Mainstream Monday – Sniffing a Popular Perfume
Let me get this out of the way: I don’t like Marc Jacobs perfumes. They do nothing for me (even though I totally get their appeal). The fragrances don’t interest me. When I try designer perfumes, I like to think of them as an extension of their designer/brand. The Marc Jacobs packaging and the scents themselves make very little sense to me as an extension of the Marc Jacobs brand. The bottles come across much more juvenile than what goes down the runway. Anyway, what I’m saying is that take any of my Marc Jacobs reviews (like all of my other reviews) with a grain of salt since I’m not a fan of the brand’s perfumes.
The first time I tried Decadence in store, I thought it wasn’t so bad. It was more robust than the previous perfume launches like Daisy and Lola. It also seemed less geared towards 9 year olds. I wore it around and experienced what I have had with other Marc Jacobs perfumes…boredom. A few months later, I tried it in store and absolutely hated it. I found the opening repulsive. It hurt my sinuses and there was nothing I liked about it. My mental card catalog of perfumes filed this one from “not to bad” to “absolute wreck”. Since I had two very different experiences, this is why I’ve decided to sample it again.
Decadence opens with a really sharp plum note that for a brief second reminds me of those popular (and suffocating) scents that were popular in the 1980’s. It’s a mix of sweet, tangy plum liqueur with industrial glue. Once this fades, Decadence is like a jammy floral with a custard-y sweetness. At this stage, it reminds me of a blackberry jam and vanilla custard. Like the other Marc Jacobs fragrances, it’s a non-descript floral. Unlike the other Marc Jacobs fragrances, it’s not soapy. For most of the wear, it’s sweet, powdery and abstract. There’s also a metallic sharpness that runs through it. It doesn’t really bother me, but I can see how it could be a deal breaker for some people. The dry-down is so sweet, like an amber covered in vanilla custard but there’s a camphoric thing going on from patchouli or excuse me, “papyrus wood”.
As of today, I don’t hate it. But, at the same time it gives me no warm fuzzy feelings. This may sound harsh but considering my history with other Marc Jacobs perfumes, this is a very amiable compliment.
Notes listed include Italian plum, saffron, iris, Bulgarian rose, jasmine, orris root, liquid amber, vetiver and papyrus wood. Launched in 2015. PERFUMER – Annie Buzantian and Anne Gottlieb
Give Decadence a try if you like sweet, fruity fragrances. Or perfumes like Trish McEvoy No.9 Blackberry & Vanilla Musk, Ariana Grande Sweet Like Candy, Shakira S Eau Florale, Hanae Mori N01, Givenchy Hot Couture and/or Victoria’s Secret Velvet Amber Blackberry.
Projection and longevity are average. And not that it matters, but I can’t stand the bottle. It doesn’t look great in person. And I have a feeling it won’t age well. I know it’s a selling point but I don’t understand it.
Decadence comes in three sizes (1-3.4 oz) with prices ranging from $72-$122 at Sephora and Nordstrom. A travel-size rollerball is also available.
Victoria’s Final EauPINION – Dark berries and a sweet custard amber. No surprise, it’s not one for me. The surprise, I don’t hate it.
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Fragrantica – Member reviews
Hey, I think I had a blouse like that back in the 80’s! (Or maybe it was the 70’s) Could not be worn near any open flame, sure it would have melted in a flash.
😉 It does look like something that could make you have to stop, drop and roll!
It’s a pretty color though. I’d like it in something a little less polyester.
And wearing the Deco emerald ring – how pretty would that be!
It would be so pretty.
I’m in such an emerald mood. Of course, I have none but maybe I will one day.