Men
Side Effect
Acordes principales
Descripción
Side Effect by Initio Parfums Privée is an oriental fragrance for men and women. Side Effect was launched in 2016.
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9,008 votos
- Positivo 83%
- Neutral 9.0%
- Negativo 7.6%
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No kidding: the tobacco is very noticeable, not pipe tobacco, but hand-rolled from humid leaves, something like Virginia Gold, and at 5 minutes the liquor notes appear with the sweetness of a vanilla soothed by cinnamon. I find it feminine, I wouldn’t recommend it for unisex use, and the scent isn’t anything out of this world, typical of designer fragrances leaning towards vintage, for women 30 and up. I wouldn’t recommend buying it, it adds nothing new. Regarding projection: it’s noticeable, as expected from a quality sweet; it projects about two meters for about 2 hours and then drops until disappearing at 3.5 hours. The longevity is quite good; at 4 hours it’s still quite noticeable on the skin; depending on skin type, it will last you 6 to 8 hours.
I loved it so much (even more than Oud For Greatness) that I need a bottle now. I tested it blind and the first thing I noticed was an alcoholic scent, followed by very subtle fruity and floral notes. After researching, I discovered there are no actual flowers or fruits, but rather rum, and that’s where the magic lies. Just like wine, rum picks up fruity and floral accents from wooden barrels, and this perfume captures those nuances perfectly. The fruity aspect smells like red berries. I always avoid liquors for fear of smelling like I’m drunk, but I was wrong. Fun fact: it contains Hedione, a molecule with aphrodisiac effects; maybe that’s the ‘side effect’ of its name. In three words: decadent, sweet, and intoxicating.
I liked it so much (more than Oud For Greatness) that I need a bottle right now… I tested it blind without reading anything and the first thing I detected was a tipsy smell, followed by subtle fruity and almost imperceptible floral notes. After researching and enjoying, I discovered there are no flowers or fruits, but rum, and this note is responsible for much of the magic. Just like wine, rum acquires fruity and floral accents through barrel aging, and this perfume captures those nuances so well. The fruity point specifically smells like red berries. I’ve always avoided perfumes with liquor for fear of smelling drunk, but I was wrong. Interesting fact: it contains hedione, studies say it has a sexual stimulant effect on humans; maybe that’s the side effect. In three words: decadent, sweet, and tipsy.
Love at first sniff. Although it only lists four notes—rum, vanilla, tobacco, and cinnamon—it develops into a friendly, seductive Oud on my skin, amplified by that intoxicating rum alcohol. The vanilla is potent and slightly sweet, giving it a unisex vibe. Cinnamon adds depth without overpowering, while the tobacco is refined, subtle, and elegant. Without a doubt, this is a niche gem; it’s in my top 5 because it makes me feel the ‘side effects’ mentioned in its name. Based on the notes, I wouldn’t recommend buying it blind. Originality: 9/10. Longevity: 12 hours. Would repurchase: yes.
Love at first sniff. Although only 4 notes are declared: rum, vanilla, tobacco, and cinnamon, on my skin it smells like Oud, a friendly and seductive Oud boosted by that alcohol note, tipsy and seductive rum. The vanilla is potent, slightly sweet, giving it a totally unisex connotation; the cinnamon enhances the scents without standing out, and the tobacco makes its presence felt, fine, shy, and elegant. Undoubtedly, it’s a gem of niche perfumery, it enters my top 5 because it makes me feel side effects, just like its name. Due to its notes, I recommend not buying it blind. Originality: 9/10, Longevity: 12 hours. Would I buy it again? Yes.
One of my biggest disappointments in a long time. Based on the notes, I expected something delicious that would invite me to sniff and re-sniff (something aromatically close to The One or El Born, which outdo it a thousand times). The only thing I’ve perceived is a synthetic scent in the worst sense, it smells cheap and low quality (though it doesn’t give me a headache), something like one of those indefinible amber perfumes from the bad Zara women’s line. I don’t find the charm or the value; over 200 euros for this seems like a bad taste joke. It lasts and projects quite a bit, but that worsens the experience. Anyway, every perception is different, but better to try before buying; I haven’t seen the charm in it anywhere. Au revoir!
One of my biggest disappointments in a long time. Based on the notes, I expected something delicious that would invite me to sniff and sniff again (something aromatically close to The One or El Born, which outshine it in that regard). All I’ve perceived is a synthetic scent in the worst possible way; it smells cheap and low quality (though it doesn’t give me a headache), kind of like those indefinible amber scents from the bad Zara women’s perfumes. Honestly, I don’t see the charm or the value; over 200 euros for this seems like a joke of bad taste. It lasts and projects quite a bit, but that only worsens the experience. Anyway, perceptions vary, but try before you buy. I haven’t seen any appeal in it whatsoever. Au revoir!
The rum stands out by far. I sense a touch of sandalwood (though not listed in the notes) that creates an olfactory echo of Carolina Herrera’s Ruby Sandalwood (the latter has another world’s sillage and projection); what a pity Side Effect doesn’t have that power for its price. It would highlight better on a man over 60, it’s intense and spicy, something I really love. I’ll repeat: extremely expensive, in Chile it’s around $390. PD: if you’re expecting something like The One (which isn’t bad, but it’s common), and you open yourself up to other brands, you should raise your expectations in this area.
Let me start by saying that after years of smelling designer and niche, the nose develops other capabilities. Now, knowing Side Effect, I see an aroma in the line of vanilla scents with tobacco or rum/cinnamon. Intense opening of vanilla, cinnamon, and a super-sweet tobacco that reminds me of Black Khaled by Arabian Oud and Vanilla Oud by Vertus, but with more clarity and depth. Very good aroma, like the premium version of those named perfumes. In conclusion, it’s intense, pleasant, and for personal enjoyment. It doesn’t break the nose nor is it completely original, but it’s well worth getting to know. For those starting in this style, it will blow your mind. I see it for winter or cold seasons. Very elegant, top-tier quality, for mature people (over 30) who want to leave an olfactory memory. I recommend it without doubt. Scent: 5.5/10, Sillage: 9/10, Projection: 8.5/10, Longevity: 8.5/10.
Initio Side Effect: my favorite perfume to date. I’m obsessed with this brand, but this one took it to another level. A simple yet unique scent. At first, the strong cherry opening was shocking, but once it settles on the skin, it becomes sweet and slightly alcoholic, with hints of cinnamon, vanilla, and tobacco… a night-time masterpiece. I wear it year-round, even in summer, because it’s not heavy or excessively sweet. It’s easy to wear, people love it, and it’s as sexy as they come—very versatile and unisex, though it looks incredible on men too. There’s talk of a reformulation: I can confirm that 2019 decants had a much denser, darker liquid compared to the current nearly transparent versions. But in terms of scent, longevity, and projection, it’s still the same beast: over 12 hours, still projecting at the 8-hour mark, and smelling identical. 10/10. July 2023 edition: there was so much hype, glad I didn’t buy a 90ml bottle. It’s half bitter, half sweet, dry, and alcoholic. If you enjoy cherry-forward, boozy, vanilla scents with a dark twist, it’s worth a try, but in my opinion, there are better alternatives. So far, Musk Therapy is the only Initio that made me reach for the big bottle, a true masterpiece. But overall, what a great house Initio is.
Initio Side Effect is my favorite fragrance to date; I’m passionate about this brand, but with this one, they really went to the moon. It’s simple yet unique. The first time I found the strong cherry opening jarring, but once it settles on the skin, it becomes sweet, tipsy, with cinnamon, vanilla, and tobacco; a wonder for the night. I wear it year-round, even in summer, because it’s not heavy or excessively sweet. It’s easy to wear, people love it, and it’s sexy, very versatile and unisex, though it looks incredible on a man. There’s talk it was reformulated, and it’s true: 2019 decants had much darker, denser liquid, whereas now it’s transparent. But in scent, longevity, and projection, it remains the same ‘bad beast’: over 12 hours, still projecting at 8 hours, and the smell is identical. 10/10. Edit July 2023: there was so much hype, glad I didn’t buy the 90ml. It’s half bitter, half sweet, dry and tipsy. If you like cherryed, tipsy, vanilla scents with dark tints, it’s worth a try, though in my opinion there are better alternatives for these occasions. So far, Musk Therapy is the only one from the house that made me buy a bottle, what a masterpiece! But what a great house Initio is.
This Initio Side Effect is currently my favorite tipsy fragrance, hands down. My bottle is from the ‘2018 batch’ (the liquid is lighter, not sure if it’s been opened). Upon spraying, I notice an addictive aroma from the start: a powerful opening of rum, vanilla, tobacco, and cinnamon. It’s perfectly balanced, even if the perfumer didn’t explicitly plan it; you have to give it an ‘olé’. The performance is brutal: it projects for over 3 hours and lasts a solid 9 hours. Ideally used in cooler weather for semi-formal or formal events. If you want to stand out and seduce, this is your side effect. [Similar scents: try Dolce & Gabbana The One Luminous Night, it’s quite similar].
Side Effect smells like something else entirely than what your mind imagines when seeing the notes. What stands out most is the rum opening, with a sweet, fruity tone, like a cherry or berry liqueur. That tipsy vibe settles into a sensual, delicate vanilla that doesn’t veer into gourmand territory. These two notes are the most noticeable; I see it as unisex, but it won’t appeal to those seeking something very masculine.
Tried it just a couple of times and it’s already got me hooked. The first impression is pure elegance, smelling like high-class people walking the red carpet. It’s semi-alcoholized, maybe unisex, but not your average scent; reminds me of Tom Ford but with more originality and impact, and it lasts even longer (7-8 hours). It’s very linear, opening with a sharp rum and a unique vanilla I’ve never smelled before; the rum smells almost like incense, with a tobacco base and a gourmand touch. The only thing that doesn’t quite work for me is how unisex it is—I’d prefer something darker and more masculine to feel truly sensual for a specific gender. But if you like this style and head out at night in mild climates, pick it up; it’s magic. Scent: 9/10, Quality: 10/10, Sillage: 8/10, Originality: 8.5/10, Versatility: 7/10, Price: 8.5/10, Projection: 8.5/10. IMPRESSIVE.
1.- Scent: for me, the cinnamon bark dominates, which is why it feels spicy. I haven’t noticed the rum. I imagine the combination creates an accord similar to Tutsi Pop’s cherry. I feel I’ve heard similar scents in other perfumes, so I don’t think it’s unique. 2.- Projection: moderate-to-high (about 1-2 meters) for the first hour, with a longevity of about 8 hours, where the last 2 hours are closer to the skin. 3.- Usage: yes, I’d say it’s a sexy scent, for conquest or grabbing attention, for cold days or nights, leaning towards the male gender.
Side Effect… What sexier perfume? Bottled sensuality, literally smells like a passionate night. Performance is quite good: a solid 8 hours easily, with good trail and projection for about 2 hours. As for the scent, it’s a simple yet sensual work of art. It smells like boozy cherry even though there’s no cherry, moving towards a sensual vanilla with tobacco… Simple, it catches anyone who smells it. Recommended for anyone who likes sweet scents, totally unisex and suitable for cold and mild seasons; beware of the trigger. If you want a Goat perfume for dates, here it is… Don’t look any further, Side Effect was born for that.
Side Effect suits a man much better than a woman. I have it in a decant and it was love at first sniff. The opening is intoxicating, smelling like a wet bar in an old western saloon: wet liquor with tobacco smoke, very masculine, pure testosterone, before settling into a powdery base where burnt and smoky woods dominate. I’m sure it has coal notes at the end. I’ve read everything here and can attest that almost everything is true. It’s a perfume that gets stronger in freezing climates, because the sweetness of the liquor with the tobacco smoke is too intrusive on hot or sweaty skin.
To be brief: tobacco, vanilla, and liquor blended in a men’s perfume, with outstanding longevity and superior quality. An olfactory delight. Recommended for temperate to cold climates.
Side Effect has the adverse effect on me that it intends. Few fragrances make you not want to stop smelling them, but this is one of them. After an excessively strong and opaque opening, without note clarity, the only thing I see is another one of many based on lots of coumarin and Norlimbanol-type molecules. What bothers me most is how the house treats consumers like fools. The description says it’s based on Hedione, a molecule that enhances the perception of pleasure and attraction. What nonsense is that? Do they want to sell us the use of Hedione as something special? It’s a molecule used in almost all modern perfumery for its good scent, functionality, and low price. I recommend anyone buying a few grams of Hedione to know what they’re talking about. It only costs a few euros. That said, I must say that, although it’s a pleasant (and familiar) scent, it won’t increase pleasure, desire, or attraction. Let’s not even talk about the price… A perfume based on Hedione sold for over €200. If only I could enjoy it like many others do; I know it has a good reputation, but I can’t. Greetings.
To put it briefly: tobacco, vanilla, and liquor blended into a men’s fragrance with outstanding longevity and superior quality. Recommended for temperate to cold weather. A delightful olfactory experience.
Side Effect has the adverse effect it claims to have. Few fragrances make me reluctant to wear them again, but this is one of them. After an excessively strong and opaque opening with no note clarity, all I see is another formula built on a massive load of coumarin and Norlimbanol-type molecules. What bothers me most is how the house treats consumers as fools. The description claims it’s based on Hedione, a molecule that supposedly enhances pleasure and attraction. What nonsense is that? Do they want to sell us Hedione as something special? It’s a molecule used in almost all modern perfumery for its great scent, functionality, and low price. I recommend buying a few grams to see what the fuss is about. It’ll only cost a few euros. That said, I must admit that while it’s a pleasant and familiar scent, it won’t increase pleasure, desire, or attraction. Let’s not even talk about the price… A Hedione-based fragrance sold for over €200. I wish I could enjoy it like many others, I know it has a good reputation, but I can’t. Regards.
I notice a lot of tobacco mixed with vanilla and rum. Result: a woody, smoky aroma. Although it leans more towards a male profile, I was honestly dazzled by it. I really liked it; I love tobacco perfumes and this one is noteworthy. The truth is, it didn’t last long on my skin; in the drydown, it feels more piercing and dry. It’s on my wishlist, but I’m not sure if I’ll buy it since the price is high and the skin longevity is short.
I went to the perfumerie looking for something that would dazzle me. After sniffing several that weren’t bad but didn’t catch my attention, I smelled this… Wooow! I loved it. I asked them to spray it on my skin and… Wooow! I went for a walk and was still hooked. I came back and bought it. It’s not complex; quite the opposite: simple, a sweet, boozy aroma with a smoky touch at the end that gradually emerges and lingers. It’s not heavy, has good longevity, and is linear, though at the end only the smoky scent remains. It’s entered my top 10, even my top 5.
I like that the cinnamon doesn’t dominate like it does in other perfumes. It’s a lovely scent; if it lasted longer on the skin, it would be a bomb.
One of my favorites. In Paris, at the Initio perfumerie, I couldn’t resist and left head over heels. The opening reminded me of cherry cough syrup, but the drydown is something else: simple yet beautiful. The tobacco, vanilla, and liquor blend harmoniously to create something sensual and delicious. For me, it’s a 10/10.
Smells like Kilian’s Angel’s Share: starts boozy and then wraps you in warmth. Very rich, and on my skin it lasts about 5 hours.
An absolute gem, definitely in my top 3. I absolutely love Side Effect for how it makes me feel; spraying it on my neck and feeling like the sexiest person in the world. If Brad Pitt were standing next to me, he’d instantly transform into Danny DeVito. It’s a head-turner that draws compliments, sexy, attractive, and seductive. I’m not an expert, and I’m not sure if it contains Hedione, but I just adore it. The scent is powerful, dense, and marked by rum, accompanied by tobacco and cinnamon, with a sandalwood base that makes it creamy, sweet, and resinous. An olfactory masterpiece. The longevity isn’t where it should be; my 2023 bottle doesn’t last more than 6 hours on skin. The projection also disappoints me; it’s very contained and only works for intimate closeness. It’s a shame, it should be noticeable from across the street. In short: an adult aroma, too sexy for minors. Slightly masculine unisex. Shines best in cold or temperate climates. Scent: 10/10. Longevity: 7/10. Duration: 6h. Projection: 6/10. Versatility: 7/10. Price: 2.83€/ml. Final score: 8/10. I’m just sharing what makes me feel, pure olfactory experience.
This is a JEWEL of modern perfumery, it’s in my top 3. I love Side Effect for how it makes me feel; spraying this on my neck and feeling like the sexiest person on earth. Brad Pitt next to me turns into Danny DeVito. Grrrr. It’s a look-stealer and compliment magnet, sexy, attractive, and seductive. I’m not an expert and I don’t know what Stinky is, nor do I care. I know what I like and I love this. A powerful, dense scent, marked by rum, paced by tobacco and cinnamon, with a sandalwood base that makes it creamy, sweet, resinous, and alcoholic. An olfactory wonder. The longevity isn’t a wonder; I read that old batches were. Mine was bought in 2023 and doesn’t last more than 6h on skin. Projection isn’t what I’d like either, very contained and limited to intimate space. It’s a shame because it should be smelled from across the street. In summary: Adult aroma, too sexy for a minor. Slightly masculine unisex. Shines in cold or temperate climates, not with heat. Scent 10/10, longevity 7/10 (6h), projection 6/10, versatility 7/10. Price $$$. 2.83€/ml. Final score 8/10. I try to describe what I feel to help you choose. I don’t pretend to be anything; the little I know is based on testing and smelling. Pure olfactory experience. I love perfumes and just want to share what they make me feel.
Of the Initios I’ve tried (Side Effect, Paragon, Narcotic Delight, Absolute Aphrodisiac, and Oud for Greatness), this might be the one that convinces me for a full bottle. Each has its own form, but I, being very abstract, perceive a sensual and almost magical aphrodisiac thread connecting them. I think every time I smell an Initio, I don’t just like the scent; I fall under a small spell of attraction. It’s not the complexity that moves me; I think it’s witchcraft or black magic, something much more mundane. In an experiment with friends who have immunity to marketing, I let them try ten fragrances, and I guarantee they all chased the Initio with their eyes closed.
The opening is beautiful; the drydown dulls that initial burst a bit. It’s a fragrance for any situation, totally unisex and well-balanced. Some say it’s unisex but always lean one way; here, that doesn’t happen, anyone can wear it. You smell the flowers in the opening and mid-notes, the cinnamon isn’t loud but is present, and the rum is there more or less. Lasts 7h on skin, moderate projection for 1h30 with good sillage.
Notes: Rum and saffran opening, tobacco and cinnamon heart, stinky and sandalwood base. Lasts between 8 and 12h on skin and up to a weekend on clothes. Sillage around 2 meters. It’s unisex, but very expensive and not for everyone. It’s very strong; many people have recognized the scent and its potency. I wouldn’t recommend it as a signature if you live in heat, but the smell is impressive for night. Definitely my favorite so far.
A del-ight! One of the richest fragrances from the brand. It has a known DNA but with its own Initio style. People talk a lot about the rum, tobacco, and the rest, but that mix of stinky, bad name, ass, and saffron is spectacularly harmonious and rich 😋😍. On my skin it lasts like crazy and projects equally.
I can’t stand it. I’ve had it since January and have only used it twice, but I just can’t handle this smell 🥺.
I can’t stand it, I’ve had it since January and only used it twice, but I just can’t handle this scent 🥺.
More than an explosion, it’s an intense buzz where the cinnamon hits rumble in your brain. If you can smell it, you’re close, and at that distance, this perfume is lethal.
Personal analysis in case it helps you: 1. Versatility: Cold climates only (fall/winter), works day and night, but very formal. 2. Longevity: Over 8 hours. 3. Sillage and projection: Potent sillage and projects well. 4. Affinity: Doesn’t quite fit my taste, but I’d buy it again or look for something similar. I’ve used it over the last 3 months.
Initio Side Effect throws you into a state of intense passion and seduction, where emotions run wild and there are no risks. It’s a moving fragrance that creates an aura of natural power and grandeur, perfect for moments of desire and magnetism.
Total masterpiece. At first, you get the tobacco, but it’s deep in the background; it’s insane. Smells super clean, like you’re in a cosmetics store or something. Damn, it lasts about 12 hours on my skin. I wore it at 34 degrees and got a huge trail; projection isn’t the lowest, but it doesn’t explode either. I love it, damn it. I’m from Acapulco, always use this in the cold, haha. Longevity 10/10, projection 5/10 ;(