ASK MARLEN: Eternally Sexy

Hi Marlen,

I just read you comments about fragrances you've purchased twice. One of those you mentioned was Eternity. I'm still on the fence about this classic fragrance. Sometimes, when I smell it in the store, I like it. Other times, it smells run of the mill. Maybe it's because I can't decipher all the different notes. Can you tell me some of Eternity's characteristics? Also, would you consider Victoria's Secret Very Sexy for men a similar fragrance? Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks for your help!
Eternally SexyDear ES,

Ya know, the moment I smelled Very Sexy, I thought "Eternity", so you are right on the money by thinking that the the two are similar.

Let's look at olfactory pyramids:

CK Eternity for Men (1989)

Top Notes
Mandarin, Lavender, Green Botanics.

Middle Notes
Jasmine, Basil, Geranium, Sage.

Base Notes
Sandalwood, Vetiver, Rosewood, Amber.

Victoria's Secret Very Sexy for Men (2001)

Top Notes
Tangerine, Pink Lime, Bergamot Leaves.

Middle Notes
Limewood, Cinnamon Bark, Sage.

Base Notes
Vetiver, Orange Flower.

...and here's a third for comparison:

Michel Germain Sexual pour Homme (1996)

Top Notes
Indian Basil, Bergamot, Clementine.

Middle Notes
Lavender, Gardenia, Sage.

Base Notes
Sandalwood, Vanilla, Musk.

I remember the first time I sniffed the magazine scent strip for Eternity and just about fell out of my chair. I was in love with the fresh, breezy aroma and firmly believe that the current state of Eternity is not what it once was. It smells somehow changed to me - not as fresh, not as dewy. That being said, there is something about Very Sexy that I find a bit harsh and the drydown has a note that smells like Cabbage Patch Kid head.

Sexual is another inspired fragrance, and perhaps even more similar to Eternity but for a few key differences - the drydown is closer to that of an oriental, and the overall effect seems somewhat more intense: stronger wood and brighter citrus notes. Additionally, the longevity of Sexual is the most powerful of the three.

Which one is best? Well, I'll stick with my Eternity but leave the choice up to you. All three may be purchased at a nice discount on the net. Sadly, as copies of Eternity have just about been done to death (and I do mean overkill bordering on roadkill), you might be finding the general aroma to be somewhat dated and passe.

The Bottom Line: Try them on your skin and see which one works best for you over a period of 3 or 4 hours.

Thanks for the great question, and I hope I didn't bore you with my long-winded answer!

Marlen