When I recieved a sample of Be Tempted with a purchase, I was going to throw it out. This is a flanker to DKNY’s Be Delicious, one of the few perfumes that gives me headaches. I thought I’d save myself from the need of sitting in a dark room for hours. For some reason, I kept it. And then for an even stranger reason, I sprayed it on my skin.
Be Tempted does smell like waxy, red Twizzlers. Like OMG, it’s so much Twizzlers. There’s another accord I didn’t expect: Chambord (black raspberry) liqueur. This is like alcoholic raspberries, lemon peel and vanilla. It then turns into this patchouli and crème de violette thing. I was actually loving the freaky opening but it doesn’t last. The rest of the wear is exactly what I’d expect. It’s a sweet vanilla patchouli that mainly wears like the fluffy stuff that can be found in most Little Debbie¹ “snack foods”. It’s the sort of dry-down that someone that goes around writing all those “Gross, this perfume smells like old ladies!” one-star reviews on sites like Sephora would think was really “sexy”. But, the rest of us don’t really get how junk food and sweet liquor could be deemed sexy.
In conclusion, I’m happy I tried it. For a mainstream designer flanker/gourmand, it has enough going on to hold my interest…until the base. The base isn’t bad, it’s just not as fun as the rest of the perfume. It’s just that the base goes into “generic gourmand” territory and once you go there, there’s no coming back.
Notes listed include black currant, lemon, devil licorice accord (?), violet, orange blossom, Indonesian patchouli, vanilla cream and myrrh. Launched in 2016.
Give Be Tempted a try if you like sweet, candied scents or fruity gourmands. Or perfumes like BCBG Max Azria Bon Genre, Vera Wang Rock Princess, Zara Red Vanilla, Calvin Klein Euphoria and/or Christina Aguilera Unforgettable.
Projection and longevity are average. I like the red snake/apple bottle that alludes to creation, but I have no clue what it actually has to do with the fragrance. I mean, I guess it goes with the name “Be Tempted”.
Be Tempted is available at discounters like FragranceX and Perfume.com (for under $40 for a 3.4 oz bottle).
Victoria’s Final EauPINION – Red licorice, Chambord, crème de violette and patchouli marshmallows. I like it, but it’s not something I’m going to wear enough to justify a full-size bottle purchase (even if it’s heavily discounted). It’s worth sampling if you see it at a discounter or on sale for cheap (and assuming that you like really sweet perfumes).
¹More references to Southern-based junk foods. I’m starting to think this blog is devolving into “foods of the Deep South”. But, seriously, let me take the time to shout out to Oatmeal Creme Pies.
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I always read your posts but never reply until today. The reference to old ladies was too hilarious. I actually laughed sitting here in my work office. Keep on writing and sniffing!
🙂 Maybe I’m a little bitter about something I looked up on Sephora’s website!