CK be

I wanted something unapologetically 90s, and I got it, and yet...didn't quite get it. I actually think these CK fragrances are incapable of ever smelling dated, because this has a timelessly clean quality about it that won't ever fail to inspire an uptick in mood upon spraying. But, it does have almost a soapy feel, and it reminds me of things that I smelled when I was a kid. Or, maybe I did smell this specifically at some point. - The opening is grassy, limey, aromatic, fresh and extremely clean. It verges on soapiness. This is a little more masculine than One, Ck All or CK Everyone (but I found Everyone less inspiring personally). There will totally be a large amount of women who probably wouldn't want to smell like this, or at least smell like this often, and that's ok. I'd like to be clear about this because people should know what to expect, the "lavender" (it smells like an indistinct herbal note, not necessarily lavender) tips it into traditionally masculine territory (though I always say - 'Who cares? Wear what you like!'). I'm totally OK with it though, and I admit that I have a massive spectrum of perfume types that I enjoy wearing. This doesn't step outside of what I'm comfortable with. Yes...as others have said, longevity is lacking. But price is a big factor and you can usually find this at outlets for a large bargain, so spraying generously isn't a deal breaker. Also, it's just begging to be worn in summmer...I think it'll be amazingly refreshing, and so the act of spraying in the heat is cooling. I actually welcome reapplication in heat. All this is to say that i wish longevity was better here, but that with cheap summery frags I forgive easily. People hate sentimentality in reviews. I don't care, you can read someone else's opinion and skip this; but I gotta say, as this dries, I'm hit with a rare, wistful, emotional response that I specifically try and seek out. It reminds me of... something. Boyfriends? Maybe someone earlier? Friends?...maybe not. It's more like a first crush. And as weird as that is to admit online to internet strangers, I'm gonna say it anyway. Fragrances are so special because they can unearth echos of memories that you didn't realize you retained...as this does here. Something about the musk and greenness makes me ache with nostalgia, and I love it.

I have noticed a serious amount of negativity towards Calvin Klein scents on here and on Basenotes. I'm sorry to say I just don't get it at all. I am a big fan of most of the CK fragrances for men, and it seems that what I like about them is what a lot of people have a problem with: I like the fact that they are pretty subtle and 'safe' - although the words I would use are pleasant and reliable. It seems that a lot of people out there treat their fragrance choice as some sort of solo performance art piece. The words 'bold' ‘challenging’ and 'daring' are not really suitable things to go for if you are a professional who works in an open-plan office. We can't all flounce about smelling like the creative director of an avant garde theatre troupe and expect to be taken seriously by colleagues and clients in a professional communal space. In addition it's not really a very considerate way to behave if you find yourself sharing elevators. Despite what the marketing industry would have you believe, fragrances aren’t going to make you appear significantly wealthier, sexier, or more interesting. You have to work on those sorts of things rather than buy them in bottles. There is a reason that CK fragrances sell so well despite all of the niche snobbishness launched their way: Most people like them. To counter the argument “Who wants to smell like everyone else?” I would say: Who doesn’t want to smell good to everyone else? For me CK Be is the best of them all. It is light and fresh with a few nuances that make it stand out, and absolutely no odd twists. I'd happily smell like this for years. It works at any time of year, in any climate, formal or casual, night or day.

I just love love, CK be. It must be my all-time favorite unisex fragrance. It sways between a masculine, herbal green opening to a more feminine, delicate floral heart, but then settles as an exactly unisex fragrance in the base. It is mostly a lavender musk scent with some vanilla and woods in the base. The top notes had me thinking it would be very green and sharp, but on the contrary, they are just emphasizing the herbal aspect of lavender with a tad of citrus. The florals wipe out any sharpness, and it is mostly smooth and velvety. The musk is a clean, powdery, soft one reminiscent of the musk in Johnson’s baby products very soothing and calming. The good sillage in the opening reduces very quickly to a very close scent-bubble, but I disagree that the overall longevity is bad. I have a relatively new bottle purchased three years ago. The longevity ranges from 3 to 4 hours which is expected for an EDT. However, it needs some movement, breeze or air draft to be sensed. But I am an over sprayer and I usually spray my hair and clothes as well, so take that into consideration. You can improve longevity by using a matching lotion. I think that the aromatherapy line from Bath and Body Works (like Lavender Vanilla or Vanilla Eucalyptus) would be a good match. You can also use lavender scented Johnson baby oil as they have similar lavender musk theme. Overall I find CK Be a perfect fume for the friendly introvert. It is relaxed but charming, subdued but also elegant and classy. It is mellow yet still spicy and sensual. It is the unisex fragrance for me.

One of my favorite light and layerable non offensive fragrances. This is not only a good unisex fragrance, but versatile enough for all seasons and for people of different styles or different occasions. Its very fresh, but not super green, more fresh in an airy or ozonic kind of way, safe for mostly any occasion, but might be too light. Not at all sweet, nor does it have any particularly strong notes, if anything I would say the mint, lavender and juniper are the most noticeable. The only thing that this perfume lacks is in its performance. Its appropriate for most all seasons but it doesn't seem to last long enough in the summer, and its sillage is probably about half a foot lol. Perhaps it also lacks in performance due to its ability to not be an offensive fragrance and a generally acceptable one, its almost too non offensive that its actually kind of unnoticeable at its strength. I feel it would massively benefit if it was stronger. This is more of a personal take, but for some reason gives me a churchy kind of feel. Imagine an abandoned church in the deep forest, but its at night during a snowy blizzard. The air is fresh, cold and slightly dry, you could smell the trees but its subtle. The smell of the old church's and its incense is weak, but mixes in with this fresh cold air as it flows through its broken windows... maybe its just me but I feel like there is a tiny hint of incense that blends very well with everything, very subtle, unnoticeable. Perhaps this would be a good summer wear for any goths.

A fragrance released in 1996 from the good old days that brings back memories of the past with nostalgia, even if you didn't live in that era. Suitable for all times and places, it is classified as unisex but leans more towards men's fragrances. A harmonious fragrance rich in ingredients, blended with great craftsmanship so that no one aromatic ingredient overpowers the other. The scent here is rich, creamy, fresh, fruity, herbal, woody, and smoky. A magic you won't find anywhere else. A simple and uncomplicated fragrance with many ingredients, you wish from the first moment that this scent would last with you forever. Never ask about the performance; the performance is somewhat average, but it is compensated by the magic and depth of the scent. Pros: - Subtle and safe fragrance - Sophisticated drydown - Pleasant and reliable scent - Easy to wear and won't offend Cons: - Poor longevity - Short-lasting fragrance - The bottle design is very primitive In my personal opinion, if fragrance liquid were put in a niche bottle, it would sell for many times its simple price. I don't usually buy fragrances twice, but there's an exception to every rule. CK BE is one of the fragrance I've bought several times, and every time I use it, I get compliments as if I'm actually using it for the first time.