Double Dare

First of all this is not what a leather / suede perfume usually smells like. If you expect something like TF White Suede or Tuscan Leather, you will be surprised. This has nothing to do with it. Remember that this one needs some time on your skin to settle down a bit. What I get is a salty and bit ozonic smell with some spices and a bit of suede in the background. Ideal for spring or summer, any age and any sex. It is indeed a very different scent, away from any trend. It's a love from me. *This review was written after several full wearings of the perfume and not just after smelling this on paper or on wrist.

This fragrance is quite good, but would probably be better suited for summer weather 80F+. I say this, because it isn't the strongest projector, but it does project (testing in 65F weather.) I own every iteration of Shalimar from different decades and concentration. It is not as strong as Shalimar EDP, or have the sweet or spicy levels as high as Shalimar, but it is somewhat close. Comparing something to Shalimar is like referencing a Michelangelo. Double Dare is softer and has a cleaner and more powdery effect. Prada perfumes are the quintessential clean Italian fragrance reference. This shows in Double Dare. I would say if something like Shalimar is too strong for summer days, check this out. It's definitely high quality and subtle enough to be considered, in my opinion, a more masculine and professional fragrance. Less vanilla, less labdanum, less peppery, less patchouli,.. no jasmine, incense or tonka. If you can find this for under 120, like I did, I would say it's worth the price, but I would not buy this retail. Ratings often reflect the consideration of cost vs product. A niche company could come out with Shalimar today and charge 300+ for it and it would sell. The community would think it's higher quality than it actually is. Synthetic ingredients project better and last longer than naturals. Consider that. Shalimar retailing at 120 is perfect IMO.

I'm enjoying my decant of this but wouldn't go full bottle. This has a top note that is classic Bergamot-- Shalimar for 5 to 10 minutes. It's a bit harsh, like a 70's vintage Shalimar that's somewhat off, but without all the oppulent spice notes. The ylang is thin but present. After a while, orris presents and that's really the strongest note for me with the labdanum and the amber picking up behind. Rose is easily discernible but I struggle to smell the patch which I think is more a sweet-amber supporter. It's a lonely amber, not rich and resinous, but still cuddly, like a thin sweater with a few holes that need patching. The Amberwood gives it a synth-musky warm, even faintly tobacco smell. Overall good, but not great, but classic and pretty, perfectly unisex.

I like this one on me. Smells like the expensive top notes till the end when it turns into a chalky/powdery floral type scent. Nothing wrong here. Didn’t grab my attention as an amazing smell but it’s good to the end, which I feel like I can’t take for granted these days.

Full of pleasant contradictions! Powdery and fresh, but leathery and spicy. The middle child sitting inbetween marienbad and purple rain. Beware of the citrus if that's not your thing.