Reviews of Envy for Men (1998)
by Gucci

ENVY FOR MEN has been on my test list for quite some time yet for some reason I never got round to sampling it. The listed notes alone are worth investigating IMO, esp. for fans of opoponax and incense. So it was with some disappointment that I finally sampled Envy for Men only to find a dominant 'old' ginger note interfering with my enjoyment as the scent progressed. Perhaps a lighter ginger component like that of Kenzo Tokyo or more complimentary accords would make this oriental composition a little tighter and win that thumbs up from me.

Envy For Men seems to get short shrift on the discussion boards here at Basenotes, and I don't understand why. Is it because it's not particularly complex? Is it because it's not expensive, or that it doesn't use the word "Aoudh" in its name? Is it because it's not discontinued yet? Is it because people feel they can't brag about owning a "vintage version"? I don't get it, because Envy, eleven years after its release, still distinguishes itself as a unique, beautiful, sexy and spicy oriental fragrance in a land of dull acquatics and the endless mind-numbing train of hyped-up, over-priced niche scents.

I agree with other reviewers that Envy doesn't really evolve, but rather it settles down and mellows out for its duration. It's as if it has various layers of notes which gradually peel off over time, each time revealing the notes below each layer: it's invigorating opening accord of ginger and spice fades and gives way to a heart of rich wood notes underneath it, which eventually fade and yield to a simple but rich spicy vanillic base. I don't agree with those who say that Envy is a serious fragrance for only formal occasions - Envy is a red-blooded scent, a scent with a wild side, which is apparent in its sweet spiciness. This isn't spicy in the somewhat stodgy manner of Bois du Portugal - Envy is a smooth but hot-blooded romantic.

My sole complaint is that its longevity is rather poor for such a spicy scent - about 5 hours on my skin. Also, sillage fades rather quickly. On first spray, it projects quite far, but within an hour, Envy becomes very much a "skin" scent. On the other hand, considering Envy's romantic feel, perhaps it is appropriate that this can be only smelled at close quarters...

Thumbs up for Envy For Men.

This is a fairly good, slightly green woody oriental, perhaps a modernized version of Obsession. The ginger is there at the beginning, but not very much as far as I can tell, or at least not enough to bother me. There's cedar right from the start...not as much as Gucci's Eau de Pencils but enough to provide a slight astringence in the top, which seems to me not to rely on major citrus notes. It's a little synthetic as Slarty said, but not in an unpleasant way. The only drawback for me is that it devolves into slightly more of a simple vanilla in the base than I would like, but not dull or sweet enough for me to revoke my thumbs-up because there's still some woodiness left. I think Envy can still manage to be an office scent in the conservative doses that I use, and I value this about it. It's not overpriced either, so altogether it's an excellent choice, and well-recommended on BN for good reason.

I tried this at a friend's house not too long ago and it lives up to the hype. Perhaps one of the reason's why oriental fragrances are so popular today was the inclusion of ginger in this fragrance. Ginger seems to be one of the ingredients that "makes" an oriental fragrance, and ginger is the dominant note throughout the life of this one. I get hints of cardamom and anise in the middle, but the ginger is right there. The base is nice as well with patchouli, amber, musk and incense notes that I can distinguish. Overall, this is a great fragrance that lives up to the hype. But it is very synthetic...which is not always a bad thing.

I recommend wearing it out at night or for you're own personal pleasure. Day wear isn't completely out of the picture, but the fragrance may seem a bit heavy on a hot day.

Thumbs up.

When I first wore Envy for Men, I thought it was a brilliant creation. However, since then, my tastes have developed and become more sophisticated.

Envy for Men now smells cheap, watered-down and unfinished – its longevity and sillage lasts less than an hour on my skin, which is pitiful. There have been rumours that Envy for Men has been reformulated, at least once since its launch, so I'd advise anyone to approach this lame spicy oriental with extreme caution.

[Original submission date: 11 April 2008]

Gucci Envy is one of those fragrances that calms me down. It's green, a bit spicy and has that confortable sweet and powdery drydown. Everytime I wear it I receive a bunch of compliments. And curiously, I don't think it's a masterpiece or a ground breaking scent. But It's so well made in its simplicity that I can't help keeping a bottle of it in my wardrobe. If someone asked me for an advice about fragrances, I'd recommend Envy without a doubt. It's the type of fragrance that won't offend anyone. Even if overapplied. Just don't take it as a disadvantage. I've smelt a lot of envy's imitations/rip offs and all of them have a problem or two, what drives me to conclude It's a well crafted composition. In fact, I'm surprised it contains opoponax (that probably gives the powdery effect) without being a powerhouse, as for instance, Lagerfeld Classic.

Yeah, I bought this at the duty free store at an airport. I didn't know much about cologne at all. But on the rare occasion I wear this, I get compliments on it and so it must be good then.

Its stronger, to be more precise more 'sophisticated' then other products in the range. I reckon if people smell you wearing this - they definitely take notice . The price is steep for a young guy - but its worth it..

A great contemporary scent that is most versatile though it steers away from depending on citrus to make it nose-friendly. Its very warm and slightly herbal. IMO, one of the best "Modern Classics" in the mainstream industry.

I enjoy Envy: I find it uncomplicatedly pleasant. In the several years that I’ve worn it, I haven’t discovered a note in it that wasn’t obvious the first time I tested it. Envy has no hidden layers to discover — it does not have that Mona Lisa smile. Envy doesn’t move and develop as many other scents do — it’s quite linear and it is an lovable linear wood / ginger accord. It smells like Envy at the first blast, the middle holds excellently for a long time and smells like…Envy. Hours and hours later, the last olfactory molecules rising from the skin offer the faint remnants of… Envy. Even though it is not an intellectual or challenging fragrance, Envy continually and continuously triggers in me an appreciatively spontaneous: ‘Damn, I smell good.’ Unsophisticated and lacking in complexity it is; but it is also a warm, wearable compliment magnet. It has one of the most pleasant smelling aromas in my designer arsenal. (Edit of 10 January 2006 review)

by no means a bad fragrance, there's a lot of notes here that i love. unfortunately the execution very quickly becomes jarring - whilst the notes dont clash, they certainly arent in harmony and this is a little tiring on the nose for me to enjoy it.
the drydown is very pleasant and a lot calmer, but equally it's quite generic and uninspiring.

Except for being colored green, Envy for Men has nothing in common with the original Envy. Instead, it is famous among fragrance aficionados for being the scent that brought ginger to designer fragrances for men. This it did with far greater élan than the later, overly powdery and insufferably sweet Bvlgari Blv pour Homme. Envy for Men’s ginger is overlaid upon a solid, if conventional sweet woody oriental structure, and both the bergamot and ginger opening and the spicy-sweet heart are stimulating and pleasant to wear. I would prefer that the ginger note, which is after all this scent’s signature, remained more prominent after the first half hour of wear, but Envy for Men is congenial enough without it.

For its finale, Envy for Men employs an accord that must come in gallon jugs labeled “Masculine Drydown,” though it’s less crude and cloying than it could be, thanks to a judiciously applied soapy note. The potent woody amber component ensures that Envy for Men carries great distances and endures tenaciously for many hours: it is not by any means a subtle scent. On the whole I think Envy for Men is nice work, and clearly preferable to the Bvlgari, or even Serge Lutens’s Five O’Clock au Gingembre. I would have liked it better, though, if it were outfitted with a less crass and banal drydown.

"Instant classic?" Yeah right. An overused term quite apt for this equally trite affair. This has been done a million times before from the start to the cheap drydown. Yawn.......

Great scent, but somehow I get a hint of Chinese mooncake fresh from the oven that Chinese people always have during Mid-autumn occasion,a little strange

its a lovely perfume.has this am all grown up feeling to it.i love the vanilla drydown.it gets warm and sticks to the skin.good evening wear,preferably on a date.

Ginger Sandalwood

Seduction in a bottle. Very refined, quite good, for formal occasions or on a date.

Also try Floris Santal if you love this scent.

Definitely a classic, though not an "instant" one. I bought it in 99 but it took a while to get noticed and only recently has it taken such a prominent spot. Quite sophisticated and always feels new. Radiates seriousness and strength with a mysterious depth. I always think of myself as embarking on a dangerous mission when I have it on. Every woman I ask about it says she likes it. Make sure to dress well when you wear it.

bought this blind due to the hype...and it is absolutely beautiful! perfect smell. i'm not sure when this would be best to wear, but definitely seems like one that could work for all seasons and all occasions

Great scent, and some sort of classic for a good reason.

Warm, spicy opening is mouth-wateringly delicious, and vanillic woodsy drydown keeps on flowing flawlessly. Lasts for a long time.

Sensual, classy and masculine oriental in a fantastic bottle.

Mentholated - that's an apt description of the opening. I like it. Spicy green ginger + vanilla heavy. Very sexy. Popular with women. Not overbearing at 3 sprays but beyond that it's a bit much. Fair lasting power.

This falls very distinctly into the category of a modern fragrance, it has the typical vanilla drydown, but it is one of the few that I can comfortably stomach. The one thing that makes it stand out for me is that it is very well balanced, almost the best I have encountered. The sillage is prodigious, and it lasts an eternity. The previous reviewer alluded to the fact that this would be a good office staple, and I have to resoundly concur. This has little complexity, minimal evolution, but judging this on quality,longevity and value, this gains a thumbs up from me.

Mentholated wood with a hint of vanilla. Mainstream frag that can be had for a decent price at the present.

Not bad,not great, but not totally uninspired either. I find it a smooth, unoffensive scent that I will wear in my work rotation.

What can I say about Carven Homme, excuse me, Gucci Envy. I smell no distinction whatsoever. Both are incredible dominated by this talcum induced ginger. Not my taste, last I check we no longer function with aristocratic whig judges. This is for the 50+ year old plus male. I also note that the only redeeming value it has, it's slightly sweeter to offset the "dust".

-MAX

Very strong and evokes Envy in the competition of men. In women, it gives impression of masculinity and raises admiration to the wearer.

Strong scent, long lasting. After a double application - I could smell it under my nose noticeably for may hours, even in highly smoking areas. I've noticed women would carefully approach me and sit next to me, just so they can smell the scent, while men would raise their awareness as if I was somewhat a physical threat awaiting for the slightest provocation to explode.

If there would have been a different name for "Envy" that would have probably been "Respect." Because that is what it sums up to at the end.

It is a good evening scent, nothing to wear out in the day, except perhaps if going to the gym for a long stay.

My goodness this is strong and lasts forever. It does smell strongly of incense and pimento. Envy is best in small doses (i.e. one spray maximum). Good evening scent, but it gets cloying.

Evening fragrance, but also somehow light ?? How come??? I have no idea but that is an amazing fragrance. Green spicy is the key i think. Superb

spicy green, woody incense on a base of amped up Amber and musk...i didnt find it spectacular and i wouldnt care if it got discontinued...this one didnt inspire me. well, had high expectations on this...but since i've tried Floris Santal before, ill pass on this.

I bought a sample of this and, absolutely floored by the wonderful smell, ended up buying a large bottle a week later. I found it to be very woodsy, very rich, and very intense. It seemed to be the perfect scent for…something…I just couldn’t put my finger on what.

My opinion of the scent has slowly changed. I still enjoy it, and I’m still glad, I suppose, that I went right for the large bottle. But overall, the middle notes and dry down have become much less enjoyable for me. I still think the top notes are fantastic, and if the fragrance simply captured those notes for a longer time, I would agree that it’s one of the best fragrances of all time. But once the dry down comes, it just feels cheap and I feel the need to either reapply or just wash it off. The vanilla brings too much sweetness to the mixture for my tastes.

I’ll still wear it to a bar or on a date, but it is simply too intense to wear to the office or for anything casual. And for all the times I’ve worn it, I still can’t find the right situation for it. It’s too edgy for a nice date, too woodsy for a hot club, too sexy for anything formal, and too conspicuous for anything casual. All in all, I’m beginning to wonder if I’ll finish the large bottle I so hastily purchased.

This is a green fragance of a very good brand. Is not bad at all, but something chemical like menthol or I dont know what is here. Try Gucci pour homme, 100 times better. A trully experience.

Wow. This stuff is good. I definitely catch the ginger and woods, and just a hint of nutmeg. Classy without being overbearing and stodgy. The stuff lasts ALL DAY. I spritzed about three sprays to chest/neck and split-wrist in the morning and it stayed with me until quitting time at work. This is a good thing since it smells great. Every time I caught a whiff of it I could smell it from a slightly different angle, if you know what I mean.

Smells like menthol shaving cream.

I'm going to spend some extra time with this one, given all of the positive reviews. But I have a feeling I'm not going to get past the fact that this smells like menthol, and I hate menthol.

I find this a paradox: fine after drydown....which is quite long in coming, but too "sweet" before so. I find "sweet" oriental frags too "Jade East" like, although this scent i quite different, apart from the too sweet, oriental quality. This negates the masculine qualities of this scent. I am quite ambivilant about this frgrance, despite the plaudits of many Basenotes colleagues. I cannot wear this scent comfortably.

There's something about Envy that I find distasteful, and it's also boring, and I like other, similar fragrances much better (such as Prada and Richard James Saville Row). I've sampled this four times and it is just unappealing to me. It may be a bit too sweet or "synthetic" smelling. A frugal application might be okay if you want to use it for a specific occasion, but I can't wear this to enjoy it by myself, because it's just not enjoyable in any way. This may be a good "training wheels" fragrance for newbies, and I think that's why there are so many good reviews. I thought I liked it on my second sampling, but the third time I found it boring, and the fourth time I found it flat, "synthetic," and inferior to other fragrances I enjoy that are similar. I also think it might be appealing to those around you, and so many people like it for that reason, which is understandable.

It's warm and woody and quite (almost a bit too) sweet, yes, but what makes it stand out is the distinct ginger note. Mmmm. The drydown is rather odd too: it smells like stale pond or lake or swamp water, quite rich and a little decaying. I haven't smelled anything so spot-on for water since Sel de Vetiver!

Too woody for my taste. Smells like stepping into a lumber mill.
Maybe more suitable for older men.

A woody oriental of some distinction. It is a very smooth scent, and although not entirely linear, the development is somewhat modest. The notes are typical of the genre, with some florals in the heart. The base notes are very characteristic and form quite a solid foundation. In contrast, the top notes are a bit unexpected, with some fairly strong spicy notes to support the citrus and lavender. This is a fine evening scent, but it also does well for a relatively formal event during the day, or just for making one feel elegant and debonair.

Buy, you won't be disappointed. Thanks for the reviews, guys ! I used to pass by all the gucci scents.

9/10

If I had to guess blindly what house produced this, I would have gone for Gucci or D&G -- it's so over the top and synthetic with it. Also, I find it incredibly dated for some reason. It wears you down -- with it's heaviness. Nyet -- something wrong here. Pass.

Kaern

I like this fragrance and always did. I don't get any smokiness though that people all talk about. It does not fell that dry, as one would expect from 'a modern Oriental' that people always refer this fragrance as. It is a sexy scent, and dares you to dream, but for how long, that is another question.

The thing is it has been so popular in the past decade, and still is, now it does not feel as special as it did before. Maybe they should come up with a heavier eau de parfum version or something. The ginger note, surprisingly well-handled here, is quite present, and maybe that balances the 'woodiness' of the scent so well, that it does not feel too dry to my nose. The scent tends to stay close to the skin, and feels like a very 'designer fragrance' with its whole wearing experience. Even though it is quite pleasant, one cannot help but thinking if it weren't for the 'Gucci' name, would this ever be this popular.

The drydown of the fragrance is the best part to me, because it is a truly unique transformation. I smell a lot of woods, but also a bit of amber here, in a sexy manner. It gets very warm after the drydown, and quite seductive. I would never describe this scent as dark. I suppose people around you could feel 'envy' if the fragrance actually made you feel over-confident and poised.

It just transforms well with the skin, and I daresay, I mostly find the scent to be quite fresh even though all the musk, amber and warmness to it.

I remember the advertising, and it was just too gorgeous and sexy. The bottle is so Tom Ford circa the Gucci days, it is sublime. Very modern and architectural, the black rectangular cap, and the prism that holds the juice display the emerald green color of the fragrance so beautifully. I mean, the name, the color, the bottle only enrich the whole experience and expectations.

Envy Man and Woman are the perfect husband and wife, or when you think of what Tom Ford would want them to be, 'sex buddies'. Feels perfect for Martini drenched nights and the morning afters. The only problem is that the couple have been on the headlines for so long know, I don't know if they are as exciting as they have been 5 or 6 years ago.

When I used to wear this, the dry down was always excellent. Vanilla, leather, vetiver and spice. Powerful, classy. Years later, I am of the belief that this fragrance has been reformulated as it appeared watered down last time I messed with it. Definitely a Fall or Winter scent to warm things up at the office or on a date. Very bold and far from casual. I worked with a very famous, now-deceased attorney who used to wear this in the office. I bought it for myself to emulate him. Envy was perfectly suited for such a man. I used to feel like a Soprano when I wore this fragrance. Years later, I still enjoy the fragrance but refrain from using it outside the house as my tastes have changed in favor of things understated and subtle: see Ferre for Men, which I just coppped at Nordy's.

A modern masculine classic if there ever was one. Takes the best aspects of Brut & Old Spice and takes it to the next stratosphere so that Dad can wear something new. One of the most versatile men's scents too. Perfect for the office or a night on the town. With a tie or an open button-down shirt, it's doesn't matter. Envy handles it all so superbly. Starts out with a spicy accord that's really hard to pinpoint one note though the coriander & pepper make their presence known. Glides into a heart of ginger and carnation that give it both a sweet and piney aura. Also, I'm reminded of those great 70's scents that used carnation & pine. This is also where it takes it beats loudly, never too sweet or too piney either. Casually saunters out of the room in a breeze of vetiver, sandalwood & vanilla. Timeless and ageless. Uplifting and bright, romantic and cordial. Thumbs through the roof on this one.

Envy is my new winter fragrance. I find it warm, spicy and extremely sensuous. I love it so much I wear it to bed! At last, an edt that has a reasonable staying power. I spray it early in the morning and a subtle aura is still noticeable 10 or 12 hours later. My friends and co-workers all love it too.

This scent is very pleasing to me. So much so that I normally spray some on before I drift off to sleep at night. Not to say the scent puts me to sleep, mind you. It's just a comforting and sweet oriental that smells masculine. Unfortunately, Envy doesn't last very long on my skin. If it did, it might be at the tip-top of my list. Since it doesn't, I get some of the same topnotes from Bois Du Portugal which lasts much longer and has an excellent dry-down.

One of the best scents for romantic occassions. To me this scent speaks candlelit dinners, ballroom dancing, walks on the beach, and star gazing. It's a bit formal and it would seem out of place wearing it to a baseball game wearing jeans and a t-shirt.

Yes this smells watered down, cheap and synthetic... but I love it. Its ginger root remained a mystery to me until I actually smelled some real ginger and it reminded me of Envy. I absolutely love the bottle with the large, black, rectangular cap.

But since Serge Lutens Five O'Clock au Gingembre has come out, I might not get more Envy but I'm sure I'd receive more as a gift.

Envy is one of the first scents to impress me in quite a while. I was all set to buy another fragrance but asked the saleswoman to switch the other one out for this; glad I did because at last I've found an oriental fragrance I can wear during these warm Southern nights without overwhelming my senses and those of people around me. Wasn't sure about Envy at first but it's proven to be rather mysterious, earthy-oriental scent, and thankfully it's LIGHT on the musk which might have been a deal breaker other wise. If your body chemistry reacts well to the oriental family, give this one a shot!

This scent is an interesting one. At first spray it seems to be sweet, and as it dries down on me, it gets smokier and smokier. By the end (about an hour) it smells like i've just been outside burning wood. I'll have to say, yes it does smell good, but it's not something I would wear everyday. It's a sophisticated scent, and I wouldn't recomend it for anyone under college age, but for certain occasions this could be nice. I'll give it a Eh-Okay rating, since it just doesn't have much flexibility.

(deep voice) only for the men please. That is what this grag is speaking to me. It is a classic and i love it, smoky ish plus wood....very nice and yet not awfully ultra woody, have a hint of sweetness, mind you, the slightest, dont expect too much. All in all, love it!!!!

Had a first full day wearing today. I really like woody oriental scents and I liked Envy. Contrary to what others have stated this fragrance had excellent sillage on me and I can still easily smell it on my arm 10 hours after application. But: I can't help being reminded of Bois du Portugal which I think is a better fragrance.

I give Envy a thumbs up for what it is, a good fragrance at a very affordable price. I won't be buying a bottle, though.

1 of my favorite scents that i wear n fall & winter months! this is a classic that should not die! gucci envy is popular & still going strong! its a diffrent kind of smell. & 4 me. im shocked that i like something like this bcause it is really not my style. yet i wear it & it smells great on me!

This one abounds in sensuality, I think it's one of the sexiest fragrances on the market. Resembling YSL's M7, it has a woody-sweet oriental aroma that is ideal for romantic wear.

Purchased this blindly and I must say I'll never risk doing such again. Smells like cheap cologne for older men. I don't get the hype. HUGE disappointment...!

ENVY,exotic temple of love.very spiritual,7th heaven.ciao!

At first I thought it was a bit weak, but it became stronger quickly. In a good way. The initial smell was a bit sweet for me, but then during and amid the drydown the spices came out and was really wonderful. I would say the sillage is medium, but it stayed with me for the evening. Good all around frag.

Too much for me, something in this does not agree with me. Love to smell it on others. On me however, it smells of menthol. Obviously, a rich, well put together edt. I just wish it agreed with me, therefore, a neutral rating.

A masculine scent that lasts pretty well on my skin. Unfortunately, despite all the notes listed, from first spray to dry down it brings only frankincense to mind - definitely not my style.

An iconic fragrance. Love it. Great for that romantic night as this fragrance is very woody, masculine and strong. It opens up with fresh gingery smell and then it turns to some woody greenish scent (like CK Eternity). However, it does not last very long (the fragrance: Gucci Envy). Wanna a long lasting, a bit feminine type, go for Burberry Brit for man. Gucci Envy for Man: My tool for taming the wild femme fatale.

99 reviews and not one metion of this smelling like Old Spice??? Well, until I hit AREKO79's review.
So...this is the most expensive, best formulated, deep, strong and satisfying Old Spice monet can buy. If you are curious about this, just by Old Spice and you are good to go. It is super strong! I love spritzing up to 12 squirts of whatever I am wearing for the day, but this stuff, holy sh1t! One (1) spray is good enough, on your palm, then rub everywhere. Then go wash your hands!!!
I want to thumbs down this one soooo bad, but Old Spice is like the king of colognes. You CAN'T talk about colognes and NOT mention Old Spice. It is for America what 4711 (German stuff) is for the rest of the world. Thumbs up it is.

BTW: the dry down is very nice!! So if you can accelerate the frag, do it. I do so by spraying once on my palms, rubbing vigorously, then "washing" my hands with hot water, no soap. Works for most all frags.

Goes on strong, but settles down into a lovely woodsy, spicy scent which just seems perfect to me. It has a hint of gingerbread cookies which becomes less noticeable after an hour or so. Very masculine and refined. I'm sure anyone smelling you when you are wearing this cannot fail to find it pleasant. It has become my daily scent and I am very happy with it.

I bought a bottle of this a couple weeks ago, and it has taken me until now to really warm up to Envy and start wearing it. At first it seemed a little too strong for the workplace, but having worn it for the first full day today I have to say that I am really in love with this fragrance. It just had an amazing progression throughout the day, ending in perhaps the best drydown of anything I have owned to date. Longevity, for me, seems perfect, as is the sillage. I'm still very new to the world of fragrance, and am thus hesitant about some of the terminology specific to scent, but the bottom line is that Gucci Envy is near-perfect for me.

This is a really nice fragrance. Very masculine, woodsy and no fruit candy notes at all. I only wish that Envy for Men would last a little longer, but that is not a deal killer for me. I will definitely buy Envy for Men again.

Somebody here said it should be heavier? What were you thinking? I smelled this on someone in a class at uni last week, and asked the what it was. The said Gucci Envy for men, and that they only used three squirts!

Now, this Gucci Envy for men...the name was familiar...aah, yes, I had it for two weeks then palmed it off onto my brother about three or four years ago...

It was waaaay to strong, and the nutmeg was far too prominent, headache inducing, even...

I realised that was probably because I was using 5 squirts...

GOD, I WISH SOMEONE HAD WARNED ME!

But then I discovered Burberry Brit for men...Its much like Envy, bus softer and longer lasting, and not so in your face...

This fragrance treads that fine line which between harshness and luxurious warmth that is the hallmark of great 'accessable' fragrances (not to be confused with great and challenging fragrances).
I like it but that harsh / bitter note will put some people off so don't buy blind.

Delicious fragrance that's sexy,masculine and sophisticated but on my skin didn't last at all.If only this were heavier I would wear nothing else...

Yes, there is an initial rush of bitter notes here but it settles down into a warm complex of orientals. Do yourself a favour and DO NOT be put off by the brand name (this applies for all fragrances!). It is a good one.

I know this smells 'nice' and is high quality. But I can't overrate it as there is an overtly sweet element to it that I hate - sickly sweet and that's a pity . 'cos its actually allright. Try B4 you buy.

Disclaimer - when G PH is one of your all time favorites, it is hard not to be biased.

Envy is great, but it reminds me of medicinal creams. So I use this setback to my advantage as my new daytime clinic frag.

The drydown is amazing. Based on reviews, I don't see how this fragrance could be described as refined. It is pleasant, powerfull and powdery but far from refined.

On me, if I took vanilla, antimicrobial triple ointment cream, topical anesthetic cream and some ginger/nutmeg spice I would end up with the same medium and base. The amazing part to this frag, is that it actually works together!

Discovered this one back in 1998 when it used to be one of the most trendy scents around. Now, after several years, it still smells both modern and elegant- most of the scents being an either or choice: either brand new next generation vant- garde, yet completely bewildering and synthetic, or so elaborate and high end, tough natural, that it woulsd suit only the most formal wear and surroundings. Envy belongs to the happy few which could easily suit for instance office wear, as it is powerfull and attractive without being offensive. A burst of green, cooling notes, followed by not only an Oriental, but gourmand and gourmet, i'd almost say conoisseur, hedonistic Oriental drydown. Some notes similar to the dark aromatic, conservatively exquistite Gucci Nobile too, tough less old- school.

This is just a great fragrance for men! Makes you feel good. And you get lots of compliments on it.

I have reviewed this before and gave it a thumbs up. I am going to do that again. I was somewhat mellow the last time. Now I have really started to appreciate it more and more. It is a great scent. Especially for special occassions. Absolutely wonderful.
benb

I love every listed note for this fragrance yet when I tried it, what I got was sharp opening, sickly sweet gingerbread heart, and a nice, slightly gingery incense drydown. A disappointment to be sure.

Too cool, just too cool. Gucci Envy scared me when I first got it, but now, I know it's a great scent with a lot to offer. Try it. If you don't like it, try it again. If you still don't like it, visit an Ears, Nose, and Throat doctor, you've got to get your nose fixed. If you still don't like it, that's personal taste. In my opinion, one of the greatest fragrances of all time, and very manly to boot.
- Rich

On the blotter this is sweet green almost floral top accompanied by a good dose of spice with warm ambery undertones, with the fizzy green floral-spicy top reminding me of some sort of soda. On skin however, the top goes instantly, leaving sweet cloying incense and amber. Strong and good lasting power, but I find this unweareable although I can appreciate how it smells on paper. My skin kills the original balance of this scent on paper.

At first I didn't actually like this. It was a bit sharp to start with, with a hint of incense that I tended not to like. After hearing so many good reviews though, I forced myself to give this another try.

I grew accustomed to the incense, and find that this is what gives it its character. After the initial 10 minutes or so, it gets very comfortable. It's warm, but not lazy. Powerful, but not in-your-face. As many others have said, a very good wintery fragrance. Total thumbs up from me.

I have tried to like this scent, but it is obviously not for me. It just overwhelms my entire sinus cavity. It's outrageous, right when I think "OK this is nice" something just shocks me. I doubt I'll ever wear this in the future. It's just way over the top for me.

This stuff smells like sex. It's sweet and intoxicating in all the right places. It is also like a little brother to GPH. GPH is the successful, classy, business exec of the Gucci family and Envy is the rich party boy who just got out of buisness school. There is one catch for those interested in this fragrance though. You have to be cocky to wear this stuff. With that said, enjoy, but be warned, this stuff is some powerful mojo.

okay,nice bottle and package.warm oriental and sensual scent for a dreamer, an androgynous type.....very gucci, very tom ford -this is the time when men became thinner and thinner, would wear very tight open shirts and jeans...everything very metrosexual, vain skinny boys.....if you are one of these guccimania slim guysgirls then this edt is right for you....the scent is quite intense, a bit sweet and lasts long.

When I first smelled Gucci Envy, my opinion of it was similar to Zyreak77's below me. It was pleasent, but something about it just screamed "cheap drugstore cologne" at me. It bore a resemblance in my mind to the kinds of fragrances like Old Spice or English Leather which you find for ten dollars a bottle.
With time though, having sampled this stuff a few more times I've really grown to love it. I still find that association to the cheaper, classic colognes, but it has something more. To me it seems like the ultimate safe cologne. Those who dislike Gucci Envy almost all feel this way due to the fact that they find it boring or unoriginal. Very few people actively dislike the scent.
It now serves as one of my most frequently used day-to-day scents. Many say it serves best in the evening in more formal settings, but I have used it just about anywhere and found it to fit. The longevity is execellent on this, and it's also less expensive than many other designer fragrances.
It garners many compliments, regardless of whether it strikes you as "amazing", "intoxicating", or "uninspiring" almost everyone will find it to be pleasent. This one can function well in almost everyone's wardrobe.

Ok,before I bought this cologne, many guys and girls told me how good this cologne was. So I went to Dillards and purchase one without trying it. I was so dissapointed after I tried it on. Don't get me wrong, it has a nice old fashioned smells on it, but seriously, this might be the worse cologne I've ever owned. To me, it smells like cheap cologne, one that your old english teacher would have it one him, or cologne that you would buy it at a discount store 2 for 1. Guys/girls, I'm not trying to put Gucci down, but this cologne is really terrible. My mom and dad used Gucci since I can remember, I still can't believe this one is so poor in smells. To you all young ones, stay away from this one. One thing I would appraise about this cologne is that the smells will last on you for a long time.

I have chime in with those who say it gets better and better. I hadn't worn Envy for almost a year, and was just blown away by it. I had forgotten how spectacular it is. Dry and warm and resplendent.

Envy smells the way shutting the door of a limousine sounds.

Gets better everytime I go back to try it. Was going to buy based on the Pour homme brilliance, however it really is a great fragrance, my other half says its a really lovely smell, I agree. For handsome, honest men.

This is a very good frag and not expensive. Very comparable to floris santal but it lacks the quality of the superior scent from the U.K. Floris santal seems to be richer and creamier. What this lacks in quality in makes up for in sillage and longevity. In my mind a versatile woody oriental to try because it just smells good and not as overexposed as say acqua di gio or dolce & gabbana etc.

I really didn't know what to think of Envy at first--and by "at first", I mean the first few months I owned it.

My wife had bought it for me and since she likes it, I figured it had to be good but secretly, I wasn't too sure. With time and a much better nose, I have to agree, this is a nice cologne. It's easy on the nose but complex enough to provoke the term "interesting" which of course, leads to "intriguing."

Since I'm just starting out, I can't tell (yet) what all the component smells are in the top, middle, and base notes, but I can definitely tell I like the reaction I get when I wear it. Recommended.

A very good fragrance when you are starting out; it is very easy to like, does not cost that much, is very easy to wear and is popular with the women (always a plus!). It is also good enough to stick in the wardrobes of many as they become more experienced. It is a little on the sweet side but not to the point of being a problem. If it has a flaw it is that it is too popular.

After months of wearing Gucci Envy, I thought that the time was right to revisit it and see how it stood the test of time. And its still as good as it ever was. This is by far the best of Gucci.

Envy is a fantastic oriental woody scent with excellent longevity and sillage. It has a sweet slightly spicy smell which many find quite alluring. The incense, cardamom, amber and patchouli provide a sweet base, which is then linked to the woody spicy notes of nutmeg, ginger and cedarwood by the anise note. It comes into its own during the cooler months, but its quite wearable during the summers too (just go easy on the applicator - this stuff is quite potent)

It all works extremely well, and a bottle can be yours without breaking the bank (so that you dont have to envy your friends bottle - no pun intended).

Very strong, very sexy fragrance -- a personal favorite, probably among my top 10. NOT a warm weather, scent, though, so bear that in mind. I really like the peppery notes -- without them, Envy for Men would come across as too sweet.
A true classic, albeit one that some don't care for. Most, however, love it as much as I do. Someone compared it to Floris' Santal, but I don't get the connection much, if at all. (I love Santal, too, though.)

Envy is soooo disappointing. Not because the notes and scent are bad-- but because they are so incredibly good. I like this scent much more than the Gucci Pour Homme campfire scent. But as stated in other reviews, this particular scent stays so close to the skin that you might as well spray it up your nostrils to achieve noticable effect (at least for me). What's the deal????? Gucci, please get with the molecular program and revamp this EDT. I want babes to pick up on the scent and notice me, not notice me and then pick up on the scent. Well, technically the later works ok, but kinda defeats the purpose of a good EDT.

As if old smells poured in Gucci Envy.
reminds me of Old Spice, Obsession & Pleasures - all of them are timeworn.
Artistic combination of junky perfumes.
Gucci Envy is expired.

An extremely sensual oriental. The inscense really comes out in this one on me, which along with the ginger and nutmeg , gives it a semi-sweet body that dries down into a musky, woody base that almost seems powdery at times. This is a fragrance you want for a romantic date, or just a night out on the town. Very out-going in nature than introspective, and very long-lasting. A modern classic.

I don't know what exactly it is but there is a note in Envy which smells very synthetic, almost nauseating to me. I found it very pronounced esp. during the first cca 30 min. After awhile it gets better but I still can't wear this frag. That stench ruins the whole, otherwise good, cologne for me so I'm using my 100ml bottle as a toilet air refresher for now and hope it runs out soon. Floris Santal = Envy without the synthetic stench, it's so much better!

HUGE disappointment !!!!
I had much appreciation and expectations for Envy. After i read rave reviews on this board i decided to take a risk and buy this fragrance blindly.
This is the only fragrance in my collection that has no depth and doesn’t develop at all.
Very light and weak fragrance that stays very close to skin.
If i smell near my skin the only notes that i detect is incense and a bittersweet cedarwood, nice smell but nothing special.
I guess i am in the minority here but this is a hyperbole fragrance and actually is nothing to write home about.
I will stick to Gucci pour homme (definitely the best of Gucci) which is much more better than Envy.
In conclusion the only positive thing that comes from this is that i have learnt my lesson.

I heard that Gucci changed the formula and have cheapened Envy. Is it true?

a sweet woody scent that is classy and sensual and most of all, Sexy!! envy impresses the women for sure. I'm not goin to talk about the many unforgettable compliments I've received with this 1.stunning.

Got this as a present when i was too young too appreciate it. MY dad used more than half of the bottle. Then i thought wow! it smells like something from the motherland (india) i like it. But ONLY FOR SUIT AND TIE OCCASIONS.

I like this one very much, but I think it I would like this better without the sweetness.I think its the anise.Any suggestions on a good cedar fragrance?

Very good scent, and there's not much I can say that hasn't already been said. It's a wonderful blend, and it's very versatile. It doesn't last very long on me, but most scents don't. This one should be in any oriental lover's wardrobe.

I've never smelled a Gucci scent that I didn't like. All bias aside, this is perhaps the best Gucci creation ever, although Pour Homme is a close second.

This has a sharp (but not too sharp) pine needle scnet in that dries down into a sublime incence and vanilla scent. Not too woodsy, not too sweet, and not too sharp. Envy smells sexy and seductive as well as formal and dignified.

The nutmeg and ginger mixed with the pine scent remind me of Christmas and this is a great cold weather scent that I stick with through winter. Not good for hot weather, but might be tolerable on rainy summer nights. I like it in fall and winter, from sunrise to sunset.

Very classy and extremely well-made. One of my top ten of all time. This ought to end up being the next Polo. It has that green-pine-woods scent. This is what people should reach for in their post-Polo phase. A new classic!

Gucci envy for me is one of my favourite fragrances. At first its nothing spectacular but when it dies down it smells so nice . My girlfriend loves me wearing this stuff .Highly recommended

This is a great scent. I has a real luxurious smell to it. Ladies love it and has very good lasting power. This is the best Gucci scent. Recommended.

Gucci envy screams mischief. It's a hypnotic, woody bittersweet green fragrance.. that is exremely well blended and works wonders with my skin. It's very sensual and sexy and the sillage is incredible. The occasional waft of this elixir takes my breath away and for a green/oriental blend.. this scent works wonders in heat. The more I sweat, the more it comes alive.. and shouts. "Come hither, my dear...". The Gucci Envy serpent slithers way with subtlety into the olfactory system.. and grips your senses.. with its deliciously sensual fangs.. Envy = Enjoy...

I tried Gucci Envy first and I did think it smelt woody but it was springtime so I didn't know how good it was.Is this fragrance overpowering,Long lasting or just plain.I want to get it but I am not that sure.Can you please help me with that?

This is a wonderful scent for formal events, or romantic outings. Women absolutley LOVE this scent, it never fails to get me some compliments. And while this IS a sexy smelling scent, you can easily spray with this stuff. This is a rather "heavy" cologne, so it should be used sparingly.

However if used properly, this is a must addition to anyones cologne arsenal.

Very heavy scent. It is very woody as well. Though it smells very sophisticated, it is definitely very heavy, so spray a few times so people don't think you bathed in cologne! I like it :_

What can I say about this one? Other have said it all. I'm in love with it and feel it suitable for the special occasions. It smells pricey, classy, sexy and sensual.

Got it when it first made its appearance. Nothing special, a little too sharp and heady for me.

i just tried it yesterday and it was really amazing and clearly masculine ... it deserve trial

GREAT FRAGRANCE. Could easily be my favorite of all time. It simply smells awesome when you first apply it and it just doesn't quit during the whole experience. It's spicy, earthy, rich, complex, and simply so darn good that I can't stop smelling my wrists while I'm wearing it. Envy has incredible longevity and is an absolute steal for the price. PLEASE GUCCI, do not discontinue this as you have all your other classics (original Gucci Pour Homme and Gucci Nobile).

This one remind me a little "Zanzibar". For my part, only affirmative account.

Chicks feel this one, na mean? Perfect for intimate gatherings. I do have 2 complaints about this frag tho. Firstly, it sometimes comes off a bit synthetic. Secondly, sometimes the spice balance is off and I don't smell much other than the nutmeg. When this happens, I wish it were Christmas so I could carry around a glass of eggnog and not have people think I am in fact what smells like a glass of eggnog. Unfortunately even Christmas wouldn't help, as I happen to be Jewish. Time to bring eggnogg back in style! But for realz, check it, despite my minor grievances this is still the bomb explosive, west coast shit check it out girls will tell you that you smell nice. On the sweetah side of spicy with a little wood to keep dem rascals in check. Tho I am always careful, I imagine this scent is rather easy to overapply.

A good scent. The complexity really shines through on drydown. At first I am blown away by cedar, which borders on obnoxious. I was pleasantly surprised when that backed way off after about 15 minutes. Too sophisticated for casual though. Fit for a suit or a classy night out.

Wow...this is for me the best fragrance ever. Buy it, steal it, do anything you can to have this stuff cause this is the KING baby !!!

I like this smell. A lot. I have a lot of others, but this is a favorite. The price is low and the quality is high. It's pretty sophisticated if you ask me, this is no tommy. A little difficult to find around malls and such, but looking around will be worth it. The drydown smells like insense and sex. My nose tingles when I catch it. This stuff is good.

I remember all the media hype when Envy ph first came out. I usely pass such scents up, thinking they will become way too popular. My suspitions were confirmed, when several years later I spotted Envy on sale at T J Max. I didn't buy it. A few years pass and scralling throught e Bay this week, I got a 3.4 oz bottle for $15, which turned out to be a great buy, because Envy smells exceptionallly good, full of incense and sweet spice but not too sweet and it last forever.I put it on today at 4PM and its't now 3:59 AM and I can still smell it. Chicago is large enough that I won't smell it coming and going.

Another one of my favorites. Very fitting if you wearing a suit or dressed up. Sweet yet masculine. Mature.

Very superb cologne; elegant, sophisticated, sexy, long lasting, attractive and sober. Masculinity at its best. Simply top notch cologne.

The drydown on this is the best I've encountered and smells like a different (even better) cologne after a good 10 minutes. This fragrance has a spicy undernote that transforms into a sublime fragrance. Amazing drydown of incense and vanilla, spiced up by nutmeg and some other warm notes.

Better recommended for evening wear or romantic time but if you work at a formal environment (suit wear), use it if you feel comfortable (one sprit is sufficient).

Envy is 1 of my top frags on my growing roster.you know when you're in a public place and going through a doorway you get a tight squeeze if two people are passing through at the same time.anyway I was comming in the room and this woman was leaving and she was talking to another lady as they were leaving and as envy was upon her she stopped talking and she stood in the doorway for bout 3 seconds and a look on her face as if something had took her breath away.breath taking.....good stuff

I'll admit that it smells good, but also quite generic. JHIVAGO 7 ELEMENTS is a much better choice for a men's woody oriental. Envy is missing something that would make it wonderful instead of just nice. Actually, most of the Gucci scents seem to suffer the same fate.

The color is very correct for what you get. Intense cedarwood and assorted spices, very well-composed. Criminally inexpensive, I try to wear this as much as I can. It doesn't really project as a 'sensual' fragrance on me, but it does satisfy my taste for odd woody scents.

An unabashedly masculine scent; woody and musky; if you are looking for androgyny, this is not the juice for you. But lingering notes of sweetness and spice keep the masculinity from becoming overbearing. It's dominated by the woodsy notes, in a way that is simultaneously comforting and mysterious. This has frequently been coined a scent for seduction, and although that's true, it's a "making love by the fireplace all night" seduction and not a "groping in da club" seduction. Classily sexy. Probably too much so for an everyday scent, but it could work in a fairly formal office environment. Two non-scent factors that also work in its favor: first, it costs comparably little $$$. Second, unlike some of the other popular "name" scents, this one has not achieved anything near market saturation and you won't find five other guys wearing it wherever you go. One of my favorites.

I like it, but the more woody and mature Guccis win out for me. Does that make me an old, sexless git?

It's very strong and very musky... maybe too much... but if you want to get noticed (and complimented) then Envy is for you.

OMG! After 8 years I finally grab a bottle! I somehow have become less bothered by it's smouldering, deep, velvety quality. I wonder what it is that makes it an attractant, a pheromone to women? Okay, this might be sacrilege, but I think it would've been in my top 10 if there was a sweet vanillic note in the mix. Regardless, the incense note makes it quite the frag to wear in my impetuous days.

My personal favorite, and by a long shot! It's pure sex appeal! Warm, inviting, comforting, assured, manly and sweet enough... I love it!!!

One of my absolute favorites. Spicy with vanilla and sandalwood. Lasts all day and stays pleasant the whole way through. One of my top 5 of all time.

A scent meant for seduction, other men will evny you when they see the attention the fairer sex will bestow upon the wearer of this magnificent creating. Very rich and deep smell, the initial blast did nothing for me but when the incense and patchouli came out, I saw the appeal. Deserves a place in every man's wardrobe.

Sexy beast of a scent! Envy is for a night in-- a wild night in. I get lots of amber, cedar, some spice. Envy dries very musky on me. It is refined with a carnal edge. Envy would be great for a night at the clubs, too. I don't like the 80's/Bauhaus/whatever bottle though, foul black glittered cap and green(yeah, envy, I understand)juice. Boo Tom! A matte black monolith-style suits Envy better.

Envy is a unique feeling, because everyone feels it but noboby is brave enough to admit it!

So this is a scent for the brave men, not for the shy! I've worn it for about two years during my campus days and got always compliments, specially from girls!
I like very much the spicy opening rush through which appears the lustful ylang-ylang, incense and patchouli heart: now you're in the eye of the storm and heads turn around guessing who smells so damn' sexy!
Then the storm turns into a warm wind lingering on your skin, leaving an everlasting deep masculine cedarwood note embossed by animal hints of musk and a balsamic touch of opoponax.
Also the package is essencial but precious, modern but classy; it seems to be done to perfectly fit a man's hand and the green-black color matching it's really intriguing and emphasises the juice.

One of the best ever made!!! Is pure love!

I guess i have to join the bandwagon here. What can i say, it just smells so damn good... And it lasts.. and lasts... and lasts....

Did you get my point here?

A nod to Basenotes members for my leap of blind faith in ordering this cologne. Well, that and a very reasonable price online for 1.7 oz. Personally, I love it. Perhaps my new favorite scent. Wasn't overly impressed on first whiff (considering the circumstances, I was happy to not be offended) but after drydown it took my heart. Warm and sensuous this scent. Is on the "loud" side when you first spray it on, but it mellows out to a consistent and long lasting, but smooth impact. The several allusions to this being "sex" in a bottle have warrant if you ask me. It doesn't simply make me feel sexier, but exudes it. One problem for me, however, is that my wife doesn't like it! She says she smells a "pine needle" note going on though I nor anyone else that has critiqued it agrees. She says it's not Polo level pine (which we both hate) but there nonetheless. Perhaps it's the cedar in it...The cardamom? Not going to slow me down much on wearing this fragrance regardless. Call it olfactory adultery, if you will. But I'm in love, and everyone else that's ever near me likes it also.

Everyone loves it, including me. Nothing to add than just that it smells really good. Great longevity as well. Buy!
MMM

Wonderful fragrance that posts a pleasing aroma around my body. Deffinately a keeper and if you don't have it yet, what are you waiting for?!

Wow, this one is so smooth, sparkly, and fresh! It's in the same fragrance note category of Versace L'Homme, but brighter. It is so pleasant and draws compliments, for sure. Sexy and suave, Envy rock! ;-)

Very pleasant oriental in an Eighties groove. It starts out in the same ambery way Perry Ellis for Men (original) would, then it evolves into a drydown very, very akin to Obsession's. Envy is more powdery though, maybe a bit more refined and complex, with a balancing bitterness to its core.

I can't seem to gather as many positive things to say as others about this. Just not what I want in a fragrance. But if others love it - go for yours.

I just bought this one yesterday and immediately put it to use. I wore it to work and immediately received compliments from two female co-workers. When they asked what I was wearing they marveled at the name, "Envy." Just saying it, sounds sophisticated.

Perhaps the finest fragrance ever created for a man, bar none. Every time I take a whiff it's like....."Wow". So smooth and the drydown is to die for. For every kid out there whos ready to graduate from the young generation fragrances like Curve or Tommy, this should be their first choice. Never have a negative comment from a woman when I wear it. Long live the king, long live ENVY!

A fragrance for the ages. Classic yet timely. This is an adult males fragrance. Not for a kid attempting to be a man. I don't 'seek' compliments yet when this is worn they are never-ending. Classic, manly enduring fragrance. Well shaped packaging system. I recommend this to all men.

Very classy. The sweet cedary finish screams for an evening at a fancy restaurant. Pure sophistication and romance. Easy on the trigger though, it's potent.