Cartier 1981 EDP

M ££ Statement

Santos de Cartier

by Daniel Molière

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Cartier Santos de Cartier is an Eau de Parfum launched in 1981, created by Daniel Molière. Santos de Cartier opens with Bergamot, Neroli, Lavender, and Galbanum, settles into a heart of Vetiver, Geranium, Pepper, and Clove, and dries down to a base of Amber, Cedar, Sandalwood, and Patchouli. Cartier's Santos de Cartier carries a Statement verdict, a woody-led wear.

A divisive old-school classic, Santos de Cartier is an intoxicating blend of woody spice that some hail as a masterpiece of masculine elegance, while others find it dated, heavy, or just plain weird. It's a journey back to the 80s for better or worse.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Classic
  • Sophisticated
  • Bold
  • Warm
  • Luxurious
£77.68 at Notino 100ml Check price on → Check prices ↓
Santos de Cartier 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
Moderate (4-6h)
Projection
Moderate
Intensity
Moderate

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Fall Winter
Also Works:
Spring

A cold-weather scent - best worn in autumn and winter.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal
Also Works:
Casual

Its bold, warm, and spicy character makes it less suitable for the office and completely out of place for sport. However, its sophisticated and luxurious feel, coupled with often strong performance, makes it an excellent choice for formal events and colder weather dates.

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
  • Clove Eugenia Caryophyllus Flower Oil from Clove
  • Lavender Lavandula Hybrida Oil from Lavender
  • Lippia citriodora absolute from Lemon Verbena
  • Neroli Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Oil from Neroli
  • Rose geranium Pelargonium Graveolens Oil from Geranium
  • Sandalwood Santalol from Sandalwood
  • Vanillin from Vanilla

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

Santos de Cartier opens with a sharp, invigorating burst of juniper and basil, brightened by lemon verbena and neroli, undercut by a touch of galbanum's green bitterness. The heart unfolds into a rich, warm spice cabinet with prominent pepper, nutmeg, and clove, balanced by herbal geranium and clary sage, all resting on a bedrock of earthy vetiver. The drydown is a complex, luxurious blend of creamy sandalwood, cedar, and patchouli, softened by amber and a surprising, yet prominent, coconut note, with a hint of vanilla sweetness.

Similar

Compare & Pair

Layer

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

Complement

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

Where to buy

Prices for the United Kingdom · · checked 29 August

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