Carolina Herrera 2022 EDP

M ££ Acquired

212 VIP Black Smiley

by Carlos Benaïm , Juliette Karagueuzoglou

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Carolina Herrera 212 VIP Black Smiley is an Eau de Parfum launched in 2022, created by Carlos Benaïm and Juliette Karagueuzoglou. 212 VIP Black Smiley opens with Blood Orange, Neroli, and Ginger, settles into a heart of Sesame, Lavender, and Pepper, and dries down to a base of Vanilla, Almond, and Skin Musk. Carolina Herrera's 212 VIP Black Smiley carries an Acquired verdict, a fresh-led wear.

This one's a bit of a mixed bag; some find it a delightful twist on a classic, while others think it misses the mark. It's got that spicy vanilla kick with a playful citrus edge, but be warned, longevity might be an issue for some. Give it a sniff, you might just be pleasantly surprised.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Modern
  • Playful
  • Sensual
  • Warm
  • Edgy
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212 VIP Black Smiley Eau de Parfum bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend

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
Long (6-10h)
Projection
Moderate
Intensity
Strong

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Fall
Also Works:
Spring Winter

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

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Casual

Its fresh spicy and citrus opening makes it suitable for casual wear, with the vanilla and almond providing a seductive edge for dates. However, the less-than-stellar longevity reported by some users and the unique sweet accords mean it's not ideal for formal settings or intense office environments.

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

  • Bitter almond Benzaldehyde from Almond
  • Bitter orange peel Citrus Aurantium Amara Peel Oil from Neroli
  • Lavender Lavandula Hybrida Oil from Lavender
  • Neroli Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Oil from Neroli
  • Vanillin from Vanilla

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

Opens with a lively burst of blood orange and neroli, zesty and invigorating. This citrus fanfare soon settles into a distinct spicy heart, where peppery notes meet the unusual, nutty aroma of sesame, all softened by a hint of calming lavender. The dry-down reveals a creamy, slightly sweet blend of almond and vanilla, anchored by a unique 'skin musk' accord for a warm, intimate finish.

Similar

Compare & Pair

Layer

Wear two at once. See what layers well with 212 VIP Black Smiley Eau de Parfum - the blends worth trying, and how each one scores.

Complement

Round out the rotation. See what complements 212 VIP Black Smiley Eau de Parfum - fragrances that pair with it, worn side by side.

Where to buy

Prices for the United Kingdom ·

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Drawn from community reviews and editor-reviewed before publishing on . See our methodology and disclosure policy.