Tendre Poison by Dior

This perfume first reached my nose thanks to a high school teacher. During an exam, while she fanned herself, that scented breeze made it impossible for me to concentrate. One day I asked her what she was wearing, and at 18, I bought it. It started my collection, and it’s a real shame they decided to discontinue this gem. I’ll always remember it.

I don’t know what will happen when this bottle runs out. Tendre Poison was all the rage when I was 18, a soft version of Poison EDP, ideal for beginners. If Poison Girl was the thing a couple of years ago, back in 1994 it was Tendre; I feel great belonging to this generation, Generation X, with so many transitions where perfumery didn’t fall behind. Although I like new things now, regardless of my age, I prefer Tendre over Girl. I feel most of the original Poison notes on my skin, but it evokes adolescence, the tender stage, innocence, and the first kiss of the Poison matrix. Galbanum, flowers, spices like clove and honey that don’t bother, until the clove feels a bit cloying; it’s an timeless beauty. I’m starting to fall for Edouard Fléchier, creator of controversial, intense, and beastly works, yet of innocence and purity bordering on the virginal. Excellent longevity and sillage.

It reminds me of Acqua Prima, which I used a lot in the late 80s, though more refined. It smells almost the same, with a huge price difference. I don’t particularly like it, but it’s a scent for everyday wear: it doesn’t invade, it doesn’t bother, it’s soft and doesn’t stand out too much. By mistake, I posted this about its cousin Pure Poison, but no, it was Tendre Poison that I tried.

I just got this treasure that Dior let slip away years ago. I used it for the first time today and it’s quite strong. In the opening, you notice the mandarin and bergamota a lot; the asafoetida comes out without leaving an odor. As time passes, the flowers, neroli, rose, and orange blossom come out, sweetened by honey and creamy as the sandalwood dries. If you can get your hands on it at a reasonable price and not at the prices asked on Wallapop or Vinted, get it. I even think it’s to everyone’s taste and a possible blind buy. Great for spring and summer, versatile for day and night. I recommend it.

I don’t know what will happen when this bottle runs out. Tendre Poison was the trendy perfume when I was 18, the soft version of the EDP for beginners. If before it was Poison Girl, in 1994 it was Tendre; I feel good belonging to this generation of transitions. Although I like new things today, I prefer Tendre over Girl. I sense the Poison notes but it evokes adolescence, innocence, the first kiss from the matrix. Galbanum, flowers, spices like clove and honey; the clove is a bit stuck, but it’s a timeless beauty. I’m starting to fall in love with Edouard Fléchier, the creator of Poison and Tendre. If this is how his works are, what will his mind create when making one of the most controversial and beastly perfumes? Yes, the mother of this and Tendre… And at the same time this work of innocence and purity, almost virginal. Excellent longevity and sillage.

Wonderful memories. My first official perfume, like taking the step from girl to independent woman. I remember buying it with my savings, at 18, at the old perfumery in my city, the first in the area and still operating. I told the saleswoman I wanted a perfume for myself, and she brought out two: Hypnotic Poison and this one. I remember the bergamot, fresh, green, complex, truly unique and elegant. It was Dior, there was no comparison, I enjoyed it until the last drop, it was mine. Sadness invades me knowing it was discontinued. Dior stopped being Dior after Tendre Poison for me.

Fresh, floral, and very pleasant.

Cabotine by Grès is a green floral, reminiscent of this Dior but they are different; don’t expect the same. Tendre is complex, high quality, with facets and character like Dior, different from its predecessor Poison, less heavy. Fresh, green, with a sandalwood base that I love. It could be a current niche unisex: cut flowers, natural rose, woods, and touches like asafoetida. I’m a man and thought I wouldn’t wear it, but today unisex scents break stereotypes. Cuir Cannage by Dior is similar too; perfuming is a matter of taste, not of sexes.

I’ll just say WHY WHY WHY they had to discontinue it… SNIFF

I don’t know who compared this to Cabotine by Grès. Tendre Poison is a MUCH more complex, long-lasting, refined fragrance with FAR more ingredients and perceptible nuances.

I bought it because after searching for so long, I finally found it at a good price. It was a blind buy since I’d never tried it. Reading the reviews, I thought it would be exquisite, and honestly, it left me quite indifferent. I don’t regret the purchase and I like it, but I don’t find it special. I’d describe it as a soft blend of Poison and Cabotine, but softer. I also don’t feel green, citrusy, or floral; it’s more of a mix of everything, and I struggle to categorize it. Overall, it’s a good perfume.

So lucky to find this gem so cheap and in perfect condition! The good: it’s already discontinued, arrived like it was destined for me, smells elegant for a gala, and is green like luck. The bad: I still don’t know if I like it; it’s very green, sometimes I detect honey and vanilla, other times not. The truth: At first, I had my doubts; on my skin, it smelled like Nivea cream, the notes were muddy. Then it evolved into something that confused me: mosquito repellent! I regretted the purchase. It has excellent longevity. The next day, at a retreat with a nun I adore who used to love Dior, I let her try it to remind her of her youth. What a surprise! On her, it smelled delicious, balanced with honey and flowers in a sweet harmony, just like I imagined Poison Tendre would be. I think my pH doesn’t suit it well, but I’ll give it another chance because I hate getting rid of it. It comforts me to gift it to the nun; it smells great on her and she looks happy. Maybe destiny conspires to bring it to her through me. I haven’t rated it yet because I want a second chance.

What luck to find this gem cheap and in perfect condition. The good: it’s discontinued, it arrived as intended, it smells elegant for a gala, and it’s green like luck. The bad: I still don’t know if I like it. It’s very green, sometimes I notice honey and vanilla, other times not. At first, it smelled like Nivea cream on my skin; the notes were stuck together. Then it evolved into something that confused me, like mosquito repellent! I regret the purchase. It lasts forever. The next day, at a retreat with a nun I love who used to wear Dior, I let her try it. On her, it smells delicious! Balanced with honey, sweet, and perfect. It was the scent I imagined: rain in the forest, majestic. I think my pH doesn’t match, but I’ll give it another chance. It hurts to throw it away, but I’ll gift it to my mother; it suits her and I see her happy. Maybe destiny wants it to reach her. I haven’t rated it yet because I want to try it again.

I don’t get Dior. They discontinue a fine, exquisite, timeless floral and produce 18 flankers for Addict that are ephemeral and poorly mixed. In Greece, there’s a perfumery with fragrance dupes, which is wonderful. I hope Dior reproduces it, and in the same bottle!

I loved this perfume, used it when it came out, and for several years… what a pity they won’t reissue the original.