Men
Obsession
Acordes principales
Descripción
Obsession by Calvin Klein is a spicy oriental fragrance for women. Launched in 1985, the nose behind this creation is Jean Guichard. The top notes include vanilla, basil, bergamot, mandarin, green notes, peach, and lemon; the heart notes reveal spices, sandalwood, cilantro, oakmoss, cedar, orange blossom, jasmine, and rose; while the base notes consist of amber, incense, vanilla, labdanum, musk, and vetiver.
Resumen rápido
Pirámide olfativa
Estructura completa de la fragancia: de la salida al fondo.
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Características
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Femenino
Unisex femenino
Unisex
Unisex masculino
Masculino
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40 reseñas
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I bought it blindly with a lot of fear due to the divided reviews. I don’t know the vintage, but the current version is much softer and more wearable than one could expect. Finally, a perfume that falls in love with me at first sniff: lemon, amber, and basil. At first, it’s soapy and herbal, then the amber takes over, warming up with incense and spices, especially comfortable and elegant cinnamon. I notice the vanilla little at the end. It’s balanced, deep, and high quality. It lasts about six hours with good sillage at the start. It’s not a scent bomb, but it’s sensual and addictive, breaking stereotypes. Ideal for fall and winter, though not as fierce as they paint it. It reminds me of Youth Dew but more youthful, and of L’erbolario’s Ambraliquida cream. The quality-price ratio is unbeatable. Although I was reluctant about this brand, I got it right. In two weeks, it’s already one of my favorites: it comforts me, makes me feel better, more optimistic, and relaxed. It’s enigmatic, sexy, and intoxicating. Just a warning that at first it may seem masculine and requires liking amber and spicy scents.
I adore Obsession; it dominates wherever it goes. I don’t know the current version because I haven’t tried it, but I had the privilege of using the 1985 version, which couldn’t be missing from my vanity alongside my Poison and Organza. The first time I used it, I was 15, and I loved it at first; I’d come out of a party and everyone asked what perfume it was, and when I said Obsession, they’d say, ‘Well, it really does obsess!’. I don’t agree that it’s only for older people; I was very young, and it suited me perfectly, turning heads and earning compliments. It was powerful, and I liked it just for that, since my skin sucks up perfumes, and this one lasted long. I also used the men’s version and loved how it stayed on me. I’ve read they use the original men’s version to hunt tigers because it attracts them so much, so nothing about going on safari with the men’s version, just in case. It’s a gem! I still have to try the current version to see if it loves me just as much. For those who don’t like strong perfumes, do a skin test before buying blindly, even if the reviews are great.
I had to order it online because I couldn’t find it at the mall; they told me they stopped manufacturing it. I feel it smells softer than the 2008 version I bought. I hope they relaunch it because I adore it for fall and winter.
I received it two days ago and already used it. I apply about 8 sprays, but without an atomizer, it lasts an hour each time. I’m not complaining because it was a gift, but I expected more.
First blind buy and it was a total fiasco. I didn’t like it at all; it feels old and heavy, very grandma-like. I was looking for something classic but different, and it disappointed me. I won’t use it; better to sell it or gift it to someone who might like it.
It’s my mom’s perfume, her signature alongside Rose Noire. I love it so much that I bought a bottle for myself 😅, it’s super different!
I love it; I like it more than the men’s Obsession. It’s very amber-heavy with that vintage vibe that gives it character and a sweetness that isn’t overwhelming or intrusive… the only thing I can criticize is the longevity; it’s rather poor, lasting no more than four hours, and it only projects at the beginning.
I have a vintage bottle of this; the bottle has evolved a lot. The civet note gives it that rancid, sexy undertone, and it’s a bomb of spices and amber. If someone with the power to change trends reads this, tell the fashion houses to pour a hundred liters of civet into their perfumes and bring back Selleck’s mustaches.
My opinion is on a vintage mini, probably from the 90s. The opening is a bit harsh, but fortunately, it doesn’t last long; then it settles into what I imagine is a Moroccan spice market scent: spicy, woody, sweet, smoky, and with a slightly off-putting touch. It also has a base of orange peel, so it smells like Christmas, perfect for cold nights to feel opulent. Although all these qualities should appeal to me, it doesn’t quite work on my skin. The dry-down is slow, about 5-6 hours, and it releases an animalic, soapy note that doesn’t excite me. Nevertheless, I’d recommend it to anyone who likes orientals to try it: it has that 80s quality that defines personalities, stellar longevity, and strong projection. I see it as quite unisex, so men who dare can give it a shot. Ideal for cold nights, I don’t see it for any other occasion. Pleasant: 5/10. Interesting: 7/10. Versatile: 3/10. Original: 7/10.
It’s my mom’s classic. I thought they’d thrown it away along with the men’s Obsession, but the perfumerie girl confirmed they’ve always had it and never reformulated it. If she says it’s good, it’s good. It’s a powerful oriental that uses spices and woods well to create an elegant, characterful atmosphere; the flowers are there but in the background, not overpowering. The current Obsession has nothing to do with the old bottles: it’s clearly reformulated and tamed compared to what I used in 2005. There was a time it disappeared from stores, and now you only find it in some shops, not all. You can sense the memory of what it was—it’s not the same, but it gives you the idea. It’s still long-lasting, which is good, but it feels very suited for fall and winter. Even though it’s softened, its notes of cinnamon, spices, and woods remain dense. I feel it lost some of its magic and personal essence, but all in all, it can be great in the right seasons. I managed to get the 100ml bottle for 20 euros, something that didn’t even happen with discounts before.
I didn’t like it at first because it was too strong, but now I love it.
I just got it after searching for a long time and seeing it at abusive prices and dubious provenance. It’s a warm, sensual, and refined oriental. Not suitable for those who don’t like talcum-powdered and potent perfumes; I wear it in any season, and in summer it intensifies more. I’m one of those who doesn’t mind overwhelming others; if they don’t like my perfume, they can keep their distance. I’d say that along with Opium (which, by the way, has been reformulated and is now softer), they are cult perfumes, putting Opium slightly ahead. Not suitable for those who like linear or simplistic perfumes. I use it at night because of what this fragrance means to me, but it can definitely be used during the day for a meeting where you want to make an impression. If I can get another bottle, I’ll do it soon. Happy to have it back in my collection.
A bomb when it came out in the late 80s. The men’s version didn’t fall behind. It made me think it had pheromones because of the effect it had when I wore it or when I detected a guy wearing it. Anyway, it was a fresh oriental party compared to others from that era. At the time, it was a youthful, easy-to-wear scent if you didn’t mind drawing attention and lasting until the next day, clinging to your clothes after washing. Nowadays, I suppose it’s “too much” for the well-behaved. For me, it’s timeless and unisex.
I tested the original formula (from the 90s or vintage) and it’s brutal in performance and sillage, surpassed by very few perfumes, impossible to launch today due to its aggressiveness. (In this case, it seems animalic, with an extremely heavy, rancid, fecal, vomit-like tone… and the worst part is that I like it…). I don’t know the reformulation and want to buy it because it’s unisex; I think the liquid I know has degraded, especially the citrus and top notes, detecting a certain metallic oxidation as it dries. I like the perfume to wear; I’ll look for the current formula with my next paycheck. My mother uses it; I stole the bottle that was about to run out and has been open for about 15 or 20 years. I remember smelling it when I was little and getting grossed out; I found it overwhelming in aroma and potency (though I didn’t detect civet, but rather a bomb of spices and amber); when she wears it, the room smells several minutes after she leaves, and the scent is perceptible throughout the house. The projection on my skin is hard to define due to my permanent olfactory fatigue (if anyone knows how to cure it, please help me), although when she wears it, it’s about three or four meters. The opening has a shine of citrus, fruits, green notes, and basil, fading into vanilla, amber, spices, woods, and animal notes, where the civet stands out with a strong, rancid, slightly floral, animalic musk tone, even fecal; the character of the animal note differs considerably from synthetic civet. (Current Givenchy Gentleman 1974 formula: very generic, slightly rancid tone and alcoholic opening with a slight bitter aftertaste; on the other hand, natural civet has floral and natural tones). Bottom line: Don’t keep a perfume open for 20 years; I’ll look to buy the current formula (even blind, it can’t be more aggressive than the one my mother has, right?) and it’s an excellent perfume in general. I like the creation more than Obsession for men; I find it richer in nuances and organoleptically, I see it as unisex and as nineties as it gets. I imagine Dido or Enya songs when smelling this. Salute.
My nose got tired of so many sweet perfumes, so I went back to basics. Now I’m happy to have these classic jewels; they really give me a unique sense of satisfaction. I think these perfumes are unbeatable.
A perfumery classic… I like to wear it at night after a shower and in the afternoon before going out. I’m sure I’ll also use it at a dance night. Does it smell like cinnamon? Yes, quite a bit. In this new reformulation, they went a bit overboard with the cinnamon, but in my opinion, it remains a classic, talcum-powdered, and very pleasant scent.
It seems a bit old-fashioned, but it could easily pass as a men’s fragrance. It lasts forever on the skin and even longer on clothes.
Another one of my staples… oh my god, how many times do I ask myself what perfume this is. The longevity is maximum: hours and hours and hours. Spraying the bed with it is the ultimate move.
It’s a good perfume, just not for me. It smells soapy, animalic, and dirty to me. I can’t stand it and have tried it a thousand times, yet I don’t like it on myself or on others. People call it a jewel, but I’ll pass.
I was disappointed by the reformulation: the original woody vanilla is gone, replaced by an excessively sweet and cloying opening. Even though the DNA is the same, they went overboard with the sugar. What a shame; this is my mother’s perfume of a lifetime, and she was really upset to receive this new version.
I can’t get it to suit me… it’s potent and the civeta makes it hard to wear, in my opinion… along the lines of Dana Tabú but more invasive. For now, I keep it for my collection but don’t wear it on skin. I think you either love it or hate it; it doesn’t leave you indifferent. As for tastes…
CK Obsession. Total veteran fragrance. It was the quintessential spicy vanilla designer perfume for women of the 80s. It was a bomb in its time, and you left a trail wherever you went. For many women, it was too dizzying, suffocating, polarizing, or it had obsessive fans and sickly haters, before that term became fashionable. Today, unfortunately, and as is usual with old perfumes, aside from IFRA regulations, it has been reformulated down, domesticated beyond belief, with very reduced longevity/projection (max 4-5h, and even then, minimum 6 sprays), and its particular dirty animal notes (civet) practically capped. It’s 80% the same as the men’s edition with a dirty animal touch, plus middle floral notes of rose and orange blossom to give it its feminine touch. Currently, as the perfumery world stands, it passes as totally unisex. And watch out, the Obsession For Men too. In fact, in my modest opinion, except for the opening which smells feminine, in the dry-down, I think the Obsession For Men seems more like a women’s perfume than this Obsession (for women). The best part currently is its price. For many, it might smell a bit like an older woman, outdated, or heard 1000 times already. Go to the perfumery, test it on your skin, and judge if you like it or if it’s worth acquiring.
I agree they aren’t the same. Until recently, I only knew the current Obsession, but thanks to a friend with an excellent collection, I was able to test a bottle bought in the early 2000s. The scent itself isn’t very different, but reviewer @molletmod.73 explains it perfectly: what is sold now is mitigated in terms of projection and domesticated regarding its animal notes. The terms used by this reviewer are ‘domesticated’ and ‘capped,’ and they are right, as that is exactly what I’ve perceived. Regardless, I like both, so I’ll stop speaking in the plural. Obsession evokes a confident, strong woman, which I also like a lot. Women capable of giving hard looks if deserved (not aggressive, as that’s different), but also warm, sincere smiles. Women who apologize with their heart in their hands and without excuses when they make a mistake. You get to know a woman like that over the years, and with or without Obsession, that woman remains great, but… with Obsession, I imagine her as irresistible. I won’t deny that in these times, I find this fragrance a bit anachronistic amidst all the Instagram, posing, and reality shows, but… it happens with many other things… suddenly, someone stands out from the crowd without trying, enjoying these types of products without seeking external validation, and… that makes me feel very good. Projection and longevity are still good, so I recommend giving it a try.
In the summer of 2000, when I turned 15, my mom gave me this perfume. I remember I couldn’t identify a single note, but it made me feel ‘grown-up,’ or as they say now, ’empowered and feminine.’ It was very potent with just three sprays on skin, and I loved it. My mom and I would go out; she with her Poison and me with my Obsession. Exhibitions, plays, and movies (I confess I sometimes didn’t understand the latter, but I loved those environments and even more, sticking close to my mom) were the memories that made me ask for a bottle a few days ago. To start with, the cap didn’t have the gold rim that the bottle my mom gave me did, and from there I started to suspect disaster. Still, I wanted to have faith, but once I sprayed it on my hand, disappointment took over my heart. I have the original scent burned into my memory, both from having it and smelling it on my mom, and although I couldn’t identify clean notes (nor am I very good at it now), I could recognize it was a fairly dark, woody perfume. It wasn’t clean, sweet, or ‘soapy.’ It was, and forgive my language, a damn beast that if it smelled the same today, I wouldn’t let a 14 or 15-year-old girl use it by any means (obviously, it was another time and perfumes were almost bombs back then). It was the perfume I see myself wearing perfectly now as a mature woman, but they’ve ruined it. And don’t get me wrong, the current version is a good perfume. Great price, good trail and longevity (on clothes. On skin, it’s a different story), but despite being able to feel reminiscences of its original scent in its dry-down, it’s just a distant echo, a ghost of what it used to be. That darkness is gone, that depth, that wild, too-primitive femininity for a young girl to wear. It has become clean, soapy, and even unisex (I tried it on my son, and it looks better on him because that soapy side shines on his skin), whereas before this perfume was rabidly feminine. And yes, rabid, because here you didn’t find a docile, delicate femininity, but pure passion, and even war if needed. Is it still worth it? It depends. If you’re a man (preferably young, but not necessarily) and want to stand out from the crowd of current scents, dare to try this. If you’re a woman who enjoys unisex scents and doesn’t want to smell like most women do now, dare to try this perfume. But if, like me, you already knew it and only want it because you miss that scent and potency it used to have, please run in the opposite direction, or at least buy it knowing that what it was is no longer here. It’s just a pale gray shadow of what it used to be.
I’m a man and I love it! I have both the current and the original formula, and yes, they are different, especially regarding the animal notes, longevity, and projection. The original is intense and overwhelming, a wonder from an era when perfumes were made seriously and not in series. Now, the current version is more than worthy and maintains the Obsession essence. And currently, it’s at a price that it’s a sin not to own and enjoy. I can’t imagine a winter without it.
This is the most personal review I’ll write. I’ll talk about the ‘vintage’ version, the first one released. I met this scent when I was a teenager; it was a gift at my Quinceañera in the late 90s. I wore it countless times, from school mornings to special occasions. Back then, I didn’t really know the composition; all I knew was that it was a perfume that wrapped me in an aura and didn’t leave anyone indifferent. In the 90s, these were common perfumes, and no one dared to say you were invading or annoying others. Today I know the complexity: lots of green notes with spices, woods, amber, galbanum, musk, and vetiver. None of those accords are easy to wear, but I loved them. A bit due to nostalgia and longing (for those beautiful moments), I kept that bottle, and every time I want to relive my best memories, I take it out to enjoy that complex, enigmatic scent. In terms of trail and longevity, none compare to you. This perfume is a faithful representative of 80s and 90s aromas, a timeless classic, but today I know how to wear it with great restraint, only on special occasions where I know I won’t be bothered by such a potent and complex scent.
Ugh… a very vintage scent. To me, this smells like clothes stored away after a night at the club; I get a smoky, dusty vibe, probably from the incense note. Instantly, it gives me the sensation of cigarette smoke soaked into fabric. The spices are way too prominent, a mishmash of unidentified aromas with a dull sweetness masked by wood and incense. I gave it several chances, but I couldn’t find anything pleasant in it.
My mom loved it; it was her signature scent for years (until we filled her up with other things so she’d stop using it), but I hate it. It’s a super invasive aroma, a pile of terrible, strong spicy notes and animal notes I just can’t stand. It feels like a masculine-leaning perfume, though I wouldn’t even want it on men. It’s strong, dirty, extremely spicy and animalic. Fatal.
I love vintage perfumes from the 80s and 90s, the kind that take you on a one-way trip back to those years of wide lapels and blue eyeshadow… But upon trying this iconic gem, I only sensed something incredibly talcum-powdery, like Maja powder. While I’m not usually against talcum notes, I couldn’t handle them here. It made me feel like I’d stepped out of an old, abandoned, even moth-eaten closet. I remember in ‘Sabrina the Teenage Witch’ that Aunt Hilda said if anyone bottled love, it was Calvin Klein with Obsession… and well, I wish I could have embraced that ‘love.’ I’ll head to her Secret Obsession version to see how it goes ☺️
Yes, there are definitely differences from the previous version. But leaving aside walks down memory lane, runway models, and bombs that will never return… Today’s Obsession is a decent oriental, considering what’s being released. With a citrus opening that fades quickly, it turns rapidly into a very ambered scent without losing that sparkly touch. It feels warm and cozy to me, so I see it better for cool temperatures or nights, so it doesn’t become suffocating. As we all know, it has its moments. Regarding gender: in the 90s it was clearly feminine, but today I’m not so sure. It seems appropriate for those starting in this range, having that 80s/90s aura without being offensive like today’s trends. That’s what I think, having worn it for decades. Without being the beast of old, it stands out for its excellent longevity. I wouldn’t rush to another direction so quickly. Crying over things that can’t be solved is useless, and falling in love again is an alternative. Maybe it sins by being too conformist.
This review isn’t for Obsession, but for Mr. Baskerville, a user who has earned my respect. I’ve read countless reviews of his, and I must say, his descriptions transport me to a place, a situation, an encounter. He brings moments to life. Congratulations on that writing style 👏👏👏 It’s a talent that, I imagine, shines in other areas too.
At first, you notice the vintage vibe I love: sharp aldehydes, spices, and amber, with a freshness from the fruity top notes. Imagine a smoky cocktail of citrus and very subtle candied peaches. Gradually, a sweet vanilla base emerges. Voila! An erotic incense dances out like a cobra, maturing the blend; it’s no longer a fruit dessert, but a freshly baked, spiced dessert. As it dries, it takes on the sweetness of vanilla. I can’t describe it well; I only know the current version. Use with moderation and get to know this juice with your own nose, designed to catch wild cats. It’s hypnotic. I like it a lot; it doesn’t overwhelm me since I love strong, characterful perfumes, and the name fits perfectly. AN OBSESSION (sweet). Yes! My pH makes perfumes sweet, and I proudly tamed this perfume that left many traumatized. CK Obsession, you’re now on my list of tamed beauties. Would I buy it again? Yes!
I still can’t believe I finally have it; I’d been waiting months for a good opportunity, and what better time than Christmas? It smells aromatic and ambered, but manages to smell fresh and warm at the same time. I see it as ideal for all year round and any age, especially for adults—a masterpiece. Gender: unisex. Age: 15+. Longevity: 6.5/10. Sillage: 5/10. Originality: 4/10. Wearability: 9/10. Score: 8/10.
This was my perfume for years in the 90s. The classic version was more animalic and is sorely missed. In this new version, I notice little civet, but the smoky, warm, musky aroma is there, though not clean—more slightly dirty and very warm. Still, it’s a worthy version that reflects the original essence (without the wild animality, keep that in mind). I smelled it at 23 in London. A roommate, a Black woman of stunning beauty, walked out of the bathroom with a towel and a few drops of Obsession. It was an hallucination: a wild, feminine, and characterful scent that, combined with her beauty, fascinated me. I bought it months later, and it accompanied me for years, along with Sicily by G&G. Those two deserve their own story.
It’s a wonderful oriental, floral and spicy with musky notes. A cocktail of spices and flowers over an amber/musky base that smells clean. The citrus opening reminded me of the legendary Lagerfeld Classic, but they’re worlds apart. It’s addictive: the moment you put it on, you want to sniff the back of your hand. Extremely elegant and sophisticated, with lots of character. I wish it were more animalic (the civet is barely noticeable), but if they accentuated it, it would be a bomb. Anyway, CK Obsession is already one of my favorites.
I love wrapping myself in this fragrance to sleep 🙂
It’s very intense; if you like fresh or citrus scents, this isn’t for you. On me, it becomes annoying, heavy, and invasive—I don’t enjoy it.
It’s an eau de toilette that doesn’t need to be an eau de parfum—it’s an absolute bombshell! Oriental, spicy, with a musky touch, simply sexy and overwhelming. Those looking for sweet, modern perfumes without soul should stay away. This gem is for those who know how to appreciate it. Four sprays last all day, on clothes until the next wash. I wore it at 15 and came back to it with open arms… it’s marvelous!
Totally! Smells like Magnolia soap and I love it 😁
Got this as a gift years ago and keep coming back to buy it; it’s one of my favorites. Even though it’s marketed for women, I wear it and it smells super unisex. It’s warm, cozy, and magnetic—my ex used to always ask for it. Perfect for fall and winter, but versatile enough for day and night. At first, it’s strong: spicy, incense, and amber, almost heavy for the first 15 minutes (watch out for light-colored clothes, it stains). Then it dries down into a masterpiece: woody amber, vanilla, and cinnamon, a scent I can’t stop sniffing every five minutes. Lasts about 6 hours on skin and up to a day and a half on clothes. Powerful projection; people notice when you get close. 100% recommended and very affordable for the quality.