Givenchy Ange Ou Démon Le Secret 2014 Review: Unveiling the Enigmatic Allure
A captivating journey into the duality of scent.
Ah, Givenchy. A name synonymous with timeless elegance and audacious style. For decades, the House of Givenchy has graced us with fragrances that are not merely scents, but olfactory narratives, weaving tales of sensuality, mystery, and undeniable charm. Among their illustrious portfolio, the Ange Ou Démon line has always held a special place, a testament to the brand's enduring fascination with duality – the interplay between light and shadow, innocence and seduction. The 2014 iteration, Ange Ou Démon Le Secret, is a particularly captivating chapter in this story, a fragrance that whispers secrets and promises enchantment, designed for the woman who embraces her multifaceted nature.
Launched in 2009 as the first flanker to the original Ange Ou Démon, Ange Ou Démon Le Secret was envisioned as a more ethereal, luminous interpretation of its darker predecessor. This 2014 rendition, while sharing the DNA, refines the composition, offering a brighter, more approachable yet equally alluring experience. It positioned itself as a sophisticated, everyday luxury, a departure from the heavier, more dramatic scents often found in the market, aiming for a wider appeal without sacrificing its inherent elegance. It carved out a niche for itself as a versatile, modern floral-fruity fragrance with a sophisticated woody base, a scent that could transition seamlessly from a sun-drenched afternoon to a candlelit evening.
The inspiration behind Ange Ou Démon Le Secret is as poetic as its name suggests. It embodies the idea of a woman who possesses both a radiant, innocent charm and a hidden, alluring sensuality. She is the "angel" with a secret, her true depths revealed only to those she chooses. This concept is beautifully translated through the scent's composition, which opens with bright, uplifting notes, gradually revealing a heart of delicate florals and a warm, sensual base. It's a fragrance that plays with perception, suggesting a gentle exterior that conceals a captivating, confident interior. The visual representation often associated with the fragrance, a woman bathed in light yet shrouded in mystery, perfectly encapsulates this duality.
In the fragrance community, Ange Ou Démon Le Secret 2014 has garnered a loyal following. It's often praised for its sophisticated blend of fruity sweetness and floral delicacy, balanced by a grounding woody embrace. While not as polarizing as some of its more avant-garde counterparts, it’s recognized for its elegant simplicity and impressive performance for its genre. It’s seen as a reliable choice for those seeking a refined, pleasant scent that garners compliments without being overly demanding. Its reputation is that of a well-crafted, accessible luxury fragrance that offers a touch of Givenchy's signature allure.
The Nose Behind the Scent
Bernard Ellena. A distinguished perfumer known for his refined and elegant compositions, Bernard Ellena has a rich history of creating beloved fragrances for various luxury houses, often imbuing his creations with a naturalistic charm and sophisticated balance.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The initial impression is a delightful burst of effervescent freshness. The tartness of cranberry mingles with the bright, slightly bitter zest of yuzu, all softened by the clean, green aroma of tea leaves. It’s like stepping into a sun-drenched garden after a light rain, invigorating and promising. This phase is characterized by its sparkling, almost electric energy, setting an optimistic and cheerful tone.
As the opening notes gently recede, the heart of the fragrance blossoms. The peppery sweetness of peony takes center stage, supported by the creamy, intoxicating aroma of jasmine. A subtle aquatic hint from the water lily adds a dewy, ethereal quality, preventing the florals from becoming too dense. This phase is where the "secret" begins to hint at its presence – the initial brightness gracefully transitions into a more refined, feminine elegance, a delicate dance of floral whispers.
The final act is a sophisticated and comforting embrace. The white woods emerge, providing a smooth, clean woody foundation that is never heavy or overpowering. A whisper of patchouli adds a touch of earthy depth, while the musk lends a soft, skin-like sensuality. This is where the fragrance truly settles, becoming a personal aura, a subtle yet persistent presence that is both alluring and comforting. It’s a lingering caress, a warm trail that invites closer inspection.
Performance Dashboard
Demonstrates impressive staying power for its profile, lasting 7-9 hours on skin.
Creates a noticeable scent bubble for the first 2-3 hours, drawing people in without overwhelming.
Leaves a pleasant, noticeable trail, especially in the mid-phase, suggesting refined grace.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Beautifully balanced fruity-floral scent with a sophisticated drydown.
- ✅ Excellent longevity, especially for an EDT formulation.
- ✅ Versatile enough for daily wear, office, and casual outings.
- ✅ Gently alluring and receives frequent compliments.
- ✅ Elegant and refined, embodying Givenchy's signature luxury.
- ❌ Can be perceived as slightly too sweet by some during the opening.
- ❌ Might not be unique enough for those seeking very niche or avant-garde scents.
- ❌ Performance can vary slightly depending on skin chemistry.
Price & Value
“Yes, absolutely. For its elegant scent profile, impressive longevity, and the overall luxurious experience it provides, Ange Ou Démon Le Secret 2014 offers excellent value. It’s a well-crafted fragrance that performs reliably and consistently garners positive attention.”
📜 Reformulation History
While there haven't been widespread, dramatically noted reformulations or significant batch variations that drastically alter the scent profile of Ange Ou Démon Le Secret 2014, as with many popular fragrances, slight nuances can sometimes be perceived between production years. These are typically minor shifts in the intensity or prominence of certain notes, often due to ingredient sourcing changes or regulatory updates. Consumers generally report a consistent experience across different batches, but it's always wise to test on skin if possible, as individual chemistry plays a significant role.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
A bright and zesty burst of cranberry and lemon, softened by the delicate aroma of tea leaves. It's an invigorating and uplifting start that feels both elegant and playful.
The initial citrus sharpness mellows into a lush, floral heart. Jasmine and peony take center stage, creating a rich and feminine bouquet that is beautifully balanced by the aquatic touch of water lily.
The fragrance settles into a warm and sensual base. White woods and musk provide a clean, soft foundation, while a hint of patchouli adds depth and a touch of mystery, leaving a lingering, sophisticated trail.
Performance Dashboard
Lasts 6-8 hours
Moderate projection for the first 2-3 hours
Leaves a noticeable, pleasant trail
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ More complex and richer than the EDT
- ✅ Versatile for day and night wear
- ✅ Elegant and sophisticated scent profile
- ✅ Good for warmer weather
- ❌ Longevity could be better for an EDP
- ❌ May be too floral for some preferences
- ❌ The patchouli in the base can be polarizing
Price & Value
“A good investment for a versatile and elegant signature scent.”
📜 Reformulation History
The 2014 version is a relaunch of the original 2009 Le Secret EDP. While the core composition remains, some users report slight differences in the intensity and balance of the notes between the original and the 2014 release.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The initial impression is a bright and fresh burst of Italian lemon, green tea, and neroli, creating a slightly bitter yet invigorating start.
As it settles, a heart of white florals emerges, with prominent notes of Sambac jasmine, orange blossom, and frangipani, lending a sensual and intensely feminine character.
The base becomes warmer and more sensual with a blend of vanilla, patchouli, cedar, and white musk, leaving a comforting and sophisticated trail.
Performance Dashboard
Lasts 7-8 hours, with some users reporting it lasts all day.
Strong projection that is pleasing without being overpowering.
Leaves a noticeable and sophisticated trail.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Deeper and richer scent profile
- ✅ More sensual and mysterious than the EDT
- ✅ Excellent longevity and sillage
- ✅ Sophisticated and feminine
- ❌ May be too intense for some
- ❌ Less suitable for daytime or office wear
- ❌ Discontinued and can be difficult to find.
Price & Value
“The higher price is justified by its increased intensity and longevity compared to the Eau de Toilette.”
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
A festive burst of candied orange and the familiar Le Secret tea note, creating an immediate sweet and zesty impression that feels like a winter treat.
The heart reveals a warm, spicy gingerbread accord, beautifully blended with the signature jasmine. It becomes a cozy, comforting scent, moving away from the EDT's fresh floral character into something richer and more edible.
The base settles into a delicious and sensual mix of sweet praline and soft musk. The gourmand notes dominate, leaving a lingering, warm, and slightly powdery sweetness on the skin, a stark contrast to the woody musk dry-down of the EDT.
Performance Dashboard
Lasts 7-9 hours
Moderate projection for the first 2-3 hours
Leaves a noticeable, pleasant trail
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Unique gourmand scent
- ✅ Cozy and festive
- ✅ Limited edition rarity
- ✅ Warmer and richer than the EDT
- ❌ Very hard to find
- ❌ High collector's price
- ❌ Strictly for cold weather
- ❌ Less versatile than the original
Price & Value
“Significantly higher price due to its rarity as a limited holiday edition. The value is in its unique, gourmand scent profile rather than performance alone.”
📜 Reformulation History
As a limited edition one-off release for the 2011 holiday season, there are no known reformulations or significant batch variations.
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Women aged 20-45
- Appreciates sophisticated yet approachable fragrances
- Confident and radiant personality
- Chic, modern, and effortlessly elegant style
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Prefers extremely heavy, dark, or gourmand fragrances
- Highly sensitive to moderate sillage
- Seeking a bold, club-ready scent
The Family
A more intense, opulent, and sensual version.
A richer, more concentrated interpretation.
The predecessor to the 2014 version, offering a slightly different balance.
A sweeter, more playful take on the scent.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares a similar bright, fruity-floral profile with a focus on rose and pear.
Both offer a sophisticated floral bouquet with a radiant feel.
Features a light, airy floral character with berry notes.
A more intense floral, but shares a sophisticated elegance.
💡 Clone Alternatives
Often cited for its similar refreshing, fruity-floral character.
Shares the clean, uplifting green tea accord.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
For those who love elegant, fruity-floral scents with good performance.
If you appreciate fresh, citrusy, and slightly woody fragrances for daytime.
For a lighter, fruitier floral with a touch of musk.
Offers a similar blend of fruity, floral, and woody notes with a touch of sweetness.
More from givenchy
🧪 Layering Ideas
- Vanilla-based body lotion or oil
- A light, clean musk fragrance
- A subtle woody cologne
🏆 Final Verdict
Givenchy Ange Ou Démon Le Secret 2014 is more than just a fragrance; it's an invitation to embrace your own captivating duality. It's the scent of a woman who knows how to shine brightly yet holds a captivating mystery within. Its luminous opening, born from vibrant fruits and clean green tea, gracefully transitions into a heart of delicate, romantic florals, before settling into a warm, sophisticated woody-musk embrace. This is a fragrance that whispers rather than shouts, making it incredibly versatile – perfect for bringing a touch of elegant charm to your workday, adding a subtle allure to a romantic evening, or simply making an everyday moment feel a little more special. Its impressive longevity and pleasing sillage ensure that its beautiful aroma accompanies you throughout the day, consistently drawing admiring glances and compliments. If you're seeking a fragrance that embodies refined femininity, sophisticated charm, and a touch of alluring mystery, Ange Ou Démon Le Secret 2014 is an exquisite choice that promises to become a cherished staple in your fragrance wardrobe. It’s a testament to Givenchy’s mastery, offering a modern interpretation of classic elegance that is both timeless and utterly captivating.