Van Cleef & Arpels 2012 EDP

F ££ Acquired

First Intense

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Van Cleef & Arpels First Intense is an Eau de Parfum launched in 2012. First Intense opens with Bergamot, Grapefruit, and Mandarin, settles into a heart of Jasmine, Iris, Mimosa, and Frangipani, and dries down to a base of Vanilla and Praline. Van Cleef & Arpels's First Intense carries an Acquired verdict, a fresh-led wear.

This one is divisive, a love-it-or-hate-it affair. Expect a powerful blast of vintage florals and a praline kick that some find intoxicating, others overwhelming. Definitely a 'less is more' situation.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Bold
  • Classic
  • Sensual
  • Romantic
  • Mysterious
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First Intense 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

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

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal

Its long-lasting nature and strong sillage, as noted by community reviews, make it less suitable for office or sport. The rich, bold floral and gourmand notes are better suited for special occasions like dates or formal events, where its intensity can shine without overwhelming.

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.

Declarable under EU Annex III

  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • 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

First Intense opens with a bright, zesty trio of bergamot, grapefruit, and mandarin, quickly making way for a rich, opulent floral heart. Lush jasmine, powdery iris, and honeyed mimosa intertwine with creamy frangipani. The dry down introduces a gourmand twist with warm vanilla and a decadent praline, adding depth and sweetness to the classic floral blend.

Similar

Compare & Pair

Layer

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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

Prices for the United States ·

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