Balmain Beauty 1979 EDP

F ££ Acquired

Ivoire de Balmain

by Michel Hy , Francis Camail

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Balmain Beauty Ivoire de Balmain is an Eau de Parfum launched in 1979, created by Michel Hy and Francis Camail. Ivoire de Balmain opens with Marigold, Bergamot, Lemon, and Mandarin, settles into a heart of Neroli, Rose, Jasmine, and Iris, and dries down to a base of Musk, Amber, Sandalwood, and Vetiver. Balmain Beauty's Ivoire de Balmain carries an Acquired verdict, a green-led wear.

This is a divisive classic that evokes intense passion, both good and bad. Many rave about its timeless elegance, while others find its sharp, green character challenging. Definitely a 'try before you buy', this isn't a safe blind purchase.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Classic
  • Elegant
  • Sophisticated
  • Bold
  • Clean
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Ivoire de Balmain Eau de Parfum bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend

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
Long (6-10h)
Projection
Strong
Intensity
Strong

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Spring Fall
Also Works:
Winter

Built for the cooler edges of the year - autumn and spring pair best.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Formal
Also Works:
Date

Given its strong sillage and remarkable longevity, Ivoire is best reserved for formal events or evening wear where its complex character can be appreciated. While some find it suitable for a classy office scent, its powerful presence might be too much for daily casual settings.

Declarable allergens

We derive these from the materials behind this fragrance's notes, not from the bottle. Each one is likely, not confirmed. The list is partial - the box can name others.

In standard patch-test panels

Other declarable allergens

  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Bitter orange peel Citrus Aurantium Amara Peel Oil from Neroli
  • Neroli Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Oil from Neroli
  • Sandalwood Santalol from Sandalwood
  • Synthetic musk Hexamethylindanopyran from Musk
  • Vanillin from Vanilla
  • Ylang-ylang Cananga Odorata Flower Extract from Ylang-Ylang

The large name is the everyday one. The small name is the INCI form on the box, so you can compare the two. Reactions differ between people. A patch-test panel is not a ranking of risk. How we derive this

About

Ivoire de Balmain opens with a bracing blast of aldehydes and green galbanum, brightened by bergamot and lemon. Herbal chamomile and marigold add an intriguing twist, leading to a complex heart of powdery orris and lush florals like rose and jasmine, spiced gently with nutmeg and pepper. The drydown settles into a rich, earthy chypre base of oakmoss, vetiver, and patchouli, softened by amber and a hint of vanilla, creating a sophisticated and enduring aura.

Similar

Compare & Pair

Layer

Wear two at once. See what layers well with Ivoire de Balmain Eau de Parfum - the blends worth trying, and how each one scores.

Complement

Round out the rotation. See what complements Ivoire de Balmain Eau de Parfum - fragrances that pair with it, worn side by side.

Where to buy

Prices for the United Kingdom ·

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