculine, Megeve by Eight and Bob is a good option.

Fresh, green, and incredibly wearable. The only downside is that it lasts about 4 hours for its huge price. However, the scent intoxicates me, which is why it’s one of my favorites.

For vetiver lovers. It’s earthy, damp, combined with citrus and flowers. The fragrance is weak for an EDP but gets stronger with heat. I don’t recommend it for cold weather, yes for warm and sunny days. It’s not seductive; it doesn’t aim to be. It leaves a faint trail of cleanliness and kindness. It’s high quality, perfect for a couple to wear together. I don’t usually like vetiver; it gives me a sour note, but here it’s well-crafted with soft orange blossom and jasmine. A friendly, charming perfume.

A gem. Creamy, slightly sweet, clean, where white flowers and musk prevail. Tends to be feminine but works well on everyone. It projects a friendly feeling to those who smell it and the wearer, radiating well-being. Projection and longevity are moderate, but it does a good job for 6 hours. And the best part: the price. 30€ for 100ml. I’m not crazy. I’m talking about White Tulip & Barley by Massimo Dutti. Exactly identical to Bal D’Afrique.