
Givenchy Pi is a popular fragrance for men, first released in 1998 or 1999. It has top notes of mandarin orange, tarragon, rosemary, and basil, middle notes of anise, neroli, geranium, and lily-of-the-valley, and base notes of vanilla, almond, tonka bean, benzoin, and cedar. Givenchy Pi is described as a sweet, oriental, woody fragrance. But is it suitable for summer wear?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Season | Works best in cold or mild weather in fall or winter. Can also be worn in the cooler months of spring and on summer nights. |
| Sillage | Moderate. Not a nightclub fragrance but can be detected from outside someone's personal space bubble. |
| Longevity | Long-lasting. Can be smelled on the skin for up to 12 hours or more. |
| Occasion | Suitable for date nights or close encounters. |
| Unisex | Marketed as a men's fragrance but considered unisex by some. |
| Notes | Mandarin Orange, Tarragon, Rosemary, Basil, Anise, Neroli, Geranium, Lily-of-the-Valley, Vanilla, Almond, Tonka Bean, Benzoin, and Cedar. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Givenchy Pi is a sweet-oriental, woody fragrance for men
- It has top notes of mandarin orange, tarragon, rosemary and basil
- It is long-lasting and suitable for cold or mild weather
- The vanilla base is not cloying, but some find it too strong for summer
- Pi Fraiche is a summer version of Givenchy Pi that is lighter and fresher

Givenchy Pi is a sweet-oriental, woody fragrance for men
While opinions vary on the suitability of Givenchy Pi for summer, it is generally considered a cold or mild-weather fragrance best suited for fall, winter, or cool spring days. Some reviewers mention that it can work for a summer night but may feel out of place during the day, especially in hot weather. The potential for a cloying or nauseating effect in the summer is noted, especially if the wearer is very active outdoors.
Givenchy Pi Fraiche is a summer version of the original fragrance, featuring the same bottle but with bright blue juice. It is described as a bit fresher and lighter, with toned-down base notes and a touch of menthol. Givenchy Pi Fraiche is considered a good alternative for those who found the original too strong or heavy for warm weather.
Givenchy Pi is a popular fragrance with a dedicated following, often described as a classic. It is known for its sweetness, which some find appealing, while others find it too cloying or synthetic. The fragrance has a unique character and is considered elegant, smooth, and long-lasting. Some reviewers note that it is a deep, thick, and masculine scent, while others perceive it as unisex, leaning towards the feminine side.
Overall, Givenchy Pi is a distinctive and memorable fragrance with a warm, sweet, and woody scent that projects well and lasts for several hours. While it may be too heavy for hot summer days, it can be suitable for cooler summer nights or indoor use. Givenchy Pi Fraiche offers a fresher and lighter interpretation of the original scent, making it a better option for those who prefer a summer alternative.
Sephora's Fragrance Samples: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products

It has top notes of mandarin orange, tarragon, rosemary and basil
Givenchy Pi is a men's fragrance that was launched in 1998. It has top notes of mandarin orange, tarragon, rosemary, and basil, which give it a fresh, herbal, and citrusy scent. The mandarin orange provides a hint of sweetness and freshness, while the tarragon and rosemary add a herbaceous and aromatic touch. The basil contributes to the fragrance's overall freshness and herbal character.
The combination of these top notes creates an initial impression that is bright, floral, and slightly sharp. The mandarin orange and tarragon work together to create a balanced blend, with the mandarin softening the sharpness of the tarragon. The rosemary enhances the herbaceous aspect, while the basil adds a subtle green layer. This blend of top notes is what gives Givenchy Pi its unique character and sets the tone for the rest of the fragrance.
The heart or middle notes of Givenchy Pi are anise, neroli, geranium, and lily-of-the-valley. These notes build upon the fresh and herbal foundation laid by the top notes, adding a touch of spice and floralcy. The anise contributes a hint of licorice, while the neroli provides a sweet and citrusy aspect. The geranium and lily-of-the-valley bring a soft, floral quality to the heart of the fragrance.
The base notes of Givenchy Pi are vanilla, almond, tonka bean, benzoin, and cedar. These notes provide depth and warmth to the fragrance, creating a sensual and inviting dry-down. The vanilla is a key player, adding a sweet and gourmand aspect that blends beautifully with the almond and tonka bean. The benzoin and cedar add a touch of exoticism and earthiness, rounding out the fragrance and giving it longevity on the skin.
Overall, the combination of top, middle, and base notes in Givenchy Pi creates a sophisticated and alluring scent that is perfect for those who appreciate a fresh, herbal, and slightly sweet fragrance. While some consider it more suitable for colder weather, others find it versatile enough to be worn year-round, especially in moderate climates or when spending time indoors.
Adding Fragrance to Glycerin Soaps: How Much Oil to Use?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

It is long-lasting and suitable for cold or mild weather
Givenchy Pi is a long-lasting fragrance that is suitable for cold or mild weather. Its longevity has been described as "monstrous", with wearers claiming to still be able to smell it on their skin 6 to 8 hours after application, and in some cases, even 12 hours later.
The fragrance is sweet, warm, and inviting, with a strong vanilla base. It is an oriental woody scent with top notes of mandarin orange, tarragon, rosemary, and basil, middle notes of anise, neroli, geranium, and lily-of-the-valley, and base notes of vanilla, almond, tonka bean, benzoin, and cedar. The vanilla and tonka bean notes are particularly prominent in the dry-down, providing a warm and sweet scent that is well-suited to colder temperatures.
While some consider Givenchy Pi to be a unisex fragrance, others find it to be more masculine due to its deep, thick, and woody character. It is a versatile fragrance that can be worn during the day or for a date night, although it may be too strong for hot summer days.
For those who find the original Givenchy Pi too heavy or strong, there is a summer version called Pi Fraiche. It is a bit fresher and lighter, with fruity top notes and a longer benzoin-vanilla drydown, making it a good alternative for warmer weather.
Sephora's Upcoming Fragrance Sale: When and What to Expect
You may want to see also
Explore related products

The vanilla base is not cloying, but some find it too strong for summer
Givenchy Pi is a popular fragrance for men, with a sweet-oriental scent. It was released in 1999, with notes of mandarin orange, tarragon, rosemary, basil, anise, neroli, geranium, lily-of-the-valley, vanilla, almond, tonka bean, benzoin and cedar. The vanilla base is a prominent feature of the fragrance, providing a warm and sweet scent.
While some people find the vanilla base of Givenchy Pi pleasant and not cloying, others may find it too strong for the summer months, especially if they are very active outdoors. The fragrance is often associated with colder weather, and some consider it too heavy for hot summer days. However, it can work for a summer night or in mild weather.
The perception of the vanilla base in Givenchy Pi varies among individuals. Some find it warm and inviting, while others may find it overwhelming in certain contexts. The fragrance has a strong initial projection but tends to become more of a skin scent after a few hours, with the vanilla note lingering.
Givenchy Pi Fraiche is a lighter version of the original fragrance, better suited for warmer weather. It has a longer benzoin-vanilla drydown, providing a rich, luscious vanilla scent without being cloying. This variation offers a good alternative for those who find the original Givenchy Pi too strong for summer.
Overall, while the vanilla base of Givenchy Pi is not cloying for some, it may be too intense for others during the summer, depending on personal preferences and the climate they live in. Givenchy Pi Fraiche could be a preferable option for those seeking a fresher and less intense vanilla fragrance for the warmer months.
Tom Ford's Fragrance Collection: A Comprehensive Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Pi Fraiche is a summer version of Givenchy Pi that is lighter and fresher
Givenchy Pi is a popular fragrance for men, with a sweet-oriental and woody scent. It was launched in 1998 or 1999 and is known for its long-lasting scent, with some reviewers stating that it can still be smelled on the skin up to 8 hours or even 12 hours after application.
While some wearers enjoy Givenchy Pi all year round, others consider it a winter fragrance. Some reviewers state that the vanilla base may be too strong for hot summer days, especially when spent outdoors. However, some reviewers say that it can be worn in the summer, especially if most of the day is spent indoors.
Givenchy's Pi Fraiche is a summer version of the original Pi fragrance. It has the same underlying scent but is lighter and fresher, making it more suitable for hot weather. The top notes are a little fruitier, and it has a longer benzoin-vanilla drydown with a touch of soft amber. The longevity of this fragrance is also impressive, with one reviewer stating that it lasted over 14 hours on their skin.
Pi Fraiche is a good alternative for those who found the original Pi too strong. It is harder to find than the original Pi, with some reviewers speculating that it may be a limited edition or even discontinued.
Explore Affordable Scents: Cheap Fragrances and Where to Find Them
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Givenchy Pi is best suited for cold or mild weather in the fall or winter. It can also work during the cooler months of spring and on summer nights, but it may feel out of place on hot summer days.
The top notes of Givenchy Pi are Mandarin Orange, Tarragon, Rosemary, and Basil.
The middle notes of Givenchy Pi are Anise, Neroli, Geranium, and Lily-of-the-Valley.
The base notes of Givenchy Pi are Vanilla, Almond, Tonka Bean, Benzoin, and Cedar.
Givenchy Pi is marketed as a men's fragrance, but some people consider it to be unisex.










































