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Bal d'Afrique Absolu de Parfum

BYREDO

Current Price $290.00 to $400.00
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Details & care

What it is: A fragrance that reimagines the iconic scent with a more gourmand intensity, heightening the contrast between vibrant lightness and addictive depth, paying tribute to founder Ben Gorham's personal memories and the vibrant artistic influence of African culture.

Fragrance story: This reinterpretation elevates the gourmand notes of Bal d'Afrique to an addictive level, all surrounding a heart of sweet praline. Notes of bergamot, lemon, and blackcurrant offer a bold vibrance before melting into praline, sweet musks, and violet. A woody blend of cedar and vetiver add depth and drama to the base, with warm black amber extending the gourmand push of the praline right to the very end.

Style: Woody.

Notes:
- Top: bergamot, leom, black currant
- Middle: musk, praline, violet
- Base: cedarwood, vetiver, black amber

  • Vegan
  • Made in Spain
  • Item #10830343
  • Core Product ID 333333VAJE

Ingredients

Alcohol Denat., Parfum (Fragrance), Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes, Aqua (Water/Eau), Limonene, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Peel Oil, Hydroxycitronellal, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citrus Aurantium Peel Oil, Linalyl Acetate, Pinene, Linalool, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Coumarin, Beta-Caryophyllene, Citral, Rose Ketones, Geranyl Acetate, Terpineol, Terpinolene, Alcohol, Hexadecanolactone, Citronellol, Alpha-Terpinene, Tris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol) Citrate, Isoeugenyl Acetate, Geraniol, Isoeugenol, Ci 19140 (Yellow 5), Ci 14700 (Red 4), Ci 60730 (Ext. Violet 2).
Ingredients are subject to change at the manufacturer's discretion. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging

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BYREDO

After traveling to his mother's hometown in India, BYREDO founder Ben Gorham became intrigued by scent and memory. Mentored by world-renowned perfumers, he started his line of luxury fragrances in Stockholm in 2006, focusing on raw, high-quality ingredients. Today, BYREDO candles, perfumes and more are known as much for their minimalist, stylistic packaging as they are for their irresistible scents.

Reviews

(152)1524.6 out of 5
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Most helpful positive review

June 24, 2025

Absolu the Best

If I could only wear one scent for the rest of my life, it would be this. The Absolu version is so much more potent and it actually lasts on my skin. The original EDP does not last for more than an hour or so, even with 6-8 sprays. However, the scent of Bal D'Afrique is perfection in a bottle that you can easily wear 365 days a year, in every season, and that's how I justified buying the original. They mastered the original scent of the EDP into the Absolu and it's a perfect 10/10.
MattyTee
19found this helpful

Most helpful critical review

Aug 31, 2026

Don’t purchase

In store fragrance lasted a lot longer and projected a lot louder. The product I have barely last an hour and doesn’t project. Feels like a watered down product.
Deanno
Verified purchase
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5 stars75%
4 stars15%
3 stars5%
2 stars3%
1 star1%

Pros:

Cons:

Current reviews don’t mention any.
June 24, 2025

Absolu the Best

If I could only wear one scent for the rest of my life, it would be this. The Absolu version is so much more potent and it actually lasts on my skin. The original EDP does not last for more than an hour or so, even with 6-8 sprays. However, the scent of Bal D'Afrique is perfection in a bottle that you can easily wear 365 days a year, in every season, and that's how I justified buying the original. They mastered the original scent of the EDP into the Absolu and it's a perfect 10/10.
MattyTee
Size purchased:
3.3 oz
19found this helpful
July 24, 2025

opened package sent

5stars for the scent, more longer lasting, smoother, yummy slight sweet praline note, addicting love it. However, the package is opened and Nordstrom repackage over with plastic and sent me used one. I buy directly from Byredo as well as through from Nordstrom so I know the stickers each side of the box should be sealed but package came in broken seals. I would return for refund but decided to keep as I love the perfume.
Verified purchase
d3stroyerz
18found this helpful
Aug 6, 2026

Addictive scent

It’s THAT perfume you sample and can’t leave without! Not sure what they put in the but being super picky with perfumes, this is unique and amazing. Truly addictive! Only regret is I didn’t purchase the 3.3 ounce, but they didn’t have it in stock at the store and I wanted it right away. Love love love it! Completely gender neutral so get to share it with my teen son is a bonus.
Verified purchase
CsillaBlack
Size purchased:
1.6 Ounce
2found this helpful
Dec 3, 2025

Sheesh

A super sexy fragrance
Verified purchase
TipsyShooter95
Size purchased:
50 ml
Color:
Clear
2found this helpful
July 24, 2026

Beautiful scent--doesn't last as long as I'd like

Bal D'Afrique Absolu is a gorgeous scent, clean, sweet, woodsy, and slightly floral. I have and love the OG Bal D'Afrique, and I always wished it would last longer. The Absolu definitely has the DNA of the original, but the addition of a praline note gives it more sweetness and makes it a heavier scent. I love both, but I think the Absolu should last longer than it does, especially at the price point. It lasts longer than the original, but still only about 4-5 hours on me.
Verified purchase
Winosaurus Rex
Size purchased:
1.6 oz.
1found this helpful
July 19, 2026

A Luxurious, Long-Lasting Signature Scent

Bal d’Afrique Absolu exceeded my expectations. It opens with a fresh burst of citrus before settling into a warm, smooth blend of woods and soft florals that feels both sophisticated and unique. The Absolu version has incredible depth and lasts all day on my skin without being overpowering. I’ve received multiple compliments every time I’ve worn it. If you’re looking for a versatile fragrance that’s elegant enough for special occasions but easy to wear every day, this is definitely worth the investment. BYREDO knocked it out of the park with this one.
Verified purchase
Reaunn
1found this helpful