$314.61

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En Passant

Q: How does this perform compared to other Frédéric Malle fragrances?

Unlike "powerhouse" scents from the house like Musc Ravageur or Portrait of a Lady, En Passant is intentionally delicate. It sits close to the skin and typically requires reapplication after a few hours if you want to maintain its initial brightness.

Q: Is this fragrance suitable for men?

While it is a floral-forward composition, the inclusion of cucumber, wheat, and cedar gives it a fresh, botanical neutrality. Many men who enjoy green or aquatic scents find it a refreshing alternative to traditional citrus-based colognes.

Q: Does the cucumber note make it smell like a salad?

Not at all. The cucumber absolute is used here to provide a watery, ozonic crispness that mimics the smell of rain-soaked air and helps the lilac feel dew-kissed rather than dried out.

Q: What is the best season to wear this?

It is most popular in the spring, as it perfectly mirrors the natural blooming cycle of lilacs. Its cooling, aquatic accords also make it a sophisticated choice for high summer heat.

Q: Is this a good choice for a blind buy?

Because of the unique rice and wheat notes, it is recommended to sample it first. While lilac lovers usually adore it, the "doughy" undertone reacts differently on various skin types.

Q: Has the fragrance been reformulated recently?

There are no major documented reformulations that have significantly altered the scent profile, though many long-time fans note that its ethereal nature has always meant it leans toward a softer, more fleeting performance.

Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle·2000

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$314.61

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Accords

Notes

HeartLilac//Cucumber absolute//White musk//Cedar//Rice//Wheat

Where to buy En Passant

from $48.99 (<5ml) · 2 retailers

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100ml

Checked Jul 10

eCosmetics

$314.61Buy

Today's best price of $314.61 is about the typical price for this size, based on 25 days of tracking.

50ml

Checked Jul 9

eCosmetics

$225.00Buy

Today's best price of $225.00 is about the typical price for this size, based on 25 days of tracking.

<5ml

Checked Jun 26

FragranceNet

$48.99Buy

Today's best price of $48.99 is about the typical price for this size, based on 14 days of tracking.

Price history

100ml price trendAt tracked low of $314.61

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What does En Passant smell like?

En Passant is an exercise in atmospheric realism, capturing the specific, fleeting scent of lilac bushes heavy with rain. Rather than a heavy, perfume-y floral, it opens with a startlingly fresh clari...

Details

House: Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle
Gender: unisex
Year: 2000
Longevity: 7.0 / 10
Sillage: 6.3 / 10
Scent Profile: Floral, Green, Fresh, Powdery, Aquatic
Best Seasons: Spring, Summer
Best Occasions: Daily, Leisure
Perfumer: Olivia Giacobetti

Community Insights

Based on 367 discussions

The consensus characterizes this as a "shutter-speed" fragrance: it captures a moment perfectly but lacks heavy performance, with many noting its intimate projection and moderate longevity.
It is widely regarded as one of the most authentic lilac scents on the market, praised for its "wet" and "rain-washed" quality rather than a synthetic or soapy floral profile.
Opinions are occasionally split on the bready, yeasty notes of wheat and rice; while many find they add sophisticated texture, a minority of users find the combination with cucumber to be polarizing.
The fragrance is almost exclusively recommended for spring and summer days, particularly for leisure, office wear, or any occasion where a subtle, elegant skin-scent is preferred over a loud trail.
Enthusiasts frequently compare it to other works by Olivia Giacobetti, noting her signature "ethereal" and "watercolor" style that prioritizes transparency and naturalism.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this perform compared to other Frédéric Malle fragrances?+

Unlike "powerhouse" scents from the house like Musc Ravageur or Portrait of a Lady, En Passant is intentionally delicate. It sits close to the skin and typically requires reapplication after a few hours if you want to maintain its initial brightness.

Is this fragrance suitable for men?+

While it is a floral-forward composition, the inclusion of cucumber, wheat, and cedar gives it a fresh, botanical neutrality. Many men who enjoy green or aquatic scents find it a refreshing alternative to traditional citrus-based colognes.

Does the cucumber note make it smell like a salad?+

Not at all. The cucumber absolute is used here to provide a watery, ozonic crispness that mimics the smell of rain-soaked air and helps the lilac feel dew-kissed rather than dried out.

What is the best season to wear this?+

It is most popular in the spring, as it perfectly mirrors the natural blooming cycle of lilacs. Its cooling, aquatic accords also make it a sophisticated choice for high summer heat.