Truth or Dare Madonna 2012

So let me say this upfront, if you don't like tuberose, you shouldn't even bother testing this fragrance. However, if you have even a tiny bit of affection for this often overwhelming tuberose sweetness, then I recommend giving Truth or Dare a try. But you need time... a lot of time...

Truth or Dare starts off for me with an absolute tuberose overkill. I initially recoiled when I bravely brought my nose to my wrist (I thought I could wash it off easily if needed, think again... but more on that later).
What a scent, so present, so distinct, sweet and almost overwhelming. However, not in a cheap way (it actually has a bit of "Nuit de Cellophane" at the beginning, which I find more bearable initially).
Gardenia also makes a slight appearance, but it almost gets overshadowed by the tuberose. And yes, it is banana-like and how, but I actually like that in fragrances, whatever one may think of it. I can't even explain why, because otherwise, I don't particularly like the smell of bananas.
Over time, Truth or Dare becomes creamier, a bit quieter, and the jasmine dares to come out. Additionally, neroli joins in, and since I really love that, it has almost won me over. The gardenia can now slowly resist the tuberose and at least shows itself as a "background note," while the jasmine becomes quite prominent.

About 3 hours after spraying, I have reached the base, and this is already the second time, because the "wrist test" from a few days ago couldn't be washed away even after three hand washings. Now it is even creamier, with a bit of vanilla joining in. However, there is no trace of musk and amber. The tuberose, gardenia, and jasmine are still clearly present. Even a little bit of banana is still there, everything much less "screaming" than at the beginning. On the contrary, it is very pleasant, and I am starting to like it, very much...

The scent really lasts for hours, and you just have to give it time to become quieter and friendlier. It is very surprising and anything but mainstream. Just give it a chance...