Cartier Eau De Cartier Concentree Review: A Discontinued Green Masterpiece
Is this legendary green fragrance still worth the hunt? We give you the facts.
In 2001, Cartier introduced Eau de Cartier, a crystalline, transparent unisex scent meant to evoke the purity of water. It was a success, but it was subtle. One year later, in 2002, they tasked perfumer Christine Nagel with a specific mission: take the soul of the original and give it a voice. The result was Eau de Cartier Concentree.
This was not just a stronger version; it was a re-imagination. Nagel amplified the green facets, turning the quiet suggestion of foliage into a vibrant, photorealistic crushed violet leaf accord. This bold move positioned Concentree uniquely in the market. It was an ''Eau'' in name, but a powerhouse in performance, offering a longevity and sillage that put most fresh competitors to shame. It became the thinking person''s fresh fragrance.
The inspiration is clear: a walk through a lush, dew-drenched garden after a spring rain. The air is cool, the greenery is electric, and the scent of crushed leaves and damp earth is everywhere. Concentree captures this moment with uncanny accuracy. It’s not a perfumer''s abstract interpretation of ''green''; it is the smell of nature itself, bottled with Cartier''s signature elegance.
Within the fragrance community, Eau de Cartier Concentree is legendary. Its discontinuation has only fueled its mythos. It is frequently cited in discussions about the best green fragrances of all time. Wearers praise its unique ability to be both intensely fresh and incredibly long-lasting, and it remains the benchmark against which other violet leaf fragrances are measured.
The Nose Behind the Scent
Christine Nagel. A renowned perfumer known for her intelligent and textural creations. Before becoming the in-house perfumer for Hermès, she created iconic scents like Jo Malone''s Wood Sage & Sea Salt and co-created Narciso Rodriguez for Her.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
An electric, hyper-realistic blast of crushed, wet green leaves, dominated by violet leaf. A sharp, zesty yuzu note provides a tart, invigorating counterpoint. It smells like a lush garden after rainfall.
The sharp citrus fades, allowing the violet leaf to become smoother and more watery. A clean, aromatic lavender emerges, adding a classic, sophisticated structure without overshadowing the central green accord.
The vibrant greenness softens into a persistent, clean aura. A base of dry cedarwood and clean patchouli appears, grounded by a sheer, non-sweet white musk. It remains crisp and fresh for its entire duration.
Performance Dashboard
Excellent. Lasts a solid 8-10 hours on skin, and even longer on fabric.
Strong for the first 2-3 hours, creating a noticeable arm''s-length scent bubble.
Leaves a distinct, refreshing green trail that is noticeable but not overwhelming.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Benchmark violet leaf note; incredibly realistic and green.
- ✅ Exceptional performance for a fresh fragrance.
- ✅ Perfectly unisex and highly versatile for daytime wear.
- ✅ Smells high-quality, natural, and sophisticated.
- ✅ A unique scent profile that stands out from modern trends.
- ❌ Discontinued, making it difficult to find and very expensive.
- ❌ The initial green sharpness can be off-putting for some.
- ❌ May be perceived as too linear for those who prefer complex evolution.
Price & Value
“At its original retail, it was a fantastic value. Now, it''s a collector''s price, worth it only for dedicated fans of the scent profile.”
📜 Reformulation History
Discontinued. No significant reformulations are known to have occurred during its production. The main variable for buyers today is the age and storage condition of the bottle.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The fragrance opens with a vibrant, sparkling burst of yuzu and bergamot, underscored by a fresh, green hint of coriander. This initial phase is bright, citrusy, and invigorating.
The heart introduces a delicate floral blend where violet leaf takes prominence, lending a green, ozonic freshness. Violet adds a subtle powdery nuance, while lavender contributes a clean, airy quality.
The drydown settles into a soft, clean base of cedar, musks, and white amber, with a touch of earthy patchouli. The violet leaf's freshness often lingers, creating a serene and somewhat linear finish.
Performance Dashboard
Short, typically lasting 2-4 hours before becoming a skin scent.
Very soft, staying close to the skin from the start.
Minimal trail, detectable only in very close proximity.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Clean, fresh, and elegant scent profile
- ✅ Versatile for daily wear, especially in warm weather
- ✅ Bright and uplifting citrus opening
- ✅ Well-blended violet leaf and musk drydown
- ❌ Poor longevity, requiring frequent reapplication
- ❌ Intimate projection and sillage
- ❌ May be considered too subtle or 'safe' by some
- ❌ Can be perceived as linear in its development
Price & Value
“A light, clean scent ideal for warmer weather, but expect frequent reapplication due to its limited longevity and projection.”
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Professionals aged 25+
- Individuals with a classic or minimalist style
- Lovers of green, natural, and non-sweet scents
- Anyone seeking a unique and elegant signature scent
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Fans of sweet, gourmand, or heavy amber fragrances
- Those looking for a loud, ''clubbing'' scent
- Individuals sensitive to sharp green or vegetal notes
The Family
The original, lighter Eau de Toilette that inspired the Concentree version.
A floral flanker with a prominent rose note.
A woody flanker featuring an oud accord.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares a dominant violet leaf note, but is much muskier and darker.
A classic green violet leaf scent, but more dated and soapy in comparison.
Features a prominent violet leaf, but pairs it with aggressive leather and gasoline accords.
💡 Clone Alternatives
Offers a similar clean, green, watery vibe at a budget price, though less focused on violet leaf.
Captures a similar sophisticated, green, and woody essence with different notes (sequoia leaf).
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
Shares a sophisticated, earthy, and non-sweet profile.
Another benchmark for a clean, professional, and high-quality scent (iris-focused).
A classic, rich green fragrance with a similar refined and timeless feel.
More from Cartier
🧪 Layering Ideas
- Molecule 01 (Iso E Super) to enhance the woody base
- A light vetiver scent to add an earthy dimension
- A simple citrus cologne to brighten the opening
🏆 Final Verdict
Cartier Eau de Cartier Concentree is a masterpiece of its genre. It delivers on a simple promise with flawless execution: to smell clean, green, and sophisticated. Its power lies in its realism and its unexpected performance. This is the scent for someone who has outgrown trends and wants a signature fragrance that is timeless, elegant, and unique.
While its discontinuation makes it a challenging acquisition, it remains a benchmark. For lovers of green fragrances, it is a definitive ''holy grail'' scent. If you value quality, craftsmanship, and a fragrance that conveys quiet confidence, the hunt is absolutely worth it. It is an investment in a piece of olfactory art that has yet to be surpassed.