Madly Kenzo! by Kenzo

I really like it. After reading so many negative reviews, I wasn’t keen on smelling it, but at a poorly maintained counter, even from the bottle, it smelled of dark incense, which is what I like. When I tried it with the spray, things changed compared to the bottle’s scent. It does smell of incense, just a bit less, but it maintains the concept I usually enjoy. I gave it one last chance because Kenzo with incense normally makes me take off my hat, although lately they’ve been very underwhelming. This attempt is seven years old and semi-retired; we’ll see how soon this character starts rising in price. The opening is a slap of juicy pepper; Kenzo already works it there, but here it feels a bit rough at first, yet it holds up. I’m not one of the people whose nose itches with pepper, although it gets slightly leathery, mostly due to the potent orange blossom. The incense is there, dry and unfriendly, accompanied by sweetness; the heliotrope doesn’t make it so karstic but it has a good dark bite. The dry-down is a well-executed incense, almost ecclesiastical, which is strange for Kenzo. Those who like incense should try it; the ranges are wide. Longevity and sillage are below what Kenzo used to do, but not below a Kenzo Amour, which is very soft. It has its own beauty; I’m glad I tried it in time; although it’s not the eighth wonder, it’s not as nefarious compared to their latest creations. EDIT: Luckily it moves quickly to the phase I like, because the start is complicated.

It was luck to get this fragrance for free. They gave it to me in a store for buying two other perfumes. I had already tried it there before and loved it, so when, with much reluctance from the staff who wanted to close the sale, they said ‘We’ll give you this one for free’ and I saw that beautiful violet bottle, I couldn’t be happier. Kenzo Madly Eau de Parfum is precious wood full of incense with pepper and a slight floral touch. I don’t feel it has much evolution on my skin. I can’t deny it’s one of my favourites and when I read that a perfume has incense, I secretly hope it’s like this fragrance. It would be my love of a lifetime, but unfortunately its longevity is low and it has a poor trail. But it doesn’t take away from the fact that it’s a Hindu temple enclosed in a stylish bottle. Femininity, spirituality, and sex, all together.

I was gifted a lovely 4ml miniature. Upon seeing the box and bottle, I imagined something floral, fruity, and fresh, perhaps youthful. However, upon trying it on my skin… a shock! It was the exact opposite of what I expected. It smells of an older person, nothing elegant. It gave me nausea and a headache. I’m not saying it’s a bad fragrance; in terms of quality, it’s spectacular—the longevity and sillage are impressive and it clings to me. I repeat: it’s excellent in quality, longevity, and projection, but this is my opinion based on my tastes. It’s a very particular fragrance. A big NO for blind buys. My advice: test it first and don’t be fooled by the beautiful packaging.

Just launched and I tried it on my wrist. I understand why they pulled it from the Argentine market. I think it doesn’t represent the Latin woman, but rather a very European one. It represents a strong, professional woman with great presence. It’s not for a macho audience. On my skin, pepper and cedar take the lead. It’s a 10 for daytime and autumn/winter. It creates a scene, with medium to strong sillage. It leaves you clean and fresh. Adorned but subtle. I think it suits simple clothes in neutral tones. Perhaps for me, it’s too strong if worn with bright patterns. That’s where its name, Madly, plays a role.

I am a woman who adores Kenzo fragrances, and I must admit that Madly doesn’t appeal to me much: on my skin it doesn’t seem like a floral oriental scent, rather it takes on an unflattering smell that reminds me of a synthetic pear or apple perfume. A creation that’s not very risky and clearly destined for mass sales. However, it can be pleasant if you are a fan of DKNY fruity perfumes or similar brands. It has medium longevity and moderate sillage. It’s not recommended for special occasions; it’s more of a daily, informal scent.

My sister used the EDT and I liked it, but not for me… When a friend let me try the EDP, I fell in love! It’s very different. It’s super woody, balsamic, with a soft, integrated smokiness. Orange citrus notes rise above a dry, deep base of incense with earthy vanilla. After a while, a hint of rose emerges and it becomes more powdery. What a pity they’ve discontinued it; with how hard it is to find feminine perfumes with incense… I’m already hunting for a huge bottle of this juice.

I was gifted a lovely 4ml miniature and, seeing the box and bottle, imagined something floral, fruity and fresh. Upon trying it, it was a shock: it smells of older people, nothing cheerful, giving me nausea and a headache. It’s not a bad fragrance; the quality is spectacular and the lasting power impressive, but I have to remove it from my skin. It’s a big NO for blind buying; test it first and don’t be fooled by the packaging.

This was my first perfume about ten years ago. I still remember it with nostalgia. Its longevity on the skin was excellent, just like its trail. Typical of Kenzo. It was an exquisite fruity scent. The heliotrope stood out; I felt as if I were chewing a leaf of guava with syrup. It’s hard to explain. It broke my heart when they discontinued it. I’ve searched for it to no avail.

It reminds me of all Kenzo fragrances: an excessive oriental touch, almost artificial, plus amber with notes of pepper and incense that make a bomb. It was a gift I used a few times across different seasons before it overwhelmed me until I put it away and gave it away. The good thing is that it has good sillage and longevity, as is often the case with the brand.

I bought it years ago because I let myself be led by the seller. It was cheap and I didn’t know much, so I let myself be convinced. A huge mistake I never repeated; I don’t give much value to what they try to sell me. A fragrance that is too overwhelming and synthetic. It gave me a headache. I have no good memories of this perfume.

I tried it with a friend and it was madness: on me it smells of pure incense, so strong it gave me a headache, with aggressive sillage and longevity. On her, however, it sat softly and soberly, very distinctive. It’s not for everyone, but if you know how to wear it, it is interesting.

My husband gave this to me thinking I’d try it because I’m a perfume fanatic and then hate it. I gave it away instantly; it felt as though I’d draped myself in a hundred sticks of incense. It seemed heavy and uncomfortable. If you use it, avoid the day and the heat.

On my skin, incense and pepper stand out with a floral touch. As they say, it’s a rich floral oriental. It’s neither comforting nor overwhelming. In my opinion, nothing very special.

I adore this perfume! I searched for it for a long time and was lucky to find it on discount. I love its sandalwood scent; it’s like being in a Hindu temple full of flowers.

Not for everyone’s taste. At first, it’s strong, but once it settles on the skin, it’s more bearable and eventually I do like it.