Van Cleef & Arpels 1989 EDP

M ££ Acquired

Tsar

by Philippe Bousseton

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Van Cleef & Arpels Tsar is an Eau de Parfum launched in 1989, created by Philippe Bousseton. Tsar opens with Green Notes, Bergamot, Neroli, and Lavender, settles into a heart of Caraway, Pine, Rose, and Jasmine, and dries down to a base of Musk, Leather, Amber, and Cedar. Van Cleef & Arpels's Tsar carries an Acquired verdict, a green-led wear.

This one's a proper cult classic, loved by many for its timeless masculine elegance. The hype surrounding its discontinuation and re-release drama is real, so grab a vintage bottle if you can, but don't break the bank for it.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Classic
  • Confident
  • Sophisticated
  • Elegant
  • Clean
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Tsar 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
Moderate
Intensity
Strong

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Spring Fall Winter

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

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal
Also Works:
Office Casual

Its classic, sophisticated character, with moderate projection and excellent longevity, makes it suitable for formal settings and dates without being overpowering. It's too refined for sport and could be a bit much for a casual office environment, though some find it clean enough for daily wear.

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
  • Lavender Lavandula Hybrida Oil from Lavender
  • Neroli Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Oil from Neroli
  • Rose geranium Pelargonium Graveolens Oil from Geranium
  • 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

Tsar opens with a bracing blast of green, aromatic notes - think lavender, rosemary, and pine - reminiscent of a dense, verdant forest. As it settles, a sophisticated heart of florals like carnation and lily of the valley emerges, softened by a hint of caraway. The dry down is a rich, mossy embrace of oakmoss, leather, and cedar, grounded by earthy patchouli and a whisper of coconut, creating a deep, complex, and enduring aroma.

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Compare & Pair

Layer

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

Complement

Round out the rotation. See what complements Tsar 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.