Crispy Gardenia

Scent Breakdown

Crispy Gardenia aims to be Pi by Givenchy, and it gets surprisingly close. The opening has that bright mandarin and herbal zest, though the Zara version leans a touch more synthetic, especially on the rosemary. It's missing some of the smoother, almost creamy elements of the OG. The heart is where it shines; the anise and neroli combo is really well done. Dries down to a cozy vanilla-almond with a hint of tonka. I'd say it captures about 82% of Pi’s DNA. The main difference is the Zara version lacks the depth and refinement of the original, but it is close.

Final Thoughts

If you love the scent profile of Givenchy Pi but don’t want to shell out the big bucks, Crispy Gardenia is a solid alternative. While it’s not a perfect dupe, it’s close enough . Ideal for someone who appreciates sweet, slightly gourmand fragrances and wants a versatile, everyday option. For the casual fan, this is a great grab.

Wear time & Sillage

It’s a Zara fragrance, so manage expectations. I get about 4-5 hours of noticeable wear, projecting moderately for the first hour, then settling closer to the skin. Definitely a skin scent by hour three. Perfect for a day at the office where you don’t want to overpower anyone. Reapplication is a must if you want to make it through a full workday.