Rive Gauche pour Homme 2003 Eau de Toilette

Version from 2003
Rive Gauche pour Homme (2003) (Eau de Toilette) by Yves Saint Laurent
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8.2 / 10 266 Ratings
Rive Gauche pour Homme (2003) (Eau de Toilette) is a popular perfume by Yves Saint Laurent for men and was released in 2003. The scent is spicy-woody. The production was apparently discontinued.
Pronunciation
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Main accords

Spicy
Woody
Fougère
Fresh
Green

Fragrance Pyramid

Top Notes Top Notes
Star aniseStar anise RosemaryRosemary BergamotBergamot
Heart Notes Heart Notes
LavenderLavender CloveClove GeraniumGeranium
Base Notes Base Notes
Gaiac woodGaiac wood PatchouliPatchouli VetiverVetiver

Perfumer

Ratings
Scent
8.2266 Ratings
Longevity
7.9210 Ratings
Sillage
7.2206 Ratings
Bottle
7.4195 Ratings
Value for money
7.243 Ratings
Submitted by DonVanVliet, last update on 16.03.2024.
Interesting Facts
The model Ned Shatzer is the face of the advertising campaign.

Reviews

16 in-depth fragrance descriptions
7
Bottle
7
Sillage
8
Longevity
9.5
Scent
Minigolf

308 Reviews
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Minigolf
Minigolf
Helpful Review 10  
A fragrance like an autumn breeze
It's blowing across the river. A wind, a little rack and rough and filled with the earthy scents of damp wood and freshly fallen leaves.
It's no coincidence I'm here, here on this shore, looking across. Only a ferry would take me there, but at that time none will leave. And there are no bridges. At least not here, but dozens of kilometers upriver or downriver.
I'd like to know what's over there. I see tall poplars swaying smoothly in the wind. A building that should probably be a boathouse, the tidy terrace of an excursion restaurant on which numerous guests enjoy the view in summer.
In front of it wooden planks leading close to the water. But what's behind it? And that?
From the map, I know there's a grove of pine trees. I can smell them. But don't see. Somewhere over there a farmer must have cultivated lavender, which still smells in the cool months of the year. The wind ensures that I can perceive it.
The aromas blend, ferny, soapy, lavender, woody, earthy, grassy... together a wonderful fragrance it autumn.
I want "Rive Gauche".... to the other side of the river.
Tomorrow at 10 the first ferry leaves and would like to miss the last one.
4 Comments
9
Scent
Silverfire

130 Reviews
Silverfire
Silverfire
Very helpful Review 8  
Woody Marine Aromatic
If I had only three words to describe Rive Gauche Pour Homme, I'd say "woody marine aromatic." Now as for the rest of this review, I'll trace the etymology of each of these words back to -- just kidding. This scent combines a faintly sugary pine with an aromatic water-wind freshness for a few feet projection. It's fresh without being soapy and masculine without veering into machismo territory. It evokes a sense of gentlemanly class without being stuffy, arrogant, or overly mature. Interestingly, it lends class to whatever you’re wearing, instead of forcing you to wear something specific. Rest easy; you won't feel unworthy in your workout clothes.

I can see why this fragrance appeals to men, and why men wearing this would appeal to women. Words like "class" and "quality" come to mind, both in describing the notes and their effect. Occasionally, it takes a swerve like a distracted driver into a urinary/stale smell that lasts a minute or so. That's the only negative here. Even the duration pleases, clocking in at eleven hours.

Rive Gauche Pour Homme provides an inexpensive and satisfying way to smell like a gentleman and obtain a self-esteem boost. It's been discontinued, so grab it while you can! Recommended.
1 Comment
7.5
Bottle
7.5
Sillage
7.5
Longevity
7
Scent
Missk

1165 Reviews
Missk
Missk
Very helpful Review 5  
An oxymoron; dirty yet clean
Rive Gauche for Men is a timeless masterpiece that deserves widespread availability. I'd love some of the younger men in my life to have the opportunity to experience something so extravagant and earthy as this.

Rich and herbaceous, Rive Gauche for Men is understandably an acquired taste. However that's not to say that this fragrance is in any way offensive or loud. I would actually say this fragrance is quite clean and refreshing despite its earthiness.

The scent leaves me slightly perplexed at times with its clean, shaving cream accord counteracting with a somewhat dirty/earthy patchouli, clove and vetiver blend. Essentially, Rive Gauche for Men jumps to and fro between gentleman cleanliness and raw, masculine filthiness. This is what makes this fragrance so intriguing.

As a woman, I wouldn't dare wear Rive Gauche for Men, that is unless I chose to get in touch with the barbarian behind the reserved exterior. On a man's skin, this fragrance exudes elegance and old-fashioned charm, like a slick man in a tuxedo puffing ever so gently on a cigar.

Rive Gauche for Men perfectly compliments the feminine version of this fragrance, which bears the same name. They both share a classic powderiness that when worn on the skin can create a dense and rich feeling.

In my opinion, Rive Gauche has not reached its use by date, even though I will admit that it has the tendency to appeal to much older men. The sillage is moderate but thankfully not too strong and I'm happy to say that the scent lasts and lasts.
0 Comments
7.5
Bottle
5
Sillage
7.5
Longevity
10
Scent
Miaw2

339 Reviews
Miaw2
Miaw2
Helpful Review 6  
Brilliant
Brilliant. Awesome.

The epitome of contemporary men's perfumes.

Truly masculine, this is a masterpiece. One of the best releases of all time.

Anise, lavender and rosemary are the most pronounced notes to my nose.

A modern aromatic fougere without losing tradition.

It has a barber shop smell, which is wonderful for me.

Classic and modern, serves for the whole year and at any time and station.

If you like Azzaro, Chanel Platinum Egoiste, you'll love Rive Gauche.

Sillage, staying power and projection are good.

Versions
1) Original tin can version - has written "Yves Saint Laurent Parfums" on the packaging - the first version, more charged in anise and oak moss.

2) Reformulated tin can version - has written only "Yves Saint Laurent" on the package - more herbal, with rosemary notes and more pronounced patchouli.

3) La Collection version - latest version, glass - lighter version and cooler with less moss and less anise.

4) Rive Gauche Light - far more diluted and fresher version, with a pronounced mint note in his opening - shorter duration.

5) Rive Gauche Intense - more rounded version of the original, longer duration - more evident patchouli note.

Updated December 2014
0 Comments
JSpines

166 Reviews
JSpines
JSpines
Very helpful Review 6  
Rive Gauche pour Homme
When I was first contemplating which fragrance I wanted to buy for myself, it was between this and YSL Opium for Men. I couldn't decide which one to get between the two. I ended up getting them both! I wore the Opium a few times and while I did like the scent, I found it to be too strong and overpowering to my nose. I ended up giving my bottle away. I finally got around to wearing Rive Gauche. Right away I liked it. Not too strong, perfectly blended, smooth and soothing. The lavender and soft spices in this are so beautiful! One of the best men's colognes I've smelled in awhile. It's unique and different with a personality all its own. I can see myself reaching for this quite often. Smells clean and masculine without being too over-the-top macho. Perfect for any occasion. Every man should have this in their collection.
1 Comment
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Statements

6 short views on the fragrance
PepdalPepdal 6 years ago
8
Bottle
7
Sillage
7
Longevity
7.5
Scent
The epitome of masculine class and sophistication. Luxurious, aromatic and versatile.
0 Comments
R0dinR0din 5 years ago
Probably the best high end shaving cream smell in the world. Very clean, manly, classy. Now, this is a man fragrance. Chapeau Mr. Cavallier!
0 Comments
JustPetyrrJustPetyrr 10 months ago
7
Bottle
7
Sillage
8
Longevity
9
Scent
The best barber shop frag - used to be almost free. Extremely interesting to see the $$$ asked for it now.
0 Comments
BS96BS96 2 years ago
8
Bottle
8
Sillage
8
Longevity
9
Scent
All time classic. Such an amazing creamy fougere, it has that barbershop feel but yet it smells very modern, classy and elegant.
0 Comments
MrMoustacheMrMoustache 3 years ago
7
Bottle
7
Sillage
8
Longevity
8.5
Scent
You only need sunglasses, a white linen shirt, jeans and Rive Gauche. Nothing groundbreaking, but just done so damn right! Crowd pleaser!
0 Comments
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