Pure Poison Dior 2004

I am a confessed fan of orange blossoms and neroli. The latter is often used as a synonym for 4711 and thus categorized as “grandma.” However, in 4711, bergamot actually plays the leading role, if one can say that about the volatility of this EDC. But it is not really intended as a perfume.

My childhood was in the 70s of the last century, a time when 4711 was very common. My grandma (yes, you read that right!) regularly supplied me with minis, and I admit that I liked the scent. Very much, in fact. But I also adored my grandma, so I might have been influenced by that.

Recently, I stumbled upon a discussion in the forum where a Parfumo member was looking for a scent for his daughter. Among other things, “Pure Poison” was suggested. I am a Dior fan, but the brand keeps throwing stumbling blocks in my way: from vanilla anosmia (Hypnotic Poison) to deep love with migraine attacks (Poison), it’s all there. However, when I read the fragrance pyramid, I knew I had to have this scent. I promptly bought it from a dear Parfuma without ever having tested it. Testing can be done by anyone! No risk, no fun, says the passionate blind buyer; the thrill lies in the risk. And today, the little treasure arrived at my place.

Upon the first spray, I was nearly overwhelmed by a floral brigade of jasmine and gardenia. Luckily, I had already experienced a gardenia scent before and therefore knew how this flower smells; otherwise, I probably wouldn’t have been able to identify it. Floral and sweet, that was my first impression. Quickly, the scent became more citrusy, and neroli emerged. Am I being unpopular if I say that Pure Poison reminded me enormously of Secrets d'Essences - Neroli by Yves Rocher at that moment? I once owned that scent but gave it away because it didn’t last on me at all. I truly had a déjà-vu!

A few minutes later, I was puzzled because I could smell nothing anymore. With a Dior that has a stated longevity of 7.8, that shouldn’t be the case. Or should it? I genuinely thought that was it, when suddenly a fine neroli-jasmine cloud wafted into my nose. It clearly came from my wrist, which I had sprayed. Nice! This phenomenon repeated itself several times, mostly when I least expected it. It has now been repeating for more than 6 hours without any sign of fading. I am delighted! A truly fine, fresh, and at the same time slightly creamy-powdery scent that transports me a bit back to my childhood and makes me feel really comfortable.

I have seen various classifications and opinions here, and I do not agree with some at all. For me, this is by no means an autumn or even winter scent; Pure Poison would make me freeze in the cold! In my opinion, Pure Poison is the ultimate spring and early summer fragrance that radiates freshness and joy. Whether it works in the height of summer remains to be seen. With very careful dosing, that could certainly be conceivable for me.

Even though Pure Poison doesn’t really fit my usual preferences, I am a bit shockingly in love. It is not a scent I would choose as a signature fragrance. It is also not a going-out scent for me. But Pure Poison leaves me with a cozy feeling; it catapults me back to my childhood. For me, it has something of security, a bit of naivety, and joy of life. I like it, and I am glad I followed my instinct and made a (risky) blind purchase that turned out to be spot on!

And if you’re wondering what Pure Poison has to do with 4711: very little. Neroli is the only commonality, as Pure Poison is significantly warmer, not as refreshing, and lasts about 100 times longer. However, if you don’t like neroli and/or jasmine, you should better keep your hands off it!