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Monsieur Balmain

Balmain · Eau de Toilette (EDT) · 1964

Woody · Woody AromaticDesignermasculine

≈ $65 · 75ml · approx. retail

Official Balmain site

One of only a handful of men's fragrances Germaine Cellier ever composed, Monsieur Balmain (1964) builds a classic citrus-aromatic chypre around lavender and basil before settling into a mossy, leathery base. It remains an underrated example of the golden-age masculine chypre style.

CitrusAromaticWoodyLeather

The scent

Top notes

The opening · first 15 minutes

LemonBergamotBasilLavender

Heart notes

The core · the next few hours

LemongrassGingerCarnationCyclamenJasmine

Base notes

The dry-down · what lingers

OakmossPatchouliCedarMuskLeather

Best for

SpringFallDailyOffice

Perfumer

Germaine Cellier

4 in collection

See their fragrances →

Dupes & cheaper alternatives

Cheaper clones and alternatives that share the same notes and accords — savings are flagged.

Safari for Men

Safari for Men

Ralph Lauren · Woody

≈ $50save ~$15

Shares Lavender, Bergamot, Lemon

Drakkar Noir

Guy Laroche · Fresh

≈ $36save ~$29

Shares Lavender, Basil, Bergamot

Xeryus

Givenchy · Woody

≈ $55save ~$10

Shares Lavender, Jasmine, Lemon

Devin

Aramis · Woody

Shares Lavender, Bergamot, Lemon

Horizon

Guy Laroche · Fresh

≈ $40save ~$25

Shares Lavender, Bergamot, Carnation

Oscar de la Renta Pour Lui

Oscar de la Renta · Woody

≈ $60save ~$5

Shares Lavender, Basil, Bergamot