Illusion Captive Eau de Parfum bottle Illusion Captive
Edp Concentration Edp
U Gender U
2017 Year 2002
££££ Price Tier ££
Absolu Eau de Parfum bottle Absolu

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A
Illusion Captive
B
Absolu
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Which Should You Buy?

Our Verdict - Illusion Captive Eau de Parfum
This one's a proper head-scratcher. Some find it a captivating masterpiece, rich and complex, while others are put off by a challenging, thick opening. It's truly a love-it-or-hate-it affair, a bold statement scent for those who dare.
Acquired
Our Verdict - Absolu Eau de Parfum
A divisive oriental, Absolu is either a gorgeous resinous dream that's perfect for cosy nights in, or an unbalanced mess that's too sweet, scratchy, and reminiscent of cheap men's cologne. There's no middle ground here, so sample first.
Favourite

Scent Profile

Citrus Floral Fruity Green Sweet Warm Woody Earthy Animalic Fresh
Citrus 14% 16%
Floral 20% 21%
Fruity 9% 5%
Green 14% 12%
Sweet 25% 23%
Warm 16% 16%
Woody 10% 8%
Earthy 11% 6%
Animalic 4% 3%
Fresh 10% 14%

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding
Illusion Captive EdP
Absolu EdP

Notes

Only in Illusion Captive Eau de Parfum
Bergamot 52% Fig 48%
Only in Absolu Eau de Parfum
Mandarin 55% Fig Leaf 45%
Only in Illusion Captive Eau de Parfum
Jasmine 62% Cinnamon 38%
Shared Notes
Cedar 19% vs 17%
Labdanum 15% vs 22%
Only in Absolu Eau de Parfum
Benzoin 30% Tolu Balsam 30%

Accords

Illusion Captive Eau de Parfum Absolu Eau de Parfum
100%
Amber
100%
99%
Woody
48%
79%
Warm Spicy
61%
67%
Sweet
52%
63%
White Floral
60%
62%
Balsamic
48%
62%
Patchouli
62%
Vanilla
52%
Citrus
58%
55%
Aromatic
Powdery
50%
Green
48%
Amber shared
100%
100%
Woody shared
99%
48%
Warm Spicy shared
79%
61%
Sweet shared
67%
52%
White Floral shared
63%
60%
Balsamic shared
62%
48%
62%
62%
Citrus shared
52%
58%
55%
50%
48%

Performance

Illusion Captive Eau de Parfum Absolu Eau de Parfum
Moderate (4-6h)
Longevity
Moderate (4-6h)
Strong
Projection
Moderate
Strong
Intensity
Moderate

Season and Occasion Fit

Illusion Captive Eau de Parfum

Seasons

Best For:
Spring Summer
Also Works:
Autumn Winter

Versatile across every season - no clear seasonal preference from wearers.

Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal
Also Works:
Casual

Its complex amber, woody, and spicy accords, alongside comments about its assertiveness and thick opening, suggest it's too much for a typical office setting. However, its 'elegant' and 'luxurious' vibe makes it suitable for date nights and formal events, though perhaps a bit much for casual wear.

Absolu Eau de Parfum

Seasons

Best For:
Autumn Winter

A cold-weather scent - best worn in winter and autumn.

Occasions

Best For:
Date Casual Formal

While some find Absolu moderate, many find it strong and long-lasting, with its heavy amber and balsamic accords making it unsuitable for office wear. It truly shines in colder weather and is often described as great for dates, evenings out, and cozy at-home wear during autumn and winter.

Similarity Breakdown

Overall
87%
Olfactory
98%
Notes
80%
Accord
80%
Key Similarities

Both share Amber, Warm Spicy, White Floral accords and Labdanum, Cedar notes

Key Differences

Subtle differences in overall composition

Where to buy

Illusion Captive Eau de Parfum
Absolu Eau de Parfum
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