Anisha Riggs
Knowing by Estée Lauder is a Chypre-floral Eau de Parfum that was first released in 1988. It is a bold, sophisticated, and complex fragrance with notes of oakmoss, rose, patchouli, and spices. While some people find it old-fashioned, it has a dedicated following, with some considering it a piece of perfume history. If you're looking for perfumes similar to Knowing, you might want to try other Chypre fragrances, such as Scherrer, or rose-based perfumes like Coriandre, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, or Clinique Aromatics Elixir.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Released | 1988 |
| Perfumer | Elie Roger |
| Fragrance | Chypre-floral |
| Notes | Mossy rose, woody, soapy, spicy, medicinal, herby, earthy patchouli, spices, aldehydes, oakmoss, amber, cardamom, coriander, galbanum, white florals, mimosa, rose |
| Unisex | Yes |
| Price | Affordable |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Chypre-floral scent with oakmoss and rose
Chypre fragrances are characterised by an accord composed of citrus top notes, a middle centred on cistus labdanum, and a mossy-animalic set of base notes derived from oakmoss. Chypre perfumes fall into several classes according to their modifier notes, including leather, florals, fruits, and amber. The term 'chypre' is French for the island of Cyprus, where the raw materials for François Coty's original 1917 Chypre fragrance predominantly came from.
Oakmoss is an essential ingredient in Chypre perfumes, adding warmth, intensity, depth, and a sophisticated edge. Its aroma is multifaceted, with notes of earth, bitterness, wetness, mushrooms, wood, the sea, leather, and a hint of smoke.
Floral chypres, such as Knowing by Estée Lauder, are a style of Chypre fragrance. Knowing, released in 1988, is a supremely well-constructed scent. It is dry, mossy, green, and sharp, softening into a floral castile soap veil with a clean patchouli scent. It is a complex, sophisticated, and classy fragrance with a slight peppery side.
If you are looking for perfumes similar to Knowing by Estée Lauder, you might want to try other Chypre fragrances. Some examples of Chypre perfumes include:
- Miss Dior by Christian Dior (1947)
- Lagerfeld by Karl Lagerfeld (mid-1980s)
- Eau de Chypre by Guerlain (1840)
- Scherrer
- Nightingale by Zoologist
- Aristo Chypre by Coty
- Or de Moi by Coty
- Chypre Sublime by Floral Street
Choosing the Right Perfume Bottle: A Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Unisex fragrance
Knowing by Estée Lauder is a Chypre Floral fragrance for women that was launched in 1988. It is described as a "deep, woody fragrance with a European sensibility" and has top notes of rose, tuberose, mimosa, plum, pittosporum, and melon; middle notes of patchouli, cardamom, orris root, cedar, bay leaf, jasmine, orange blossom, lily-of-the-valley, and base notes of oakmoss, patchouli, civet, vetiver, spices, sandalwood, orris root, amber, and musk.
Despite being marketed as a fragrance for women, some reviewers describe Knowing as a unisex fragrance. One reviewer describes it as having a "great complex men's cologne from the 80's" vibe, recommending it for men as it "will open up well on men's skin". Another reviewer states that although they would not wear the perfume, they "could totally accept it on others", implying that the fragrance is unisex.
Knowing is often described as having a vintage, old-fashioned, or dated scent, reminiscent of the 1980s. Some reviewers mention that the scent is too strong, complex, and off-putting, while others praise its sophistication and timelessness.
If you are looking for a unisex fragrance with similar notes, you may want to explore other Chypre fragrances, as Knowing belongs to this family of fragrances. Chypre fragrances typically feature a blend of citrus, florals, spices, and musk or mossy notes. Here are some specific fragrances you may want to explore:
- Scherrer by Zoologist: Described as "lovely and not nearly as overwhelming" as Knowing.
- Nightingale by Zoologist: A sample of this fragrance can be obtained from Luckyscent.
- Tauer's Rose Chypre: Recommended for chilly, damp weather.
- Jean Couturier Coriandre
- Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
- Clinique Aromatics Elixir
- Clinique Wrappings
Shaking Perfume Bottles: Good or Bad?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Old-fashioned, sophisticated, and classy
Estée Lauder's Knowing is a sophisticated, classy, and well-constructed scent. It is a complex, mossy rose with soapy aldehydes, woody notes, and other florals. The fragrance is dry, sharp, and gently softening into a floral castile soap veil. It is a unisex fragrance that is affordable and accessible.
If you are looking for a similar scent, here are some options that are old-fashioned, sophisticated, and classy:
Tauer's Une Rose Chypre
This fragrance is quite old-fashioned and lovely, with a bitter, medicinal, and herby fragrance. It is worth trying if you like old-fashioned perfumes.
Grès by Cabochard
Grès by Cabochard is a classic fragrance that contains leather, giving it a slight "smoky" nuance. It is a sophisticated option for those who like a slight "cigarette smell" in their perfume.
Jo Malone London Wood Sage and Sea Salt
This fragrance is sophisticated and almost a universal crowd-pleaser. It has a refreshing and calming scent with underlying herbal woodsy notes.
Miss Dior
Miss Dior is a musky, spicy take on the classic floral. It includes floral notes, jasmine, mandarin orange, and peach, rounded out with patchouli and amberwood. It is a sophisticated option for those who like a bright, fresh perfume.
Le Labo's Santal 33
Santal 33 is a woody, unisex fragrance with delicate rose mingled with hints of cinnamon, patchouli, and sandalwood. It is an impactful yet not overpowering scent that exudes sophistication.
Alcohol and Perfume: Creating Different Strengths
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Similar to Scherrer and Zoologist's Nightingale
Scherrer and Zoologist Nightingale are two perfumes that are similar to Estee Lauder's Knowing. Knowing, released in 1988, is a chypre fragrance with a strong, complex, and sophisticated scent. It has notes of oakmoss, rose, and aldehydes, with a hint of spice and a dry, soapy veil.
Scherrer is a lovely alternative to Knowing, as it is less strong and complex, with a smoother and simpler scent. It belongs to the same family of chypre fragrances, which are characterized by their mossy, woody, and floral notes.
Zoologist Nightingale, launched in 2016, is a floral-fruity fragrance with top notes of saffron, bergamot, and lemon, heart notes of Japanese plum blossom, red rose, and violet, and base notes of oud, patchouli, sandalwood, moss, and white musk. It captures the onset of Japanese spring, inspired by the flowering plum trees and the songs of nightingales. Nightingale has a complex composition that is both desirable and emotional, with a special and poetic quality. While some may find it reminiscent of vintage perfumes, it is far from outdated, radiating a fresh, lively beauty.
Both Scherrer and Zoologist Nightingale offer unique interpretations of the chypre fragrance family, with their own distinct notes and stories. They provide sophisticated and elegant alternatives to Estee Lauder's Knowing, each with its own allure and complexity.
Giorgio Armani Si: A Sensual and Sophisticated Scent
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Woody, spicy, and medicinal
Knowing by Estée Lauder is a woody, spicy, and medicinal fragrance. It was created by perfumer Elie Roger and released in 1988. Knowing is a chypre fragrance, a family of perfumes characterised by a contrast between a citrus top note and a woody, mossy base. Knowing's top notes include coriander, cardamom, and galbanum, which give the fragrance its medicinal, forest-like quality. The heart notes of rose, mimosa, and white florals are complemented by earthy, woody notes of oakmoss, patchouli, and vetiver. The base notes of honey and musk add a warm, sweet finish to the fragrance.
The combination of bitter green notes and fruit in Knowing has been likened to cherry-flavoured cough drops, with a medicinal edge that lingers throughout the development of the scent. The fragrance has been described as complex and spicy-sour, with a strong "perfume" smell. Knowing has a long-lasting sillage and a half-life of days, making it a bold and powerful fragrance.
The woody notes in Knowing contribute to its refined, elegant character. The fragrance evokes images of antique wooden chests and moss-covered forest floors. The oakmoss note, in particular, adds a dry and dusty aspect to the scent, reminiscent of old-school chypres. Knowing has been described as a sophisticated and timeless fragrance, perfect for autumn and winter wear.
The spiciness of Knowing adds warmth and depth to the fragrance. The combination of spices and woody notes creates a rich, elegant aroma. The spices in Knowing include cardamom and coriander, as well as warm, gentle spices that provide a subtle hint of buttery sweetness. The spices blend harmoniously with the woody and medicinal aspects of the fragrance, resulting in a well-rounded and complex scent.
Knowing by Estée Lauder is a unique and memorable fragrance that combines woody, spicy, and medicinal elements. Its intricate blend of notes creates a sophisticated and refined aroma, making it a distinctive and captivating perfume.
Bella Hadid Perfume: Where to Buy the Scent
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Knowing by Estee Lauder is a Chypre-floral fragrance with notes of oakmoss, rose, patchouli, spices, and aldehydes. Other perfumes with similar notes include:
- Scherrer by Jean-Louis Scherrer
- Coriandre by Jean Couturier
- Rive Gauche by Yves Saint Laurent
- Aromatics Elixir by Clinique
- Tauer's Rose Chypre
Knowing by Estee Lauder has been described as having a medicinal edge with notes of cardamom, coriander, rose, mimosa, and white florals. It is considered a sophisticated, mossy rose scent with woody notes. Some have compared it to the smell of a day in the woods or an old lady.
Yes, Knowing by Estee Lauder is considered a unisex fragrance. While some have described it as a feminine or womanly scent, others have said it leans more masculine, smelling like a "great complex men's cologne from the 80s."
