Calvin Klein 2021 EDT

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Defy

by Loc Dong , Anne Flipo , Pascal Gaurin

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Calvin Klein Defy is an Eau de Toilette launched in 2021, created by Loc Dong, Anne Flipo, and Pascal Gaurin. Defy opens with Bergamot and Lavender, settles into a heart of Vetiver, and dries down to a base of Amber. Calvin Klein's Defy carries a Favourite verdict, a woody-led wear.

CK Defy is a crowd-pleasing, utterly safe blue scent that tries a bit too hard to 'defy' its generic nature. If you're looking for an affordable, inoffensive daily scent, this might be for you, but don't expect anything groundbreaking - it's aggressively middle-of-the-road.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Clean
  • Fresh
  • Classic
  • Subtle
  • Relaxed
£18.35 at The Beauty Store 30ml Check price on → Check prices ↓
Defy Eau de Toilette bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend
Topas listed
Bergamot53%
Lavender47%
Heartas listed
Vetiver100%
Baseas listed
Amber100%

Top, heart and base are the brand's own listing, not a timing claim - the industry classifies a note by its character as much as by how fast it fades. Each curve here is modelled from that material's own volatility, so groups can overlap when a house lists long-lasting materials in its heart.

ScentArt

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Performance & Mood

Performance

Longevity
Moderate (4-6h)
Projection
Moderate
Intensity
Moderate

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Spring Summer
Also Works:
Fall

A warm-weather pick - at its best in summer and spring.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Office Casual Sport

Its fresh, inoffensive aromatic and citrus profile makes it highly suitable for everyday wear, including the office, casual outings, and the gym. However, its noted poor longevity and sillage makes it less ideal for formal events or dates where a more impactful scent is desired.

Declarable allergens

We derive these from the materials behind this fragrance's notes, not from the bottle. Each one is likely, not confirmed. The list is partial - the box can name others.

Declarable under EU Annex III

  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Lavender Lavandula Hybrida Oil from Lavender

The large name is the everyday one. The small name is the INCI form on the box, so you can compare the two. Reactions differ between people. A patch-test panel is not a ranking of risk. How we derive this

About

Defy opens with a keen, zesty burst of bergamot, quickly joined by the smooth, herbal freshness of lavender. This bright start mellows into a woody heart of vetiver, offering an earthy, slightly green character. The base settles into a modern amber warmth, providing a clean, subtle finish that's both familiar and easy-wearing.

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Compare & Pair

Layer

Wear two at once. See what layers well with Defy Eau de Toilette - the blends worth trying, and how each one scores.

Complement

Round out the rotation. See what complements Defy Eau de Toilette - fragrances that pair with it, worn side by side.

Where to buy

Prices for the United Kingdom · · checked 2 October

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