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Explosive by Etienne Aigner

Women 1986

Description

Explosive by Etienne Aigner is a floral chypre fragrance for women. Launched in 1986, this composition features top notes of cilantro, aldehydes, and bergamot; heart notes of rose, geranium, lily root, and lily of the valley (muguet); and base notes of oakmoss, patchouli, vetiver, sandalwood, and musk.

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Quick summary

When to wear it (votes)

  • Winter 33%
  • Spring 15%
  • Summer 9.5%
  • Autumn 43%
  • Day 37%
  • Night 63%

Key notes

Community

764 votes

  • Positive 85%
  • Negative 11%
  • Neutral 4.1%
positive reviews 764 community votes
LongevityLong-lasting SillageStrong Best momentAutumn CharacterUnisex

The olfactory pyramid

A guide to the opening, heart and lasting trail of the fragrance.

The community speaks

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In the collection

Leading answer I own it

2,335 votes

Season

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Leading answer Autumn

578 votes

Time of day

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Leading answer Night

349 votes

Each question has its own vote count. You can choose several seasons.

Fragrance profile

About Explosive

Main accord woody Year 1986 Gender Women

Explosive by Etienne Aigner is a floral chypre fragrance for women. Launched in 1986, this composition features top notes of cilantro, aldehydes, and bergamot; heart notes of rose, geranium, lily root, and lily of the valley (muguet); and base notes of oakmoss, patchouli, vetiver, sandalwood, and musk.

Green, herbal and fougère Flowers Woods and mosses

How it wears

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Longevity

Leading answer Long-lasting

275 votes

Sillage

Leading answer Strong

337 votes

Character

Leading answer Balanced

132 votes

Value perception

Leading answer Good value

116 votes

Community reviews

2 reviews

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  1. I spotted the rose, oakmoss, and patchouli notes, saw the vintage, and noticed it was on sale, so I grabbed it. Totally unisex; I love these 80s feminine chypres with that Aramis Pour Homme and Versace L’Homme vibe—my absolute favorites… what a masterpiece this Explosive by Aigner is. Spiced, dark rose… I’ve even gotten compliments at work from female clients who have no idea it’s a women’s fragrance. I’ll definitely be repurchasing when I run out, just like I do with Gres de Cabochard.

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  2. I’m a total addict to floral chypres with rose, patchouli, and moss. I knew nothing about this veteran brand until I saw the bottle: dark and mysterious, it hooked me instantly. We’re from 1986, and upon smelling it, I felt we had so much in common. The opening is a spicy, honeyed rose that left me speechless with its quality. Lily root adds earthiness, geranium blends perfectly with the rose, the moss is well-executed, and the patchouli provides density without being overpowering. The aldehydes and bergamot bring freshness without making it heavy. As it dries down, the sandalwood and vetiver take the floral notes into something more exotic. There are thousands of references like La Perle, L’Arte di Gucci, or Soir de Lune, but this 80s gem from Etienne stands right up there with them. It’s not a powerhouse in projection, but its quality and longevity on the skin make it absolutely worth it. Absolutely rich.

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