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Obsession for Men by Calvin Klein

Men 1986

Description

Obsession for Men by Calvin Klein is a woody oriental fragrance for men. Launched in 1986, the nose behind this composition is Robert Slattery. The top notes include cinnamon, lavender, coriander, mandarin, lime, bergamot, and grapefruit; the heart notes reveal myrrh, nutmeg, carnation, Brazilian rosewood, pine, sage, jasmine, and red berries; while the base notes settle on amber, vanilla, sandalwood,…

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Quick summary

When to wear it (votes)

  • Winter 42%
  • Spring 13%
  • Summer 5.9%
  • Autumn 39%
  • Day 36%
  • Night 64%

Key notes

Community

6,201 votes

  • Positive 74%
  • Negative 17%
  • Neutral 8.1%
positive reviews 6.2 k community votes
LongevityLong-lasting SillageModerate Best momentWinter 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 own it

15,745 votes

Season

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Leading answer Winter

6,642 votes

Time of day

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Leading answer Night

4,018 votes

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

Fragrance profile

About Obsession for Men

Main accord warm-spicy Year 1986 Gender Men Perfumer Robert Slattery

Obsession for Men by Calvin Klein is a woody oriental fragrance for men. Launched in 1986, the nose behind this composition is Robert Slattery. The top notes include cinnamon, lavender, coriander, mandarin, lime, bergamot, and grapefruit; the heart notes reveal myrrh, nutmeg, carnation, Brazilian rosewood, pine, sage, jasmine, and red berries; while the base notes settle on amber, vanilla, sandalwood, musk, patchouli, and vetiver.

Spices Flowers Green, herbal and fougère Resins and balsams Woods and mosses White flowers Fruits, vegetables and nuts Musk, amber and animalic

How it wears

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Longevity

Leading answer Long-lasting

3,157 votes

Sillage

Leading answer Moderate

3,251 votes

Character

Leading answer Traditionally masculine

2,321 votes

Value perception

Leading answer Good value

2,116 votes

Most talked about

Notes and topics that come up most in 40 reviews.

Have you worn Obsession for Men?

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

  1. I’m 30. The first time I used it, I didn’t know how strong it was. I applied it at 6 am (3 sprays) and everything was normal, but by 10 am, when I was driving to another job and the sun came out, I almost threw it away. A very annoying and dizzying scent; the other person in the car didn’t say anything, but I noticed them roll down the window. It smelled like my grandma’s perfumes. I stopped using it for several months, and one day in cold weather I used it (5 applications), and wow, it smelled much better. Very sweet but with a clean, high-end perfume vibe. The trail and longevity are surprising: people 5 meters away gave compliments, projecting for over 5 hours, then dropping to another 3 hours before settling close to the skin (almost like a perfume). I love that vanilla scent with a slight kick after 5 hours. At 6 hours, a girl walking by said, ‘hey, you smell great.’ In short, it’s a perfume that should only be used in cold climates; nothing in the heat because it causes repulsion and discomfort to others. Also, the scent changes completely. If you’re young and live by others’ criticism, wanting to please and obey them, it’s not for you, because it’s a scent that could be considered for older people (especially in the heat). But as time passes, it takes on a rich and different aroma.

    • Longevity
    • Sweet
    • Vanilla
    • Compliments

  2. molletmod.73

    An 80s classic, amber, sweet, elegant, spiced, charming, affordable, and versatile. As is typical of 80s-90s perfumes, it has 21 notes, though most aren’t perceptible. CK Obsession for Men, along with Jaipur by Boucheron, is one of the best cinnamon-vanilla fragrances ever made in perfume history. Personally, I prefer them over the hype of Spicebomb Extreme by V&R. Smelling of soft cinnamon-vanilla can please almost everyone. Therefore, I believe this fragrance is totally unisex, and many women might enjoy wearing it. Likewise, a man could wear CK Obsession for Women. Except on days hotter than 30°C, it can be worn anytime. Some say this is a fragrance for older or mature people. Nonsense. To me, putting age limits on perfumes always seems like stupidity. I know 25-year-olds who wear Versace L’Homme, Opium by YSL, or Terre d’Hermès, and 50 or 60-year-olds (especially divorced or separated) who, just to go out, don’t hesitate to slather on CH 212 VIP Black or PR Bad Boy EDP. People use what they like, period. Great price, 20 to 30 euros for 100ml, with decent performance; it lasts 6-7 hours on me without issues. Compared to current perfumeries selling trash with explosive sillage and fancy designs that last a maximum of 4 hours, at 75 euros for 100ml.

    • Longevity
    • Cinnamon
    • Sillage
    • Sweet

  3. Enchiladas de Yakult

    But what an exquisite and charming perfume. Upon first smelling it, I thought it was a bit strange since it’s more of an ‘old school’ aroma; however, I couldn’t help but be captivated by the delicious cinnamon scent of this fragrance. To my nose, I perceive it as a warm aroma of cinnamon, amber, wood, resinous, vanilla, sexy, talcum-powdery, and sweet but not cloying. It reminds me of some kind of cinnamon dessert, a warm aroma that invites you to hug whoever is wearing it. While it is a classic fragrance, I don’t think it smells like an old man; it suits someone over 20-25 years old. Usage: I think it goes well for various occasions as long as it’s cold. Sillage and longevity: moderate. On my skin, it projects for about 2 hours but stays close to the skin for about 6 hours (on clothes, I can still smell it close to the skin until the next day). It’s one of my favorite scents in my collection.

    • Longevity
    • Cinnamon
    • Sillage
    • Sweet

  4. Overall, I liked it. What does it smell like? At first, it sounds a bit old-school, like a barbershop, but quickly spicy notes reminiscent of Boucheron’s Jaipur or Chanel’s Egoiste emerge. Watch out! They’re not the same, but they share that hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. It has an eighties-nineties aura thanks to the patchouli, vetiver, and notes from that era. However, it’s very wearable. Projection and longevity are moderate, so there’s no risk of overwhelming anyone. It’s affordable, serious, and perfect for formal wear. Although it’s for men, women can wear it too; it features lavender, pine, carnation, citrus, etc. I think people will like it; it works for work, dinners, or dates. It’s easy to use, no risk in blind buying. If you’re looking for something oriental, classic, and not transgressive, it’s a good option.

    • Longevity
    • Cinnamon
    • Sillage
    • Price

  5. Mr. Baskerville

    The perfect counterpart to Obsession (the women’s version is implied). Both are very similar, and I think that was the idea. ‘For Men’ is more musky, with evident cinnamon, a citrus start, and a hint of lavender that marks (artificially) the gender… but fortunately, nowadays both are unisex. They are oriental fragrances designed for Western urbanites of the 80s, and I like that. ‘For Men’ complements a confident, strong gentleman, the kind who doesn’t spend 45 minutes in the gym or get offended by trifles. Projection and longevity are quite good, though somewhat layered compared to the past. The price is unbeatable, so if you can try it, it’s worth it without a doubt.

    • Longevity
    • Cinnamon
    • Sillage
    • Price

  6. Billy Ramita

    Obsession doesn’t smell old at all. I presume it was reformulated since some mention its potency, but the version I have has moderate projection and longevity. With citrus in the opening and an oriental character, it comes across as sweet and sensual, with cinnamon, vanilla, and amber dominating the dry down, giving it a slightly animalic musky touch. At times, the spices remind me of Chanel’s Egoiste, but they are very different. It’s a beautiful oriental, easy to wear; with this version, I don’t see why a young person couldn’t use it—it’s still wearable. Of course, it’s best for cold climates. The price-to-quality ratio is excellent.

    • Longevity
    • Cinnamon
    • Sillage
    • Sweet

  7. Ángel R.P

    This perfume is from another era and has impressive quality for a CK, honestly, in performance it rivals designer perfumes entirely. It’s the best amber I’ve tried in my short 24 years. It’s a fragrance an old man would wear, yes, but that’s not bad. In my case, it’s hard to find the right moment to use it, maybe Christmas, since it has sweet and heavy notes; I don’t see it for heat or daily wear. I imagine it for winter nights at Christmas, how beautiful. I totally recommend it if you like retro or eighties scents. If you like youthful things or are a fan of ‘simple’ perfumes, don’t even think about buying it blind.

    • Sweet
    • Amber
    • Night
    • Winter

  8. Warning, this fragrance is brutal! It has that eighties-nineties vibe that is irresistible. The projection is beast mode, and even though it’s a cologne, it outperforms many luxury perfumes. Nothing like today’s stuff; it’s different and special. Two sprays on the arm and it’s immediately present, lasting all day. Perfect for winter, or if you use it in summer, just one or two sprays. The opening is distinct, then it stabilizes and settles like a cinnamon cookie, but not sweet—more woody. I agree with Fragrantica: these are scents from the past, and for me, it’s a collector’s gem.

    • Longevity
    • Cinnamon
    • Sillage
    • Sweet

  9. Rojoperfume

    I’m waiting for colder weather (I’m already in autumn) to wear it; I just bought it. It’s a very masculine perfume, representing virility, power, and seduction with its woody touch, plus those notes of cinnamon and vanilla. It’s perfect for business men, young or adult executives, and why not? If you’re a sugar daddy and like playing that role, you can succeed with that extra touch. I love it because it makes me feel powerful and attract women. Even when men compliment me on the scent, I don’t mind; a good perfume should capture everyone’s attention and receive praise.

    • Cinnamon
    • Vanilla
    • Compliments
    • Autumn

  10. SantoGrial

    Grateful memories with this great fragrance. In this magnificent world of scents, anecdotes link you to the fragrance you like. Once, late at night, I was walking down a street and a group of girls was passing by. As I walked past them, one girl said, ‘Wow, that smells so good, who is that?’ She followed me and literally asked what I was wearing, and the conversation flowed. So, the fragrance, if you want, opened the possibility to meet girls, making a good first impression, which is the plus that fragrances give and one of the things men expect: to impact women.

    • Night

  11. emeaber

    I bought it on sale because it had a different scent. The issue is that, while it doesn’t smell like syrup like Joop, it has the same problem: the strong incense note at the beginning reminds you of an 80s grandma. Two hours later, once the incense fades, it leaves a wearable sweet-spicy trail. Since it’s an EDT, it lasts long and projects, especially on clothes, where it clings for several days. It suits any time of day except summer. If you don’t like the incense note, I don’t recommend it.

    • Longevity
    • Sillage
    • Sweet
    • Summer

  12. Even though it’s from the 80s, Obsession for Men by Calvin Klein still sounds incredibly modern. The balance of cinnamon, amber, and vanilla creates a warm, inviting embrace. The citrus opening lasts about 10-15 minutes before yielding to a spicy, amber heart. It’s sensual, exuding an allure that draws people in, with a truly unisex spirit. The longevity is good, the projection is moderate but enough to stand out with an enveloping trail. A classic that never goes out of style.

    • Longevity
    • Cinnamon
    • Sillage
    • Citrus

  13. lisa125570-46

    I’ve been wearing it for over a year and it never disappoints. It opens with a burst of citrus and pepper, very fresh and clean. The dry down is soft and slightly woody, perfect for day and night. Longevity is excellent, easily lasting 7-8 hours, and the projection is strong for the first few hours. I always get compliments. Highly recommended if you’re looking for something fresh and versatile that stands out without being overwhelming.

    • Longevity
    • Sillage
    • Citrus
    • Night

  14. Brianlara93_

    Great perfume; I’ve received so many compliments, mostly from women. Since I live in a tropical country, I wear it sparingly, only on cold nights, because it doesn’t work in the heat or during the day. It smells wonderfully spicy, and its performance for an EDT is surprisingly good. It projects well without being annoying. Scent: 8/10, Longevity: 10/10, Sillage and Projection: 8.5/10, Price: 8/10.

    • Longevity
    • Sillage
    • Price
    • Night

  15. Borisbebe

    I read all the reviews and I’m sorry, but this is the most horrible-smelling perfume I’ve ever encountered. I can’t find anything appealing, but the opening note is intense—I’m not sure if it’s the myrrh—and it made me almost vomit; it smells like rotting armpits to me. Sorry, I didn’t read the negative reviews before, but I just can’t handle this perfume. Maybe I’ll have to try smelling it again.

    • Myrrh

  16. LosPerfumesDeJavi

    Starting with the name, which fascinates me, this is a warm, spiced bomb from the 80s. You have to hunt for it nowadays in perfumeries; here in Albacete, I only found it at Primor, tucked away on the bottom shelf of the deals section. If you like powerful perfumes that smell like another era without being overly sweet like pastries, don’t hesitate to try it if you haven’t yet.

    • Sweet

  17. Danny90210

    I’m wearing it today. It’s a rich scent; some might find it vintage. The opening is pleasant, but the dry-down is the best part! That cinnamon gives it a special touch combined with the citrus. I think it’s an excellent choice for autumn and winter. Longevity is great, though projection might not stand out as much as some hope. Overall, it’s special and a great option.

    • Longevity
    • Cinnamon
    • Sillage
    • Citrus

  18. Andrimalandri

    This perfume is among the best out there. It’s very well crafted, and the scent truly puts you in a good mood. Anyone of any age can wear it. In the 90s, young people wore it for special occasions, so it’s not just for adults. It’s been on the market for years, and that alone means something of that quality can’t be taken off the shelves.

  19. SolomonAvan

    I literally have an obsession with this perfume. Wearing it feels like a warm hug in winter, in a 1989 park with the person I love most; it brings peace, tranquility, and nostalgia. If you’re not used to classic scents, it might seem a bit old-fashioned, but once you get used to it, you either love it or fall in love with it.

    • Winter

  20. I think it must be the myrrh. When I smelled it, it seemed very familiar until I came to Fragrantica, and voilà! It reminds me of Dior’s Eau Sauvage (EDT, Parfum, etc.). It must be the myrrh. My summary is that this Obsession is an Eau Sauvage (whatever flanker you want) but without the citrus part of the Dior versions.

    • Citrus
    • Myrrh

  21. Tordo Uruguayo

    I had the chance to buy this gem online blind, since it’s unavailable anywhere in Uruguay, and I don’t regret a single cent. It’s sweet and romantic, perhaps a bit cloying, but remember it’s vintage and still honors its 1986 era. I recommend using it, but maybe more for autumn-winter, as it can be a bit overpowering.

    • Sweet
    • Winter
    • Autumn

  22. STGO.DECANT

    I really like this perfume. Very affordable and delivers in every way. Some people rate it as an older adult scent, but to me, it’s a wonder. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t want to spend more than $20 on a perfume, this is the one. I see it more for autumn, winter, and spring weather.

    • Price
    • Winter
    • Autumn
    • Spring

  23. Rojoperfume

    I applied it for the first time today and it feels like a drug that generates pleasure, happiness, and a great mood. What a strange thing, it’s a delight, something you just want to smell and smell! I feel relaxed, yet at the same time savory and powerful; I want to kiss myself. I love it.

  24. Gentil vagabond

    The night became special under the aroma of a fragrance designed for an event, a dinner, a wedding… put whatever label you want on it. It’s an amber scent, I’d say honeyed but elegant, that doesn’t bother anyone but generates distinction for the wearer. Great perfume.

    • Amber
    • Night

  25. Carlo Mendez

    What a delight—super resinous and warm, very masculine with great longevity. This was truly a great CK; nowadays they only release fresh scents that fade in two hours. For the price, it’s a gem, though it’s been years and reformulations have taken a toll.

    • Longevity
    • Price
    • Fresh
    • Reformulation

  26. Davidsonnn

    I really like it. It’s very spicy but fantastic in all its stages. A blind buy that turned out perfect, and I’m already on my second bottle. Ideal for going out at night because you’ll receive many compliments, plus it has a ridiculously cheap price.

    • Price
    • Night
    • Compliments

  27. Luis Manuel howley

    For me, this takes me back to those years when you wanted the girl you liked to call you out in front of your friends, wow! That made me feel like, damn, I nailed it and she fell for it. Haha, so many memories for us forty-somethings!

  28. GustaBrave

    Excellent performance, longevity, and sillage. Smells like another era, the late eighties and nineties, but sophisticated. For cold days, not advisable in other temperatures. Cinnamon, amber…

    • Longevity
    • Cinnamon
    • Sillage
    • Amber

  29. vicentevl

    Classic yet with character: starts with a spicy, aromatic touch where cinnamon stands out, but as it dries down, it transforms into something citrusy, fresh, and very green. Simply enchanting!

    • Cinnamon
    • Fresh
    • Aromatic

  30. Daniel12

    Excellent. You can smell the cinnamon without it being overwhelming; it’s delicious, loved by women too. Top-tier longevity and projection. A very good perfume, especially for the price.

    • Longevity
    • Cinnamon
    • Sillage
    • Price