Reviews of Dior Homme (2005)
by Christian Dior

The oak moss and leather which are commonly works as base notes meets us in the opening in a surprising way. then comes the powdery iris sealed with a hint of joyful cardamom and lavender. I think it is a very nice fragrance. It smells very homme and very home to me as my husband uses it for the last three years. I am a kind of person that gets bored of many popular fragrances before the end of the bottle comes but this is not such a simple fragrance. If it is not worn recently, I sometimes find myself asking "what is this you are wearing?"

If this became a classic, I'd be very surprised. It's among the more expensive fragrances in this country, and Dior products are more exclusively marketed than in the past, so it might have some snob value. Otherwise I think it's feminine, strongly reminiscent of lipstick or a make-up bag...yes, intensely so. What interests me is that it's said to hinge on a pronounced iris note. I also believe iris oil(?) is expensive, so perhaps that justifies the higher price. BTW you won't find many bargains of this one on eBay. I don't know about projection, but it seems to last well. It does interest me, and I've been known to be susceptible to suggestion, but for me the jury's still out on this juice. I might eventually buy it simply because it's a bit odd and it might raise a few eyebrows when a man wears this.

This reminds me of Bach's Art of the Fugue in its baroque darkness and complexity. I get a lot of iris, tonka, cedar, and vetiver (in that order) after the vaguely fruity opening, although the iris and tonka seems to exchange places in terms of dominance depending on the day.

Like the Art of the Fugue, this isn't for everyone. It isn't even for me all the time, but it's a unique and worthwhile addition to my wardrobe; I can't imagine getting bored of a fragrance this enigmatic.

Who needs one more review of Dior Homme?

If you think you do, here's my take on it: This was an unusual scent for men when it first came out. It seemed a bit too powdery, too floral, too sweet. Yet it made an instant hit in a big way, and other designer fragrances for men began to feature iris in imitation of it. I know this isn't for everyone but let's face it: "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."

Having said that, let's look at the composition. Iris: powdery; lavender: herbal-floral; cacao and amber: sweet. But also, sage: green; bergamot: green-citrus; cardamom: spicy; vetiver and patchouli: woody; and leather. There is a lot of balance for the powdery, sweet, and floral notes. I believe that balance, along with the novelty of this kind of offering as a mainstream men's scent, is what made it a success.

I wear it and like it; sometimes I think I like the even more reviled (and to my nose drier) Lanvin Arpège pour Homme even better. Both of these bring iris (orris root) back out of exile from men's perfumery; they set the clock back to 16th century Tuscany and made iris a men's note again. That wasn't easy. Others had been trying, mostly niche houses and "edgy"noses. This was the one that broke through to the larger market.

I love it. It smells of spring. Nice and floral but yet masculine and clean.

This review is under revision.

I used both Dior Homme and Dior Homme Intense(I don't think this one is being sold in the US at the moment), and let me tell you I love them both. So sophisticated and gentleman-like. It is for the guy who doesn't care what others would think of him necessarily, yet still wants to make a bold and significant statement about himself. It is not one of those Acqua di Gio/D&G Light Blue clones out there: it is quite unique.

Heavy iris, and lavender notes at the top, slightly feminine for an opening, I'll admit. Yet the gorgeous green vetiver balances it so perfectly, that it turns into a dry, airy, at the same time, intriguing scent. Iris is very strong, so it is not for the faint of heart. It was unlike anything I smelt before, so I had to have it. One must be confident with his sexuality with this one. But there is absolutely no way this could be a woman's fragrance anyways: vetiver is too strong to my nose for it to ever be one. Dior Homme Intense feels slightly more powdery, and with heavier lavender notes all around this time. But they are pretty much the same scent, as they should be.

Not only is it unique, but also very elegant and refined. Women go crazy for it, yet it is not just that. I know many guys who feel very comfortable wearing it. It completely surrounds your body, gives it a warm dryness, and dangerously extravagant flower notes. I will say though, it is more suitable for a younger crowd. Must test before buying, yet with a scent this unique, I wonder why one would have any doubts.

yum yum yummo. This is the scent for the year i reckon. A bit on the expensive side but it is definitely worth the extra $30. Stay relatively long - 8 hours possible. The "powdery" scent does stick but it is not sickly overpowering type, just the subtle whiffing type. If you like this, should try JPG Fleur Du Male. Good Good!

This is my everyday - everywhere scent. Everyday someone comments on it - mainly women but how is that a bad thing??? :)

I think it is one of the most unique scents on the market atm.

If your fear of lipstick is preventing you from buying this cologne, then sample it next time you are out. The lipstick is a fleeting annoyance, but the drydown is a thick suede. Very manly once the lipstick rubs off....

By virtue of his character, this fragrance an UNISEX Villoresi could be a perfume even, he is something with a sonorous Italian name. For this Italian expression something it would be necessary to paraphrase concepts like that, than pl*: Opera, theatre, luxury, elegance, cleanness, make-up, gentlemanly dame…stb.
Well-known that Dior house was never famous for his restrainment, namely dresses than fragrance casewise. (Not chance that Yves Saint Lauren Dior went to a workshop, and back lo….Opium)
Well, disappointment was not caused with this fragrance.
The designer of the fragrance (Olivier Polge) that let me say it in that manner undertook a whacking risk, believes this fragrance was intended for men definitely, there is not a back altogether exactly simply his alley the „masculin” to a line.
This fragrance was characterize already in that manner than iris intended for men but is who keeps it on a straight for a female fragrance, believes composing with noble simplicity, the fragrance of this perfume, totally identical the lipstick, or the make-up with the powdered fragrance of the content of a bag. He managed to attain the proper provocative character again according to my opinion henceforth.
Already the fragrance opening the customary fresh, citrous than generally in the case of most perfumes. In the head fragrance sage and lavender ripples, that some bergamot follows with mild jarring, that the clear amber gives only a blunt light rather colour for a first fragrance wave. The heart a fragrance opens prompt quasi, and intensifies this blunt light, lays a creamy consistence underneath, and this deep amber away starts outward to radiate with most strong intensity.
The catalyst of this strength the ambergris and iris and the masterful mixture of the cocoa, providing a most special characteristic to the heart fragrance. Quasi to feel as soon as the thick, a deep creamy chord releases the powdered shining harmonies.
The even deeper basis, which takes it prisoner, nourishes this superb harmony long the face-powder notes. The vetiver and leather, or the patchouli giving the dry character of the fragrance the perfect structure of the fragrance is kept steady.
For me yes hit fragrance, I will use it often!

Reading the last reviews, I noted a bit of controversy related this fragrance and I realized my opinion on it was slightly controversial the first time I smelled it. But aren't all unique or rare things controversial?
I remember that the first time I smelled this scent, I didn't enjoy it much. Like it didn't stand out to me for some reason, besides the neat looking bottle, but after I left the store and went on through the mall I couldn't stop smelling my wrist. I have to say, I'm sorry I didn't go back and buy a bottle for my fiance.
It's unique in it's way and I didn't find it feminine like it was suggest before, but as a man you must have a degree of self-confidence to wear it. The scent itself is rather attractive due to the warmth it has. Even though the initial smell is powdery and sweet and the masculine notes are subtle.
The only downside I see about it, is the fact that it doesn't last very long, but still it's a smooth and classy, but complex scent that I found lovely.
And here it is... My first review.

I love this. For some odd reason it reminds me of art class in primary school. Like a mix between Prang Water Colour Paint, crayons, pencils, and freshly made paste on construction paper. It sparks the notion of creativity and wonder. Fascination and desire. Calm and innocence. In a word, it reminds me of . . . Art

A remarkably formal offering from the house of Dior, yet by no means staid or starched. A very distant, aloof sort of frag, with a strange but intriguing iris heart layered with rich gourmand scents above.

Superbly blended frag, with none of the commonplace, boring "aquatic" and "fresh" notes one sees in nine-tenths of all mainstream frags introduced these days. Still, I don't know that Dior Homme will soon be on my wish list. I have enough formal frags as it is, and think I shall just stand back and admire this one. It's the sort of frag I'll spritz on when I go to a Sephora, but not a huge priority for me right now. Now Jules, on the other hand . . .

I didn't warm up to this fragrance easily, but have grown to really appreciate its subtlety and warmth. It's a good everyday fragrance that harmonizes with almost any situation and circumstance. All of the notes are of the same value - pale whispers in a conversation that is dominated by a gentle iris which dominates until the leather drydown happens. The iris, cardamon, vetiver and lavendar are all mild participants in a subtle blend. A comforting iris/leather fragrance.

I completely agree with libertine. It's hard to stop smelling it once you've started.

Here's what I've gotten from it:
when I first tried it, it was a whirlwind of cotton candy and warm caramel. After about 10 minutes, I warmed up more and mellowed a bit. I caught notes of Givenchy Pi.. and actually the slightest touch of Emporio He (dunno where that came from). That progressed to smell a LOT like Lolita Lempicka (women's version).
It's been on for about an hour now and I think it's pretty much stabilized. It still has a lot of the musky vanilla of LL but less "in your face." I'm getting some of the bugspray qualities as well... but oddly, I kinda like it :)

Yes, I like it.. and yes, I'll probably have to buy it now. Very strong, very unique. Gimme Gimme

Dior Homme is my work scent. So different from most mens fragrances. It's very soft and powdery yet projects quite well. I wear it for work because i think it comes across as quite distinguished and smart. It's one of those addictive smells, once it's own i have to keep smelling myself. A winner!

Dior Homme is (in my opinion) destine to become a classic. It isn't nearly as sweet as most gourmands nor is it as feminine as most floral's. A distinct leather note blends perfectly with the iris and lavender. Dior Homme can very easily be classified as a "unisex" fragrance as it is one of my daughter's favorites. The drydown is amazing and one of a few colognes I over apply purposefully.

Many fragrances have specific applications...again, in my opinion, and I'd categorize Dior Homme as a "sensual/romantic" fragrance. I wouldn't wear it to a ball game with my buddies or to a closing of a sales agreement, but it lends itself much better to a "familiar lover" situation. Dior Homme is hardly "macho manly" as the likes of Bois du Portugal or Havana, but it is more of a "sensitive manly" which is suitable for intimately situations. I get a few wisps of the lipstick note, but I can't tell if it is from Dior Homme or from this kiss my girlfriend just placed on my cheek...either way, I don't mind. The perfect application would be a night at the symphony, the opera, a Broadway play or a fine restaurant dressed to the nines with a beautiful familiar lover.

I'm surprised they took so long to bring out a simple 'Pour Homme' scent. Dior tends to bring out quite over the top and powerful frangrances which can date, but this one is very chic and understated. With most of Dior's you can have a fun game of 'guess the decade' but this one is more subtle and could have been brought out any time (OK, not the 80s). The Mister said it smelled like wet silk and that's a very good way to describe the heart of it. It also settles and becomes a bit fruitier and warmer, settling well into the skin whilst still leaving a nice vapour for those you're sitting with. this is also something I've found with Addict Eau Fraiche 1. Not womanly, just not for hairy chested macho boys.

I really enjoyed this scent! The fragrance reminds me of a powdery lipstick scent. The bottle is very attractive, and the scent lasts for about 4-5 hours on me. Masculine, elegant, yet not too obnoxious.

OH MY VICIOUS EXAGERATE PASSIONS.
I FEEL LIKE I AM IN A SUPER EROTIC ATMOSPHERE.
I WANT TO BATH IN IT.
one of the finest scents I've ever smelled.

One of those love it or hate it frags that usually evokes a powerful response, it's rare to find someone just indifferent about it. I don't think this is as feminine as other reviewers have suggested, nor as challenging. Really, you need the right attitude (i.e. comfortable self-confidence) more than anything else to pull it off right. You don't need to be iggie pop or whatever the guy below said.
It's kind of a gourmand, kind of not. I smell the cocoa as others have remarked, but basically, once it settles down it smells like fine leather, vanilla and florals. It does bear a passing resemblence to cosmetics or maybe lipstick (maybe also a fine liquor) but on closer scrutiny the fine details (should) evoke different images. In any case, in all the (numerous) compliments I've received from women they themselves have never mentioned any such analogies. A couple things... 1. don't over-apply or you WILL get teary eyed and nautious, 2. I really don't understand at all what these people are saying about poor longevity, honestly, more than 3-4 or so sprays is too much, no exaggeration, if it is a proper bottle a good application should last most of the day. Classy, and rather unique.

I LOVE it! Two Thumbs up

"Fine" is the first word that comes to mind. Silky. Smooth. Delicate.

Round. Fragile. Charming.

A scent that murmurs soft sophistication.

I have to agree, somewhat solemnly, that after reading some of the references to makeup bag smells, I made that connection with Dior Homme as well.

That said, thankfully, it is not enough to put me off this most excellent fragrance! This stuff has quality written all over it. The sillage is wondrous and I feel very nice and sated when I wear it.

The longevity can be a problem, from experience, and the first time I wore it, it disappeared from my wrist within a few (3) hours. However, later on that evening, I continued to get the amazing drydown of Homme more than eight hours after! I cannot explain it, but longevity is no longer a problem for me at this point.

Love this one wholeheartedly! High marks indeed.

I fell in love with this one the minute I tried it, and I still love it. Really elegant and classy, and can be worn at any occasion. It even lasts long. My new all-time favorite! The only downside is that it might be a bit heavy for some people.

This will be the third time I post a review on Dior Homme, and I return only because I have finally settled upon the perfect word, that has escaped me before. Some frags have a "texture", in addition to their smell, and Dior Homme is one of them. Dior Homme, once that zingy iris blast has cleared, feels "sueded". I'm not sure there is actually leather in there, sometimes I smell it, others I don't, but nevertheless, every time I sniff Dior Homme, I think of an off-white, stone-colored suede. Take from that what you will.

On another note, though I disagree with him, the very best review on this page is good_life's.

An adventurous scent for men. Powdery, floral but with 'masculine' notes in the dry down. Without masculine notes it would be Flowerbomb (Viktor&Rolf). I see that Olivier Polge is responsible for both- a laboritory accident perhaps? It could be perceived as either a suave gentlemen's fragrance or the smell of an older lady's bathroom. Having said that, as a younger guy I find myself wearing it with reckless abandon with a suit to weddings etc....

To me the iris is faint compared with the cocoa and lavender. On a bloke on the bus I smelt orange / bergamot? I love this frag but find it short lived and close to the skin. So its perfect for a night in with the lady in your life then. Maybe curled up next to a log fire...with a cup of cocoa to share between you.

I have come to like this scent more and more. Warm, rich, incredibly smooth, classy, and just a touch gourmand, but not so much as to be foody in the least. Not really an iris scent IMO, but does have an iris note. Lasts a long time, but does not develop much. It does project a lot, but it's sort of a warm, enveloping sillage that slowly fills the space. One of the most pleasant fragrance encounters I have had was smelling Dior Homme on a gentleman in a hotel lobby in Sweden. Very nice.

When smelled it for the first time it didn't give me a good first impression, as the top note was earthy like a dead flower (due to the iris), but later it turned to sweeter notes, like sugar or caramel, in a powdery way. Soft, not intrusive and classic, I imagine it would be suitable for office, daytime and evening use, for someone who wants to project a more mature, elegant image.

i recently bought a bottle of d i o r homme, the smallest version (it's such a long lasting fragrance, that 50 ml is more than enough), and let me tell u that dior is dior and will always be dior... ever since i tried it for the first time, it immediately jumped in my top 3 (which, by the way is: nemo - cacharel, obsession - calvin klein and now, d i o r homme)
the blend of ingredients is breathtaking.. i dont't have anything to compare it to, except maybe for a*men, or envy for men. the category is the same, but d i o r is unique. by the way, the middle of may, and i wear it with no problem whatsoever.
this will become a classic!

It is indeed very subtle. I don't find it to be very fem, just a little sweet and edible. I love the lavender...it seems to offset some of the potential cloying qualities of the caramel/chocolate heart and base. When i wear it, I feel classy and calm.

In my opinion, one of the finest scents I've ever smelled. Very complex and subtle. Opens with a powdery burst of sweet and slightly smoky spices which I believe is Iris, Cocoa and Cardamom. Reminds me slightly of caramel too. Akin to walking into an exotic bakery. Slowly dries down to a sugary, leather note. Lasts all day. Bottle and atomizer are fantastic too. Bottle has some great straight lines and atomizer includes a metal tube that flows down through the flacon. Brilliant and unique!

I don't knwo what is is... The smooth caramel, the gentle, perfect iris scent... But somehow, Dior Homme has managed to get the smell and feeling of freshly washed silk sheets, and all the sexy erotic imagery that entails, and bottled it. It's great. I like it. Girls like it.

Very interesting opening: the sage and lavender contrast—almost conflict—with each other, but they work it out, and, helped by the iris and bergamot, settle into a nicely structured delicate accord. I’m not yet sure what to make of these top notes—I find them original, and I like them for that reason alone, but I suspect I will soon come to love the opening for its own sake. By the time the middle notes open up fully with the iris, cocoa, and amber, I’m totally loving it. These heart notes are superb (if not original)—they are rich, warm, and sensual—the iris is stellar. The iris and cocoa are gradually reduced as the scent moves into its base. There is a subtle transition to a long lasting base of leather, patchouli, and vetiver that is fully equal in quality to the rest of the fragrance. Rich, full, somewhat edgy accords in an elegantly structured fragrance, I hope Dior Homme foreshadows what is to come in designer offerings.

*Dior Homme*, a well-mannered, immaculately groomed, impeccably dressed svelte Frenchman in a modish, sharp, well-fitted, light grey wool suit and the lightest of pink shirts, open neck, of course. A Frenchman you could spend the whole day with and never be at cross-purposes over anything. You would marvel at the the civility, the élan, the assuredness, the intellectuality, and you would say to yourself, ah Christian!, what a friend to have, indeed.

I personally love this although thus far I have only smelled it once on a card. The cocoa is not overdone and is merely peeking aroung the corner at the iris, leather, and woods. It is the perfect fragrance for those who do not like gourmnads like myself because as I said, the cocoa is hardly noticeable but just enough to add some sexiness. The slight powder note is not overdone either. Overall, the fragrance is classy, elegant, and comforting. I think I will order some today.

It looks classy, smells classy!

Two thumbs up! A bold and daring iris fragrance for men and it managed to remain masculine. This is probably my favorite powdery sweet fragrance with a floral bite. It also smells really classy, definitely not for t-shirt and jeans, i think it suits really well in the professional business environment. This has quickly climbed on the top of my list.

Dior's latest release was a pleasant surprise. The sweetness of this fragrance might not be for everyone. The caramel middle notes, and the leather lurking in the background is somewhat reminiscent of Dzing! However, the lack of complexity and sillage makes it, at best, a poor man's substitute for L'Artisan's masterpiece. Nevertheless, I will recommend this well-made scent.

I couldn't believe how much I thought this smelled like (wait for it) lipstick when I first encountered it. However, it wears very well and the floral quality, while not something I look for in a man's fragrance, is wonderfully refreshing.

I had to really wear this scent a few times before deciding if I actually liked it. I've decided that for me...it's a thumbs up. But I can understand why it may not be to everyone's liking. For me...it's a soft, but lingering, fresh, warm scent that is solid through and through. It's worth a try! Joshaugustt

my new love, every inch the masculine iris ive beeen looking for. tried MPG's iris bleu gris, which was good,but came away as too grey flannelly, mossy and dry. ditto creeds green irish tweed, which was actually unwearbly bad. i love this new dior because i feel its watershed moment for mens scent, a new direction. soft sweet dry leathery & medicinal. cocoa, leather & iris. phenomenal packaging too BRAVO Hedi Slimane! WOW WOW WOW

One of the classiest fragrances I have ever worn. It has flowery and fruity notes somewhat reminiscent of Hanae Mori and Issey Miyake, but it also has a distinct musty note as opposed to the fresh and clean notes of the above 2 scents. As a result it is more dark and classly than fresh and upbeat. A great, slightly more formal alternative to floral and fruity scents. Great longevity.

The first couple of times I smelled this, I did not like it. But it has certainly grown on me, and the longevity is absolutely incredible, nearly 20 hrs on one occaision! A nice, not overly sweet scent.

Very good cologne - best of 2005 year releases for me. Heavenly iris with herbs on top - but to prolong its beauty one must spray over ones dress, not on skin. For iris I`d go for Bois d`Iris by The Different Company.
Understated, muted fragrance for formal wear. Pity - from heart to base it is just neutral sweet, close to skin and almost-nothing-to-say-about scent.

I think the comparison with Gucci PH is accurate inasmuch that the design aims to make the same statement (unashamedly "old money" shape and message of unapologetic elitism and general arrival in life), and also because of the woody-sweet tones. The similarity probably stops here: Gucci PH is very bold, unforgettable, trend-setting, and the smoky tone in the topnote, melting into whiskey-brandy hints, is a very unusual solution. This CD, meanwhile, is classy, it is well-balanced, but it lacks a hook which separates monumental scents from merely very good ones. This one is merely a very good scent.
(Andrius Uzkalnis)

i havent smell the fragrance but ive seen the advertisment an the model is yummy i would grab his ass and do so many things with him that at the end he would have his own aroma. if someone knows his name email me at linda_rodriguez123@gotmail.com pleaseeeeee!!!

UNDOUBTEDLY the most expressive Dior scent I've ever encountered for men! I couldn't stand the thought of being without this scent for the rest of my life, I bought two 100 ml bottles! After smelling the daring and ethereal quality of it's iris absolute note, the rest of the drydown is sensual, sophisticated, and of incense-like quality reminiscent of Amouage Dia. Floriental? Gourmand? Perfection, right down to the steel tube within the bottle.

This is a sure hit! Lighter than Black Code by Armani but just as gorgeous for the nose. I love how it smells elegant and powdery but not overwhelming like Bvlgari Blv.

To me, this is an EDT version of Flowerbomb. They almost smell identical to me. Flowerbomb is just stronger and more potent than this. The iris is very pronounced and lovely. Dior Homme is a very classy and very feminine fragrance for men and hopefully it will be the catalyst for a better variety amoung mens fragrances.

I like this scent a lot..... It has some candy-note..kinda like Thierry Muggler's scent...but not too exxagerated....

All in all a sweet scent....smells nice right away..unlike scents that have to evovle over some time before smelling decent...

The smell itself isn't too powerful.....and therefore not causing me headache.......which a lot of scents do (on me at least)

At the moment this is my facvourite scent...

I agree with those who find a similarity between Dior Homme and HM. I believe that both have tonka bean in the base. I wasn't sure I would like Dior Homme - so many contradictory things have been written about it already - but the scent on a strip really intrigued me; the initial soft iris note has a powdery, dry aspect which doesn't say *floral*, precisely, but it's very intriguing. I disagree that this could be a feminine fragrance, though. The tobacco-and-leather quality is subtle, but it's there, and it takes Dior Homme out of the feminine range, at least for me. Dior Homme strikes me as a highly integrated fragrance, as well. I have a little bit of trouble picking out individual notes in its composition. To some this will mean it lacks development, but I don't need a cologne to be linear or to have all its "parts" identifiable. The combination of lavender, leather and something smoky is warm and beguiling, and that's enough. I think there might be a little too much of the tonka bean; it becomes noticeably sweet if applied heavily. For the most part, though, it stay pretty close to the skin - in a good way.

Very nice woody fragrance on par with Gucci PH. Definitely a lot of depth to this one as well as sillage. The drydown is something worth waiting for.

One of the best releases in the last year or so.

A softer more refined version, at least to my nose, of Hanae Mori Edt. I seem to be the only one who thinks so but ??? It is definitely worth a try. The drydown is very nice...don't wash it off...give it a good 15-20 minutes to make a decision....enjoy!

As far as I know, this is the first men's fragrance to use iris as a significant note. It may seem a little flowery in the opening but dries down to a rich, warm fragrance that is like nothing else on the market. This has replaced Michael by Michael Kors as the fragrance whihc makes women ask me, "What is that wonderful smell?" Not for everyone – thankfully – but I'm hooked.

Already a big success in my home country, I can easily see why. Dior Homme just oozes quality. Everything from the flawless packaging and perfect bottle design to the dry iris/cocoa, powdery ambigous yet classic blend has obviously been overseen by Hedi Slimane personally. The man knows what he's doing. Just try Dior Homme and you'll understand.