Contrast Holiday

Actually, this fragrance is simply called 'Contrast', and the "Holiday" refers to specific editions in different flacons released for the holiday seasons... such as the Holiday Sparkling edition. Many Avon scents have similar, "holiday editions". The default flacon for Contrast is actually an art-deco revival, elongated glass column with a plastic black cap intersected by a white disc, in 50ml size. On to the fragrance itself. 'Contrast' opens with a blast of soapy aldehydes, fruity notes, and clean white flowers- I think a combo of lily, neroli, rose, jasmine, and ylang-ylang. Very zesty... and a very 1980's retro feel (although this was released in '92, I believe), calling to mind for me vintage 'White Diamonds' (mostly) as well as 'Rumba', and perhaps 'Creation' by Ted Lapidus. Overall, a dry, fruity floriental on a warm base of labdanum-vanilla, with dry, chypre-ish touches of oakmoss, patchouli, and vetiver, and, as mentioned, loads of aldehydes over the top.. Contrast is a perfume that deftly balances sweet against bitter, dry against the juicy promise of ripened fruit. Strikingly beautiful- if you're into vintage fragrances with a "dense" character. Although EDC strength, it wears much like a vintage EDT, and I get at least 12 hours performance, with heavy sillage at first, fading slowly. Nicely-constructed.

The original bottle of Contrast was a tall glass bottle with black and white geometric cap - that’s the bottle I had. This was quite strong and only required a light spray. The scent was very airy, sharp, cold, aldehydic, bright, and overwhelmingly detergent-like. I don’t know what florals were used but the first thing that comes to my mind is freesia. This is a rather distinctive scent. I have not smelled this in many years but I feel like I would recognize it instantly if I did.