Obsession

Obsession, created by Jean Guichard for Calvin Klein in 1985, is a warm, spicy amber with rich flowers and a sweet vanilla core. People describe it in equal measure as sweet, woody, floral and citrus, with spice and amber also strong.

The opening is bright but already rich: bergamot, mandarin orange and lemon give citrus sparkle, peach a ripe softness and basil a green, herbal edge. The heart is dense and spiced, with coriander and spices alongside jasmine, rose, orange blossom and sandalwood, a warm floral bouquet grounded by oakmoss and cedar. The base brings amber, incense, vanilla, musk and civet, a deep, sweet and smoky warmth with an animalic, sensual undertone.

Over half of wearers find it long lasting, and most describe the sillage as strong. It is voted mainly for autumn and winter and clearly for evening. That suits nights out, formal dinners and cold weather, for anyone who loves bold, rich ambers in the style of the 1980s.

Obsession — unisex fragrance by Calvin Klein (released 1985). Top notes: Vanilla, Basil, Bergamot, Mandarin Orange, Green Notes, Peach, Lemon. Heart notes: Spices, Sandalwood, Coriander, Oakmoss, Cedar, Orange Blossom, Jasmine, Rose. Base notes: Amber, Incense, Vanilla, Civet, Musk, Vetiver. — Parfica open fragrance database