Gentlemen Only Casual Chic by Givenchy

I’m fascinated by this Givenchy perfume, much more than the original Gentlemen; it’s almost equal in quality, though the aromas are very different. It’s a very aromatic scent with spices, woods, and some citrus even if not listed, a very particular aroma because it’s one of those women won’t forget and evokes many things in the mind. It’s comforting, subtle, but with excellent fixation, fulfilling, balanced, and long-lasting, though not with high projection, rather moderate. A great option for offices, outings, casual, or formal wear; it’s very versatile. If I were you, and I wanted to try a Givenchy perfume, these two should be first without a doubt: this one and Gentlemen, but for ages, this is for 20-30s and the other for 50+. Its scent goes from a fresh opening to woody and finally turns sweet with vanilla and coumarin, really surprising me completely. Very satisfied with this purchase; it’s a repeat. I’ll add a note: curiously, all perfumes with woods, lavender, mint, and vanilla turn out very seductive like this one, and also those with pepper.

Gentlemen Only Casual Chic is more like the original Only than the Only Intense, meaning it’s fresh, summery, or for the shoulder season and quite balanced to accommodate a good quantity of notes given today’s perfumery. The exception to this balance of such disparate notes is a note that starts to stand out around twenty minutes and makes the fragrance slightly repulsive at times (I calculate it’s the coumarin). This negative point isn’t serious; it didn’t make me discard it. I still consider it a pleasant fragrance. However, personally, I prefer the previous two mentioned in the Only line because while the three share the cedar-birch duo that gives them their essence and identifies them, and I particularly like it, this Casual Chic instead of combining it with patchouli or some other stronger note in that style, in my judgment, gets lost in an identity of very different notes that, while balanced, dissipate their personality. Scent: 6.5/10 Projection: 6/10 Longevity: 6/10 Versatility: 8/10

The opening scared me a bit; too many fresh orange and citrus notes. The dry-down brought a positive surprise: pleasant touches of wood and spices appeared, in the line of early 90s classics, and it stayed that way for several hours. It seems like a very balanced fragrance with a very good, fresh, and summery scent, but without a doubt masculine and with a retro touch in the dry-down. The huge problem is that it stays almost right on the skin from the start. It does hold up; you can probably notice it several hours later, but at a negligible volume level that doesn’t do justice to the quality of the composition. In its effort not to bother, it’s like that handsome but shy guy who doesn’t take over the world because he doesn’t dare to stand out. Despite everything, it’s not bad. Note: 7.5.

I absolutely love this version of Only Gentleman—it’s much fresher than the previous ones while still keeping the soul of its older brother. They’ve boosted the freshness with mint, cardamom, ginger, juniper, and lavender, though they’ve dropped the earthy patchouli base and the incense note. What they kept is the woody base of birch, sandalwood, vetiver, and cedar; the vanilla, coumarin, and geranium are noticeable but very subtle. What really caught me is its dry-down: it lasts about 7 hours with a moderate trail that’s present but not intrusive. It feels suitable for any season and smells a bit like L’homme Libre. Highly recommend giving it a try!

Hard to find because it’s discontinued; if you can get it for no more than $90, it’s worth it. Similar to Chanel’s ‘Egoïste’, as it brought me that memory. I looked up its ingredients and compared them; they share 5 notes in their DNA: lavender, geranium, cedar, vetiver, and sandalwood. Not counting variations between these ingredients, there’s juniper instead of rosemary and amber instead of vanilla. The striking resemblance is noticeable, though the ginger gives it another twist, making a jovial, youthful, and daytime aroma. RECOMMENDED.

I like this version of Only Gentleman: fresher than previous ones, but it keeps part of its essence. It gained freshness with mint, cardamom, ginger, juniper, and lavender, though it lost the earthy base of patchouli and incense. It retains the woody touch of birch, sandalwood, vetiver, and cedar, with a timid hint of vanilla, coumarin, and geranium. The best part is its dry-down: it lasts about 7 hours with a moderate but noticeable trail. Seems usable year-round, reminds me a bit of L’Homme Libre, and deserves a try.

Casual Chic is a day fragrance that currently offers rich flashes of ginger, but the sweetness of the vanilla gives it a more versatile touch, though not for night. I’m not sure if anyone agrees it has a bitter orange note similar to Hugo Iced, but it doesn’t last long. What do you expect from a summer-cut perfume? There are exceptions, but this isn’t one. I like it, but it doesn’t fully convince me.

Just like the original, it felt boring and suffocating, but Casual Chic is a different story: not divine, but brilliant, fresh, and addictive, with that Givenchy vibe. Strong notes of ginger (I thought it was tangerine), juniper, and an incredible sandalwood. They’re a bit similar, but that citrus note saves it. Lasts well and leaves a trail; I’ll definitely buy this one this summer.

A very fresh, clean perfume for daily use, non-invasive, ideal for the office. It holds up well in heat if applied sparingly, good projection, but… it smells like a cheap shampoo called Alert. It’s already discontinued, and if you think you missed out on a gem, the truth is you didn’t, though you must be aware that very few perfumes seek innovation.

For me, it smells simply incredible. It delivered top-tier results. Maybe it doesn’t break the mold with nuclear projection, but it does what’s necessary and leaves a mark wherever you go. I’ve even noticed it after twelve hours, and people have complimented it plenty. It’s one of my favorites; I recommend it wholeheartedly.

Tested in-store: very fresh, citrusy opening with dominant ginger and spice notes. Later, it resembles the Original, keeping that fresh touch of soft woods and spices. Somewhere in between, it reminds me of Dior H S. Not sure if it’s worth it: it lasts, but only on skin. Okay for spring or daytime, but…

A rich, cheerful, and versatile perfume. It has a distinctive touch with a slight 90s vibe. It’s like bathing in it without being overwhelming for you or others. Designer-level performance. In short, a satisfying and tasty fragrance that delivers without being a ‘head-turner’.

Exquisite fragrance, fresh, clean, gets compliments, smells like fine perfume; you can tell the quality of its ingredients. If it lasted longer and projected more, it would be spectacular.

Great for daytime, but I was disappointed by the longevity; it doesn’t last past 3 hours. Good combination of ingredients, I recommend trying it, though it’s not in my top 5.

Everything is very well integrated. It’s an interesting fragrance, though honestly, I don’t think it’s very suitable for me.