Introduced in 1988 by Christian Dior, Fahrenheit Cologne for Men is an iconic fragrance for men that pioneered the aggressive use of leather as a top note.
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This woody, floral musk was created by legendary perfumers Jean-Louis Sieuzac and Maurice Roger.
Fragrance Notes
This Dior cologne is a bold, masculine fragrance that mixes the main scents of leather and violet.
Opening notes are all about lavender, mandarin orange, hawthorn, nutmeg, cedar, bergamot, chamomile, and lemon. The middle, the second layer consists of nutmeg, honeysuckle, sandalwood, violet, and cedar. The base notes contain leather and vetiver, giving off those strong, earthy smells.
Most noticeable is the leather scent — some describe a petrol or gas scent. Don't be mistaken — even though violet is the main accord in this Fahrenheit cologne, it is not a floral fragrance. It is very masculine.
The Look
Fahrenheit cologne comes in a smooth, glass bottle that is brownish-red and yellow in color. The brown and redstart out deep at the top, then transition into a vibrant orange-yellow towards the bottom of the bottle. And it closely resembles colors of the sun or fire, and it as if you can almost see the heat coming from the bottle.
The presentation is very fitting for the name "Fahrenheit." A generous amount of fragrance is released with one spray, and you can also adjust how much comes out with each spritz. The top clicks into place to ensure a tight close.
If you are worried you've received a knock off, check the bottom of the box to find the serial code etched into the box.
When To Use Dior Fahrenheit Cologne (and When Not To)
Dior's Fahrenheit cologne is more suitable for the fall and winter seasons, or in the colder months of spring. Because it is an intense, bold fragrance, I wouldn't wear it in the summer seasons, or any particularly warm days.
Fahrenheit is perfect for evening wear or a night out where you want to give off that powerful, masculine smell. It is good for men about 25 years of age or older.
As far as versatility goes, however, I would not rank this cologne high on that scale. Although some men prefer these strong scents and always want to project masculinity, some find it overbearing and inappropriate for certain occasions.
It is certainly not a cologne made for casual, everyday wear. Instead, wear it when you want to make a statement and when you want or need to feel important. This cologne for men says "I mean business."
Sillage and Longevity
The projection is solid — you won't have to worry if your cologne is actually working. I would say it is on the heavier side, giving off those strong leather and violet scents.
Fahrenheit cologne is long-lasting, about six hours or so, though it will still linger through the whole day. Some of the more recent formulas aren't as intense as the originals that gave off a strong projection for 10+ hours. Also, it's important to remember that projection and longevity will vary from person to person, depending on your activity level and how well your skin holds a fragrance.
My Verdict
Because of its continued success and timeless nature, I think this Fahrenheit cologne is certainly a good one to have in your collection (with a few caveats).
It is strong and bold. Wear this cologne by Christian Dior and you will exude confidence and masculinity. But it's worth warning that this cologne tends to be overbearing and even offensive to some people. If you aren't a fan of those strong petrol notes then you won't like this fragrance.
I would not recommend this Dior cologne to men who prefer a lighter, fresher scent. If you're looking for a more versatile, wear all the time cologne, Fahrenheit may not be the wisest choice.
Don't forget that this fragrance was originally released three decades ago — so wear it on dates with caution! The last thing you want to do is smell like your date's dad, uncle, ex-boyfriend, and so on.
The cologne is definitely a divisive one — people love it or hate it but it is an iconic cologne for men. If you need to feel like a (well-groomed) bad-ass for a day, try this EDT.
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Born and raised in Austin, David is a dedicated writer and avid fragrance lover. When he's not trying out perfumes, he enjoys traveling and exploring new restaurants.