Dark Obsession by Calvin Klein

How curious that discontinued scents seem to come alive on their own. I found this Dark Obsession For Men on eBay at ridiculous prices; I have the 200ml bottle my mother keeps (it belonged to my twin brother). After about eight sprays, it smells like classic Obsession with dark fruits, citrus, spices, vanilla, and chocolatey touches: youthful, nocturnal, and designed for flirting, though with intimate projection. Ultimately, the warm green notes and suede create a surprising twist; just when I thought, as with many budget fragrances, it would fall short, hours later I detect a delicious trail of chocolatey suede and vetiver, reminiscent of A*Men. It’s not prodigious, but it has interesting nuances. Its longevity exceeds three or four hours, something rare for Calvin Klein and worthy of praise. I almost gave it a lower score for wanting to judge it too quickly, but seriously: it’s a pleasant flanker of a classic. It has more merit than many out-of-production fragrances. It deserves to be tried calmly to decide if it belongs on your shelf. It has its charms, don’t be fooled. Rating: 7.5/10

It smells of suede and bitter chocolate… an exquisite perfume. It has no cocoa note, but it is very perceptible and I am not the only one who notices it; surely it is the combination of other notes that recreates that sensation. Exquisite💪💪💪

Dark Obsession for men… it is a complex fragrance that I still cannot fully interpret. I feel it is ambroxed like the Calvin Klein Obsession, but within minutes, a rich vanilla aroma wraps around you, then a soapy and fruity sensation appears. It is difficult to interpret. In the end, after hours, it leaves a suede scent. I consider it suitable for night use, in winter or autumn, or in cold climates to perform better.

I saved two 125 ml bottles since it launched in 2013 and I’ve used it eight times today. I’ve received three compliments from girls and two from guys. What more could you ask for? It’s a delight and I can still smell it on my skin.

I have wanted to try it for some time and thanks to the generosity of Jerry Drake (thank you, friend), I have the opportunity. The first three minutes are a whiff of alcohol with citrus; it is an Eau de Toilette, but after that time which masks its scent, it gradually opens into an exquisite, well-treated powdery vanilla that is a pleasant experience. Captivating and seductive aroma, nothing as dark as the name suggests, more thought for marketing. It can be used day and night in spring, summer, and autumn. Longevity is quite good, about 10 hours. Its Achilles’ heel: the trail is very close to the skin. It gives the impression of being a fragrance for intimate moments, for that person not to detach from you. If I find it at the right price, I will get a bottle.

It smells very, very well, but you have to press your nose against the area where you apply it because it hardly projects. I will not go into the notes because I do not know how to distinguish them; I can only say that it has a very pleasant smell, like clean with sweet fruits or vanilla, but with very little trail and longevity.

Yesterday I saw this perfume in a shop in Bogotá at a very attractive price: 35 dollars for 200ml. After deliberating (at that price I doubted it was original), I took the risk and brought it home. Freshly applied, it smells very similar to classic Obsession, with much presence and sweetness, but after ten minutes it takes a complete turn: sweet fruity notes with vanilla, and the absence of musk gives it a more modern and clean touch; the absinthe adds a tipsy aura. The herbal accords of helichrysum, balsam fir, and vetiver reinforce the earthy character of the classic, although the other notes take it to a fresher, more dynamic gourmand territory, turning it into a magnificent reinterpretation of an old fragrance to suit current times. The dry-down is perhaps the best aspect, as you perceive a kind of chocolatey cappuccino with vanilla and suede, very soft and pleasant. As for performance, it has 5 to 7 hours longevity on skin, with low to moderate trail and projection, attributes that are enhanced upon reapplication. It is mainly nocturnal, for cool climates, although it can be used during the day, and I believe it can be over-applied without going overboard. It has good seductive potential due to its addictive notes. Despite its discreet performance, I have liked it very much; moreover, due to its low price, the cost/benefit ratio is quite positive. Fragrance: 9/10 Longevity: 8/10 Projection: 6/10 Trail: 6/10 Value for Money: 7/10 Versatility: 9/10 Total: 7.5/10

It’s a top-tier perfume with an absolutely delicious scent. As I can’t stand overpowering fragrances, this is my saviour. People already ask me what I’m wearing, and it’s ideal for going out at night.