Estée Lauder 1988 EDP

F ££ Acquired

Knowing

by Harry Frémont

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Estée Lauder Knowing is an Eau de Parfum launched in 1988, created by Harry Frémont. Knowing opens with Green Notes, Rose, Tuberose, and Mimosa, settles into a heart of Pittosporum, Orange Blossom, Cedar, and Patchouli, and dries down to a base of Spicy Notes, Musk, Amber, and Sandalwood. Estée Lauder's Knowing carries an Acquired verdict, a green-led wear.

Seriously divisive yet utterly compelling, Knowing is a powerhouse chypre that demands attention. You'll either adore its unapologetic complexity or recoil from its 'old-school' punch; there's no middle ground here.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Bold
  • Confident
  • Sophisticated
  • Elegant
  • Classic
£45.95 at The Beauty Store 75ml Check price on → Check prices ↓
Knowing 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:
Fall Winter
Also Works:
Spring

Versatile across every season - no clear seasonal preference from wearers.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal

This fragrance is renowned for its beast-mode projection and longevity, making it less suitable for office wear where subtlety is often key. Its deep, complex, and luxurious chypre profile, coupled with strong performance, makes it perfect for formal events or a memorable date night.

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

  • Geraniol from Rose
  • Oakmoss Evernia prunastri extract from Oakmoss

Other declarable allergens

  • Bay laurel Laurus Nobilis Leaf Oil from Bay Leaf
  • Sandalwood Santalol from Sandalwood
  • Synthetic musk Hexamethylindanopyran from Musk

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

Knowing opens with a sparkling, aldehydic rush, quickly joined by rich rose and juicy plum, before settling into a deep, earthy heart of oakmoss, patchouli, and vetiver. Creamy sandalwood and a touch of civet in the base add warmth and a confident, animalic hum, creating a sophisticated and enduring aroma that's both clean and a bit wild.

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Compare & Pair

Layer

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

Complement

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

Where to buy

Prices for the United Kingdom · · checked 5 October

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