Saffron
Amber
Praliné
Bitter orange
Jasmine
Moss
Musk
Coriander
10/24/2022
Elysium
888 Reviews
Elysium
6
A Naughty Little Gourmand
Judging by the views of the sovereign people, Red Temptation has a lot in common with Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum. Although I have never experienced BR 540, I have encountered many clones that smell like Red Temptation, so I assume this, too, belongs to the many clones. That doesn't affect my judgment because Red Temptation possesses a way of combining leathery, gourmand, woody, and salty accords in a way that's nothing short of mind-blowing. Before diving into the fragrance, let me say that I tested both "Red Temptation Women | Zara" and its counterpart Red Temptation Men, and I can confirm they are the same fragrance, just another market strategy.
Red Temptation opens somewhat boozy, slightly harsh, with a leathery undertone. It smells like rubbing alcohol at first. I let the alcohol fade away, and a delicious candy sweetness oozes. It's sweet but airy, nothing sentimental. Toasted brown sugar and candy-floss sensations. The leathery touch comes from the saffron flowers, which are very strong here, while the pastry vibe is because of the praline. After the boozy blast, the opening is the most delicate part of the scent, despite its pungent leathery edge. With an underdose of indolic and buttery-floral jasmine, it's bright and airy, and when worn, it gives the impression of cleanliness. Indeed, I don't get any trace of zestiness or tanginess from citrus fruits or herbs.
Breezy jasmine blends with salty amber while it pushes the spicy leatheriness of saffron back, but it's still detectable. In the heart, the scent gains smoky shades as if incense, or anything fumy, was taking part. The sweetness is broad, generous, and somewhat caramelised, and the smokiness reminds me of burnt berries jam. It is a sort of burnt sugar smell, the same smell I get from the creme brulée topping. Also, a kind of anisic note whiff from my skin. So, the heart is all about smoky sugar and salty mineral accords, probably from the saffron and ambroxan fusion.
During the dry-down, the scent takes on a more virile slant. Red Temptation amplifies the mossiness and muskiness towards the end, along with a dry woodiness from fresh-cut cedar, the smell of shavings so sharp. Alongside saffron, jasmine and cedar notes, the fragrance has a hearty dose of mineral ambroxan that lingers over and over. Salty ambergris and dry-smoky cedarwood are most noticeable on my skin and clothes. That cedar note may sound quite acute. This is by far my favourite piece of this composition. Resinous quality is also present, probably a blend of some resin-like ingredients.
A few sprays spread firmly and last forever. Red Temptation has a weird projection, which is actually well above average. Bizarre because sometimes, I can spray it on clothes and pick it up across the room or feel it on clothes worn the day before. I sometimes miss it on my skin, almost like I hadn't worn it. I like wearing this, especially in the cold weather of autumn and winter. It's not a super heavy scent; it is not overbearing, but not one I'd reach for in the warmer seasons. This is definitely a flattering fragrance for both men and women. I don't think it lends itself to one camp over another.
I base the review on a bottle I have owned since October 2020.
November 2024: After four years of ageing, maturation, and maceration, the perfume has acquired strong leathery inflexions, thanks to the saffron that stands out a lot in the initial and intermediate phases. A refined leather mixed with sugary, burnt, and caramelized notes. I wore it yesterday, and the performance intensified, not to mention the countless compliments.
-Elysium
Red Temptation opens somewhat boozy, slightly harsh, with a leathery undertone. It smells like rubbing alcohol at first. I let the alcohol fade away, and a delicious candy sweetness oozes. It's sweet but airy, nothing sentimental. Toasted brown sugar and candy-floss sensations. The leathery touch comes from the saffron flowers, which are very strong here, while the pastry vibe is because of the praline. After the boozy blast, the opening is the most delicate part of the scent, despite its pungent leathery edge. With an underdose of indolic and buttery-floral jasmine, it's bright and airy, and when worn, it gives the impression of cleanliness. Indeed, I don't get any trace of zestiness or tanginess from citrus fruits or herbs.
Breezy jasmine blends with salty amber while it pushes the spicy leatheriness of saffron back, but it's still detectable. In the heart, the scent gains smoky shades as if incense, or anything fumy, was taking part. The sweetness is broad, generous, and somewhat caramelised, and the smokiness reminds me of burnt berries jam. It is a sort of burnt sugar smell, the same smell I get from the creme brulée topping. Also, a kind of anisic note whiff from my skin. So, the heart is all about smoky sugar and salty mineral accords, probably from the saffron and ambroxan fusion.
During the dry-down, the scent takes on a more virile slant. Red Temptation amplifies the mossiness and muskiness towards the end, along with a dry woodiness from fresh-cut cedar, the smell of shavings so sharp. Alongside saffron, jasmine and cedar notes, the fragrance has a hearty dose of mineral ambroxan that lingers over and over. Salty ambergris and dry-smoky cedarwood are most noticeable on my skin and clothes. That cedar note may sound quite acute. This is by far my favourite piece of this composition. Resinous quality is also present, probably a blend of some resin-like ingredients.
A few sprays spread firmly and last forever. Red Temptation has a weird projection, which is actually well above average. Bizarre because sometimes, I can spray it on clothes and pick it up across the room or feel it on clothes worn the day before. I sometimes miss it on my skin, almost like I hadn't worn it. I like wearing this, especially in the cold weather of autumn and winter. It's not a super heavy scent; it is not overbearing, but not one I'd reach for in the warmer seasons. This is definitely a flattering fragrance for both men and women. I don't think it lends itself to one camp over another.
I base the review on a bottle I have owned since October 2020.
November 2024: After four years of ageing, maturation, and maceration, the perfume has acquired strong leathery inflexions, thanks to the saffron that stands out a lot in the initial and intermediate phases. A refined leather mixed with sugary, burnt, and caramelized notes. I wore it yesterday, and the performance intensified, not to mention the countless compliments.
-Elysium
PurpleKat
PedroCabral
Stolzman
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