Hypnotic Poison
Eau de Parfum, Christian Dior (2014)

Hypnotic Poison EDP is an incredibly sexy and glamorous oriental vanilla & floral perfume which never fails to receive compliments every single time I wear it out. Although it's fairly reminiscent of the lovely original EDT, the EDP can certainly be considered an "intense" version of Hypnotic Poison since the sillage and longevity are insane (This perfume survives even after scrubbing in a hot shower as well as remaining on clothing for several days!). HP EDP is unapologetically denser and sexier than its progenitor but still reeks of elegance and sophistication. I bought a 100ml bottle a few years ago and only reach for it a handful of times each autumn and winter because it is undeniably a bewitching scent, one that shamelessly screams, "Voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir?"

Sniffing the top notes, I really like it. Spicy vanilla, one of my faves. It just doesn't last on my skin at all. I don't even know what the dry-down is, because 30 minutes later, I can't smell it. So, zero longevity for me.

Just when I thought I was addicted to Hypnotic Poison Eau de Toilette, a sample of this comes into my hands and changes my world. I didn't believe it could be more beautiful. I'd say the EdT is gorgeous, and this is beautiful. And beautiful is better than gorgeous. All in all, it's softer, you want to caress it, pet it... or is it the fragrance itself which does it to you? The EdT says: I'm poison, take this into your face! The EdP doesn't say anything but takes your hand and show you it's world of vanity. The liquor ice is less agressive. The sugar less caramel-ly. What a work of art.

I liked last year's Eau Secrete flanker, only I found it too quiet and hoped Dior could amp it up a bit. Be careful what you wish for: the new edp is exactly that.

Hypnotic Poison EdP starts with the requisite "bergamot" flash in the topnotes, followed by a gorgeous cherry/ liquorice accord. It is this mouthwatering gourmand accord that makes the fragrance worthwhile, though it can't hold out forever. It is eventually joined by a honey note, and then the fragrance gradually falls onto a pillow of vanilla and musks - a combination of fabric softeners and cotton.

It's all very promising, and yet the center feels hollow, as though the fragrance is sweetened with saccharine instead of real sugar. I think the problem is the Inner Void gouged open by IFRA and accountants: the place where natural floral materials used to be.

Overall the the fragrance is very good, but in the final analysis it's not a match for the highly polished original or Elixir.