Fragrance Profile

Reviews of Obsession for Men (1986)
by Calvin Klein

  • Availability: In Production
  • Perfumer: Bob Slattery
  • Bottle Designer: Pierre Dinand
View the main Obsession for Men page.

Positive Reviews of Obsession for Men

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5 reviews

WOWWW. THIS SCENT IS PERFECT.. I LOVE IT... THE AMBER AND VANILLA DRYDOWN IS UNIQUE..... IS A STRONG SCENT... BUT IS NOT OFFENSIVE AT ALL..... I LIKE VERY MUCH TO WEAR THIS.... IS A TRULY CLASSIC.... EVERYONE SHOULD TRY AND WEAR THIS PERFECT SCENT..... PERFECT........
07 October 2008


114 reviews

My first experience with Obsession for Men was when I smelled the sample which was placed in between the pages of one British music magazine (Q). I was at the library then, and although I wasn`t into perfumes that time at all, I remember the situation very well and consider it perhaps the breakthrough beginnig of my intrest in fragrances.

I am always stunned if someone says this is cheap smelling or boring. I think it`s ridicilous, although it could be that it has been re-formulated. I haven`t smelled this anywhere else but from my bottles which are quite old.

Astonishing drydown where vanillic benzoin melts in with cinnamon, engaged together with healthy amount of civet and insence-y amber.

Intoxicating Oriental in a most beautiful bottle.
04 October 2008


125 reviews

I like this frag !!! I've read the reviews of the detractors....and that's cool. Everything isn't for everybody, but I enjoy robust scents and this one is a winner to me.

It fits in extremely well with the 80's power-scent arsenal. It's sweet enough but not overtly so and I especially enjoy the drydown. Thumbs up for OBFM.
12 September 2008


64 reviews

Spicy, spicy, spicy.

This is one of the loudest, boldest, and attention-seeking fragrances I have ever tested/owned. It is very sensual, very sexy, and warm beyond belief. I feel like if it were not so masterfully crafted with precious ingredients, it could have turned into an extremely cheap smelling monstrosity, but Obsession for Men is just wicked. It is like a witch's brew.

I love spicy scents, and this one is at the top of the pantheon of anything olfactory-spicy. Granted, this is a true legend of a scent, but its success is in no way overrated. The most attractive side of this amber-y masterpiece is the fact that this scents metamorphoses into something completely different on different people. It remains to feel very personal: like a chameleon of a scent.

The spiciness of the juice hits you in the face with the extravagant opening. In a way, so rich, that it numbs your nose for a while. Coriander, lavender, mandarin, grapefruit and bergamot promise a very citrus-y progression, but it is not quite like that. That is because the heart notes are very exotic and luminous, that it creates a heady and heavy aura rather than a fresh one. Carnation, nutmeg, jasmine, sage grass, myrrh balsam, rosewood and pine do create a very stormy almost, and contradicting equation. It is very exotic, very Eastern, very woodsy and spicy, that it feels how the rooms of Harems of the East would smell back in the days of Alexander the Great, or the Indian maharajahs.

It is ostentatious, because it combines ingredients that most fragrances don't, or did not use to back when this was released. The pine and myrrh combination is divine, and even though you don't smell jasmine and carnation as clearly, you feel their luminous presence. That is why it feels very very warm. Obsession for Men is in no way an 'energetic' nor fresh scent. It is incredibly sensual, very sexy: I feel there is a strong connection to another legend: Opium.

Obsession ends its journey with a very amber-y, musky base with patchouli, vetiver, a touch of vanilla, and a dry note of wood. (sandalwood perhaps...) This base is quite dry and still warm, and quite famous. In fact, I think it is the very base that creates the legendary Obsession 'obsession' among the scent's admirers.

Obsession is very amber-y, and yes, it feels a little decadent today. I feel like this is a scent for the night, which offers an intriguing adventure. I really admire this scent, and what it accomplishes mainly because of its bravado, soul and genuine beauty. The only sad thing is that everyone's father or something has used this scent so much back in the 80s, some people have not-so-fond memories of it thinking it smells old. Carnation and amber combo tends to do that, but I think it is truly timeless, and does wonders on the skin of a young and confident man.
03 September 2008


12 reviews

whoa! strong and long-lasting with a perfect balance of spice and sweetness. to my nose, it's not too much of either quality. this is a well-made, extremely good smelling, and distinct scent.
06 August 2008


5 reviews

I just got some of this from my grandmas house, one of my relatives left it over there who lives far away and so she gave it to me. Already I like it. I haven't worn it in public yet but reading from the reviews I can tell that I am not the only one who likes it. At first application it smells like something a man in his 60s or 70s would be wearing with a barber shop type smell and it is really strong. But after about 30 minutes it dies down and becomes very pleasant. The main notes I smell are amber,lavender,and vanilla and its very warm and inviting. Definitely my new winter fragrance.
04 August 2008


56 reviews

"Oh my god, you smell so good!!!" That's what I heard once from a very attractive woman due to Obsession. I hate to be Billy Bandwagon but this stuff does rule. Trying to explain it elequently would be an effort in futility as their are many more well spoken people than I here at basenotes. Also, I'm not really up on fragrance jargon or identifying notes, especially with EDTs this complex. The bottom line is, you will like this, and the people around you will also like this. You may run the risk of smelling like others though, and that's why I rarely wear this and am still searching for new and/or uncommon scents.
25 July 2008


180 reviews

Yet another classic I went out and bought after finding the empty bottle of my father's. What fond memories came flooding back into my psyche when this came back into my existence! The fragrance is something I told myself I would NEVER buy (it was way to popular), alas I finally I ate my words after smelling this again. I think what did it for me is the myrrh, it's such a great mix combined with the sage and light clove - I love it more now and, of course, never appreciated it then! The kicker is the drydown - spicy sweet and oh so nice. IMO, I think this is what makes this one stand out from the bunch of the scents out there that have that sorta "barber shop" type quality to them. One thing is for sure, this is one well done fragrance and perfectly welcome back into my collection 20 + years on.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder...
20 July 2008


77 reviews

This is the first fragrance that I was exposed to. As a young child my father only wore this fragrance, and its kinda funny to look back on it because he hates fragrances. I think he wore it soley to please my mother. Never the less, it was the first fragrance I was exposed to, so it is deeply rooted in my memory. I absolutely love this fragrance. I will always have it in my collection as a go to for special events like dinners, weddings, etc. It is classy, elegant, and has a dry down to die for. It starts out a bit sweet and a bit spicy. It drys down a spicy woody finish that lasts for hours.
I have a problem with fragrance longevity on my skin for some reason...fragrances that for others last 6-10 hours only last about 4 on me...but Obsession is notoriously strong and lasts all day on me. Love it.

Must have for any man, single or not!
15 July 2008


46 reviews

This is my favorite oriental scent. Couple of days ago I was in a corridor talking to a female colleague. Obsession was on my neck. She asked me:”Could you please droop a bit, I want to smell you better”. I did it and several seconds later I felt her lips on my neck. I was quite surprised. She is 13 years older than I am; she is married and the mother of two children. Then we proceeded to talk like nothing happened. I have to say that I am just an average looking guy with not much charm… so it must be the scent…
Thanks to Obsession I got my first retroactive compliment (it means: somebody notices your scent, (s)he likes it, but tells you that just couple of days or even some weeks later). A female friend told me once:”Last Wednesday, when you passed next to me, you smelled just great”.
I do not enjoy in any specific note (not even in amber or mandarin which I love very much, and definitely not in myrrh or clove which I do not like), but the interaction of the Obsession’s notes is simply perfect.
14 July 2008


248 reviews

"Lavender, Myrrh, Sage, Clove, Nutmeg" see that...? yeh, its spicy and in a uncanny way, a bastard child of old spice.
And chk that out "Amber, Musk, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Patchouli" it refuses to go away, this one is to stay and it'll last for ever. oriental in a very barbershop way.

definitely for someone over 40. i love this one, but only on others who wear it in a controlled way...

Thumbs up coz it ROCKs!! :)
16 June 2008


5 reviews

Along with Polo and Paco Rabanne, Obsession was one of three scents which got me hooked on fragrances during law school. It was, for many years, my go-to evening scent. I love its cinnamon-vanilla flavor. I received a ton of compliments through the years on how Obsession seem to agree with my personal chemistry. I still have a bottle, and wear it occasionally. It's like an old friend who loves to reminisce. Now, I wear M7 more than Obsession in the evenings. They are similar, although M7 is a little more sophisticated to my nose.
13 June 2008


2141 reviews

A perfectly smooth fragrance. Slightly spicy and I do mean slightly as it's sweet but balanced. To me it's very calming. I liek to wear it to bed on the cooler days. The amber is nice and sweet but overly sweet. This is definitely a potent fragrance.
26 May 2008


4 reviews

This fraganace reminds me of an ex boyfriend. We had a long distance relationship and only saw each other once in a few weeks. He always wore this fragance and everytime I smell it, it reminds me of those days. It's very strong, spicy and masculine, and supersexy, if the right person wears it. I don't dare to give it to my current boyfriend, because I'm afraid a perfume like this might smell completely different on another person and spoil my memories. It's a very outstanding fragance, in some way very different then other men's fragances.
09 May 2008


38 reviews

This is a realy nice perfume. I think I'm obsessed with it. it smells like sugar or sweet with some spice. I would say that it is wearable on females too. it is an Oriental - Woody type of perfume.
22 April 2008


8 reviews

Ah, Obsession for Men. I absolutely adore this scent. It goes on sweet and dries down into a mellow amber tone. This is a classic. It's definitely a winter scent though ... no way can you wear this in the heat of summer.
21 April 2008


82 reviews

I don't care for most of Calvin Klein's scents, too chemical, sweet smelling to me and on alot of people. But, for some reason, I find Obsession to be, well, an obsession! I really like this, on the right man, of course! Otherwise, it is too sweet and yucky smelling. It's nauseating even. My stepdad wore this to work and he was clean cut and well put together that this scent just worked magically on him. I remember that of all his colognes, and he had enough to fill a pefume's counter in a dept. store, this was my favorite. When I smell this, it does things to me, good things, I mean! It brings to mind words from that L.L. Cool J/Jennifer Lopez song....."Like I'm jumpin' on ya like I wanna, like I wanna, wanna.................".it's some club song, but I think everyone gets the idea! No other scent does that! It's one of Klein's best, I think. The others just stink.
20 April 2008


77 reviews

I've always loved this fragrance since it came out on on other people. The notes blend very nicely from top to bottom as long as the wearer doesn't apply too much. However, I just can't wear it (gasp, shock). That I can't stand!! It just doesn't smell good on me and doesn't smell like it's supposed too. It smells like a completely different fragrance and not like Obsession at all and I've asked many women their opinion and they've agreed and I've put it on with another guy in the office and it smelled like it's supposed to on him and not on me and I am just sorry I can't wear it because I love this fragrance to no end. Always have, always will. Have a bottle hoping one day that maybe my body chemistry will alter and maybe I can pull it off (my little dream).
15 April 2008


112 reviews

Warm, sweet, comforting, my room mate at university (wore this religiously), amazingly a Calvin Klein, but from 21 years ago. This is very distinct and you either love it or hate it; no reason to really dislike it though as it's an exquisite and timeless perfume at home today as it was in 1986. Great sillage, longevity and character. You've probably tried it so I'll say no more.
22 December 2007


9 reviews

wonderful juice, dated maybe but still second best to none after all these years, potent stuff, wear with pride
12 December 2007


1 reviews

My first encounter with this otherworldly fragrance was in the shape of a scent insert in the March, 1987 issue of Rolling Stone Magazine. That memory says something about the central effect of Obsession: It is extremely evocative, almost hypnotic.
Made in the wild eighties by French sensibilities backed up by enthusiastic American funding, it was a true innovation. The adventurous attitude of the its creators is evident in the crazy grab-bag of notes which make up this modern Frankenstein monster (yes, it is a monster, although a romantic and civilised one.
I don't know what's in it, but here's what seems to come out of it: Marzipan, sour cream, bourbon, brown sugar, automobile scent tree, rubber, camphor, ginger bread, vanilla, musk, pine tree resin, lilies wilting in the stale water of an old crytal vase, and last but not least YSL's Opium.
Add to this a stunning projection and a very abstract, cold, cerebral quality, what we have is a wintry classic that is almost unwearable. But a classic it is. Or was. The fragrance has changed slightly some time after its launch, making it a little more harsh. But it is still very, very good.
28 October 2007


37 reviews

Why did I ever do to deserve this divine gift in a honey-jar? Yes, it looks like honey but oddly enough, it does not have any honey notes in it. But the honey theme is carried out in it's refined and mellow sweetness. Soft as a feather, comforting like a pillow, the opening invites you fill your nose with mandarin and bergamot. Slowly, but surely, the cloves/spices appear to lead it in another direction. And for the finale, the vanilla, amber and musk add the warmth and sweetness. Lasts all day and into the night. Perfect for every season, never cloying, always right for any occasion. The perfect Oriental? Even Ghengis Khan would bow down to Obsession.
18 July 2007


161 reviews

Pleasant. Smooth. Spicey. Ambery. Woody. Soft. Powdery. Warm. Lively. Sexy. COMFORTABLE.

Never offensive. Delectable! Perhaps one of the very best market produced ones out there!

Fantastic stuff. Fortunately for me, it has experience reduced popularity in the last three years, so I get more compliments because almost no one elses uses it anymore! YAY!

And boy do I get compliments! From men and women, straight and gay, compliments! Its alround great stuff, this Obsession!

And its been running strong for 21 years! Hope it stays arounf for ever.

Perfect for winter, romance and evenings out.

MMMMMMM...Not at all a gourmand, but almost edible!
10 June 2007


11 reviews

Spicy notes make a pleasant change to the slighty samey cK frags.
I rather like it on winter evenings, but for me there's just a bit too much sweet vanilla in there.
05 June 2007


2282 reviews

Whether it’s the one for men or the one for women, Obsession looms large: Obsession for Men is a classic of almost mythic standing from it chaotic opening to its to-die-for drydown. Like most works of the greater works of art, it has an element of duality—a condition of opposites. The coexistence of its warmth and chilliness have been mentioned several times, rightly so. The conflict of the citrus, lavender, and green notes in the opening immediately forces the observant wearer to wonder what is going on. It opens with confusion—I believe Milamber was right when he said that the top notes are really the mid notes rearranging and reordering themselves. I think the confusion in the top is not at all contradictory to a fragrance named “Obsession”: It fits—and it is likable confusion. In the transition from the top notes to the mid notes, I can smell some possible gourmand notes. Almost every time I wear it, I get those hints of chocolate in the middle, and if that’s true, then this was a fragrance way ahead of its time. The middle is spicy and warm and somewhat sweet, with an icicle of pine stabbing through it in continuance of its duality; this beautiful and unique accord lasts for ages. The dry down of sandalwood / amber / vanilla / and wood is rich, balanced and refined. Its richness is opposed and balanced by the exactly right touch of sweetness, and it always is perfectly proportioned. It is one of the best dry downs I’ve experienced, and it lasts of hours. A classic of epic proportions.
06 April 2007


8 reviews

I've had the same big ol' bottle of this since 1997 and it still smells just the same as it did back then. It's such a pleasant fragrance and one spray is quite adequate for whenever I am in the mood to wear it. If my old bottle ever runs dry, I will be sure to replace it.
02 April 2007


7 reviews

A classic for any ocassion.
11 March 2007


28 reviews

Today decided to pay an old friend(obsession)a visit. The response was just as powerful as it was 18 years ago when I was in 10th grade. Today I am 33 and I am going to place this Classic back into heavy rotation. Obsession is good in summer and phenomenal in Winter.
Obsession is the only fragrance that is truly unique. I am not a Mass Market guy at all, but you have to have Obsession and Polo(gren bottle) in your stack!
28 February 2007


11 reviews

I have owned this frag since it came out and I must say that it is the most complimented one that I have ever worn. It still smells great, even though it is now 20 years old. There is just something about it that never grows old.
03 February 2007


47 reviews

my very first powerhouse frag.a true throwback and a classic standing the test of time.great sillage and longevity .body heat activates sweetness in obsession, understand what I'm talkin bout.
02 December 2006


188 reviews

Wow, what a nice fragrance! Initially minty and spicy, It exudes a green smell that fades slowly as the sweeter notes (I notice a lot of amber) takes control. A classic indeed! Reminded me immediately of Guerlain L'Instant and Very Irresistible for man. Actually, if Obsession hadn't been created We wouldn't have had these two. It's a great oriental!
P.S: It's powerful and long lasting.
13 November 2006


5 reviews

I think it has a warm mysterious, maybe Latin American or Mediterranean feel to its smell.
In my hometown it is populair amongst men who dance argentine tango. That should be a hint.
I changed to Obsession one day when I couldn't get Ténéré by PAco Rabanne.
08 October 2006


28 reviews

A classic! WOt more can you say! Oranges, sandlewood, all the components for a 80s smell. A real crowd pleaser in its time and a WOW factor of 10 in the 80s.
02 October 2006


8 reviews

The ULTIMATE oriental. It doesn't get better than this.
05 September 2006


123 reviews

Back in 1985, I accidentally left a chicken fried steak in one of my purses for two weeks. I could not find the source of the smell! It was most irritating! When I finally found it, it had leaked grease all in my purse. I couldn't get the smell out of that purse, afterwards.

A few years later, I noticed there were a whole lot of guys going around smelling like a two-week old chicken fried steak. Turns out, they're wearing this new cologne called "Obsession for Men." Even now, I can't smell a guy with this on, without thinking of rotten chicken fried steak.

The ironic thing is, all the cutest guys were wearing this. So I get weird mixed feelings from smelling this cologne! Revulsion and attraction. . . .

You can smell a guy wearing this a mile away. It's strong and has staying power.
02 September 2006


14 reviews

This scents holds a special place in my collection. Mainly because it was formed the year I was born, 1986. I would like to consider this my signature scent, if I had one. To me, Obsession smells like sweet soap. I love the notes of amber, lavender, and nutmeg in this one. I can also smell a hint of cinnamon. The mid-notes and and base notes of this oriental are the best part. It is a very sweet yet woody smell at the same time. It has great sillage and longetivity on my skin which will make me smelling clean and good for hours. This is CK best creation and a great scent to add to any collection.
02 September 2006


37 reviews

To my nose, Obsession is Gucci Envy for men minus the evergreens. I was tempted to say that it's minus that with incense added, but seems Envy has it too. I'm more inclined to think Envy is frankincense taking place for the myrrh in Obsession.

Though I liked Envy, now that I've spent some time with this (yes, I have crawled out from underneath the proverbial rock) I have to say I prefer it. Evergreens have never been popular for me (i.e. Polo) and I always felt like that note was bothersome in Envy.

While both could be called smooth, Obssesion also manages to be a little more mellow and reserved than Envy. Mindful that Obsession is a sillage monster that punishes the heavy trigger finger and the noses nearby. This only bumps Envy into sillage Godzilla territory!

I won't say that Obsession is better than Envy. Mainly I simply dislike evergreen notes and it's obvious that many (ahem, Polo) do. I was happy to see that even among the snobbiest scent hounds it has a place in their heart or at least, collection. Say what you will about the 'quality' of other Klein fragrances, but this is a quality product of quality materials.

In summary, if you to branch out into the oriental family here is a perfect beginning. Also, if you're not the evergreen type I'd rally that you try this before diving into Envy.
06 August 2006


6 reviews

This is excellent on a man. However, it is rashly, deadly, excruiciatingly perfect on a woman. So much better than the girlie version!
03 August 2006


162 reviews

An absolutely fantastic scent. If so many other men didnt wear it I would wear it all the time. Like someone on this blog said. It is a fantastic amber. The female Obsession is also faboulous and one of the few females I would ever think of wearing. They smell very similar to me. Thumbs up for both.
benb
02 August 2006


84 reviews

A riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.
25 May 2006


4 reviews

Obsession is one of my top 3 colognes that I wear. (In fact I am wearing it right now!) I know it's a mass marketed cologne and pretty popular as far as colognes go, but it smells so good that I don't care! This scent goes on smelling sexy, and stays smelling sexy. When I wear this I never fail to get compliments from the ladies.


I don't really smell the mandarin in this one, but the sandlewood and & clove is apparent to my nose. For what can usually be found at a nice price, this is a worth addition to your cologne collections
07 May 2006


67 reviews

Calvin Klein's one and only true masterpiece. One of the most distinct and original fragrances released in the last 20 years. Nothing exudes warmth, class and comfort like Obsession for Men. Take a smooth oriental, blend in a hint of sweetness.. but not the kind that comes from vanilla.. a Great ambery sandalwood drydown that maintains a very unique character... Masculine but not stuffy.. warm and soft... a true "cuddle up" classic.
07 May 2006


75 reviews

probably the only CK thats truly outstanding, its a shame its been discontinued. so spicy so yummy! I use to spray the fur lining of my winter coat with this back in high school so the girlies would all put their noses in it at the bus stop :)
23 April 2006


50 reviews

It's quite a unique scent, and always brings back memories of High School, where i wore this... It's strong, has great longevity and is very unique. Just doesn't work too well in warm weather.
08 March 2006


44 reviews

Despite the numerous reviews on this site, I have to say that in real life I've met very few men who can actually get away with wearing this - and I adored each and every one of them. It's a wonderful scent, very warm and very masculine. In fact, much as I love Obsession, I love Obsession for Men more.
30 January 2006


37 reviews

I remember back in the mid 80s.I was in middle school and I fell in love with obsession I wore it and it continued throughout high school and then some.that's the scent people said whenever they smell it somewhere that it reminded them of me..a true seduction.lol I wore it year round and on those summer nights especially in the heat of the moment or whenever the skin heats up that's when obsession steps up and takes over.like it activates something and it shines on rainy days too.I keeps a bottle of this
18 January 2006


155 reviews

Quite possibly the best fragrance from the CK line. This is the first oriental scent I owned and it's still just as good today as it was 5 years ago. Like the old classic scents of the 80's, this actually lasts! Along with its good longevity it also has some decent sillage. I don't know why they released Obsession Night because this is already a perfect scent to wear for a night on the town. It's sensual, heady, and perfect for a romantic evening. Sure there are better oriental scents today, but Obsession was king during its time.
31 December 2005


14 reviews

Smells like spicy wood. Last a long time.
23 December 2005


58 reviews

I remember that when my friend used to wear it - I always turn to the opened door with a thought `What a beautiful sexual FEMININE scent! It should be a gorgeous girl entering!`
But it was him who entered.
Great oriental fragrance - less is more!!!
23 November 2005


3 reviews

i only tried it once. i was shocked to know that this cologne is around for 20 years, where have i been all these years? truly a classic
28 September 2005


254 reviews

Obsession is one of the great Orientals of old. During its peak, the biggest downfall of obsession was the amount of people that wore it. Today, that isn’t nearly as much of a problem. Obsession is a great, rich, and classical fragrance that should be at least tested.
22 September 2005


25 reviews

My first year of college, this was my signature scent. I wore it a lot, probably more than I should have since I think I finished the bottle in a year. This was the first oriental I was ever exposed to and it still holds a special place in my fragrance memory. I love the soft opening of citrus, like lightly shaven orange skins, neither sweet nor overly citric. Then, it gets a bit soft with this muskiness, with slight hints of lavendar. I almost get this slight hint of baby powder, but not enough to turn me off like other scents do. The only negative thing I have to say is my current mini doesn't have nearly the strength I remember. I'm not sure if its just old or they weakened the formula. I've since "graduated" to more interesting and better orientals, but nostalgia still gets the thumbs up.
10 August 2005


43 reviews

I have tried 100's of different fragrances in my life, and Obession for Men still has the BEST dry down on my skin of any. It was one of my first scents, and I still use it. Obsession is certainly an oriental scent, and it is very sexy. I do not like the way it smells at first, the first 15 minutes smell like an unhappy accident-- odd. But after that, whoa watch out!! Very heady, musky, and animalic, but it always stays close to my skin. I also like that the vanilla and spices play a supporting role, and do not overpower like in many orientals.
10 August 2005


2 reviews

Just amazing stuff. Lingers around for a long time. One of those classics you must have in your collection
05 August 2005


11 reviews

One of my favorites, Obsession just smells damn good. Ladies do love this one, and it suits my skin chemistry very well. It's nice and spicy, oriental with a cinnamon vibe. Strong and long lasting, I love it!!!
13 July 2005


38 reviews

The topnotes of this scent is very wierd in a funky sort of way. The advertisement for this tries to sell Obsession as a sex juice. The ads are black and white to symbolise a universal quality that trancends race and culture. Is obsession the sex juice of the 80s then? You wouldn't think so based on the topnotes. In my opinion, the topnotes is more of the midnotes rearranging themselves. Many artisinal fragrances do this eg. Piper Nigrum, Virgilio, Yerbamate etc. I don't mind it but it takes some getting used to. Try the original Burberry(1981) to get a stronger feel of Obsession's topnotes.

The midnotes is what i want to focus on. This is where the magic happens. You get a mellowing of the topnotes into something very sexy. It is the appearance of the first gourmand notes that take my breath away. Chocolatey creamy but not so much rich as sharp and aromatic because the gourmand accord is made with woody notes of Rosewood and Pine needle mixed with oriental notes of vanilla and amber. Very nice, it is a movement and combination to produce the gourmand note. Not like say, Amen where you get the chocolates straight away... albeit after the tar . Obsessions' gourmand note needs/has to be constructed. It slowly emerges from the chaos of the topnotes. Most interestingly, this gourmand note has added pungency through the addition of a red berries note. This sweetens the gourmand so you don't get dark chocolates, just a sweet milky coco-like effect. The most interesting accord in the fragrance IMO. Chanel took this accord to make Allure (not a statement of fact, just to give a rough idea of the accord i'm talking about.) This is the accord that makes obsession so obsessive and a classic. But what takes it away from the mold of Amen or Body Kouros is the persistent greeness (pine needles) that is in the background. Makes for a highly original scent though.

If you do not like Obsession it is probably because you find the greeness a little too discordant with the gourmand or simply cannot stand the chaotic topnotes. For me, i find that those qualities are precisely what makes Obsession a unique scent and cements its place in the hallowed halls of true classics.
05 March 2004


399 reviews

Actually only recently discovered this classic... This is stunning stuff, absolutely marvelously masculine and pleasant to wear. Though the juice is strong, to me it has no nauseating or headache-provoking qualities. Obsession is yet another tragic reminder of that things just were better before!
20 November 2003


58 reviews

Everybody and their brother wears this scent. I guess I'm included in the picture. I don't wear it often because of the redundancy. I like the scent but I guess everyone else does as well.
NOTE: Wear in moderation.
09 September 2003


62 reviews

So sweet, so strong, so long lasting, so loud, and so good! Topping this scent will be an uphill struggle all the way. With a wide line of excellent supporting products, this scent lives up to it's name.
The bottle is shaped like nothing else I've seen, almost oval. I can spot it in my collection with ease.
23 December 2002


167 reviews

Obsession is one of the few Klein fragrances I can tolerate wearing. I enjoy the spicy orange character. Another plus is the thumbs up response from woman. I've always had good results.
12 November 2000

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