Icon 2015

Icon by Dunhill
Bottle Design Mark Eisen
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7.9 / 10 831 Ratings
A popular perfume by Dunhill for men, released in 2015. The scent is spicy-fresh. It was last marketed by Inter Parfums.
Pronunciation
Layers well with Opium pour Homme (Eau de Toilette)
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Main accords

Spicy
Fresh
Citrus
Woody
Green

Fragrance Pyramid

Top Notes Top Notes
Neroli absoluteNeroli absolute Black pepperBlack pepper Italian bergamotItalian bergamot PetitgrainPetitgrain
Heart Notes Heart Notes
CardamomCardamom Juniper berryJuniper berry Provençal lavenderProvençal lavender SageSage
Base Notes Base Notes
OakmossOakmoss VetiverVetiver IrisIris LeatherLeather OudOud

Perfumer

Videos
Ratings
Scent
7.9831 Ratings
Longevity
7.5747 Ratings
Sillage
7.0746 Ratings
Bottle
8.8776 Ratings
Value for money
8.7332 Ratings
Submitted by Michael, last update on 23.04.2024.
Interesting Facts
The face of the advertising campaign is model Andrew Cooper, photographed by Annie Leibovitz.

Reviews

37 in-depth fragrance descriptions
9
Pricing
8
Bottle
7
Sillage
7
Longevity
8
Scent
Fresh21

52 Reviews
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Fresh21
Fresh21
Top Review 34  
Neroli & I ... that I can still experience this :)
The current average rating of 8.0 from 371 users speaks for itself, which is not a bad figure. And yet it should take a good three years until Dunhill's Icon moved in with me again, after he landed too fast in the bay at that time ...

Two things kept me from approaching him again: I remembered the distinctive scent more and more herbaceous, and according to the scent pyramid it contains a good portion of neroli. But now I simply ordered it again as a bottling with, and what should I say?

Wow ... give it to me !

So it worked out in the second attempt after all and the British beau was allowed to move in with me again, which also refers to his bottle. Because in terms of content, it's rather an odd one, even if a good one: Icon smells pretty unique, which is why I found something of its perfumer Carlos Benaïm on the Internet. To me this seems a bit irritating, almost like a personal record, although you please forgive his broken English:

"Damned... need more money, ... what can I do? Make a new frag... mmh, ... what sells? What shall I put in? ...I tink I taik neroli. When notting goes, neroli goes. Neroli is a crowd pleaser*. I will taik many neroli. But maybe neroli is too women-like... what shall I do? ...need to balance... let me see what I have on the men side: Pepper! ... "Yep, I will taik many pepper and other spicy stuff... so many that nobody easy tink Neroli is in..
This section should be sufficient at the moment to convey the essential scent of Icon. And sorry again for the bad english, whereby I would translate this *crowd pleaser with "Gruppenvergnügler", even though he is no "Everynicer" ;-) Because this Dunhill's too special for that. Here are the details:

Right when you spray on the WOW effect: What? Never smelled like that before. Unusual and really good. Basically, Icon throws everything it has into the balance, and then draws a rather linear scent progression. Although initially a beautiful citric note and a slightly smoky tobacco(?!) note is noticeable, the fragrance is always dominated by the combination of neroli + spice.

After about 1.5 hours, Icon begins to soften a little, become warmer, almost sweet, with the neroli increasingly blending in with the other notes. Fortunately (for me), because this is actually not a typical Neroli scent, because the black pepper always clearly resists. It brings a nice spiciness, which makes the fragrance tingle properly and always keeps it masculine. But cardamom, sage and juniper berry are also noticeable and make up about 50% of the wort in the mix, while the other half is accounted for by pepper.

Overall, the icon is very well balanced. A fine, soft, warm but at the same time lingeringly spicy fragrance. Its dense lightness is light, never heavy or dark, but pointed, peppery, a little provocative, but also sweet and soft. He hugs and pricks you at the same time - unusual, expressive, valuable !

On the skin it projects 5-6 hours at half arm length, on a shirt 3-4 hours longer. Dunhill's icon may not be a blind-buy candidate, but it is an absolute recommendation for striking fragrances. If Neroli wasn't standing in the fragrance pyramid, I probably wouldn't have gotten there right away, it is so strongly balanced by the spices. That's why this note became attractive for me and my personal highlight is that the icon becomes even better when it's placed backwards, with a bit of clear vetiver to counter it. So Carlos Benaïm actually managed to put a neroli scent on me and I thank him for it with the words

Neroli & I... that I this once experience may :)

23 Comments
9
Bottle
7
Sillage
8
Longevity
8.5
Scent
Salva

71 Reviews
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Salva
Salva
Top Review 22  
Stylish gentleman
Hello friends,

this time I'm gonna go after Dunhill Icon EdP. Because after a certain time, in which I wore it again and again, I want to bring it a little bit closer to you
I was looking for a somewhat simpler, more straightforward, yet noble and interesting fragrance. A perfume that you can simply reach for and wear without hesitation. Although I - like many others - like to wear certain scents "with pleasure" and others only "with pleasure", I still want to build up a collection in which I am prepared for all occasions and have at least 1 beautiful fragrance for each occasion.

About 3 months ago I told myself that besides my BdC EdP, I could use another "gentleman" scent... xD [...]. I wanted a "quiet" and "silent" representative in my collection and so I went to Turquoise and another department store, where I didn't really find anything. So I searched through various YT reviews and other online sites where I eventually came across the Dunhill Icon series. "Hmm, Dunhill? Isn't that Alfred Dunhill, that luxury goods entrepreneur?", I asked myself (I was quite familiar with that name). Until that time, I hadn't been aware that fragrances were also produced under his name. But after a short google I had the confirmation...
[...].

So I watched several videos of all the icon scents, read a lot about their scents, ratings etc. and came to the conclusion that the Icon EdP could be exactly what I was looking for. (His scents already appealed to me...).
Now the icon series wasn't available in any shops and at that time I didn't know anything about this community (Note: Shortly after buying this perfume I registered here...). So I just decided to order it blind. "At this low price you won't break a leg," I told myself. No sooner said than done. At a well-known online shop I ordered the big bottle...

Full of anticipation I waited a few days for my parcel and could hardly wait to open it. When it finally arrived at home, I opened it and was thrilled by the flacon on the one hand, but at the same time "shocked". It is a rather heavy bottle that could be used as a "weapon" to physically hurt someone or something... xD [...].
(Well, anyway, still very noble in beautiful silver). I opened the somewhat difficult to open lid and sprayed my wrists...
"Mmm, that's exactly how I imagined you, I really like you very much...", I thought at once. So I sprayed myself with 6-7 sprays and went to visit my parents. When I arrived at my parents' house my mother told me: "Today you smell ultra fresh and clean, like a real gentleman. I really like it!" [...].

I spent 2-3h hours at my parents' house and afterwards I met a buddy for a cocktail. In the café I asked him how he liked my new scent and let him smell it on my wrist: "Jo, is good, has something noble."
(Note: None of my buddies is as good with scents as I am; all of them "no perfume people" who simply don't wear any scents... :D ).

At some point I was at home and after about 5 hours I could still notice it on myself, even if only inconspicuously. On my skin it lasts 5, max. 6h (depending on how much I spray), then I have to spray again. The Sillage can be perceived well in the first 2-3 hours, after that it develops into a "skin-scent"
The fragrance opens mega sparkling fresh with a certain spiciness; this will be the bergamot in the combination with the black pepper. But at the same time I perceive something slightly spicy-bitter, for which Neroli is probably responsible. This top note is joined after a short time by cardamom, which keeps it masculine and spicy, and lavender, which not only keeps the fragrance fresh and herbaceous, but also gives it a slight sweetness (that's how I perceive it). However, this sweetness is quite discreet, which is very pleasing, especially if you get the sillage yourself by a gust of wind... Because then this scent is wonderfully beautiful... And the base makes this scent in my eyes (or should I say in my nose:) ) a real gem! Because with the iris and the vetiver, the fragrance becomes slightly floral and delicate again, without neglecting its masculinity. But I don't perceive oud, especially because my nose is not quite as good yet... But overall I find the fragrance development very positive!

Conclusion:
Just what my mother said was my very first impression of Dunhill Icon EdP. A really super clean and fresh, yet noble and reserved fragrance. It suits stylish and confident men who show good manners, politeness and friendliness and are appreciated and respected by their fellow men for their honesty and seriousness.
You can wear this fragrance without any problems during the day and especially in the office without getting on anyone's nerves. I think people in the area will find this scent very "welcome" and comfortable.
MMn it is a super great everyday scent that you can always use if you don't quite know what to use. You can't do anything wrong with it. It is wearable in every season, but it fits mMn best in spring and summer. And it's a wonderful alternative to the Prada L'Homme EDT, because this Dunhill Icon EdP is a true, stylish, English gentleman that should not be underestimated... :)
[...].

So, hope you had fun and can do something with the contribution. And I thank each and every one of you for reading it and make a wish!
VG
7 Comments
10
Bottle
9
Sillage
9
Longevity
8.5
Scent
Libre

13 Reviews
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Libre
Libre
Top Review 27  
The modern "oldschool barbershop scent"
I don't know where it comes from, but I've developed a penchant for barbershop fragrances recently and have tested all kinds of scents from young to old. Unfortunately, no clear favourite has been shown yet...

Yesterday I wore the Dunhill Icon again after a long time and the scales fell from my eyes. Why wander far away when good things are so close. The project "Barbershop" was put aside for me
If you now say that this is not a classic barbershop scent, I completely agree with you. But for me, barbershop primarily means masculinity, spice and freshness. That's where the icon scores and adds warmth and creaminess with iris, oud and cardamom.

As a point of criticism one could mention that Neroli is very dominant at times. This is what gives the fragrance a mature character with all its advantages and disadvantages. I could already listen to "he smells like an old man". In my opinion, this is not due to the fragrance itself but more to the association many people have with neroli. To be honest, sometimes I still feel the same way. But that may simply be because my grandma loved 4711 and the brain simply makes connections and evaluates them accordingly ;-)

Dunhill Icon is a fragrance that needs to "mature", but also needs a certain maturity to wear and appreciate it. I appreciate it a lot by now and I can only advise anyone to test it if they are into masculine scents with an intense shelf life and good silage.

@Henryhill667: Before I wrote this comment, I also read some other comments. With your statement "must be saved" I had to smile. No idea why that is so, but I feel the same with this fragrance. I treat it as if it were the most precious fragrance in my collection. Maybe someday I will realize that it always was. As I said, the scent has to mature ;-)
12 Comments
9
Bottle
8
Sillage
8
Longevity
9
Scent
Norleans

60 Reviews
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Norleans
Norleans
Top Review 19  
Unique to me
I'm still blown away by my discovery of this fragrance. As already mentioned once or twice elsewhere, I love it fresh (soapy, citric etc.), especially at this time of year I don't want to wear anything else and, to anticipate it, this icon isn't my first or second choice when it's hot, but I'll come back to it in a few lines
In the top note this icon definitely goes through as a citric scent, but already here a clear spice with a bit of wood resonates. In the further course I hear a slightly smoky note on my skin and with my (whose otherwise) nose. Here's the thing: Cigarette smoke. But, yes really a big one but that is absolutely pleasant and makes this fragrance what it is. I am an ex (chain) smoker and the smell of cigarette smoke is really not a preferred nuance I would like to have on me. But this smokiness (others would perhaps describe this as spiciness) makes this fragrance so masculine, so dirty but still fresh. I love it! I love it! Where the smokiness comes from because of the fragrance pyramid, I do not know exactly (maybe sage?). For me, the dominant smell in the base is a pleasant, slightly roughened leather, whereby the "fresh cigarette" always remains, quasi a chain smoke.
Icon by Dunhill (also known to make cigarettes), is an incredibly fragrant, masculine smell in my nose, for which you don't necessarily have to sit on a Harley or have hair on your chest. I think Icon gives its wearer a certain dignified, masculine elegance, without going in the direction of arrogance (like the ingenious TF Noir Anthracite) or seniority (Eau Sauvage 1966, Bois du Portugal).

But in the heat I noticed that Icon has to be kept away from me, then it gets a bit too intense and disintegrates too much and too early into a certain "mushiness I don't want on me (unlike patchouli tones). That starts with me from approx. 25°C. This is certainly a single fate on my skin in combination with my nose. But I need something fresher (Erolfa or GIT for example).
If you scroll down the comments, there are always perfumes that find this scent disgusting. I tolerate that, but I can't confirm it. Fortunately, we all feel and associate differently.

Dunhill's Icon is a very special fragrance that can be compared to little that I have known so far. Office, appointments, leisure, all this is a perfect opportunity for Icon. The age, which the wearer should have, decides each wearer for itself. Icon already tells you if it will show to advantage on you. Try it.

Thanks for reading.
2 Comments
10
Bottle
7
Sillage
8
Longevity
9
Scent
Henryhill667

9 Reviews
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Henryhill667
Henryhill667
Top Review 18  
Must be saved
Do you know that too?
If you find something particularly good, you somehow think that you have to be particularly sparing with it. Strangely enough, this also applies - as in the present case - to things that are not significantly expensive or even rare.
Dunhill Icon is simply incredibly good for the price that is called for it. In my eyes, it's much too cheap. Still, I feel like I have to save it. Absurd!

The fragrance is the perfect office companion for me. You spray a gripping aura and at the same time you smell of understatement and discreet restraint. A classic fresh and slightly green men's fragrance. For me, a modern reinterpretation of the 80s male drumsticks. The whole thing just comes across more modern and lively. A little bit like a modern boss should smell today. And that for a narrow mark.

In the top note, the freshness of bergamot clearly dominates for me. The Neroli is much more present in Dunhill's new Century, but also in the icon. From heart to base I now feel no mega development. Sage and lavender make the whole thing a bit softer and you notice the green of vetiver and oakmoss.

The durability over the day is absolutely sufficient and creates the office loosely. Silage is not in beast fashion now, but it's noticeable and you don't get on anyone's nerves.
I guess I don't have to say anything more about the bottle. Absolutely legendary. The sprayer is also among the best.

My conclusion. If you are looking for a year-round office companion, don't want to smell like everyone else and pay a little attention to your money - grab it!
2 Comments
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Statements

19 short views on the fragrance
KingPinKingPin 5 years ago
8
Bottle
7
Sillage
8
Longevity
7.5
Scent
One of few nerolis that doesn’t tip over to the feminine. Well blended, sophisticated scent.
2 Comments
MrHonestMrHonest 6 years ago
9
Bottle
6
Sillage
8
Longevity
7
Scent
It's true! Peppery grape Kool-Aid without the sugar! I love grape flavoured stuff so this scent is a win. Still, I wouldn't want to wear it.
0 Comments
ElmitzElmitz 8 months ago
9
Bottle
7
Sillage
4
Longevity
9
Scent
Terre d'Hermes + Creed Aventus (but you lose longevity, depth, and sillage)
Great daily/office scent for much less $$$!
0 Comments
HugoMontezHugoMontez 1 year ago
9
Bottle
7
Sillage
8
Longevity
8
Scent
Nice citrus-neroli scent with a strong cardamom note and a woody base. A bit synthetic but very nice overall. I learned to appreciate it.
0 Comments
Finerthings8Finerthings8 3 years ago
7
Bottle
6
Sillage
7
Longevity
7
Scent
I will take Terre Hermes over this any day.Not a copy but familiar citrusy/vetiver scent.it has very little projection, good price though
0 Comments
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