Balenciaga 2011 EDP

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L'Essence

by Olivier Polge

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Balenciaga L'Essence is an Eau de Parfum launched in 2011, created by Olivier Polge. L'Essence opens with Green Notes and Violet Leaf, settles into a heart of Vetiver, Patchouli, and Violet, and dries down to a base of Cedar and Sandalwood. Balenciaga's L'Essence carries a Favourite verdict, a woody-led wear.

This green-violet delight is a divisive modern classic. Lovers consider it a sophisticated masterpiece, others find it too masculine or simply 'meh'. It's refined and understated, perfect for those who appreciate elegant green florals that challenge expectations.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Elegant
  • Clean
  • Sophisticated
  • Feminine
  • Modern
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L'Essence Eau de Parfum bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend
Topas listed
Green Notes50%
Violet Leaf50%
Heartas listed
Patchouli33%
Vetiver33%
Violet33%
Baseas listed
Cedar50%
Sandalwood50%

Top, heart and base are the brand's own listing, not a timing claim - the industry classifies a note by its character as much as by how fast it fades. Each curve here is modelled from that material's own volatility, so groups can overlap when a house lists long-lasting materials in its heart.

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Performance & Mood

Performance

Longevity
Moderate (4-6h)
Projection
Moderate
Intensity
Moderate

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Spring
Also Works:
Summer Fall

A warm-weather pick - at its best in spring and summer.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Office Casual
Also Works:
Date Formal

Its clean, fresh, and subtle sillage makes it highly suitable for office wear without being overpowering. While elegant enough for formal settings and versatile for casual outings, its understated nature might be too reserved for a lively date night.

Ingredients and allergens

We don't have this fragrance's ingredient list yet.

About

L'Essence opens with a fresh, crisp blast of green violet leaf, reminiscent of a rain-kissed forest floor. A powdery violet heart gently emerges, balanced by the earthy vetiver and robust cedar. The drydown settles into a sophisticated woody embrace of sandalwood and patchouli, retaining a cool, aquatic edge throughout.

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Complement

Two people, two scents: what sits well beside it when you each wear your own See what pairs well

Where to buy

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Drawn from community reviews and editor-reviewed before publishing on . See our methodology and disclosure policy.