Tobacco Collection Intense Dark Exclusive 2018

I am a big fan of Tobacco scents, couple that with the low price of these fragrances and the Zara Tobacco Collection becomes a no brainer. I had to try them, and I am glad I did! Intense Dark Exclusive gives me a good mix of bergamot, apple, black pepper, wood, tonka and tobacco on my skin. While I can pick out the notes, there is no note that totally dominates the other notes. Each note plays it's part of supporting the fragrance. Intense Dark Exclusive is very well made and a great value for the money IMO. A good safe scent without being boring. Also, my wife sniffed me and said, "Mmmm... I like that one." So that is a good thing! Intense Dark Exclusive is marketed to men, but I can easily see a woman pull this one off as well. It works in either trendy casual or a sports coat. I get good projection and longevity on my skin. Bottom line: this one is worth a sample.

Only 3 notes??? Okay, so there is a little story how I was able to add this to my collection.. It was a mistake on Zara’s part.. I originally ordered Rich Warm and Addictive instead, this was in the package. In order to get what I ordered, I was told that I had to ship this bottle to the company using my own money.. I am super happy I didn’t return this.. This is such a nice clean dark scent.. It seems more complex than just 3 notes and you would assume tobacco would be a note since it is part of the tobacco series... This slightly reminds me of Boss Bottled.. I believe that this is better than Rich Warm and Addictive, which I picked up last fall.. I get about 5-6 hours on my skin with decent projection for the first half hour.. Great for all four seasons, office/work, date nights.. Great product Zara! Rating 9.0/10

Zara Tobacco Collection Intense Dark Exclusive, batch #02040 The opening is a feast for the nose, with sweet vanilla and fruit before it quickly morphs to warm spicy amber. In the dry down which comes after about 30 minutes, I get mostly Oud and a tiny hint of smokey tobacco. At this point most of the sweetness is gone for me and it smells, well, yes, dark and mysterious. (How about that?) Much has been written about what a bargain this is and I have to agree. While it is true that the longevity is weak to moderate, for the price, it can be resprayed several times throughout the day. As I have mentioned in other reviews, perhaps my nose isn't as refined as many others on this forum, but I really enjoy each stage of the progression from opening to dry down and I will wear it often this fall and winter!

Yesterday i finally smelled 212 Vip in a store and yes, Zara Intense Dark Exclusive smell literally the same but without that loudness that make 212 Vip a clubbing fragrance. This is really underrated for sure, it's a clean, dark and comforting smell and unlike others, i have amazing lasting power and moderate projection with this, a bargain for the price. You can find it in a pack in combination with Zara Rich Warm Addictive so just buy them together, you will not regret it. The 2021 version has less concentration and it's a shame because it doesn't last as long as before, but thankfully i have the 2018 version and i'm happy with it. 8,5/10

This perfume is similar to the 2016 version but it's fresher, lasts longer and has a better sillage, probably due to a more prominent apple note and a stronger concentration. It makes me remember of a fruitier and sweetier (and better) Ferragamo F Black. I still have not tested it properly, but so far I like it a lot! I do believe the scent pyramid to be a lot more complex than what is shown above.