Charisma by Avon

I discovered it through the perfumed sticker on a catalog; it was love at first sniff. I have three bottles of my own (just in case Avon stops selling it in Mexico); I can’t imagine my life without smelling it. It’s a marvel to me!

A classmate used this in middle school and once shared a bit with me; it smells great and lasts a long time, but I found the scent a bit ‘boring’—it reminded me of the teacher who wore it.

The name suggests an Avon classic, and indeed, it was super aphrodisiac—you could tell… but the current version is different. It keeps part of the base but changed the other side. The original was charming; it was a sensation in the 70s and 80s, at least in Guatemala and Central America. Then it disappeared, came back to the market but totally different. In my country it’s still sold; Avon sells it in Mexico among the low-price fragrances. I like it, but I don’t love it; however, it works if you carry it in the car in summer and need something rich and casual.

A classic and unique fragrance, fresh at first and spicy and green as the hours pass.

This perfume is a classic. I think if it were reissued in Argentina, it would be an absolute sales success. It burned a whole generation into memory, and getting it today is an impossible mission. Definitely a must-have in any collection. I never felt anything similar…

While organizing my older sister’s closet, I found this discontinued gem. What I have is a crystal frosted bottle with amber-yellow liquid and no atomizer, which is weird! It’s 120 ml. The opening is strong, aldehydic, with citrus accents of bergamot and a ripe peach that balances it. Then the flowers appear, led by clove and others like lily, narcissus, and ylang-ylang. This middle phase is perhaps what I find hardest to enjoy. The base, on the other hand, is divine: sandalwood, amber, and vanilla blend for a sweet, honeyed scent. It’s floral, clean, a bit strong, present, bittersweet, and soapy. In its base, it reminds me of great perfumes from Chanel or Givenchy, probably due to the aldehydes. It has nothing to envy from new fragrances, and I’d love to try other legends from this house. Its longevity and sillage are magnificent. Years have passed, but it doesn’t seem to have gone bad. For cold weather and special occasions, I don’t see it as a daily wear. The bottle is gorgeous; I remember it was one of the most beautiful and original back then. It brings me so much nostalgia, as I had a relative who was an Avon distributor, and every visit brought novelties: fragrances, soaps, pencils, gels, foams… Every corner had figurines. I remember seeing and smelling those perfumed soaps in the drawers shaped like fans or fruits, an Eiffel Tower, crystal dogs, cream perfumes… what a longing! Some smelled amazing, and they should be brought back to market. Now with the crisis, I see ads encouraging people to become distributors. I haven’t tried new products, but it’s never too late to start, and for now, I want to learn to decipher this and guard it with utmost care…

I’ve read on other blogs that this perfume is very similar to Coco Chanel. I know Charisma well—it’s a delight—but I don’t know Coco. Could anyone confirm if they really are alike? I can’t find Charisma anymore; it seems they’ve discontinued it. What a shame. A truly great perfume. Thanks!

This perfume was very popular among middle-aged women when I was a girl. To me, it’s delicious, noticeable, and has an elegant touch without being pretentious. I’ve never bought it since it’s my grandmother’s classic, who has worn it for over 20 years, and it feels like her signature fragrance. Recommended for casual days when you want to be scented as part of your overall look without going over the top.