Byredo’s Bal D’Afrique Absolu vs EDP: Sweeter, Stronger, or Just Different?
Written by Kristina Kybartaite-Damule
Earlier this year, Byredo launched an Absolu version of their iconic perfume, Bal D’Afrique. Is this new interpretation worth the investment?
I have to confess – while I’ve never been a huge fan of most Byredo perfumes (with a few exceptions), Bal D’Afrique has always been my weakness. Whether in the form of perfume, body wash, or hand cream, everything infused with this clean yet distinctive floral scent has been an enduring love of mine. And it still is. So when I saw that the brand was releasing a new version, of course, I had to try it.
As tempted as I was to blind buy it (a habit I’m successfully trying to quit – too many expensive mistakes made before), I decided to start with a sample. From the very first spray, I was greeted by the familiar Bal D’Afrique DNA. I was relieved to see that Byredo didn’t attempt to reinvent the bicycle or strip the fragrance of its original character. Instead, they preserved what I would dare to call a modern classic, that’s been around since 2009.
The opening is still recognizable: bright citrus, airy musky violet, and that slightly sweet floral accord. Yet in the Absolu version, there’s something added—a praline note. And it’s not shy. This gourmand touch immediately pushes the fragrance in a new direction, making it feel richer, heavier, and undeniably sweeter than the original. For those who are not fans of very sweet perfumes, this could be overwhelming. For others, it might be exactly what they wanted: a deeper, more decadent twist. Personally, I find that this version leans more into autumn and winter wear, where its warmth can shine without becoming cloying.
The praline addition also changes the personality of the fragrance. While the original felt light, clean, and almost breezy, Absolu adds a layer of indulgence – almost like dressing the scent in velvet rather than cotton. It becomes more sensual, perhaps even more luxurious, but it sacrifices a bit of the freshness that made Bal D’Afrique so versatile. Depending on your taste, this shift might feel like an upgrade or a detour.
As the Absolu name suggests, performance is where the new edition delivers most strongly. One of the biggest complaints about the original EDP was its lack of staying power and weak projection. Byredo clearly took this feedback – the Absolu lasts significantly longer and projects much more noticeably, which has already won it plenty of praise on social media.
As for me personally, I still prefer the good old EDP. I don’t mind reapplying or even switching fragrances throughout the day. What I love most about Bal D’Afrique is its clean, uplifting quality – something that isn’t quite as prominent in the Absolu version, weighed down by its dessert-like sweetness. So while I respect what Byredo has done here, I’ll be sticking with the classic. Sorry, Absolu – you’re too sweet for me.