Scandal Absolu

I bet there is some musk and amberwood in this so that's what it shares with the Scandal by Night and the green element, but which is not the spicy sour pear of the latter. It also shares the sweet indolic tuberose aspect which here is not spiced up by patchouli, orange blossom and salty sour pear or weighed down by cherry so this is so much better to me than Scandal by Night, a cleaner composition. The sandalwood is slightly like pencil shavings after it macerates (I bought it when it first launched) and it complements the fig. I also smell a waxy musk along with the rich slightly spicy sandalwood cuz this is musky animalic on me. I bet there is amberwood in this, just like in Scandal by Night, because it also has an amber-y type of resinous sweetness which becomes more balsamic and more resinous after maceration. Paired with the sandalwood it renders it subtly spicy but not earthy like patchouli-peppery. The fig is aromatic, not too sugared, even after maceration. To amplify the sugared fig I pair it with bbw Brown sugar and fig or VS Velvet Petals. It has a mature vibe to it much like Velvet Petals but they're quite different scents. The spice in this is subtle and the fig kinda acts like a dark green fresh element in this, kinda like the green pear in Scandal by Night or the La belle just not sour, obnoxious and salty. There is a deep woodiness about this scent reinforced by the dark green fig. The lack of honey and vanilla makes it darker and this could be worn by guys too but nothing too unisex here, just the fact that the fig is a more neutral aromatic source, not overly feminine. I love that about fig as in the chocolatey fig of DUA Caramelized Choco Biscuit, a different fig scent than this one but equally neutral not super feminine. To me the fig here is not the super ripe sugared fig. It just has a balsamic resinous cloud around it. It's not jammy or like the Greek spoon sweet fig in syrup. Any sweetness gracing the green fresh fig subduing its sour dry quality stems from the milky tuberose and the amberwood they're hiding haha. I grew up around figs since we own a field of about 30 fig trees in southern Greece across from Rio at our fishing village, so I can tell it's not a ripe fig. As I said, I smell some spice in this from the sandalwood almost like a peppery cedar with some amber, but smoother than cedar - it's intense when I smell my skin up close. The black fig's dark deep aromatic essence intensifies at the later drydown. Scandal Absolu is like they mixed some Scandal By Night, replacing the obnoxious pear and citrusy profile with the fig which is more neutral and aromatic, with So Scandal since in the open air the projection has the wonderful sweet bubblegum-like creamy milky tuberose of it, just not as milky and cheerful as in So Scandal. So this perfume is a 10 from me and everything spicy is subtle and balanced, but be prepared it's really animalic. Update - For a beautiful green ripe fig slightly jammy and quite balsamic but surrounded by fresh notes, try DUA Fig and Vanilla - it is amazing and I only paid 21 bux for it. It is a different vibe from this one and more like the fresh yet jammy green fig I was looking for that is not drenched in sugar. Also I like a Greek brand's new fig scent, called Aether by Aloe Colors. It has coconut and peach, fig, tuberose, jasmine, sandalwood, vanilla and patchouli, so it shares some notes. It's in the same league as Scandal Absolu only more summery and jammy, but also earthy by the patchouli. Both of these are much lighter than VS Tease Heartbreaker where the tonka paired with green and sweet notes mimics the scent of sugared fig.

First impressions having smelt this in Boots store and liberally sprayed all over: it's a love! I need to state that I am a big JPG fan, and usually like the majority of their releases. I like sweet scents, and was excited about this one as I adore fig. I've been through a bottle of So Scandal! and currently have Scandal Le Parfum. Although most of my collection is niche, JPG are a brand I still love and probably one of the designer houses I really back. To me, this is fig syrup in the opening. There is a freshness, but it isn't green at all. It feels like a fig/orange blossom sweetness as part of a dessert, it's golden but not fully sticky or sugary as such. It feel like it gets nutty, maybe it's the sandalwood, but in the dry down there is a rich nuttiness/woodiness that made me think of baklava. In the far drydown, it smells mostly like the Scandal pillar itself mostly, although I don't get any patchouli here. It may be smoother - at around 4 hours it feels almost creamy to me. The sillage is mouthwateringly sweet but retains a freshness whilst having a honey like richness and edible quality. I do not detect tuberose here, and would say any florals are fairly well hidden (to me, it reads more like orange blossom syrup like the original - definitely not tuberose dominant like So Scandal! was, or jasmine like in Le Parfum). I have purchased this as the original Scandal didn't work for me due to the licorice note (which I hate, and so can pick it out prominently there). So I'm delighted to have all the bits I enjoy about that scent, with the addition of the figgy sweetness initially. I think this may be slightly more summer appropriate than original Scandal, and can't wait to wear this on a balmy summer evening. The bottle is my favourite in this range so far too. If you already have and love the original, you may find this doesn't give you enough extra to warrant owning this also - but if you didn't gel with some aspect of that, like me, and/or adore fig, I would definitely recommend this. Update: my bottle arrived today. First full day wearing - the tuberose is actually very noticeable now! From start to finish, a green tuberose (not the bubblegum tuberose in So Scandal) that reminds me of how it smells in Memo Marfa, with the fig and sweet honey syrup. Well...I will need to wear it some more and see what sticks!

Edit: I have since gotten myself a full bottle and although I still stand by my earlier review, I do think it's worth having in my collection. It does remind me of a smotther softer scandal by night, and since that one is no longer around, I do think this has a place in the Scandal lineup now. I am currently wearing Absolu and I am enjoying it fully. Review based on 2 days of wearing a sample. I am a little unsure about this one. On one hand it's not what I expected at all, when looking at the notes, and the name "absolu". On the other hand it's exactly what I could expect from a scandal flanker. I love the Scandal DNA so I am not mad about this having that. But to me this smells like a softer, more tame version of scandal by night. I don't get any fig, I do get a slight tuberose and sandalwood. But otherwise it's that honeyed scent I have come to love from scandal. Absolu to me smells like the opening of scandal by night, but it never really develops from the opening. It just dries down to become more subtle and closer to the skin. A bit more of a crowd pleaser perhaps. I tested this in scandinavian spring, wich is still quite cold and rainy, so maybe it needs a different climate to shine. But I am a little underwhelmed. I do find that original Scandal has something screechy in the drydown, absolu does not. But I don't feel like absolu really lasts or projects as well as the OG and previous flankers. I will probably still get a full bottle of this at some point, as I do love the Scandal DNA and I do collect them. But it's not really needed, it doesn't really add much of anything new to the lineup. I will test it again when the weather changes to see if that helps. So to sum it up, Absolu seems like a smoother, softer version of scandal and scandal by night. It's less heavy, more crowdpleasing. Sits closer to the skin. It's pleasant and retains the scandal DNA but seems redundant.

The best in the Scandal collection. 🏆 Let's start with the bottle design. You get the fun and iconic legs in the air, and the bottle comes in a beautiful gold degradé. The prettiest Scandal bottle IMO. And once you smell the fragrance, you realize the bottle design fits the fragrance to perfection. A+. This does start off similar to Scandal by Night. If you haven't tried that one, imagine a delicious hard cherry-honey candy with bubblegumy tuberose inside. But the drydown ! There is so much more than that here ! Now you get that same candy, but with a delicious filling. As you go thru the candy, you get to the most intoxicating coconut-slightly vanillic custard filling, with a slice of candied fig and mini bits of nuts. It's so creamy, silky, smooth and heavenly. The fig here is not green at at, and oh it's there ! I'm sure the coconut and creamyness comes from the sandalwood, but I'm still convinced there are other notes missing here. Whatever is in it, it's amazing! And although it's sweet, it's not as sweet as the OG which I can't wear because it's a little too much for me. The creaminess here seems to balance it out nicely. Femenine, delicious, decadent and oh so sexy! As with most from JPG, it's a beast and lasts forever. And trust me, you'll get compliments galore with this one ! 👍

After reading a few reviews I thought the fig would not be recognizable but I quite got the note: First smelled really nice, hit of honey tuberose and also the image of skin warmed with the heat of the sun ?? Amazing projection, everywhere I went people commented on how good I smelled. It evolved into a fresher, not woody but almost, fig. I almost got the distant image of the pulp of the fruit with its seeds ??? There was the sun, warm skin, and the green freshness of a opening a fig ☀️💚 But I am a bit disappointed at one aspect: after one hour it settled into a skin scent, zero projection anymore. Afterwards it became a sun potion: a really nice summer perfume. The blend is simple yet beautiful!!! Everything fits together: the floral and not too creamy tuberose, the green/sweet fig (and the two giving this vivid idea of a creamy sunny coconut on the beach), and the sandalwood is always a match made in heaven with the other two notes. Everything blends into a nice creamy dream that floats around you when you are taking a stroll on the beach, or taking a sun bath, very well blended and balanced, and a tested and approved crowd pleaser 💚🐚🤍☀️

Before I purchased this delightful potion, there were two other JPG scents that got me ALL the compliments from both men and women: Scandal by Night (more compliments from men) and La Belle Le Parfum (more compliments from women). Also Libre Le Parfum by YSL, but I digress... Be warned because, if this frag vibes with you, it is an absolute compliment MAGNET, and it projects strongly for quite a while (about 4 hours on my skin). So my advice is, if you don't want to commit to a scent for 8 hours+, and if you do not like to draw any attention to yourself, do not wear this perfume! Also, if like me, you find tuberose challenging (I cannot vibe with My Way and L'interdit), don't worry because this tuberose is tamed and cocooned in vanilla, black fig, sandalwood, and this beautiful coconut that is not listed but that is persistent throughout the dry down. You could wear this year-round, but not in extreme heat, because it is super sweet and sandalwood can turn sour in the strong sunshine. Ladies, this is so beautiful. J'adore!

This is the smoothest, silkiest floral fragrance I’ve ever worn. It’s bold without being overbearing or loud, and every time I wear it, I receive compliments. It exudes “confident, mature woman” energy in the best way. I’m especially a fan of the fig and sandalwood notes... they add a touch of elegance and depth. The tuberose is deliciously creamy, and though not officially listed, I detect a subtle hint of sweet honey. This is my go-to fragrance when I’m unsure of what to wear... my safe, effortless choice. If any perfume could be my signature scent, it’s this one. I never get tired of it, and it never overwhelms me. It’s pure magic. Moving forward, I plan to layer it with a sweet, creamy coconut scent to add extra richness. And the important question: would I repurchase it? Absolutely!

This smells great on my wife, especially when she’s dressed up for days she has to go to the courthouse. She usually puts it on after getting ready and matching her jewelry to her outfit. I convinced her to wear this more in the cooler months instead of Prada Candy, and it really shines there. I’ve always liked tuberose on women, especially in fall and winter—it just fits. I like the legs on the bottle. I never saw it as a woman’s weakness—more like something playful, which is perfectly fine between a married couple. That’s just my opinion. This is similar to Scandal Absolu for men in a lot of ways. Of course there’s no tuberose in the men’s version, but they blend together nicely in the air.

This was love at first sniff. The best of the Scandal line. It smells thick, creamy, luxurious. I can detect the sweetness of the fig but it has a coconutty quality to it (in the best possible way). The longevity is moderate to long lasting. I sprayed it on my clothes before going to bed last night and could still smell it on my t-shirt when I woke up. Appropriate for Summer days in my opinion but I think this one will truly shine in Autumn/Winter as it has a comforting sandalwood note. Projection is moderate/good. Definitely feels more complex and unique than other designer perfumes. It has a gourmand quality without being overly sweet or cloying. Love love love.

I had a sample of this and initially was like “hell no” immediately after the first spray. As time went on though, it became more and more lovely/enjoyable. The notes settled in really beautifully after maybe 10-15 minutes. At first it’s just kind of a sandalwood explosion, but then the fig really starts shining through 🤤 (I have a newfound appreciation and love for fig). The tuberose is really mild here, almost more so an indistinct white floral. I love a bubble gummy, grape, loud tuberose, but I actually appreciate it being dialed back here. I’m absolutely getting a full bottle asap. I’ve been daydreaming about it since my sample ran out

The accord pyramid on here is so misleading!! I wrote this perfume off because strong woody tuberose is a big no for me. But this isn’t that at all!! Scandal Absolu is a beautiful, delicate creamy coconut fig milk drizzled with honey. Finally a cream fragrance that isn’t throat coating and nauseating, and a coconut scent that is t dominated by indolic, armpit jasmine! It’s soft and sweet, yet mature. The ultimate comfort scent! It’s reminiscent of the scandal DNA, but no spice or harsh florals. Not redundant with any of the other flankers—I think Scandal by Night is miles away from Absolu. I own 4 other flankers, love this whole line!!

This perfume is like a warm and sensual hug. It's elegant, sophisticated and sweet. It's powerful and decadent. To me it reminds me of marshmallow, brown sugar and vanilla perfectly balanced with the sandalwood which I love. The first spray is lovely, like the best perfume I've ever felt. During the first hour it is very powerful and like a cloud of honey. I think it can be a bit overwhelming and heavy for some people. It's not a perfume for a girl, it's not a light scent. This has more depth and is more intriguing. It's perfect for a well dressed elegant lady, for a datenight or winter. It feels cosy and warm. Wonderful!

Scandal'ın dna'sını taşıyor ama ondan çok daha karakterli kokuyor. Tatlı bir parfüm ama baymıyor. Benim tenimde sümbülteber çok açılmadı, en çok incir notası açıldı. Ballı ballı mis gibi incir kokuyor, çok lezzetli, müthiş 🤤. Klasik scandaldan farkıysa onda bal ve çiçek ön planda ve daha düz bir koku; bundaysa aynı dna'ya eklenmiş yoğun incir var, çok daha karakterli kokuyor. Scandal le parfüm'den de izler taşıyor, ama o bu ikisinden biraz daha farklı, benim tenimde daha gourmand tarafa kayıyor, ben onu da çok seviyorum ama o daha yumuşak ve çok daha tatlı bir koku. Buysa ballı incirli, daha vurucu, çok güzel kokuyor 💕

This is signature scent worthy. The true perfection is in the dry down, where the fig really opens up. It is decadent, creamy, and everything I would want it to be. This fragrance makes a statement, but in the most voluptuous and sensual way, not at all overpowering as long as you don’t overstay. With high concentration, a little goes a long way. It feels womanly, but not giving “grandma” in any way. It has a very positive male response, in case you’re going for that. This one is borderline addictive. It’s glamorous, but still feels authentic to me, not over the top. This will always be on my vanity. Sumptuous, 10/10.

First thing-I am big JPG fan and wanted to smell it before buy. Went to boots today and OMG! Love. It's a love! Tuberose but not bubblegumy (thanks god!) but little bit sharp and green (that's what I like!). Also fig but not green. Fig is sweet and ready to eat, almost syrupy. Then sandalwood, creammy, little sweet and milky (nothing sour like pickles). I also detect coconut...sweet, dry and rich. And honey. Dry down is so cosy, like a hug. Bottle looks even better in real life than on the pic. I also wanted to try men's version but it was not in stock

A perfectly balanced gourmand for spring. It's creamy and sweet. Honey is beautiful here, not suffocating and blended very well with sandal, tuberose and fig. Sometimes you can smell a hint of coconut, but it's always an undertone in background. No trace of beeswax, it's very far from Scandal OG. I think it performs better in warm days, instead of cold ones. I'm curious to try it in hot days, still to come. I simply love it. At the moment, IMHO, this is the best Scandal flanker. Sillage and longevity typical of JPG (top). Not to overspray.

OMG!! This is what heaven must smell like. I wanna eat myself when i put this perfume on. I can smell all of the notes clearly but the fig note is mouthwatering. And the creaminess in the end is chef’s kiss. The bottle is sooo beautifull in real. I think this is the best flanker of them all. Just fell in love at first sniff. She’s very strong at the beginning but settles down nicely. Since I haven't used the perfume enough, I can't say anything about it’s sillage and longevity. But it’s 100000/10 for me 😍

Ok , I know how to describe this scent: think So Scandal without raspberry but mixed with Fame by Rabanne instead. The opening is tuberose and on the dry down there’s milky fig which gives a tropical vibe. somehow the creators managed to make this perfume elegant (for a tropical scent, wow) It also feels the most elegant out of the Scandal line. i own all of the Scandal flankers, with So Scandal being my favourite. Scandal Absolu is number 2 for me, but very close to the 1 place:)

I have a free sample of this and I gotta say I have to get a full bottle. It makes me think of when I was a little girl and I’d smell the scent of grownup dolled up women walking in front of me at evening events and they smelled so damn good. Although not listed, I get a scent of deep rich smokey chocolate(?) that makes it such a mature scent and I absolutely love it. I love this version more than the original. JPG always making the best perfumes.

I love this fragrance, it's my favourite women's fragrance from Jean Paul Gaultier, I love it more than the OG Scandal actually. But I don't understand why Fragrantica says this is suppose to be a floral woody fragrance, it smells very sweet, like a strong sweet vanilla fragrance to me, I could not smell any fig or sandalwood notes at all, it's mostly just a sweet vanilla scent. So I'm also surprised that vanilla is not listed as a note in this.

I could never wear OG Scandal because the honey was so strong and I also tend to struggle with fragrances where the tuberose is too bubblegummy. This, however, doesn't suffer from either of these things. There seems to be a *hint* of honey and a milder tuberose, along with a bit of a sweet, creamy nuttiness. It's warm, mature, inviting. Love. I even love the bottle, even though I've never been a fan of the Scandal "legs".

Sexiest, most sophisticated designer perfume for women imo. Very well done, sweet, luxurious, and rich smell. I'm on the second bottle and i can tell you it's definitely signature-worthy. It doesn't really work well on a hot summer day since it's powdery and can be cloying. But i'd say it would work in all the other seasons, be it day or night. Works for any age, though might be a little too mature for teens.

Today I bought this masterpiece (sharing bill with my sister cing cing) And wow just wow.. first time impression just reminds me with vanille exclusive by Mancera' very similar notes in my nose but this JpG scandal more flowery and the coconut base and fig fruit is so real I love it.. I believe that Longevity of JPG absolute is very fantastic.. up to 8 hours+ maybe.. I will update next

Creamy beautiful fig, sweet and not heavy on honey. After scandal intense (2025), this is the second best among flankers. Unfortunately during the dry down, becomes very closely similar to scandal edp, on a more proeminent honey note left. While in scandal edp it’s very clear, scandal absolu loses its projection and we observe a faint, barely noticeable honey like in scandal edp.

Love at first sniff. Unfortunately I don't own this scent but I really want it so bad. I've smelled it a few times in stores and it always smells amazing. It reminds me a bit of fabric softener but I really like it. It's more of a fragrance for older women but I can't help it, the scent is sooo amazing. If it weren't so overpriced, it would definitely be in my collection. 11/10

The Honey isn't listed. But I smell it. Along with creamy Fig. Bounty (Coconut) Chocolate Bars. Caramel & Toffee. A very soft smooth Sandalwood. And a Tuberose, That does NOT smell like bubblegum. To me this perfume smells like the most amazing cake. with custard. The only downside is that it makes me feel hungry all day and night. This perfume was a love at first sniff.

I got this as a sample at first and just couldn't get enough of it! Got the larger bottle (80 ml) and I am just as obsessed. It definitely is on the sweet side (which I personally love, but might not be a preference for others), and does seem to have some coconut undertones. I'd definitely rate this more of a summer scent, but I could see it all year round (personnally).

Oh Wow, dam that’s beautiful! Honey Tuberose blend from the heavens ! The Notes should include a Honeyed Sunshine, as a middle note with the tuberose ! The dry down journey is this sweet but bright Honey dance of love with its new bride, Tuberose . What a magnificent blend, it is strong , take it’s time to develop ! It last for ever on clothe, patchouli strong.

Scandalously delicious and strong! The notes are of course completely different from what is shown here....I get the scandal DNA with a top of delicious coconut 🥥 and honey 🍯 which makes it upgraded to a super luxurious, voluptuous perfection..a masterpiece in a designer perfumery in a long time indeed..😍🤩🤩 the perfect bottle is just the cherry on top ..10/10

I very much like the opening of this one, it’s another take on the original scandal which is honey eavier. This one feels lighter in honey in the opening. Unfornately during the dry down, all the initial difference disappears ; out of what firstly differenciated this one and the OG scandal, only same honey smell is left. The absolute is performing less

For me this was love at sniff! Sweet and I love the coconut note (although it's not listed) if you like creamy sweet gourmand scents, you really should check this out! I am so happy, as I have nothing like this in my collection yet! Longevity: 9/10 Sillage: 8/10 Perfect fot this kind of scent, I think the bottle is more pretty in real life as well

First impression: I am so impressed by this fragrance! Sweet in an elegant way, very unique and pleasant. I definitely can smell more than 3 notes. I will update once I get the opportunity to wear for longer. The silage and longevity is a bit disappointing for an ‘absolu’. I could smell it on myself for about 7h, then it kinda disappeared.

I believe many notes have not been disclosed but they are there, for sure. I can smell coconut, and (a lot of) vanilla in the dry down. First sniff, and I found it odd, strong. I sprayed on myself, and that's it, I fell in love, in deep love ... it's a gorgeous, sexy, different fragrance. I don't believe it's a safe blind buy, though!

A beautiful, complex, sweet yet grown up take on a gourmand fragrance without being cloying. It opens with a beautiful, sweet (but not overtly sweet) floral and settles into a warm, cozy fig note. In the background, I smell a very grounding and sophisticated musk and woody note. A very interesting, solid and sexy date night fragrance.

A night in Paris! This is so good :) I would say this flanker is the most similar to the discontinued Scandal by Night. I loved that one, but now I have this :) Its so sexy, warm and sweet. I love it :) Sillage is huge and it gave me compliments. Perfect for a date, evenings, fall and winter. It lasts on my skin for about 7-8 hours.

This one is the best milky tropical scent out of designer frags. It’s tuberose, fig elegant milky deliciousness. No cloying coconut, no pickles, no overpowering jasmine goddes or rose passion, no sharpness as lavie estchouli crystal etc. If only Fame wasn’t giving me pickles some days, they would share the 1 spot for me.

The dry down reminds me of a Girl Scout Samoa cookie in the best possible way! The tuberose comes on strong at first, but it quickly settles into a delicious vanilla coconut scent that's so warm and wearable. Easily earned a place in my favorites, and it's also one of my most successful discounted blind buys. :)

I love this fragrance so much ngl. Maybe my smelling senses are shit but the floral note is not rlly noticeable. It’s more like honey/fig in the opening. Everyone around me goes nuts when I wear it (or even got me laid 😜). If you looking for something like that would recommend.

Tried this beauty at a duty free and can’t stop thinking about it omfg. This smells like scandal le parfum but better and a bit more creamy, less caramel heavy. I can’t wait to get my hands on a full bottle, it’s a must in my collection!!!

A sensual and seductive composition. The sweet, dense opening gives way to an alluring creamy base. Though not listed among the notes, it reminds me of vanilla adorned with delicate frangipani and ylang-ylang. It truly captivated me!

With this perfume I realized I really like Fig scent and this perfume can brighten your day and bring extra joy to your night! I’m not a fan of floral scents but enjoy this one more than I expected!

Im in love with this one. My top discovery in 2024. It's so creamy and smooth. It smells likes luxury body lotion and I can smell coconut as well, propably because of the creaminess.

I’m not so sure about these listed notes. This smells like edible honey dusting powder for your skin. The honey is very delicate in here, not overbearing.

Best Scandal ever (up there with Scandal by night)! I don't get the fig, mostly honey, very sweet and it's creamy and intoxicating! 10*

The best Scandal by far, brilliant use of notes that makes it unique and at the same time very easy to please. 10/10.

Absolutely gorgeous! Similar to Scandal by night, but softer and creamy. I love the fig note.

Topped the OG, finally! It has the scandal DNA but its creamier and more elegant, refined

absolutely love it, received many compliments

The pyramid is clearly not complete. At first spray, it smells mostly of coconut and a very soft sandalwood. Then a fruity note that I can't define (fig?) arrives before disappearing quite quickly to give way to honey, quite imposing. This honeyed effect is rather beautiful and not "oppressive" as in the original Scandal. Here, it really smells of honey and it's rather "creamy": it reminds me of some "Milk and Honey" shower gels. I surprise myself by finding it nice, a bit in the same vein as Alien Goddess Intense (in the style and not in the smell because they are different); a warm, honeyed scent that smells like summer with its touch of coconut. The kind of unpretentious thing that I might wear from time to time for a change. In summary, Scandal Absolu offers - to my nose at least - a coconut, sandalwood and honey accord and without being transcendent, I find it much better than the original one.

Fun, playful don't take yourself too seriously- summer perfume. This bottle will last my lifetime probably, but so what? Creamed fig honey with tuberose. I almost think there's ylang in it but I think it's the fig creaminess that's giving that vibe bc it's not a ylang smell, it's the creaminess of it. Not over the top honey like the first one and the sweetness is tempered by whatever woodiness is in the base. Plenty of vanilla too, which makes this like a thick floral vanilla custard. Floral gourmand, very rich but it doesn't overwhelm me if I don't go overboard with it. I bought this when it first came out early last year and it was a light honey color, now it's a really rich golden brown so there has to be quite a bit of vanilla or vanillin - whatever they use. I like wearing it in the fall and I bet it will really shine in the colder winter weather.