4711 Original Eau de Cologne 4711 for women and men

Its the weirdest story in perfumery. I have no idea how many bottles of expansive and variety of products I can have I still like that cheapie. I guess In the middle of my soul I am classic, simple woman.
...
I like all from 4711.... this one is weird and attitude somehow I like it as a room freshner and on me too

My first perfume, a thoughtful gift from a beloved family member who has now passed. Though I’m emotionally attached, I can’t stand the scent for more than a few minutes. It’s right up my alley, a citrus aromatic fragrance hooray! but the mix of lemon, rosemary, and neroli are somehow deeply off putting to me. It smells too chemical, almost reminiscent of a cleaning product. Heartbreaking as I think it might otherwise be a perfect scent for me. On paper it seems like the older sister to one of my favs, Aesop’s Tacit.

How I wished I would like this! ): This is what I what described as "bitter orange toilet cleaner/freshener". I think this does not smell cheap considering how little I paid for it. But I did expected more. With a 4.00 out of 5 rating especially! I just don't like it, sadly. Nice looking bottle.

My first post on Fragrantica for this classic! My mom used to wear this when I was growing up. It’s a true unisex to me. I definitely get gentle citrus from it and a hint of the herbal notes. Miss you, Mom.

This is a love for me. Timeless. Romantic. A genuine historical artifact. That fizzy bitter citrus opening is so pleasing. I love neroli though. Yes, if your nose is tuned to modern sweet fragrances you will be off put by this scent. I know I was.. but, you have to keep in mind the history of this juice. I admit the first time I sprayed this I did get the old lady vibes... like someone having their diaper changed in 'the home'. But the more I smelled it, the more it grew on me, and now it is my favorite out-the-shower fragrance/aftershave. This is a very low price of admission to see if you like the classic cologne style. If you do, check out Acqua di Parma Colonia, and Colonia Essenza. Can't live without these. And I'm currently on the hunt for variations of this style.

Update: I sprayed this on my hand earlier just to enjoy the opening, and about a minute or so into the drydown I got a corn tortilla accord! And it really wasn't bad at all! I actually wanted to eat my hand, it smelled so pleasing. Anybody else get this? lol.

Just read this was one of JFK's faves. And that some Brits use it as a facial toner. I have the 27.1 oz bottle and my son and I share it, not only as a refreshing cologne, but as a hand sanitizer and a underarm deoderant. He is a 14 year old jock...adopted...and although no one biologically in my family has suffered from b.o. (while other girl's in the locker room in Jr. High and high school were using full fledged deoderant, my mom would say, "No one in my family or your father's family have b.o. Here's a bottle of 4711"). My parents are both from Western Europe and 4711 has been used in their families and now ours for many, many years. My poor son stinks to high Heaven without his 4711. So out of that huge 27.1 oz bottle of 4711, I decant him a 3 oz. Bottle he discretely keeps in his backpack along with the wipes for his face to keep a rogue pimple away and germy fingers for touching his face while playing baseball, football and soccer. It is dirt cheap, smells so refreshing and can be used for so many things. My son even cleans the lenses, nose piece and earpieces of his sunglasses with it. Funky feet?...Gone with 4711. Will come back and list more uses as I find them.

4711 has stayed around for a reason. It can definitely smell a bit vintage but there's just something classic and timeless about it. its citrusy, and fresh and you can get a huge bottle for next to nothing in the expensive world of fragrances. many of the bottles are splash bottles, so i bought smaller 8ml bottles with atomizers to keep this with me. im a younger guy so I'm not sure if im going to attempt to make this my signature scent like i originally planned as this feels like its made for people a bit older than me. However, I will definitely be wearing it more often during the warmer months and i'll keep the mini bottle with me, could potentially be a good fragrance to layer with something more bold.

This is a nice smelling fragrance. It smells very very fresh, similar to some kinds of soap, almost minty and cool in the opening because of the rosemary. It is a very nice fragrance for a collection. I can see most people liking it.

A classic for a reason, and the only pure citrus scent I really feel the need for in my wardrobe. Longevity is not the point here, but I find it actually performs reasonably well for an edc— the rosemary and petitgrain stay noticeable on my skin for several hours. Nothing but respect!

When I read descriptors like “generic,” “bathroom cleaner,” or “boring citrus” I am embarrassed for the reviewer. Go back to the top and look at the date this was composed - 1792.

This was created in 1 7 9 2.

It was made when there was little to nothing in the way of perfume, when it was a sudden, unique, brilliant idea. Every perfume after has been built in some measure on this brilliant creation.

One of the lovely things about 4711 - beyond how complex and faceted and always beautiful it smells - is that though the quality and packaging are fantastic, the price has been kept low instead of turning into an overblown joke. This is the first beautiful scent many of us ever used, the first grasp of a bigger world that didn’t stink of cigarettes and Jovan musk.

It is also an extraordinary glimpse into history; this is what elegant men and women smelled like in the 1790’s! Colonial women treasured their tiny bottles for the memories of parties , music, and cities, it was a headache cure, a panacea for the often omnipresent reek of unwashed bodies and sewer effluvia.

When I sprinkled this on my skin and sniffed to hide for a moment from the stench of my mother’s cigarettes and the unpleasant odors of the moment, the elegant and indefinable notes of 4711 were giving me the same shelter they’d offered for centuries.

This isn’t generic - it’s the heart of where everything else began. It’s findable in the most remote places, ready comfort, the touch of time and history.

Neroli and citrus done beautifully. It’s a cologne, so you can wear it after shower and layer it with a stronger white floral or citrus scent. Vetiver fragrances go well with this one too. It’s a nice cologne to reapply as the day goes. For its price, the 200ml bottle is really worth it!

First sniff took me back to when I was 6 year old in Turkey with my parents on holiday, we had traditional kebab and they pour lemony liquid on your hands to clean with. Smells exactly like that.

This is very nostalgic for me, I will definitely be buying again just for the memories.

The fragrance may not last long, but the memories last forever.

Nothing special old fashioned reminds me the cheap cologne were using in Orthodox Church it’s an after shave

4711 has been lurking for aeons, much like my 15 years spent on Fragrantica without writing a review. Then I picked up a bottle of this EDC earlier today.

Ever since the first spray, my brain has been here and there, connecting the dots between it and other fragrance: CK One, Neroli Portofino, moist refresher towelettes(!?) I can literally detect the DNA of this perfume all over my scent memory.

Being the middle of summer with high humidity here, 4711 lasts very briefly on my skin, only maybe half an hour. Before the alcohol dries away, I get gin, but that kinda doesn’t count, immediately after it dries away I’m hit in the face with citrus, lemon and orange, very bright, with a tinge of green neroli. Those notes fade away fast and I’m left with a soft realistic jasmine and the fading fruity citrus notes now perceived as faint wisps of pettigrain.

I disagree with others that you can’t overspray, I’ve sprayed maybe 50 ml of this over an afternoon and in my shirt the jasmine is so strong that smelling it as much as I have for this review has been slightly nauseating. Mild to no sillage, so I don’t think I would offend anyone around me, and you’re unlikely to smell as much as I have under normal circumstances. But the performance on textiles makes me think that it will shine as a room/fabric spray and that most of my bottle will be put to use as one.

Do yourself a favour and pick up a bottle of 4711 if you have an interest in the history of the art of perfumery, or even just if you like fresh summer fragrances. Over 200 years later, it’s incredible just how much of a winner this one still is.

My nana wore this and I would always splash a bit on as a kid and I still like it. It’s like Ckone but much more citrusy and gingery. Not too strong but you can apply very liberally. I still love and wear this now but mostly in body spray and scented wipe form rather than the actual cologne.

Bought the 4711 Aftershave. it is definitely the OG of citrus colognes. It smells exactly like lemon and oranges if that is the scent you are looking for 4711 is for you. I bought this for around $12 the price is not bad but if you want something that smells identical and you get a bigger volume try Clubmans Lime Sec it smells identical.

The Gents Score: 6.5/10

Over the years I have started to move away from the citrus scents. If you love citrus again this is for you. However, this is still a gentlemens classic and has been around forever. If you are into classic scents this is a must have.



The Gents All Time Aftershave Rankings:
1A:Original Clubman
1B:Mr. Fine American Blend
1C.Stirling Executive Man
2:Vi-Jon Spice Scent
3:Old Spice
4:Brut
5:Stirling Sharp Dressed Man
6:Ogallala Bay Rum
7:Mennen Skin Bracer
8:Clubman Bay Rum
9:Proraso Green
10:Clubman Vanilla
11:Clubman Special Reserve
12:Aqua Velva Musk
13: Proraso Red
14:Clubman Musk
15:Speick
16.Clubman Citrus Musk
17: Aqua Velva Ice Blue
18:Clubman Lime Sec
19: 4711
20:Clubman Lilac Vegetal

Smells like mosquito repellent but it’s ok, I kind of like it. It’s so different to everything else.

"4711 Original Eau de Cologne," a fragrant symphony born in 1792, captures the essence of Mediterranean respite on the hottest of days. Notes of lemon, bergamot, and orange weave a tale of citrus kissed by sunbeams. Lavender and rosemary dance in the midday breeze, a soothing rhythm beneath the relentless sun. Neroli and petitgrain provide a gentle foundation, an homage to the fragrant orchards that line the coast.

This elixir is a budgeted luxury, an inexpensive ode to the waters of Koln. A fleeting presence, it graces the skin like an aquatic mist, ephemeral and light, a whisper of coolness against the sweltering embrace of summer. Yet, time is its rival, fading within hours, its projection weak. As the sun travels its arc across the sky, so must you reapply, an hourly ritual to revive its memory. In this tale of ancient shores and sun-soaked dreams, 4711 Cologne stands as a testament to the past, a fragrance that whispers of cool breezes, fleeting as the memories it invokes.

Actual 1:1 clone of synthetic bathroom cleaner but I still wear this up to 5 times a day

This EDC is great, its very fresh and therefore great for summer and maybe spring. The thing with this edc is that is has very poor performance, like 15-30 minutes then its gone, but i do use it to spray on my clothes and linens as it just make it smell more fresh, usually i would reccomend not blindbuying, but this is so cheap just go for it, i got an 800ml bottle for 37,55 eur, and you can get 200ml 15 eur

I love this fragrance. I bought it in the 27oz splash version, but popped the cap and poured it into a spray bottle. After a shower, I'd spray it above my head and let the mist fall upon me as I breathed in deeply while my eyes were closed. It's cheap enough to not worry about wasting any, and even with doing this daily, the bottle lasted me nearly a year.

9/10

This is beautiful… With lemon, citruses and neroli, you really can’t go wrong.

I rated 4 instead of 5 just because it really does’t last at all. When Tom Ford created Neroli Portofino, he really has to have been inspired by this 4711 classic from circa 1792.

Fresh, proper, and a little medicinal. I make a little decant to carry with me and use it throughout the day. It's the true meaning of "freshen up". It lasts about 30 mins to 1 hour on me, and that's ok because I've spent more on a singular order at McDonald's than my huge 300ml bottle (from discounters).

The only complaint I have is about longevity because the fragrance is excellent.

I think I remember this page used to list a lot more notes for this cologne's notes list..
When and why the list was modified, I have no idea..

Neroli & petitgrain should be amongst the most prominent scent note of this one (shrugs)..

Splashy Classic. Eternal fav.

my grandparents would wear this all the time. i had a bottle and then gave it to my dad, but i'd totally wear it again. it doesn't make me feel old at all, just bright-eyed & bushy-tailed!

I do not like the scent itself, but my grandmother used to wear this and it smelled so good on her. Whenever I smell this, I think of my grandmother. It`s really more suitable for women for 70+.

Lemon and rosemary with not much else… utterly disappointing.

Wearing this for the first time (in the form of the perfumed towelettes, thanks to the sudden UK heatwave). Surprised by how sweet and fruity this is on me, it's not a sharp citrus on me personally but very neroli-forward which gives a sort of soda pop aspect to it (makes sense if you think about how neroli is used as a flavouring in cola). It's like Fanta rather than fresh juice. But it's very nice regardless and I can see why it's a summer favourite, and what a bargain. I think the cologne stick will be worth a try (I have the body spray coming later this week).

This is the cologne of the Soviet grandfather. It sounds exactly like all Triple colognes from the USSR along with Kölnisch Wasser Florena from the GDR. Citruses are only brighter, but the longevity is much less than that of Soviet products. It sounds like all sorts of cologne citrus fruits were put on tar soap. So it should be for a perfume of very wide application. Suitable for the countryside. I used one as a dry shampoo. Also suitable for this purpose thing. It can stay on your hair all day!!!

I love this company. Perfect colognes.

A fragrance that lasts at most 30 minutes in the summer heat. Great historical value for being the first cologne but unfortunately a waste of money these days with its close to zero performance.

it lasts on your body for like about an hour at most, I use it for freshing up after my shower usually, it's not something you can wear through out the day. But bro, it is so cheap that you can't really complain, plus this cologne has been around for more than 100 years, you just can't really compare it to those modern ones

I had to add this to my collection and wow it smell amazing, this reminds me so much of neroli portofino and neroli canvas of which I have smelt all three. pretty amazing on anyone and everyone.

Being the first cologne created, and as a bonus, was very affordable, wanted this as part of my collection. It has a very intense, abrasive, and medicinal opening. A few minutes later, it softens and I find it more tolerable. It’s not for me, but may layer it with Dior Homme Cologne so it’s more wearable.

TopからLastまで爽やかです。レモン、ベルガモット、ネロリなどがメインノートです。非常に安く手に入れやすい夏用の香水となります。ただ１時間もしないうちに香りは消えます。
6/10

I'm writing this review a little differently than normally, because apparently this will have poor longevity.

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Initially - WOW this is a BRISK bergamot bomb! I love the opening here, and the petitgrain shines through as well. It's woody, cooling, almost a snappy wood, and super refreshing. It doesn't smell dated at all, it just smells natural and pleasant.

15 minutes later - As it settles its odd to me, because more of the orange begins to emerge and it gets sweeter in tone. The rosemary is tastefully placed...maybe a little bit *too* tastefully, because I don't smell it at all. It's not a favorite note of mine to wear, so that's fine.

I expected to have more to say, but after about 25 min this is nearly completely gone. It's just a lot of lovely, natural topnotes, and probably no fixatives. In this case, it's alright with me seeing as how this is a classic blend, I don’t think they messed with it or modernized it, from start to finish this smelled like real oils and/or extracts. Very fresh, 0 chemical smells.

If this were priced higher, I would gripe, but since it's so affordable I think it's totally fair to just have fleeting refreshment in a bottle for hot days! It's quite warm outside currently, and it is indeed a literal breath of fresh air. Straight down the line as truly unisex (who cares anyway, wear what you like).

I'm happy I finally tested this classic 😊☀️🍋

When I was a little girl, we called all perfumes eau de cologne in our family.
I thougt it was the same as eau de parfum or eau the toilette.
Did not know it was the brands name.
My mother always had a bottle around, even in her purse.
It was a refresher after eating out with the family, we cleaned our hands with it, my mother soaked her handkerchiefs in it and dabbed our foreheads on hot days.
I thougt it was the only perfume around, untill I saw my sisters bottles of Tosca and Nina Ricci . We also called them eau the cologne. Haha!
I still think it is a great fresh scent.
For me there is nothing more nostalgic than this.

This is your classic eau de Cologne scent. Of course it being the original EDC, you'd expect that. Some have called this one medicinal, grandpa smelling, outdated, etc. I disagree. This smells like a typical citrus forward cologne, with a slight hint of floral. Not bad at all! Easy dumb reach fragrance that is very safe, nonoffensive and mass appealing.
Nothing unique or extraordinary by any means.
However, there is a caveat; this fragrance lasts for about 30 minutes (if that). No exaggeration! I didn't believe it myself at first, so I tried it out. And wouldn't you know it, this thing lasted about 10 minutes on a test paper and about 20 plus minutes on skin. And then it's completely gone! Not even a skin scent. Just disappears!
Others have compared this to TF Neroli Portofino; I disagree with that as well. They both have the scent of neroli and citrus, but that's where the comparison ends for me. TF NP is a green, white floral freshie with a hint of citrus soapyness. 4711 is very citrus forward, reminds me of CK One if anything.

Considering this is cheaper than table wine, and considering how many are whingeing on here about performance, I actually think it's spectacular value.

It's so cheap you can bathe in it, and it's the be all and end all of cologne scents to me in terms of balance, freshness and shimmer.

Nice and refreshing. Love the citrus opening and the sweet undertones. I love that I can afford to splash this fresh scent liberally. After working out very hard today, I followed the directions for application on the box. It was very refreshing. When I imagine what life was life before bathing was easy or air conditioning, it made me really appreciate what an eau de cologne could do.

Light and refreshing, like a gin and tonic on a hot summer day. Great for freshening up or if I just want a whisper of fragrance.

I love this , it's so fresh, light and clean. Use it as a general feel fresh skin scent or when I'm going to be home and don't want to use one of my pricier frags. It's such fantastic value you can be lavish with it, lovely at any time of year especially in summer when you can douse yourself in it and keep spritzing as the longevity is minimal. I buy the huge splash bottle and decant it into a spray bottle.

this is not designed to last, it's a refresher spray, the same type as bien-etre. A must have for the home, amazing linen spray. But I prefer bien-etre which is more floral and less astringent.

Please understand this is supposed to be used regularly to cool and refresh you on a hot summers day,it cannot be strong for obvious reasons….And I believe it keeps insects away

The best air mist and furniture spray. Citrusy with notes and orange blossom makes it smell clean but not in a lemon-pledgy way

Wear this to bed if your partner A snuggles on up to you and B likes neroli.

Other than that I don't know what the point is. I love neroli, but this is a skin scent after about 10 minutes, and non existent after 30.

Excellence. Great history behind it. Have been with us for centuries. Performance sucks.

My grandma used this when i was 4 or 5. Sometimes i smell this fragrance just to remember her and those days.

Tried this for the first time today.

3 sprays lasted roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. Bit of a projection for the first 10 minutes, then it subsides to a skin scent.

Definitely get the Neroli vibes. Fresh AF. Similar to TF and Bvlgari, but nowhere near as long-lasting.

It rises slightly with a bit of heat, as do most freshies.

But, you know what? For the price and the refreshing zing it gives off, this’d make a great addition to any gym bag.

Doesn't last long, or project far, but it is just a fragrance that you must have, for history

This fragrance is classy and timeless, and very cheap. However it's gone in a second. I would love to rate this much higher and have it in my wardrobe, but what's the point of a fragrance that only lasts a few minutes.

This is such a classic Mitteleuropäischer fragrance--it goes back decades and decades, and even still you will find this used ubiquitously in German-speaking countries. It is basically the Ür-Cologne water, and goes on lightly during the spring and summer months more to refresh than to perfume. On top it's all citruses with petitgrain at the bottom to extend that smell; there's also some linen-like neroli to make it smell even cleaner. It may not necessarily be as good as some of the other famous eaux de cologne that last longer and are even prettier (like Eau de Guerlain), but it's pretty and fresh and fairly inexpensive.

I think that all sunscreen manufacturers have taken inspiration from this formulation. This stuff seriously just smells like sunscreen to me. But a good, high-quality sunscreen.

Super cheap. kinda cool to have in a bathroom to freshen up the place

Lately I am going through a stage of absolute obsession with the neroli note triggered by the use of several Neroli Nostrum by Lunio decants. This phase has led me to buy a lot of fragrances where this note is the protagonist. And I'm loving them!

Being now in Germany, of course, I couldn't stop adding to my collection, again because I already had it in the past, a bottle of this cologne.

For me it is delicious, super refreshing, a citrus and aromatic explosion that I really enjoy.

Nevertheless, its sillage is soft and it doesn't last on my skin for more than an hour.

Despite the fact that reapplying is extremely pleasant and I think it will be a very refreshing gesture for the summer, I don't think I'll replace it when it's finished because I've been finding other options with better performance. Or maybe yes... Maybe this classic should always remain in any collection... In any case, if you have the opportunity to travel to Cologne (Köln), don't hesitate to visit the brand's stores and get this olfactory souvenir, that's how entered my collection for the first time.

Scent 8/10
Duration 1/10
Sillage 5/10
Quality/price 6/10
Versatility 5/10
Packaging 7.5/10
Would I buy again? Maybe

43 people rated the longevity as monstrous lol.

This is a fragrance I purchased only because I started collecting and feel like every collector should own a bottle of what is arguably the oldest mass produced fragrance in history. I got like half a liter for 20usd lol so why not.

Honestly it does smell good but its not ground breaking (maybe it was for its time). Its a super clean and fresh citrus scent that will never go out of style. This is as timeless as a timeless fragrance can ever get, I mean its been mass produced and widely purchased by countless people for almost a quarter of a millennia.

The performance is almost comical but its SOOOO cheap that you can bathe in this stuff every 15 minutes and not care about the money.

Its a good bathroom scent. Keep a bottle in there so after you wash your hands and face or whatever you can splash some on your neck or chest and smell nice. A good fragrance to have around the house for when youre just lounging. This isnt something id wear out ever though because of how short it lasts. Even a 10mL decant wouldnt be enough for a whole day lol.

If you love fragrances and want perhaps one of the best possible fragrance novelties, buy this.

Enjoy the day people =)

Not so much a review but a comment;
I love it more and more each time. Often used after a wash, or if I just want something clean and easy. It's like brushing your teeth for your face.

My grandmother (Oma she was German) this was her go to for many years. She wore this when gardening or at night she said the mosquitos didn’t bite her when she had this on. It still reminds me of my childhood and I will alway have a small bottle in my collection to remind me of my Omas and childhood! I was just in Germany and picked up a small bottle at the local apothecary! Nostalgic love for sure!

It grew on me. Always thought the citrus opening was the best thing about this fragrance, but the juniper/lavender combo was reminiscent of an air freshener. You kinda have to take into consideration that this is a very dated scent, so although it may objectively smell good, it's a smell you would associate with such things as air fresheners. The citrus opening lasts maybe about one minute for me, then it gets very green and grassy, a little bitter too if you overapply.
Good for scenting blankets, haven't had much luck layering it with anything.

Light, smooth, uplifting and fresh.
Amazing inoffensive fragrance!

Sometimes I just wear it at home to feel refreshed.

You can't beat the price compared to (similar) much more expensive fragrances, specially considering how similar it is to like Guerlain (Cologne Imperiale) and Tom Ford (Neroli Portofino).

It is weak, as most people say, but for the price, just go heavy on the spray and reapply after a few hours.

For many years I grew a lemon tree. And I can say that this cologne smells exactly like shredded lemon tree leaf. Very green scent with lime-grapefruit peel base. Lasts 30-40 minutes.

I find this uplifting in the wintertime, and decently longer lasting on skin in the colder weather as well.
Lots of citrus, but more of the skins, rinds, and pith. There is a touch of bitterness here that stays light-handed and doesn't go into deeper, oily bitterness (I'm thinking cocktail bitters).

If you apply a lot at once--especially on fabric, I find a masculine base of lavender and rosemary emerges (think mid-tone of Rosemary, not top aromatic). If you inhale deeply, that spicier rosemary aromatic top note is available throughout until deeper stages of dry-down. This depth and spice keeps it from being a pure citrus pick-me-up water, to something a little more refined and enticing.

I can wear this to feel cozy and clean after a bath or shower, but I can also wear this to freshen up and feel sexy. That spice and masculinity in it works well with my chemistry. I'll wear this when I want something (temporarily) fresh that works *with* me, rather than a more "opinionated" composition. Like an easy-going, enjoyable friend with a good backbone. Friendly, approachable, leaves you in a better mood, but doesn't alter your day or emotional/mental trajectory. A time for everything :)

I have this, because it reminds me of my grandmother, who passed away two years ago. She used to always have a handkerchief with Eau de Cologne, in the Netherlands where I live, that was the most common way to use it, back in the olden days.. on a handkerchief to hide your pretty little nose behind. It lasts a lot better on fabric than on skin too. On skin it’s literally 10 seconds and then it’s gone..

Whenever I see this in my vanity I contemplate carrying around an old fashioned lady’s handkerchief, like my grandma used to do, so I can sniff wherever I feel like it, and look all fancy and ladylike in the process.

@Tony Shades, maybe they also used it correctly 300 years ago, and stopped spraying it on skin but just 1 - 2 sprays on their shirt instead, then it last 24+ hours ;)

Very nice classic Cologne Water, but unusable as fragrance because it evaporates almost instantly. It's merely a reminder of how they did perfumes 300 years ago. Its only value is historical.

A nice cheap colognue

this is weaker than water lmao,

4711 Original Eau de Cologne, launched in 1792, is apparently the cologne of all colognes - it's the one that started it all.
I'm glad to have finally put my nose on it, since it is so iconic and legendary.

My immediate reaction when I first put my nose on it was that it smelled strangely familiar. It smells either like alcohol or like those refreshing tissues passengers get on commercial airliners.

When I let 4711 settle on my skin, several adjectives came to mind: fresh, clean, proper, noble, elegant, well groomed, hygienic, bright, citrusy, uplifting, carefree and upbeat, aristocratic, and regal.

It's a very nice fragrance. The problem is, of course, performance: this magnificent fragrance lasts for merely 5-10 minutes on my skin, and then it's gone with the wind.

4711 Cologne is totally unisex (in my subjective opinion), proper and suitable for formal and informal events, day and night, and for all four seasons, but I think it's leaning toward daytime in spring and summer.
It's probably suitable for men and women above the age of 30 but "old souls" in their 20s can absolutely wear this magnificent fragrance.

Due to the poor performance, and due to the fact that there are better citrus fragrances and colognes out there, I can't give 4711 Cologne a 10/10.

Final score: A solid 9/10.

I always have a bottle of this in my bathroom cabinet. Several, in fact. Large 800 ml bottle and several 90 and 60 ml atomisers I refill every month or so. I use unscented shaving, bathing, and skincare products where possible, and this is the perfect cap to the routine. Invigorating, clean, pure, refreshing. Not that it smells medicinal, but is has that bracing, healthful quality you think of when you smell eaux de cologne, embrocation waters and ointments, and digestive/health bitters. Clearly neroli based, but never sweet or fleshily floral - there’s are crisp, sharp, cool herbal petitgrain counter balance that I have only ever found elsewhere in Guerlain’s Imperiale and few Santa Maria Novellas.

My favorite Cologne

i had high hopes for this one, but honestly it just smells like lemon dish soap :( lucky for me i bought the smallest bottle

I use the eau de cologne continuous spray bottle as a bathroom room freshener spray. It's nice because it doesn't last too long, so it doesn't fill the room with the scent all day or waft throughout the house. The fragrance itself is not something I would probably wear on my body, and many other folks have mentioned in the comments that the scent is more about the act of anointing than making you smell like something. Citrus is a little synthetic, not quite the froot loops scent but it definitely doesn't smell "expensive."

Very pleasant and quite nostalgic aroma. I think this is more of a floral (lavender/neroli?) smell than a citrus, although the citrus is still noticeable. Almost reminds me of the smell of gin.
Speaking of noticeable, it's very unlikely anyone will smell this on you. It's much more of a thing you'd use to make yourself feel fresh and clean for a little bit without trying to grab attention.
Overall a lovely smell that will suit just about anyone, but of course don't expect to get any compliments as it's very quiet and brief!

I feel the same as @bergamet, but can get it for $15AUD from discounters :) Legendary fragrance.

I go through a bottle of this at least every 6 months. I wear 20+ sprays for such special occasions as going to do the groceries, making the bed or heading downstairs to do the dishes. It lasts about an hour but honestly, who cares? It's $20AUD a bottle. The smell of citrus and neroli brings me endless amounts of joy. I wear this only for myself.

Solid green, bright and citrussy fragrance. Like to splash it on me before bed or after a shower. Wouldn't wear it in public because of the other options I have in my closet and it's a rather fleeting fragrance. Maybe two hours tops performance-wise for me. Still very pleasant fragrance, makes you feel extra clean. I like to roleplay as an 18th century nobleman with this fragrance sometimes.

I love this! What a classic. My first ever perfume 😄. I was little and I wanted some perfume, so my mum got me this. I don’t think it’s dated. I also, never really knew what the notes were meant to be. It was just fresh and nice and the bottle design is so nostalgic.

Nice and basic citrus cologne to wear that lasts around an hour for me! Reminds me of the Nenuco Agua de Colonia I used to wear as a kid. Doesn't smell outdated and dirt cheap.

Quite the nostalgic scent for me. My family had several bottles of this when I was growing up. It's funny how I never clocked it as citrusy when I was a child, but I recently smelled Tom Ford's Neroli Portofino and it smelled exactly like 4711, which I had not smelled in years. Upon comparing the notes on here, I have found they are very similar. Strange how scent memories work.

I actually really enjoy this scent and for casual uses this is perfect !!!

4711 opens up very citrusy,lemony,bright and refreshing !! As it dries down the neroli comes in making this less citrusy but more green and soapy. In the drydown it retains some of the lemon surprisingly and the neroli is still there but it does get more powdery making this more well balanced. The drydown is by far my favorite part.

In a nutshell this smells like a mix between Irish spring and the white dove bar of soap !! Really realxing and heavenly smell if I must say. I also find this to be perfectly unisex as it doesn’t lean feminine or masculine and for being the oldest cologne out there I didn’t expect this to smell as modern.

The performance on me is better than most as I get 2-5 hours but when I layer this with molecule 01 I get 5-7 hours. This pairs perfect with molecule 01 as it makes it more rich,full bodied and brings out the best in this scent profile !! Sillage is actually decent on this as it leaves a nice scent trail but never really projects

Overall rating -7.5 out of 10! Beautiful,classic smell that’s just perfect for everyday use and is just so easy to wear

I like the unique, exquisite bottle and the heavenly scent, which instantly transported me. The forecast and longevity are both average. It takes a bit longer to settle down and lingers on the skin for a few hours. Jasmine, basil, lemon, and bergamot combine to create the impression of neroli in the air.

Considering it's so damn light that one has to re-apply every 30min, I think the price value is just fine. I got a 800ml bottle and use it when doing sports in summer, or as mosquito-repellent (likely not working) and room fragrance.

Mostly neroli and orange blossom, decorated with humble floral and fruity notes that I cannot really discern. It's soapy, too, but one will soon get used to it.

A summer perfume, tho it can hardly stay for 30min in sultry summer. Rather refreshing during spring or fall, and it may work well during cooler times.

Also, this is the very scent that taught me disenchantment of notes 'analysis' or whatsoever. Previously the note lists here and elsewhere consisted of more than a dozen fruity or floral notes, which, as you can see, are dubious in that they have taken into account as many very personal perception/imagination of the neroli and orange blossom as possible.
Let's put it in another way: what will you say when you smell orange blossom wafted in vernal breeze? You'd say "wow I love orange blossom" rather than "wow I love this fresh floral citric notes enhanced with aldehydes and decorated with complex aromatic touch and peachy, rosy, apricot-y jasmine-y blah blah feel". That's it: when there are simple references available, any sophisticated deconstruction (which is actually a disguise of personal reconstruction) seems dubious.
When it comes to a simple perfume like 4711 original cologne, any sophisticated analysis seems dubious, and when it comes to other more complex perfumes, you may wonder what proportion of personal imagination is woven with personal perception of the chemicals to make those analyses appear objective and professional. (I don't mean the comments and essays here are sophisticatedly dubious. Actually many comments and essays here on Fragrantica are more trustworthy)

Love this, and always keep it around.

An aromatic, spicy, classic-smelling cologne. Opens citrussy, bitter. It's largely linear but very fresh and soapy, a little airy, a little green. Overall a citrus cologne delivering a "barber-fresh" aroma. Best for hot weather, is unisex and good for all ages. projection and longevity are fleeting but is to be expected for an "Actual-Cologne" in this price range.

Honestly I barely even think of this like a perfume. It's not something I ever pick up like 'yes, this is what I want to smell like today', but it's something I think I'll always have around (was even eyeing up the 800ml at the chemist the other day) I dont care that it's fleeting, and simple - it's something I splash on a hot summer night, to take some freshness to bed. I'll sprinkle the hair at the nape of my neck before I tie it up, and it reappears when I comb it out in the evening. I daub it on my temples with a handkerchief and pretend I'm a consumptive Victorian socialite. The smell (to me: opens with fruit tingles, dries down to a vaguely pleasant lemon peel) isn't really the point, but the act of applying it, the ritual of anointing or whatever.
I have the splash bottle - it really shouldn't come with the sprayer at all, as there's no possible way to put on too much. Fairly sure I could upend the whole bottle over my head and be pretty well inoffensive by the time I left the house. I'd feel very luxurious and fresh for those five minutes though

Great classic & timeless clean neroli cologne!

This is a take on the classic Italian neroli colognes of old. It does a great job, and smells very authentic and clean. Not too 'soapy' but 100% fresh and clean from an equal blend of lemon, bergamot, & neroli. Subtle hints of orange and petitgrain in the background too.

Skin scent & doesn't last too long - but it's a classic neroli cologne, these aren't meant to. For the price this is easily worth getting a bottle of - the bigger splash flacons are super affordable and amazing value. As this is a 'splash on for a refreshing burst of citrus cleanness' type fragrance, the splash flacons and larger sizes are great as you can apply generously and feel revitalised on a hot day.

Smells similar to Tom Ford Neroli Portofino but much cheaper (but doesn't last as long, have as good projection, or have the same depth). For a long-lasting, good-performing, and great-smelling neroli fragrance with a modernised twist - Bvlgari Wood Neroli is a massively overlooked pickup I recommend!

Used to love it when I was a kid. Very cooling in summer. Haven’t smelt it in years. Good memories.

Mix this with unscented shower gel and this is the best shower feeling period. It's cheap and easy to work with. I got the big 900ml bottle and I think I have 4711 shower for life. It's very light so it wont really affect my other fragrance. Also good for pillow scent.

a fantastic, light, inexpensive summer scent with a barbershop vibe. I use this as a spritz every hour or so on +30c days to feel refreshed and cool, without any worries of the fragrance becoming overwhelming to myself or others.

Here in Europe this is very cheap, but to be honest I find that 4711 has not withstood the test of time, with neroli and orange blossom being super expensive and citruses also having experienced a price hike, 4711 smells like linalool limonene and a not so subtle soapy neroli accord.

I am certain this was once stunning, in Köln in the 1800s, but currently it smells completely hollow. Thankfully there are so many niche reconstructions of the original scent profile, Diptyque L’Eau de Neroli is a good starting place. Alternatively if you are ever in a southern European country check out the local EdC scents at the supermarket, you will be surprised how more vivid they smell in comparison.

You're 5 years old. Your mother dropped you off at your grandmother's house by the ocean. You're grandma gives you treats and chocolates. Then you run around outside in the grass, eating your candies. It's a warm sunny day. The birds are chirping. You're grandma is somewhere in the house busy making pies. You run inside to use the bathroom. You shut the old door to the bathroom. It's quiet, the window is open and you hear the sounds of birds coming in from outside. A whiff of ocean air enters. The sun shines through and the streaks of light brighten the sink, cabinet,and odds and ends around the bathroom. On the back of the toilet is a wicker basket full of little trinkets, dried out herbs and citrus peels. You lift the basket and put it up to your nose. This cologne is what you will smell.

This reminds me of the time that Uncle Louie passed out, drunk, under the orange tree. The strong smell of the oranges on the ground with maybe a little whiff of gin thrown in. We let him lie there; he was too heavy to move. Later, when he staggered to his feet, we were surprised by the pleasant, mature citrus fragrance. I think this has become his signature.

4711 in a 800ml splash bottle reveals the joy, utility, and value of this fragrance, and thus a generous respect and gratitude for it. Not many cultures have kept alive the cologne splash, but some Mediterraneans still know what to do with such a fragrance. Splash it on generously and reset your mind. Another good cologne water splash is Agua de Colonia Concentrada Alvarez Goméz. Odd combination however: the Germans love their 4711 cologne water but I've never seen the large bottle in any German bathroom. It must be too extravagant for a German. Pity.

Gone within 30 minutes. Smells like orange blossom water you buy in supermarket . A lot of other Turkish colognes are better., however I like it and will always buy it . 6/10

This reminds me of my grandparents, who were big fans, and I'll always love it.
I know it's vintage, smells old and so on, but to me it's a genuine antidepressant, and I hope I get old enough to bathe in it.

While bottles of this fragrance floated around my family's homes, I didn't really have any distinct memory of it. Even as I apply it, I'm not getting any spark of memory about the last time I smelled it on a parent or my German grandmother. I decided to pick up a bottle more because of the incredibly inexpensive price tag, and because I needed more fresh, summery scents to balance out how autumnal my little collection is.

I can easily agree that the sillage and longevity are nothing to write home about, but it's hard to complain about either when my 90ml bottle was about 13CAD on sale. I find it's a nice little burst of freshness with a pleasant citrus smell... and that does make sense, when basically every layer of it has some kind of orange or orange oil. While the lavender and rosemary aren't very pronounced, I suspect they take a bit of the edge of. I could easily imagine myself carrying around a little bottle in my bag to freshen up during a hot day in the city or the next conference I attend, especially since it's so inoffensive to spray, even around my slightly fragrance sensitive partner.

I can't imagine getting much better for this price, especially if you have a fondness for vintage scents. I don't think I'd ever consider it a "signature scent" for myself, but I could see it becoming more of a grooming staple during the summer months when I need a break from all the incense, amber, cashmere, and woods in my typical favourites.

Not for me. It reminds me of my old old uncles and it's not in a good way. Objectively pretty fresh, uplifting scent but it smells like an old man in a bottle to me personally, Sowry!

Most people just like this because it's nostalgic and it's what people wore before good colognes were popular and affordable. The lavender, rosemary, and INTENSE citrus becomes too much, there is not subtlety in this fragrance and for the 20 minutes it stays on your skin it delivers a sickly amount of freshness. Good for washing towels with, bad as your signature fragrance.

I am so glad that most perfumes last in my skin 24 hours.... I always wear colognes and perfumes just for my enjoyment. I been loving soaps and perfumes since I been a child. This perfume remained me of my youngers years when perfumes were fresh and clean. I can truly say that this cologne is beautiful...Probably does not project much but I don't care, it surrounds me even after 24 hours. I will always wear it.I give it a 10.

This fragrance reminds me of my late European father. He was a man of simple means and a hard working blue collar worker and this was his go to fragrance. We always had a bottle in the bathroom. The smell reminds me of him. Simple but understated.

It has a lovely opening smell of lemon and and aromatic notes. Very fresh and very pleasant. It does smell a bit like some modern cleaners, but only because they have probably tried to capture this pleasant smell in their products.

It lasts about 2-3 hours on my skin in winter and less in summer. After it wears out it leaves a smell similar to freshly washed cotton linen. Not unpleasant, but you probably wouldn’t wear this if you are hitting the town for the night. I keep a big bottle of this in the bathroom as I like to dab it on myself during the weekend if I’m staying at home and wanting a bit of nostalgia. You can’t really over apply this fragrance!

What everybody says is true. Longevity is subpar, but who cares because this extremely inexpensive. Bring a decant with you and reapply if you feel like it. And there's something at least a little cool about owning a fragrance with such a long history.

The first fragrance in history, eau de cologne 4711 created in 1792, iconic, historical, one of a kind. An absolute triumph of sour citrus notes of juste pulvérisé fused with a fresh and lively floral blend of lavender and neroli, with lively aromatic notes of rosemary, widely perceptible. Fragrance that evokes joy and freshness. Pleasant, clean evolution, unfortunately, like all cologne, extremely labile and evanescent.

The value of this fragrance goes beyond the smell. For me, It's a must have vintage stuff.

Forever etched in my senses as the perfume my Oma loved for the entirety of her life, so I love it for those nostalgic memories of her.

It is hard to disassociate from an olfactory memory, but why would one want to when they bring such happiness - especially at such an affordable price?

4711
This is a welcomed addition to any collection. Super refreshing citrus and clean scent. It is a quick hitter, just spray more. Not many people will know you are wearing this as it does not linger around. At this price point: it is a no brainer. Worth every single penny and then some. Score: 66/100

A very manly fragrance imo

You have to wear it long enough to detect the hidden juniper/gin flavor behind the floral notes. Overall speaking, this is an extremely refreshing, floral and sweet cheapie!

The mother of all the Cologne waters. I use the pure one rather exceptionally, usually in combination with something stronger or straight some Colonia from AdP. But when needs a pure fragrance made from the ingredients of our region/farmland and continent, that won't disappoint or offend anyone, that is wearable in any weather and for any occasion, surely knows where to reach.

Can’t find much difference between 4711 and Hermes colognes except it’s poor lifespan that the smell disappears in 20 min
Scent：9/10
performance：2/10

There's a reason this is such a classic. Doesn't have any of the headache-inducing, syntheticy Cologne™ odour that many of its imitators do. It's so refreshing and sprightly. It perks you up like a tall cold glass full of ice water and citrus slices on a hot summer day.

One of the best smells of all time, simply brilliant. Gorgeous summer citrus combined with neroli. Only a few can compete with this. Performance is what it is, not everything is about lasting power, this is art after all. Beast mode bros go find yourself another toy to play with, you are not worthy of this legend.

Spray it on your clothes while you're lounging around the house and it will keep a song in your heart for hours!

I've seen this one for years and finally picked up a bottle to try out. The Neroli Portofino comparison is real, but these are NOT the same. Still very nice, clean citrusy, lemon and neroli. None of the depth of Neroli Portofino but it gets the idea across...like a Reader's Digest version of Neroli Portofino. Very pleasant. Ok, but here's the thing... This is the weakest performing fragrance that I've ever experienced. And it's not close. I can spray this stuff 10 times and in twenty minutes, it'll be a skin scent. In another ten minutes, it'll be completely gone. That can be a good thing if you're looking for a clean freshie, and it's cheap as hell, but expect to have to spray frequently.

A classic that still has all these high-priced bergamot and neroli fragrances beat! Fresh, calming, and perfect for the price. I wish it lasted longer.

A citrus perfume. I can feel a noticeable bitterness which reminds me of juniper, even though it actually comes from petitgrain with other spices but it surprised me because I love juniper ;)
Because of it's eau de cologne, don't have a expectation of it's longevity and sillage.
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一个柑橘调古龙水。有一种明显的苦味，很像杜松子，虽然实际上应该是苦橙叶和一些鼠尾草薰衣草的组合，但这一点还是挺讨我喜欢的。
因为是一瓶古龙水而且没有加一些帮助留香的材料，所以真丶三步散也很正常。

Yet, I've discovered another fragrance mentioned in the novella BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S. I want to get a sample so I can find out how it smells.

Simple, short-lived, sparkly and packing a punch if you apply it with your hands.

This isn't a "Hard-projecting" scent, or beast or anything. It's simply there for you to enjoy it for a while, then it fades into the wind, returning every now and then like a soft whisper carried by the wind reminding you that "Hey, I applied 4711 a while ago! Smells nice."

It's clean, inoffensive, hygienic. Something you can use to Quickly freshen up while in the bathroom.

I usually splash some into my hand, take a sniff then apply it to my neck. And let me tell you that stuff has some nose-unclogging qualities in it when you take a direct sniff like that.

Either way, this is a great thing to have in your bathroom. Also great in summer/spring when you wanna freshen up or just as an aftershave scent.

Life-long love affair. Yes it doesn't last or particularly project. Yes my German grandmother wore it - she had an amazing dressing table set of a huge curved bottle with a balloon hand-pump covered in turquoise cloth, and I'm so mad I didn't inherit it. It's really more a pleasure experience for yourself. There's no such thing as spraying too much.

I keep trying all the flanker/sideline projects of this house and being like 'eh' or even 'ew' compared to the sheer pleasure of the original.

Citrus upon citrus. Very refreshing, last about 15 minutes - then gone.. Unisex, but tends towards masculine. Nice to have it and take out on hot days, but the quality didn't convince me.. I'd stick to other citrus frags with a bit more florals like Eau de Rochas.

Great smell,soft citrus with some flowers. Great price also. Performance is not good but i smell it for the first 1 hour. Classic for a reason. If you want stronger citrus you shoud get some more modern fragrances.

oh man this has such a nostalgic quality to it. the opening smells almost exactly like that chinese bee&flower jasmine bar soap!! i feel like they stock it at virtually every asian supermarket but i grew up using that soap almost exclusively!! interestingly i feel like after the initial spray i can smell more of the citrus notes which leads this away from being a soap photocopy. longevity is pretty poor though but i guess it's within the realm expected for an edt!!

When I was a little girl and we lived in a big old apartment in Prague's Old Town with an atmosphere like something out of Švankmajer's Alice I opened the door to the part of the apartment where my grandmother and grandfather lived and there was a big antique mirror and a strange chandelier shade with a mummified crocodile hanging from it and the first thing I smelled was this.

If you were raised in the middle east and ever set foot in a flower distillery, you for sure, know this smell. to me, this perfume straight up smells like neroli water. very nostalgic and soothing.

I've seen a lot of people compare this to Neroli Portofino by Tom Ford but to me, they are perfumes from completely different calipers. neroli Portofino is sexy and very well blended. a summer perfume I would wear any day on a hot sunny morning/afternoon but the 4711 is blended in a very linear way to my nose. It's not a sexy perfume but still putting some on after a shower would feel very nice and refreshing.

sometimes I tend to layer it with molecule 01 or molecule 02 for some extra character and longevity. using this in your scent dispenser could also be an interesting idea as well as cleaning products in case you make your own at home.

overall it does sit very close to the skin and goes away in an hour or so but still great for the price if you wanna smell like neroli.

Longevity: 2/10
sillage: 2/10

Wow. I do not have anything to say that was not already said. This is a classic that will be forever applicable to any time, any place, any age. You just need to realize that it is not a cologne meant for others; it is a 'me' cologne that is meant for you to enjoy.

Side note: it is also a fragrance that I'd love to sip on if I can.

This was the first fragrance I ever wore. When I was a kid, right after I showered, my mom would put this on me before my pajamas and I remember feeling so clean and fresh and ready for bed. This is a classic, I believe everyone should have a bottle of this in their house. I would not use it to go out, as it truly does not perform as well as other fragrances. But it is so fresh, clean, and relaxing that I would be reapplying for it all day if I stayed home. This brings so many good memories of my childhood that I can't help but be biased. but overall it is a GREAT fragrance and one to truly keep an out for.

I just got this today, and it's so nice. I wish it were stronger, but as it's an Eau De Cologne, it's not meant to be strong. I have the 5.8 oz. dab on bottle. I don't even know if this comes in a spray version? If Tom Ford's Neroli Portofino smells like a stronger version of this, I may have to get a bottle. I love the citrusy herbal smell of this. Perfect for either gender to wear, and I plan on using this quite a bit this summer. I found my new bottle at a thrift store, and this is something I'd have probably never have blind bought, so this was quite a serendipitous find for me. I love that this has been in production since 1792, how amazing is that? If you haven't tried it, it's a simple delight.

This was one of the fragrances my grandmother wore frequently. As such, I have very positive associations with it. 4711 was a household staple in my family -- it was a foregone conclusion that, when my grandparents visited Europe, they would be bringing back little bottles of 4711 as gifts (with the soaps to match). I feel as though I may have taken its presence for granted as a child; after all, it was always there... on my grandma's dresser, in my mother's perfume collection, and in my own vanity drawer. Now, I treasure it for the memories it evokes and for its innate versatility.

I have both the current formulation and some vintage bottles from the mid-late 1980s/very early 1990s (all stored in dark, climate-controlled hall closets). Having compared them side by side, there are *slight* differences; the vintage presents more of the rosemary and lavender elements of the scent, while the modern formulation seems to push the citrus and neroli to the fore. However, both are unmistakably 4711... any alterations they may have made to the formula over the years are relatively minor, as any of my bottles, old or new, still read as, "Yes, that's still 4711!" to my nose when all is said and done, and I feel that the people most likely to notice/comment upon any reformulation of this scent are those who have been familiar with it for decades. (My father noticed the difference between the current and vintage formulations *immediately* -- and said so without being asked; even though he's not "into" fragrance at all, this didn't shock me, as he has a few more decades of experience smelling 4711 than I do... so, it makes sense that he would notice any changes.)

Longevity and sillage are weak, that is true... but commanding a room was never what this scent was about, and I've found that this can be helpful at times (especially since *not* wearing a fragrance of *any* sort makes me feel like something is missing or incomplete). Is it hot and humid outside? Wear 4711; it won't morph into an uncontrollable sillage monster without warning. Job interview coming up? 4711 can be invisible armor -- you know you are wearing it, but there's virtually no chance the person sitting across the table from you will detect it. Do you have any doubts or worries about overspraying your perfume? Not with 4711, you don't! :) Getting ready for bed, and the perfume you wore this morning is too faded to recognize? Spritz on some 4711 before going to sleep so you have something pleasant to sniff (plus, lavender and sleep are something of an item, or so I've heard, and 4711 contains lavender, so... there's that, too... it can't hurt to try). Staring at your perfume shelf the way other people stare at their closets or shoe racks, trying to figure out what to wear? Put on 4711 and go get dressed/style your hair while you think about it; it'll be gone by the time you truly need to make a final decision, and at least you weren't without fragrance while you were pondering your choice.

Are there more expensive fragrances of this type? Absolutely. TF Neroli Portofino (which I also own) seems to get compared to 4711 on a fairly regular basis... it's similar, but *not* identical. Both have their place. You absolutely cannot beat the price of 4711, though -- and, for the price and personal nostalgia, I'm willing to ignore its brief longevity... compared to other perfumes, it's affordable to spray frequently and with abandon. Additionally, I find it useful from a historical perspective; as I continue to learn about perfume and study individual samples, I appreciate having one of the oldest (yet still in production) commercially available fragrances on hand to compare the art of fragrance today to the way it was hundreds of years ago. I recommend trying it at least once, as it's hard to go wrong (if you dislike it, it'll be gone before you know it -- and if you love it, it's remarkably affordable)!

My Oma wore this for as long as I can remember. She kept a bottle of this in every bathroom in her house, and some of my earliest memories are of the blue and gold label. She always struck me as somehow glamorous when I was little. That doesn't mean I think it smells like old ladies, or my grandpa. They both had exquisite taste in just about everything, and this makes me think of wonderful Christmases at their house, and their photos from Tahiti and Molokai. It reminds me of the only members of that side of my family that I actually liked. Once I saw a picture of it years later and knew the name, I bought a bottle for myself, just to see if it smelled like I remembered. It's a very classic sort of a scent. Clean, refreshing, somewhat herbal. I wish it didn't disappear so fast on my skin, because it makes me smile every time I smell it.

Kind of reminds me of Cavendish mall in Cape Town. Doesn't last very long but its good for the bargain price.

I had to get it because it is the OG of the fragrance world. I actually think it smells quite nice but I would never wear it out. I've enjoyed it with a few sprays just before going to bed. It really does smell like Tom Ford Neroli Portofino at least initially.

Citrato/Galeffi/Fruit Saline/Savital is family of lemon flavoured electrolyte/digestive drinks. They come as a powder that you add to plain water and they create an intensely fizzy, lemon-y, salty drink that's like nothing else. However, you can't sit and sip it because the fizz is gone within minutes.

4711 is fresh, intense, unique and then it's gone, but for the price, that's not a concern. It is citrus-y and herbaceous and invokes a high-end androgynous barbershop. I wish that there was a version made entirely with essential oils. I suspect that would last longer.

When I wear it out, I carry a 10ml decant. It really shines as an instant pick me up. Great blind buy and perfect to apply when I'm not sure what to wear, with the cost and longevity no commitment is required. It's fun to pair with Demeter Tomato.

(Purchased in Australia from Priceritemart)

This is my experience with 4711
First...blast of Lemon Pledge which last about last 30seconds. Not so nice.
next...Limoncello (lemon alcohol liquer). Better
next*...Ivory soap lathered with lemon juice. Nice
next*... Suntan oil. Also nice
* the Ivory soap w/lemon and suntan oil seem to go back and forth with the soap/lemon more frequent at 70% and suntan oil 30%
I agree with most reviews that 4711 doesn't last long, but I would still get a faint soap/tanninig oil scent at the hour mark if I put my nose to the skin.

Very good pick me up when it’s hot outside. Very fresh and astringent . Don’t expect much longevity or sillage. It’s not there and it’s not meant to be there.
I still enjoy it after a shower in hot weather, and it really won’t interfere with any other scent I may apply. It’s actually really nice mixed with a basic white musk in the hot weather when you really can’t bear to wear much else.
There is a children’s cologne that is almost identical to this and is even less expensive than this (and this is very inexpensive), called Nenuco and it actually has decent longevity for an alcohol free body splash. It also has less bergamot and more orange flower/neroli and I actually like it better. It’s softer. But the bergamot blast in 4711 can be very bracing and refreshing too.

Personally, I love it. Smells like summer. A more lighter airy Florida Water. Very Citronella. My mother loathes it though. Says it smells like medicine or old man.

A timeless classic. My grandma used it, my mom used it, and now I use it. It's not a fragrance I use when I go out, nor do I know anyone who does. It's weak and that's how it's designed to be. Any complaints about performance here are not valid. I use it around the house to refresh and enjoy the scent. Very cheap but smells really good.

It's like if astringent were a perfume; clean, fresh, and boldly sour at first. I use 4711 as my new post-shower perfume after really only getting it for the history, but I really like it.

4711 doesn’t last long, but I’m not sure I would have it any other way, because of the way I use it. It’s an after-shower, summer-go-to for me, or a refresher at the end of any day. I decant this stuff into smaller bottles for easy access when I feel the need. In fact, I think my wife thinks that I have a problem because she keeps finding bottles of 4711 stashed around the house. It’s not something that you just dab on. I practically dump the stuff over my head. A lot of it gets left on the floor, but the price is right for this type of compulsive behavior.

4711 is THE classic cologne, perhaps the most well-known, if not the first. Cheap and cheerful, it is a simple, refreshing citrus cologne. Performance is dismal, but that is to be expected from such a product, especially at its price point. 4711 delivers bright yet fleeting freshness, ideal for hot weather.

4711 opens with radiant citrus notes - orange and lemon being most evident. They are surprisingly not sharp or harsh, instead are fresh and juicy. Soft neroli emerges early on, rounding out the zesty citruses of the opening, and becomes the dominant note. As it develops, soft herbal notes add aromatic interest, notably a hint of lavender. There is a slight greenness as it develops, thanks to the petitgrain as well as the herbal notes. It becomes wonderfully soapy as it dries down, fading to nothing in under an hour.

Perfectly unisex (the masculine notes of lavender and herbs are balanced perfectly by the more feminine neroli note), 4711 is a classic with mass appeal. It is simple, smells great, and serves its purpose - to refresh, rather than act as a fragrance. I never believed in paying big money for citrus colognes, and 4711 proves that point - it smells effortlessly classy and high-quality. No-fuss excellence, this is German efficiency and engineering at its best. I must buy the soap version next. 4/5.

Note: much appreciation for Rick58Beth62's Billy Joel anecdote below!

4711 is pleasant and inexpensive. That’s really all there is to say about it. All the notes are there but it doesn’t last at all. Some have commented that it lasts up to 30 min, for me it seems more like 5-10 min. Definitely top 5 best drugstore fragrances. Good for bedtime or workout.

Citrus and herbs! That’s what it smells like. It’s smells nice. Very pleasant. Old skool, like visiting a vintage barbershop for a shave and a haircut, and this is what the barber splashes on you before you leave. It’s only flaw? This does not last!!!

I only get about 30 mins to an hour on my skin. Don’t be afraid to apply generously! If it wasn’t so cheap, I probably wouldn’t buy this again. If you can find one of the 200ML bottles, or bigger, it’s a good value for your buck. Probably nice to splash on after a shower, or in the morning for a nice pick me up.

It reminds me a lot of Acqua Di Parma Colonia. However, ADP lasts a lot longer, and smells richer. 4711 is a nice substitute and much more affordable by comparison, but if you’re looking for something stronger, richer, and lasts longer, then consider Colonia. But 4711 in the big splash bottles still offers the best value.

Edit: Just want to add that the dry down is Neroli. It’s very light and faint, but it’s there. Smells like Tom Ford Neroli Portofino, but like a watered down version. Still pleasant, just wish it lasted longer.

@ annn1 - Good Review..

I have visited Koln a couple of times.. This was on my shopping list and I had got the 200ml Cologne and the aftershave also from the 4711 boutique .

This is not meant for a beautiful cool place like Koln to be honest!. You need creepy and scary summers to enjoy this.

Never will be one able to smell it if the temperature is below 32C(90F) .
I live in a place where 35 to 39C(102F) is very common with humidity levels upto 75% to 80% is normal.This shines like a star here!

The opening is better than any natural smelling citrus smell .So comforting and calming this fragrance is. It doesn't last for sure, but not as bad as people complaining.
Need to reapply this many times in a day to get that healing opening once again. I think this is meant for that purpose. A timeless classic ..Therapeutic ❤️❤️

Growing up in Germany in the 70ies and 80ies this was as common in a family bathroom cabinet as a tube of tooth paste. My grandmother wore it, all the old aunts wore it, my mom wore it. It's like any woman with no interest in spending time and money on beauty and appearances would wear 4711. Most bottles, I'm sure, were a birthday or Christmas present, not a personal choice, but had to be used up nonetheless. We are talking about women who lived through or were born during the war so nothing would be wasted.

In my family it was just as much a disinfectant as it was a fragrance. A mosquito bite or a paper cut? Nothing burns so deliciously as a dab of 4711. Oh, all those memories. I had a small box set with 6 miniature bottles that I guarded as my most valuable possession. I remember that sense of panic when the first bottle was empty and only 5 remained.

When it came to fragrances 4711 and Tosca was all I knew and I'm pretty sure that holds true for most women in my family. '4711' was literally used as a synonym for perfume altogether. ("She was a bit heavy handed with the 4711 today. The whole bus smelled." Although it was a completely different fragrance.)

I am surprised that 4711 is still around, that so many people on Fragrantica are trying and actually liking it and that it is even a topic in 2022. But then, it managed to stay relevant for almost 3 centuries and that itself is amazing. Would I ever wear 4711 again? No. Sure, it would be awesome to be able to shed that emotional bagage and rediscover 4711 with a fresh mind, but for me, personally, it will always be a window into the past.

Cool, refreshing and perfect on a hot summers day when you want something fresh. I had this fragrance when I was younger. To me it was woodsy with a nice balance of citrus. I’m needing to try it again but recall seeing it’s moist towelettes in the chemist sometime back. It’s a bit overpriced on our national online auction and I see that it’s still available to buy, along with all the newer versions. I’ve just bought a bottle of White Linen so I will stick with that and my other fragrances for now.

When this thing was introduced, Mozart had died only by a year and Beethoven was 22.

That's how old it is.

Sadly though, old doesn't always mean great.

Let's just say if I splashed myself with fruit juice, I would have achieved better sillage and logevity than with 4711.

Never smelt it on anyone, because the scent almost doesn't exist.

Just get CK One or something instead.

I love love love this. That bitter citrus in the opening is addictive to me, WANNA KEEP SNIFFING. So cool that it's been produced continually since the 18th century, I'll never be able to afford a real Robe a la Francaise but I can buy this for $10 and daydream 💚

Edit: I love this so much, and can't believe it was sitting *right under my nose* in the local pharmacy MY WHOLE LIFE. It's refreshing, soothing, uplifting, and clean. What I want when the weather is oppressively humid or hot, when I have olfactory fatigue, or when my tummy hurts! Like alka-seltzer for my nose. Leans slightly masculine but anyone can wear it, even a child I daresay. I find the "old lady" connotation comical, that must be a European thing. In America, we have Jean Nate. Both are in an old class of scents that were used as "bath splash," the kind of thing you might wear if you are cleaning up but not going anywhere that requires a formal perfume. (P.S.--I love Jean Nate, you can pry it out of my cold, dead, hands and I'm 38! It's a lifestyle. One that takes baths and uses fancy perfumed dusting powder.) The longevity on me seems about 6 hours (almost imperceptible at that point but still there--I apply fairly heavily when I want a long wear--cologne by its nature isn't meant to last a long time, so complaints on this aspect baffle me a bit.)

Avon Sweet Honesty must share some notes--it's like a powdery and feminine version, also great for hot weather, bedtime, and kids. Try it if you like this! I have only vintage bottles (shaped like a ballerina, a candle, and a girl in a nightgown 😊) picked up from thrift stores & flea markets but it's inexpensive, old or new.

On the official site of 4711, this eau de cologne contains just:
lemon, orange, bergamot, lavender, rosemary, petitgrain and neroli.

Thus, only the first 3 notes Fragrantica has mentioned (lemon, orange and bergamot) are correct.
For me is interesting that some reviewers can smell some of the other notes wrongly mentioned by Fragrantica.
Is the power of suggestion a formidable thing?

I got this as a gift for my friend who knows everything about Napoleon, down to what cologne he used. This is a frugal guy who doesn’t really care for fragrance or understand my interest in it, so he said, “if this was good enough for the emperor, it’s good enough for me.”

Naturally, I had to buy a bottle of 4711 for him. The box wasn’t sealed, so I did a quick test spritz and really like it. The floral accords make this more of a zesty, fleshy citrus than a juicy one. It’s a little spicy and aromatic as well, making for a strong “clean'' feel that isn’t harsh or synthetic. Very unisex with the floral aquatic notes.

A word of caution for those with sensitive skin-- my friend did like this scent, but had some redness where it was sprayed. My skin was okay, but I've never suffered worse than stingy eyes from chypre fragrances.

Yes, what Srimati wrote! Old ladies and there handkerchiefs with this stuff on. That’s why I hate it I guess? Smells like old ladies, but not in a good way in my brain.
To me it smells really old. I guess I hate petit grains and neroli smells. (Not listed here, but that’s wrong!)

Love this frag. Smells like a luxurious German hotel shower gel from 1800s. Very cheap but worth it. Love the bottle design aswell

Zero longevity, the only benefit is ability to splash a quarter of bottle at the time...

A warm, sunny, summer morning is what this feels like. A magical juice that lifts your spirit. Great to wear when you're feeling down or sick because it comforts you and gives you the feeling that everything is going to be good. Very natural and never cloying. Spray heavy on your shirt and it lasts for hours. Over 200 years old and still in production. Amazing!

I had high hopes for this ultra-affordable cologne. It comes out of the bottle like gangbusters. The herbal/citrus blast is overwhelming, but that calms down pretty quickly. For a short while, it transitions into a pleasant mix of florals and finally some woody notes, The drydown is really enjoyable, but unfortunately, it is fleeting. Within the hour, I will have to work to find this scent on my wrists and clothes. I'd really like better mileage...but, hey...it's cheap!

My grandmother who was born in 1927 and from Budapest always wore this. I remember not really thinking much about it but I was always drawn to the bottle as it was a fixture on her bathroom vanity. When she died a few years ago, I got her bottle and discovered that I actually really loved the scent (citrus base is my fav) I don't often deviate from my usual cedar scent, but today I noticed something and I had to comment about it.

This smells super similar to the Atelier Cologne Lemon Island. Not exact but I just tested my theory on my husband and he agreed. The 4711 is more herbal, like for me the basil really shines. The Lemon Island is more warm vanilla. Am I crazy or does anyone else draw this comparison!

Lastly I know you can buy this in the states but I regret not buying a bottle last time I was in Hungary. I really do love the smell.

Unique citrus frag <3

If you've ever smelt orange blossom water, this is basically just that but slightly more floral. In all honesty, if you sprayed orange blossom water on yourself it'd probably project further and last longer than this.

This EDC opens with a strong citrus scent, almost comparable to laundry detergent, but passes down to the jasmine and rose after a minute of application. Very light and nice, kept smelling my hand when I put it on.

Doesn’t last longer than 1-2 hours depending on concentration of application.

The scent actually reminds me of the barbershop a lot, same kind of aftershave kind of notes. Takes me back to childhood in Pakistan. I think that alone says a lot about how far and wide this German fragrance has reached the globe.

Such a refreshing and comforting scent! It’s a nice herby (almost medicinal) and citrus barbershop cologne scent that revitalizes the senses. I use this for my bedtime spray because something about the herbal/medicinal quality of it soothes me. Only thing is that it’s definitely just a refresher since longevity is nonexistent. But I think that’s what this spray is for, just a little pick me up, refreshing spritz and gone.

This is the only fragrance that my German grandmother would wear, 4711 is distinctly European, fresh rather than perfumey. It's great for a dab on a handkerchief to cool down on a hot day. It is a childhood memory and a tradition, which I still relish to this day.

This perfume reminds me of my childhood. I used to take a shower in this when i was a little girl. It has something from the innocence of these years. The citruses are really intense and they make you feel very fresh and pure. Ideal for the summer days when you really need something fresh and playfull. Good quality in a low price

Got this out of curiosity for its history. It's a nice citrus/herb blend with a slight muskiness. It smells similar to a lot of other citrus colognes- you can definitely see its influence. But these days there are so many other fragrances with the same function as this, that have built from it and are stronger and more complex. It's nice to spritz or splash on a hot day, after bathing etc. Very refreshing, but not much strength or power (but I think the manufacturers know that since they sell such large bottles at a low price.) Relies a lot on its history and sentimentality, but at least it's cheap. I am getting a vintage bottle to see if there is any difference.

UPDATE: There is a subtle difference with the vintage. It has a bit more character, a fuller, more rounded and stronger opening. (The new one opens more sharp and watery.) The vintage is richer overall. Its colour is yellow while the current version is clear. But the vintage also dries down quickly and doesn't have much more performance or longevity. Still the basic refreshing after-shower type of citrus/herb/floral simple cologne.

A very, very bitter citrus so not for those that prefer sweet or aquatic citrus scents. The jasmine and oak moss are present, though I can smell no sweetness or melon notes. An iconic bottle that reminds me of my parents as they always had one in the bathroom. Unisex, though some might think it’s more masculine. Basically no staying power but that should be expected as it’s an eau de cologne.

This fragrance is like placing one's face into a flower bush of jasmine or honeysuckle and taking a deep breath in. The florals are very realistic and delicate, and there is no strong alcoholic base. It is an intimate scent, and I feel that adding stronger fixatives would ruin its realism.
Interestingly, the realism put off my partner, who said it "didn't smell like a perfume" and that it smelt to him as if he had rubbed a plain spice or herb directly onto his skin rather than a fragrance blend. He'll stick with Hugo Boss.

I got myself a bottle of this to own a piece of history, and the price just made me say "why not".
Gorgeous old time barber shop vibes, fresh citrus that feel wonderful to splash on after a shower. After around half an hour, on my skin it develops some skanky note (the good type) that feel familiar to fragrances with civet notes, like Civet from Zoologist. Overall it's a great fresh complement to a morning routine, I could even use it as after shave I think.

Despite any technical description, what I love the most about this is the instant flashback that hit me on the first splash, back when my dad used to take me with him to his favourite old barber shop when I was just a little kid. I couldn't help but seeing old "Don Luis" splashing 5-year-old-me's freshly cut hair with a scent like this.

This bottle earned a special place in my collection, definitely will buy again.

Absolutely beautiful citrusy aromatic scent, which would suit anyone. This fresh scent would never go out of of fashion and would inspire perfumers generations to come.
If you are in love with Aqua Di Parma Colonia, 4711 is a great cheaper alternative.
It smells delicious and I want to drink it, but it’s a very bad idea. If you feel the same way, please do not drink it.
However, 4711 has an awful longevity. It only hold on my skin for about half an hour. I would heavily recommend getting a smaller bottle, so it can be carried around and reapplied when needed.

To me, this smells like summertime and vaguely reminds me of something from my early childhood in the late 70s....I wish I knew what! Totally refreshing on hot and humid days and wonderful after a bath or shower. Like everybody else, I also wish that they would make an edt version that would last longer as I would LOVE to smell like this all day long! I feel like the fragrance notes listed are incorrect though as the 4711 website makes a point of stating that there are just 7 fragrant ingredients in this, and it lists them all. There is no mention of any Woody or musky notes and I really wish this website would get it right!

A classic. I grew up with this in the house. My parents would buy it regularly and it seems like we always had a bottle of this somewhere in the house. It's a very good freshy if you like lemony scents. The only problem I have with it is that the opening reminds me of laundry bleach when first sprayed on my skin. After that initial alcohol blast dissipates, it turns into something quite pleasant. Unfortunately, it has little lasting power. After an hour or two, it is basically gone. Definitely recommended if you can find it at an inexpensive price. You can often find this quite easily in pharmacies across Canada.

An absolute classic. My Dad always wore 4711 (and the Ice version) and when I was little, I'd sneak into his bathroom to put some on myself and get yelled at for leaving the cap off. When I reached High School he started buying me my own bottle. It's been a staple for me ever since and I always think of him whenever I use it. I wish it lasts longer but it's super affordable so I always buy the biggest bottle and decant it into spray bottles which I have in my purse and desk drawer.

Adding to the chorus of people saying that this smells exactly like Neroli Portofino (maybe 97%). I have both. Although NP stays on clothes for far longer than 4711. And NP settles to something more elegant. I'm not sure what 4711 dries down to as this doesn't stay long enough for anyone to find out.

This smells great…! I understand perfectly from whence Acqua di Parma took inspiration for their original Colonia - yes, AdP’s effort is richer and has more ‘body.’

4711 Eau de Cologne is a brief ray of sunshine on a cloudy day - beautiful, yet fleeting: it never offers more than an intimate skin scent and fades away with an hour.

My sister picked up a few bottles of this, mostly for nostalgic reasons, and gave one to me. This was a staple in our home growing up, along with Guerlain's Imperial. There was always a bottle of one or the other sitting on the bathroom counters where anyone in the family could splash themselves with it after a shower or bath, or just to cool off. I'm so happy that, unlike the Guerlain, the scent remained the same. Only lasts about 30 minutes on the skin, but that 30 minutes is heaven to me. I love this stuff!!! What I really love is that it doesn't interfere with a scent I put on afterwards, which is a big plus. Great to cool off with and refresh. Nothing beats this for that. I just ordered a 20 pack of the fragrance wipes so I can carry them in my bag and refresh after my perfume of the day has left the building. So happy with this. I will never be without it again.

Keep this in the fridge to slap on the pulse points on hot days. A refreshing bitter citrus bit of history. Learned here it was invented in Germany by a homesick Italian & the original formula could be drunk over ice. Seems silly not to add it to the necessary cheapies list c/o fragancenet, along with its delightful Maurer & Wirtz brother, Tabac Shower Gel. Always nice to have on hand.

If you like fresh citrusy and floral fragrances, you will enjoy 4711. It’s simple, affordable, and is always refreshing to put on in the morning or after a shower. I typically use it as an aftershave, due to its weak longevity and sillage, as there is little difference between their special aftershave version and the regular EdC. Hardly anyone will ever smell it on you unless it was just applied. You should probably get one of the bigger bottles if you like it, (10.1 oz/300 ml+) as you will use a lot more than you think over time, with negligible price differences between the sizes.

P.S. People often complain about 4711’s poor sillage and longevity, which is true. However, this is because 4711 is an EdC, not an EdT or EdP. Therefore, it should last for 2 hours at best. Since 4711 does not, it is probably about 2% concentrated, giving it its weak properties. I’ve wished for some time that they will release an EdT or EdP of the original, but I think it will never happen.

Summary

• Type: EdC
  
• Season: Perennial
  
• Time: Day
  
• Attire: N/A (Considering it's longevity)
  
• Blind Buy: Yes
  
• Projection: 2/10
  
• Sillage: 1/10
  
• Presentation: 10/10
  
• Versatility: 8/10
  
• Longevity: 2/10
  
• Value: 10/10

perfumes nice but only lasts 30 min.
sillage only i can feel it
like it

The scent notes listed for this fragrance are incorrect. They should be:

Top Notes: Bergamot, Lemon, Orange, Petitgrain, Neroli
Heart Notes: Rosemary, Rose
Base notes: Musk, Woody Notes

Straight herbal citrus and that's it. Lasts maybe an hour on a good day but it's an old world cologne that sparked history. Worth having just for the historical significance and as a quick splash on for no real reason other than to wear it. Don't expect anything spectacular and you'll be fine.

When I put it on the citrus sent lasted a few moments before it went straight into the Jasmine. I couldn't figure out which note it was at first but I did notice immediately it reminded me of Bobby Brown Beach. It doesn't last very long but it's a very refreshing pick me up Spritz during the day.

The 4711 fragrance lasts longer when I use a light moisturizer first. It gives the scent something to hold onto. It won't last all day but it does make a difference without altering the loveliness. I use Cetaphil lotion which is unscented, of course.

4711 is my new addiction. I bought my bottle years ago because Holly Golightly used it. I thought it smelled cheap and forgot I had it. Either it improved with age or my tastes have changed drastically. Since I found the bottle I must apply it morning, noon and night, and in between too. Of course the citrus top notes don't last but a minute, then this delicious honey-like aroma takes over and sends me over the Moon at every sniff. All my other scents are headed to the bin! Actually I use my unloved colognes to clean around my bathrooms.

It's okay. I wanted to have a fragrance with some historical value and I suppose I was prepared for how weak this stuff is by the reviews but smelling or rather lack of smelling is believing. It smells ok and I bought uncented hand wipes that I added two tablespoons of this to each 20 pack. Much cheaper than buying the refreshing ten pack of wipes that this brand sells. Now I know why this comes is a 800ml bottle for $40 because it's rather easy to use a tablespoon per application and you'll probably need at least that much to get something from it.

I don't know the scent yet. I will write a full review when I will get it. But all I can tell is that people often compare this one to Przemysławka eau de cologne from Poland. Przemysławka is a vintage scent first manufactured in 1919. By its composition, it resembles 4711.

Love it. Simple - citrus, herbal, slightly floral, lasts about 2 seconds, but that's what it's supposed to do. Low key smells like Froot Loops, but not in a bad way.

Cedar/Phoenicia Lebanese Orange Blossom water. 100%.

Do people not understand that this was made not to last but as a refreshing spray? You spray/splash this on hot days and if feels REALLY refreshing.I love it.

There were only a few fragrances before this one.
Hungarian water and 1709 Farina original cologne.
House number 4711 in the Glockengasse in the city of Cologne was the birthplace of this legend.

Most people don't understand this fragrance.
It is actually more of an invigorating splash or spray.
It is refreshing in hot summers, helps to make you feel better.

The fragrance is a nice crisp citrus with a touch of suntan lotion scent added to it.
Spray it on as you walk down the beach promenade in summer.
Light, airy and fresh.
A friend of mine even dabs it on the cold sore to make it heal faster.

Writing a review on 4711 - you must remember to open your eval with the compulsory 4711 mantra "it just don't last :-( - its a shame it don't last" Failure to do so renders your review invalid.

I sprayed it on a piece of paper less than 5 minutes ago and it's already gone.

It's difficult for me (untrained n00b nose) to pick out the individual components of the fragrance, but I do definitely get citrusy. It's really really nice.

Now for the compulsory closing statement "too bad it don't last"

This is definitely unisex and I adore wearing this, as a woman. This is such a classy, light yet full of depth Spring or Summer fragrance, the Basil and Cedar really blending to perfection. I just can't stop smelling this once wearing, and would also be gorgeous on a man. It feels like a gentle, fresh and carefree Italian sunny day to me. It's just disappointing that the scent disappears without trace within an hour - I guess that's magic....

My grandmother from Germany bought me a bottle of this when I was 9, in 1965. My mother was horrified because I was too young to be wearing a fragrance. I loved it, the exotic beautiful bottle, the beautiful fragrance that took me away somewhere. The bottle disappeared, as things disapproved by mother did, but I never forgot it, and 50 years later I saw it in a tobacconists shop in Ann Arbor, ohhhh, buy it! and I did. It stays on my dresser now, wouldn't be without it's fabulous, light, summer memories of Detroit, and Germany in 1965. I have the small purse bottle too! Don't poo poo me, sometimes I even throw a little on when I'm wearing something else.

I keep a bottle in the bathroom and splash everytime I wash. It’s fresh and lovely but just doesn’t last. A great quick pick me up scent! Classic!

This is so yummy. It’s basically Orange Blossom Water, the same stuff in lebanese deserts!

I bought my 100ml splash bottle during a visit to the eponymus flagship store in Cologne while looking for the Farina Cologne Museum - for some reasons I took the former for the latter and was disappointed to see a scentless eau de cologne fountain as the sole attraction!

4711 is the shortest-lived fragrance ever, I think - if it lasts more than 15 minutes on my skin, it's a lucky day - but those 15 minutes are really glorious: a blast of citruses, truly invigorating, mixed with the dark floral sweetness of rose and jasmine, and rounded up with some subtle earthy notes (which I think come from the oakmoss, that even at IFRA concentration, must be über-strong compared to everything else).

Useless as a scent as many intend it today (super projection, everlasting longevity, possibly choking everyone else in the room), the original 4711 is a wonderful fabric scent, or a superb olfactory comfort when you need to smell something nice, clean and invigorating. Strong like also considering its incredibly cheap price. I would love to try some of the flankers in their line and maybe owning one of the 800ml bottle just for the sake of it. If you plan to use it for real, though, do yourself a favour and buy one of the spray bottles - not the splash ones!

Little known fact: Mr Farina and his family were originally from Val Vigezzo, a narrow valley joining the upper tip of Piedmont in Italy to Locarno in Switzerland; there, another local herbalist, Mr Feminis, is said to have invented the first original formulation of a cologne, then called "aqua mirabilis", by using locally sourced herbs and flowers, before Farina took it to Cologne and, from there, then across the continent. Val Vigezzo's capital city, Santa Maria Maggiore, hosts a small perfume museum where the story of eau de cologne is explained, and they still sell in the town the original "Acqua di Colonia - Feminis-Farina". I bought a 25ml splash bottle and it has a pronounced herbaceous and aromatic (rosemary & lavander) opening mixed with tuned-down citruses, along with a soapy/powdery facet coming up immediately after. It's in a way more masculine and old-fashioned than 4711, but still with similar longevity problems. If you ever happen to be there, it's worth trying - also, the valley is just magnificent.

4711 - I mean what can I really say - ICONIC

This has been around longer than any of us! I remember smelling this on my granddad, he always had a bottle of this.
This is a great pick me up / after the shower / mood booster
I also use it to spray my bed linen, cushions, curtains...I will literally spray anything and everything with this.

Yes it's weak, no it doesn't last and yes I really wish it did. But that's the beauty of it I guess.
It will disappear within 30 minutes. This is not a perfume and for that price you really can't ask for anything more.

Just carry a bottle in your bag and cake it on every hour !!!

Zaleska,

I think that Jean Marie Farina his cologne Farina, had made in 1709, whilst Muehlens his 4711 made in 1792...

kind regards

è come un eiaculazione precoce , pochi secondi e finisce tutto . amen

I know my question may sound a bit silly, but here it goes:
Which came first: 4711 or Jean Marie Farina Extra Vieille Roger & Gallet?
I know 4711 was lauched before, but many perfume reviewers stress that JMF's is the first EDC just because it was...officially registrated in Cologne, Germany.
Please, help this poor soul.

I was hoping this would be a very light and refreshing scent that I could overly spray throughout the day as a pick-me-up in hot & sweaty NYC summers. However I pick up an herbal scent that is to me is not very appealing and makes it smell almost medicinal. Unfortunately that scent is equally as potent as the citrus, and lingers.

I’m a bit preemptive to that summer weather as I write this, but I have a feeling of doubt my thoughts on this fragrance will change unfortunately. We shall see... but for the price, I have very low regrets on the purchase and am sure I’ll find a use for it.

My ex bf in college wore this. His father was French and lived in France, and he'd visit his dad every summer. I mention this because there is history and nostalgia for me in this scent, but also because French can be snobs about perfume (rightfully so in many cases), and it passed the test in the case of the old bf's family... and this is a German-born scent!

I have the jumbo 27oz bottle for $40 on Amazon. It will last a looong time. But this is a classic and it will be used!

I love the neroli, which stands out nicely, and is softened by everything else, of which nothing else really stands out for me. As others have mentioned, it's not super potent, and, IMO, it has better longevity in the summer than winter. This is a true toilet water, the old school kind, like aftershave splash. I don't consider it the same class of parfum/cologne scents popular today. This comes from another time, another era (early 18th C), when dousing yourself in smell was improper/sacrilege? IDK the history of perfume, but I'd imagine that scents were worn more heavy in the 16th C than in the 17th C when people began to bathe. Anyway, read the wiki article on it, there is an interesting history.

I don't consider 4711 in the same category with my JM Basil Neroli, or my Chloe Eau de Fleurs Neroli, which I consider feminine, nor would I align it with the more masculine TF Neroli Portofino, nor Creed's Neroli Sauvage. Why? The oldest of these scents is from 1994! Hardly a realistic comparison to a 300yo perfume!!! These newer scents are all more potent, more expensive, and more readily relevant for our contemporary use/trends/needs. Most people leave a scent trail once they pass you these days. I don't think that was the intent or reality back in the day. If you sat close at tea you could smell another person, and it would cover any stink, but you know, it was another time. Love 4711 for what it is.

Atypical review, as I don't really wear this as a fragrance.
I came upon 4711 a few years ago, looking for something Neroli-Portofino-Esque. TOO MANY people name this as a suitably similar bargain option and I firmly disagree. If that's what you're looking for, I highly suggest getting a dupe fragrance oil instead. There are some really great ones available, with longevity that puts Tom Ford to shame. But I digress.
4711 is a summer staple for me, but I apply it under my arms along with crystal mineral deodorant, or later in the day after I've sweat a bit but am not ready for a shower. The citrus and alcohol content in this is incredible at inhibiting bacterial growth and neutralizing some of that "hot weather musk" that may develop with a more natural hygiene routine (read: no chemical deodorizers or antiperspirants). 4711 also has the added benefit of many other pleasant fragrance additions and the overall effect is one of refreshment. It's very sharp and tart for a few seconds and then fades off to a pleasant near-nothingness, so wearing this as a traditional cologne is sort of futile. But under my arms it smells a bit like froot loops for some reason, and that makes me chuckle.

Don't buy this looking to quell the craving for Tom Ford though, and don't buy this if you're looking for something with any kind of longevity. But if you want to splash it under your arms or all over after a shower for a quick wake-up pick-me-up, definitely go for it. I don't plan on ever being without this one.

I purchased this today as my refresher quarantine fragrance. Pretty straightforward, beautiful yet fleeting. I might have purchased because of the hyped up nostalgia and the beautiful bottle ( and I do agree with the previous reviewer that although cheap,---compared to other fragrances, I could have purchased a better EDC with better performance)

Once my refill bottle is empty, I shall refill it with another better performing cologne (LOL)

Don't get me wrong! this is definitely a classic and a must have for collectors in their archive ( but it isn't a necessity hehe, did I just contradict myself?)

I'll test this on clothes if it lasts longer.


OK UPDATE:(3/30/21) PLEASE DISREGARD MY PREVIOUS, SLIGHTLY NEGATIVE REVIEW.

I am now obsessed with this! I've been wearing this 2 days straight ( probably for the entire week-- the weather in Manila now is scorching) , and the simplicity of this is just uplifting.

When sprayed underneath and on clothes I get slightly longer wear and this delicious airy effect which I look for in colognes. The basic construction of this cologne is where it's beauty lies. It doesn't scream, it is subdued and sultry and just refreshing. It leaves my skin smelling naturally clean. No acidic-pee-like drydown which I get from some concentrated EDCs.

I also spray it on my hands and inhale as indicated on the box and it's a just a simple luxurious treat! I feel more positive and energized and inspired.

Now let me order an 800 ml. I will never be without this forever.

Interesting comments about the brief but pleasant hit & the "training wheels" aspect of frag-centric matriarchs preparing their daughters for olfactory adventures future.

When I was a little kid I vividly remember a TV ad that aired every summer. The hook-line & theme, 4711: "It's as Cold as Ice".

It was deliciously politically incorrect by today's norm.

It featured various over-heated characters exalting the virtues of the brew.

There was a trucker behind the wheel of his truck, dripping in sweat, saying; in reference to the heat: "When I can't take no more"....then he'd dab & dribble 4711 on his face & neck.

The next shot was a busty, Benny Hill-esque young woman riding her bike. She would say...."When I'm hot right to the core"....rhyming with the preceding trucker scene .....Then spray it on her very camera focused decolletage & 'giggle & jiggle' whilst exclaiming: "ooooooh!".

I think every kid in the industrial world encounters a bottle on their Mum's dresser. And many an ancestor going way, way back.

Not far back enough to be in the cargo holds of the Mayflower or First Fleet, The Four Ships et al, but still no doubt one of the 1st frags to be exported out of Europe to new frontiers in bulk.

Fragrance quality: 9/10 (according to the price of course).
Longevity: 5/10
Price: 10/10
4711 Original Eau de Cologne On my skin last from 1 hour to 4 hours. It is a great spring/summer fragrance indeed, it reminds me of another neroli cheapie Just Jack Neroli.
It is a great fragrance for the price, no doubt about that. Yes, it doesn't last long but there are lots of fragrances that cost way more and last the same or even worse.