Charisma

My review is based on the perfume concentration of Charisma, from a luxe cut-glass 0.5oz perfume bottle in its presentation box that was produced for Charisma’s launch. Part of my vintage fragrance collection. My impressions may differ from those wearing the cologne, or later formulations. Charisma is often described as a “floral green,” but worn in perfume form it reads to me as a softly aldehydic, powdery floral bomb with a warm musky-amber base. It is elegant and intimate rather than being very overt or dramatic, very much in keeping with late-1960s sensibilities! The opening is brief but clean and luminous, led by aldehydes that feel cosmetic and airy rather than sharp. There is a quick top note sparkle from bergamot and neroli, and I can clearly detect the coriander which adds a subtle herbal dryness that persists as the heart develops. The peach note is present, but not in a juicy or fruity way; it feels more like a soft, fuzzy peach skin nuance that quickly blends into the powder. As Charisma settles on the skin the heart becomes its defining feature. Lily-of-the-valley, carnation and jasmine are the most distinct florals I can detect, supported by rose. A persistent orris (iris root) note develops early on and gives the composition its powdery, vintage cosmetic character (vintage lipstick and face powder!) it remains very present and noticeable until the dry-down disappears from the skin. While narcissus and hyacinth are listed, I just can’t confidently identify them individually; they may be contributing to the overall floral texture, rather than standing out as recognizable notes. The base develops gradually and stays refined instead of becoming the main character. Musk and amber provide warmth and softness to the scent without heaviness. There is a faint resinous nuance early on (likely styrax), but it smooths out quickly. Vanilla is listed in the base but I do not perceive it as a distinct note; if present, it functions only as a background rounding element rather than a sweet or gourmand accent. Tonka, similarly, feels subtle and structural rather than aromatic. Charisma in perfume form wears moderately close to the skin, with a gentle powdery sillage that feels quietly sensual yet proper and elegant. It invites closeness. Rather than being openly voluptuous, Charisma is composed, powder-soft, and intimate; with a classic elegance that feels timeless to me rather than dated.

Not sure what to think of this one. I tried a bottle from the early to late 90's, which I think was shortly before it was discontinued. Then I also came across a true vintage version from the late 60's or early 70's. I don't know if I'm imagining it, but the two smelled slightly different. Both had a strong aldehydic soapy scent, but the newer one seemed fresher and soapier. Although the older one seemed slightly more complex, there was a note in there that didn't quite agree with me. Possibly some woody or musky note, I can't quite put my finger on it. Was this my imagination, or was it reformulated at some point? Or maybe the older version changed with age? Does anyone know? Anyway, having said all that, this fragance starts off sharp and strong, and then dissipates into basically nothing in an hour. It does smell truly vintage, which isn't a bad thing. I'm on the fence with this one. Update: Got my hands on another bottle and tried it. It smells lovely! Both bottles were from the 70's, and the only difference I could see is that one was a spray and one was a decanter, with the decanter winning hands down. It's got a clean, spicy scent, if that makes sense. I have made up my mind, and can say I really like this one. I'm truly starting to appreciate Avon vintages.

I never quite understood the civet comments I'd read about Charisma until today, but boy what a beauty Charisma is! I actually wear this quite often. I love retro fragrances and I love the retro feel that wearing Charisma gives me. It is a soapy, slightly spicy fragrance that won't be up your alley unless you like experiencing vintage scent profiles. This does not smell like Je Reviens but it has that rich, soapy, sexiness about it like WJR has. A quiet beauty who sits back and watches, observes, people with her dark knowing eyes. It puts me in a mood of mystery, fashion of days gone by and definitely a more Charismatic time and place. I think I first smelled it when my older sisters had these little Avon sachets sitting around on their dresser tables. I was always drawn to the beautiful lettering on the boxes and the pretty red colored packaging. The fragrance is what has held my interest all these years. If you like graceful, soapy type florals with some underlying spices, you may just love Charisma too. A must sniff for vintage lovers.

I blind bought Charisma in the milk glass cat bottle, trusting that it would turn out to be another scent I remember from my childhood. "Grandma's purse!" She must have had a small bottle of it, and it might have spilled in there. I remember this scent radiating out from it even when it was closed. Lily of the Valley, vanilla, peach, and just a hint of musk stand out to me. The spice and wood notes seem to blend together into an afterthought. Unlike many other vintage scents, I don't find it very soapy at all. It strikes me as clean without much aldehyde. And it lingers! After about six hours, I still get a whiff of it now and then just from moving. My husband liked it; that's the best sign that it's a pleasant and inoffensive scent you could wear in public without irritating people who dislike fragrances with strong components. Charisma is another Avon cologne I'm happy to have revisited as an adult on my exploration of nostalgic colognes. The second time I wore it, it really reminded me of L'air du Temps, which I had worn recently.

Raised up with all kind of avon perfume in 90s and 2000s especially long time ago discontinued charisma. I familiar with 90s 2000s version charisma Its a creamy powdery slightly sweetnes in 90s version till discontinued.. i never agreed this creation similar to no.22 chanell until i found an old bottle 150ml charisma clogne in ceramic bottle i gues tis bottle early 1970s version in my grandma wardrobe. Opened it and sniff wow yes its chanel 22 vibes very strong animalic vibes. unlike 90s version more soft little sweetnes i guess from tonka bean and vanila and young vibes... for old 70s version is bomb SPL 8 to 9 hours even though its a cologne type.. i gues still have more 100ml inside ceramic bottle. Im so happy❤️🇲🇾