Sheer Obsession (2002)
by Calvin Klein

I didn’t believe it when I first sniffed this… it actually is a genuinely sheer version of the great original. And it is very well done. It lacks the drama, the passion, the depth, the heaviness of the original, but it can stand on its own as a legitimate and competent variation. It delivers modern sweetness with a firm dose of musk, vanilla, and amber. It tends to get a bit powdery, but it always seems to be speaking in the voice of Obsession originale, even if it is a whisper or an echo. There is also a firm streak of incense in it which is a departure from the original, but suitable for this fragrance. But Sheer Obsession remains reminiscent of the original, and is an excellent scent in itself. As in most sheer scents, it would be nice if it had better longevity.

Lighter than the original but just as wonderful to smell - I always think of the cartoons where the dog catches a whiff of something wonderful and floats through the air after it. This is just that beautiful (IMO of course).

HMMMM! Total winner. Obsession without the yikes-factor. I can't imagine actually wearing Obsession itself, much as I love the smell, as this is already so strong on me that I must be cautious. But I suppose I could grow into Obsession... I hope so, as this version is no more, sadly. I also much prefer this one's bottle. If you can still find it, snap it up!

I'll jump on the minority couch with ubuandibeme - I love both the original and Sheer Obsession. The sheer version has the advantage of being more versatile as it's not nearly as assertive as the original. I wear Sheer when I want to whisper sexy, and the original when I want to shout sexy...n'est pas? ;-)

Guess I'm the minority here: I love Obsession (original) AND I love Sheer Obsession! I think it's awesome the way Sheer's formulation manages to keep the same basenotes, only quieter. It also has staying power ~ but wears closer to the skin than the original version. (I think the original has remarkable sillage!)

This is a nice blend of incense & musk on my skin. Which is remarkable since most musks usually turn rancid on me. Quite nice, but I wish some of the amber notes would come alive more. My only gripe: Most sheer scents have Zero staying power on me and Sheer Obesession is no exception.