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Crave by Calvin Klein

Men 2002

Perfumer
Pascal Gaurin
Perfumer
Yves Cassar

Description

Crave by Calvin Klein is an aromatic fougère fragrance for men. Launched in 2002, this composition was created by Yves Cassar, Pascal Gaurin, and Jean-Marc Chaillan. The top notes of bergamot and star anise deliver a fresh first impression; the heart reveals basil, Jamaican pepper, and coriander; while the base settles on birch, vetiver, musk, nutmeg, oakmoss, tonka bean, and…

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Quick summary

When to wear it (votes)

  • Winter 3.6%
  • Spring 33%
  • Summer 53%
  • Autumn 9.8%
  • Day 83%
  • Night 17%

Key notes

Community

976 votes

  • Positive 84%
  • Negative 12%
  • Neutral 3.9%
positive reviews 976 community votes
LongevityModerate SillageModerate Best momentSummer CharacterMasculine

The olfactory pyramid

A guide to the opening, heart and lasting trail of the fragrance.

The community speaks

Compare the results and tap an answer to add your vote.

In the collection

Leading answer I owned it

2,736 votes

Season

Choose several

Leading answer Summer

824 votes

Time of day

Choose several

Leading answer Day

527 votes

Each question has its own vote count. You can choose several seasons.

Fragrance profile

About Crave

Main accord aromatic Year 2002 Gender Men Perfumer Jean-Marc Chaillan · Pascal Gaurin · Yves Cassar

Crave by Calvin Klein is an aromatic fougère fragrance for men. Launched in 2002, this composition was created by Yves Cassar, Pascal Gaurin, and Jean-Marc Chaillan. The top notes of bergamot and star anise deliver a fresh first impression; the heart reveals basil, Jamaican pepper, and coriander; while the base settles on birch, vetiver, musk, nutmeg, oakmoss, tonka bean, and sandalwood.

Musk, amber and animalic Green, herbal and fougère Spices Woods and mosses

How it wears

Compare the results and tap an answer to add your vote.

Longevity

Leading answer Moderate

393 votes

Sillage

Leading answer Moderate

425 votes

Character

Leading answer Leans masculine

244 votes

Value perception

Leading answer Good value

209 votes

Most talked about

Notes and topics that come up most in 20 reviews.

Have you worn Crave?

Tell us how it opens, how it settles on your skin, how long it lasts and when you wear it.

  1. Demopop

    I wore it at 20, and 15 years later, I recognized it on the street and couldn’t resist buying it again. I used it year-round, but Crave really shines in warm or hot weather. At first, I thought I smelled pepper due to that sparkly, fresh opening, thanks to a powerful bergamot that accompanies the whole fragrance. I wouldn’t call it fresh; on my skin, it’s very woody in the mid and dry down. Pepper and basil seemed novel to me then, and now I see they’re used very well. I’m surprised Frgrantica doesn’t list tangerine, which I always noticed—could it be the sea star effect? (No, I’m lying; I’ll have to go to the aquarium to steal a specimen! Hahaha). Fresh and spicy opening, then dry but with the acidity of bergamot (especially in the heat). Vetiver and musk are light but characterful. I barely notice the tonka bean, which I appreciate. It smells great even with heavy application. Lasts about 6 hours on my skin (two more close to the skin with vetiver and musk). The trail is strong in summer for the first 3-4 hours, then reappears suddenly and pleasantly. I’ve received many compliments; it’s easy to identify, and it’s great that it’s not a mass-market scent. Unbeatable quality-to-price ratio. Along with CK Be, it’s the only Calvin Klein men’s cologne I tolerate (I never knew Obsession).

    • Longevity
    • Fresh
    • Summer
    • Compliments

  2. The advertising for this fragrance was super eye-catching, with commercials on TV and ads in fashion magazines. I was lucky enough to get it as a gift back in 2003; it was my favorite. I still have a few milliliters left, although the plastic bottle might not hold the original scent as well, but I’ll keep storing it. I’ll let you know later if it still smells 🙃 **Yes! After 20 years, it still smells and projects, maybe it mellowed too much and has different nuances, more fruity, simply delicious.

    • Sillage

  3. Marlon DG

    It takes me back to my uni days around 2002-2003. It’s fresh, citrusy, and mentholated; I got tons of compliments when I wore it. Lasts forever on skin and has an amazing trail. If I saw it again, I’d buy it instantly, though I think it’s discontinued. I’d give it 9/10.

    • Longevity
    • Fresh
    • Compliments

  4. Gentil vagabond

    One of the best from Calvin Klein, it’s off the market and I still can’t find a clone that resembles it (Tom Ford’s Costa Azurra leans aquatic due to that algae note). It has decent projection and longevity, it’s a spicy and fresh scent, highly recommended.

    • Longevity
    • Fresh
    • Sillage

  5. DavidLópez

    Crave is a light, refreshing option for those seeking something easy and uncomplicated, but don’t expect it to be memorable or distinctive. It does its job, but falls short if you’re looking for more character or longevity (hopefully you find one).

    • Longevity

  6. Kanerbo

    Undoubtedly one of CK’s best perfumes. I still have a few ml left since it’s discontinued; I use it for events or casual gatherings, especially in summer, and it stands out among other fragrances because its scent is somewhat spicy and sparkling.

    • Summer

  7. p4l0m0

    I just found a perfume that’s 90% similar, I swear! It’s Victorio & Lucchino Selva Enigmática, please try it. The moment I put it on, it reminded me of it completely. Plus, if you check the notes, they match in most areas.

  8. p4l0m0

    I just found a perfume that’s 90% similar, I swear! Victorio & Lucchino Selva Enigmatica. Please try it; the moment I smelled it, it reminded me completely. Also, if you look at the notes, they match in the vast majority.

  9. CarmenZamora

    So rich! It has a playful, youthful vibe. I once gifted it to a boyfriend from my past, and it suited him perfectly. Then I kept it for myself because I got hooked. Lots of fruit, pure summer. Vibrant and dynamic.

    • Summer

  10. The ideal fragrance for summer. Not too expensive, original, and a great scent. Longevity increases with heat and it’s little-known. Everyone should own it at least once.

    • Longevity
    • Summer
    • Price

  11. German Luis

    A light and easy-to-wear fragrance. Reminds me of a mix of Mary Kay Tribute and Egoiste Platinum. I detect a mentholated touch not mentioned in the description. Cheers.

  12. I loved it; I used it in my teens, but unfortunately, it’s no longer available. I remember it had explosive citrus notes and lasted quite a while on the skin.

    • Citrus

  13. I recently asked someone who makes dupes and they recommended Polo Blue. It’s very similar, but lacks the intensity compared to Crave.

  14. rafajurado

    I had this when I was young and was obsessed with it. Now I can’t even remember it, though the plastic bottle was already suspicious.

  15. Just picked it up from a perfume website and grabbed it after 10 years without it. It’s always been a must-have in my collection.

  16. I just found it on a perfume site and bought it after 10 years without having it. It was always a must-have in my collection.

  17. Andrés88

    Top fragrance, super citrusy, unique, lasts all day and projects for miles. I’ve been wearing it for a while now.

    • Longevity
    • Sillage

  18. Andrés88

    Excellent fragrance, citrusy, unique, long-lasting, and with good projection. I had it a long time ago.

    • Longevity
    • Sillage