Tendre Poison by Dior

This perfume found its way to my nose thanks to a high school teacher. During an exam, while she fanned herself, that scented breeze made it impossible for me to concentrate. One day I asked her what she was wearing, and at 18, I bought it. It was the start of my collection, and a real shame they’ve decided to discontinue this gem. I’ll always remember it.

I don’t know what will happen when this bottle runs dry. Tendre Poison was the trend at 18, a soft version of the Poison EDP, ideal for those just starting out. If Poison Girl was the thing a couple of years ago, in 1994 it was Tendre; I feel great belonging to this generation, Generation X, with so many transitions where perfumery didn’t fall behind. Although I like new things today, regardless of my age, I prefer Tendre to Girl. I feel most of the original Poison notes on my skin, but it evokes adolescence, the tender stage, innocence, and the first kiss of the Poison matrix. Galbanum, flowers, spices like clove and honey that don’t bother, until the clove feels a bit cloying; it’s a timeless beauty. I’m starting to fall for Edouard Fléchier, creator of controversial, intense, and beastly works, yet of innocence and purity bordering on virginal. Excellent longevity and sillage.

In the 90s, I gave countless perfumes to my then-girlfriend, but of all of them, this is the one I remember most and was fascinated by when she wore it. I still can’t believe they keep selling so many bad perfumes and THIS ONE DOES NOT. The new generations MUST know about it.

I loved the freshness of the mandarin in the opening, but three minutes later, the composition transformed into a buttery aroma of neroli, puffs of rosewood, freesia, green vegetables, and Dove soap. Over time, it becomes greener and woodier, and the honey becomes more prominent, making it sweeter, balanced, and true to the ‘Tendre’ theme. It’s feminine, beautiful, and versatile, ideal for casual spring days, though it also takes to summer if it’s not too hot. The projection is moderate and longevity hovers around 8 hours. It’s my second Poison favourite, after MP. Keep in mind that the buttery phase is very greasy and can be offensive. I remember wearing it to work and wondering why it smelled like sweaty teenager drenched in honey. To avoid this, use Cabotine by Gres, almost the same but less buttery. Pleasant: 6/10, Interesting: 8/10, Versatile: 7/10, Original: 5/10.

I don’t know what will happen when this bottle runs out. Tendre Poison was the fashionable perfume when I was 18, the soft version of the EDP for beginners. If before it was Poison Girl, in 1994 it was Tendre; I feel good belonging to this generation of transitions. Although today I like new things, I prefer Tendre over Girl. I sense the Poison notes but it evokes adolescence, innocence, the first kiss from the matrix. Galbanum, flowers, spices like clove and honey; the clove is a bit stuck, but it’s a timeless beauty. I’m starting to fall in love with Edouard Fléchier, creator of Poison and Tendre. If this is how his works are, what will his mind be like creating one of the most controversial and beastly perfumes? Yes, the mother of this and Tendre… And yet this work of innocence and purity, almost virginal. Excellent longevity and sillage.

What wonderful memories. My first official perfume, like taking the step from girl to independent woman. I remember buying it with my savings, at 18, at the old perfumery in my town, the first in the area and still going strong. I told the seller I wanted a perfume for myself and she brought out two: Hypnotic Poison and this one. I remember the bergamot, fresh, green, complex, truly unique and elegant. It was Dior, there was no comparison, I enjoyed it until the last drop, it was mine. Sadness invades me knowing it was discontinued. Dior ceased to be Dior after Tendre Poison for me.

Fresh, floral, and very pleasant.

Cabotine de Grès is a green floral, reminiscent of this Dior but they are different; don’t expect the same thing. Tendre is complex, of quality, with facets and a Dior character, different from its predecessor Poison, less heavy. Fresh, green and with a sandalwood base that I love. It could be a current niche unisex: cut flowers, natural rose, woods and touches like asafoetida. I am a man and thought I wouldn’t wear it, but today’s unisex scents break stereotypes. Cuir Cannage by Dior is also like this; putting on perfume is a matter of taste, not of sexes.

I will simply say WHY… WHY THEY HAD TO DISCONTINUE IT… SNIFF

I was gifted a handmade replica which I wore for ten years; I finally grabbed a bargain and it’s vanished from the shelves ever since. It doesn’t bother anyone, it’s elegant, perfect for day or night, suitable from 25 up to 90. It’s a classic that looks wonderful on younger girls too; it doesn’t mark you out as an older woman. There are copies of many classics, but none of Tendre. This scent leans fresh for me—I didn’t want anything oriental or purely floral. Although my tastes have changed, it’s an aroma I’d love to enjoy forever. At last I’m wearing it again. Even if it’s a copy, it’s so lovely, fresh, almost sparkling. I hope they reissue it for an anniversary, as it’s available on various sites but at prices I simply wouldn’t pay for a fragrance.

I bought it after searching for so long and finally finding it at a good price. It was a blind buy as I’d never tried it before. Reading the reviews, I thought it would be exquisite, but the truth is it left me rather indifferent. I’m not regretting the purchase and I do like it, but I don’t find it special. I’d describe it as a soft blend of Poison and Cabotine, but softer. I don’t detect any green, citrus, or floral notes; rather, it’s a mix of everything and I struggle to categorise it. All in all, it’s a good perfume.

What luck to have found this bargain jewel in perfect condition. The good: it’s discontinued, arrived as intended, smells elegant for a gala and is green as luck. The bad: I still don’t know if I like it. It’s very green; sometimes I detect honey and vanilla, other times not. At first it smelled like Nivea cream on my skin, the notes were stuck together. Then it evolved into something that confused me, like mosquito repellent! I regretted the purchase. It lasts a very long time. The next day, at a retreat with a nun I love dearly who used to wear Dior, I let her try it. On her it smells delicious! Balanced with honey, sweet and perfect. It was the scent I imagined: rain in the forest, majestic. I think my pH doesn’t suit it, but I’ll give it another chance. It hurts to throw it away, but I’ll gift it to my mother; it suits her well and I see her happy. Perhaps destiny wants it to reach her. I haven’t rated it yet because I want to try it again.

I adore it! How infuriating that such gems are discontinued… There’s no way to find it unless you’re wealthy.

I don’t understand Dior. They discontinue a fine, exquisite and timeless floral, and produce 18 flankers of Addict, ephemeral and poorly blended. In Greece we have a perfumery with identical-style fragrances, it’s wonderful. I hope Dior reproduces it, and in the same bottle!

I recall this perfume was very famous; everyone wanted to smell like Poison Tendre. I prefer sweet scents and this is far from that, but it’s lovely.