Reviews of Secret Obsession (2008)
by Calvin Klein

Probably the best release from this house in quite a while, Secret Obsession is a nice creamy woody-amber scent. Although at times one gets the impression that Feminitè du Bois may have been the inspiration for this scent, I'll still give it a thumbs up for providing the female masses with something more substantial and less patronising.

I liked Secret Obsession when I sniffed the bottle and also when I sprayed it on a card. The real test is the skin test, though, so when I received a foil wrapped swab sample in the mail yesterday I had no further excuse not to try it on my skin. It's woodsy and subtly sweet - not sugar dusted. The spiciness is mild. I get no plum or florals - perhaps I need to test a second time from a tester, though, as they were very stingy with the juice on the swab. I do get a specific impression of sandalwood, but the cashmere woods is the deal breaker for me. I just don't like "cashmere woods". Of the recent woodsy dept. store fragrance releases, it's a nice one (tho' my favorite of this group is Ralph Lauren's Notorious).

"This smells familiar" was the first thought in my mind after sampling Calvin Klein's newest offering. The opening of Secret Obsession is fruited with the scent of plums. Now, from my own personal olfactory experience, many times notes of plum, peach and apricot smell very much alike to me. In this case, SO's plummy top note smells like a twin to the note of apricot found in Daim Blond by Serge Lutens. After observing the fruit, some flowers burst forth. The floral heart of this blend is very pretty. It is gentle and well blended. In fact, I'd say it's a stunning cool weather blend of jasmine, orange flower and tuberose. Secret Obsession's base also suprises me. It is very much like Shiseido's Feminite du Bois, and also the rich woods in the 'bois series' of Serge Luten's range. I think it's alluring and memorable. Since I already own Daim Blond and Feminite du Bois, I will hold off on purchasing SO until my supply of those two dwindles. For those of you who enjoy the Lutens frags, but haven't yet purchased them, I'd say hold off on doing so until you try this perfume. It is not just a 'substitute' - it is completely comparable! Absolutely bottle worthy, two thumbs way up!

Sorry, but this just smells like 'the 80's' to me. And not in a good way. Think one note, knock you dead power perfumes - not classy.

A brilliant new scent from CK. Really love it, have applied it at a beauty counter and cant wait to purchase it. A very sexy,warm fragrance. Fab bottle too.

The flowers on top of the dry woods are very warm and enveloping. The vanilla softens the scent and it doesn't become overpowered with the various flowers. The top note of plum is a nice touch as well. i was pleasantly surprised by this frag, I tend to avoid Calvin Klein, especially Obsession, but this new version is quite excellent - smoky, woody, almost spicy - not flowery or fruity.