Hypnotic Poison

     I am not a shopping person. At least I haven't been for a while. When I find something at a store, most times it's completely by accident and I feel like I found buried treasure. I remember I was working in the mall and the closest parking space was at the JCPenney entrance. I had to pass the cosmetics counters, full of Flowerbombs, Lolita Lempicas and fruity florals that most of the girls seem to like. The Dior counter was close to the exit. That's when I saw this beautiful little poison apple.

     During that time, my signature fragrance was Sensuous by Estee Lauder. I was already used to spicy, woody fragrances, but this one hit me like a ton of bricks in all senses. At first, I couldn't explain it. I was used to smelling Youth Dew, Beautiful, Sensuous, etc, so I was kind of used to powerhouse fragrances. Hypnotic Poison though, was different. It's predecessor, I can say was THE Powerhouse fragrance of the mid 80's. Launched in 1985, Poison was the embodiment of the 80's vamp goth chick.

     However, in 1998, Hypnotic Poison was launched to be the second poison in line. Completely different from the first one, even though it doesn't abandon the bittersweet notes in its composition. HP was created by Annick Menardo and the face for the perfume in Dior ads have changed from Monica Bellucci to Mélanie Laurent.

The notes

First notes

     When you spray, you get a mix of plum, coconut and spices, reminiscent of Poison, but I promise it's fleeting. It's what threw me off first and made me do the wrinkled nose face. I do appreciate a good plummy fragrance, but I was always used to have my plummy fragrances with sugar or flowers.

The Heart

     After a while, you get the real witches' brew. Instead of frog eyes and bat wings, you're going to get white flowers. Now, I'm a sucker for white flowers. To me, their smell is intoxicating. Almost to the point of smelling something that's overripe. Gardenias, Orange flower, jasmine, tuberose, lilies, are great examples.  HP has tuberose, lily of the valley and jasmine. To me, the smell of lilies is not apparent. I do get more of the tuberose and jasmine. The heart also has the spices and woods that gives way to the base of this fragrance.

The Base
   
    Here is what makes this a very interesting fragrance. You're going to start noticing that the smell turns bittersweet. I can't stress enough that this is not a bad thing. Almonds and spices make their way to make this a fragrance that will be like no other. All of these notes melt down to the lingering smell of vanilla, almond, spices, sandalwood and musk.

The verdict

     After testing it, wearing it for a whole work day in a busy department store, I purchased it during black Friday. I wore it once, and my now husband (note that he has asthma and has a ridiculously sensitive nose) went crazy and has been re-purchasing it for me when it's all gone. 

     The perfume lasts all day. It lingers not as strong as Poison. The only way I can explain it, would be like if you had a fire going and it has dimmed, but it never goes out. Even though there aren't any flames that flush your face, you get a constant slow heat that keeps the body warm and alive. Does it make sense? I hope so. 

     There are some other fragrances that I can recommend that share some notes, as if they were family. MMMM... by Juliette has a Gun, is a great example of spiced white flowers. Also Bond No. 9 Chinatown is from the same line of white flowers, only these seem like they're covered in candy. Imagine sweet mochi covered white flowers. Hypnotic Poison also has several flankers that followed, like one of my favorites "Eau Sensuelle" which is a powerful orchid and "Eau secrete" which is the smoothest. HP normally comes in eau de toilette, which is pretty impressive. A perfume that has that kind of strength in eau de toilette form is a keeper. Dior also launched an eau de parfum (I found it spicier, but alas, did not feel the magic) and a pure parfum which I am eager to try. 

     As you know, I'm a firm believer in wearing any perfume at any time. I wear this year round, but enjoy it more during the winter months. It kind of reminds you of fruity dense desserts and strong drinks. Most people enjoy this perfume at night and during colder months of the year as it makes them feel cozy. 

     Hypnotic Poison has a special place in my heart. It has been around during many life changes. It's a scent that makes me feel empowered, unique, sensual and it's a dark scent on its own. If you're feeling experimental and not afraid of exploring darker corners in the perfume realm, give this one a chance. There is more to perfumes than mainstream fruity florals and candy. And, if something catches your eye, give it a chance. You never know what can come out of it.