Zara 2023 EDP

M £ Favourite

Absolutely Dark

by Marion Costero

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Zara Absolutely Dark is an Eau de Parfum launched in 2023, created by Marion Costero. Absolutely Dark opens with Aquatic, Bergamot, and Mandarin, settles into a heart of Cashmere Wood, Sandalwood, and Iris, and dries down to a base of Amber, Oakmoss, and Tonka Bean. Zara's Absolutely Dark carries a Favourite verdict, a floral-led wear.

Divisive. Some hail it as Zara's best, a superb Percival clone and a compliment magnet. Others find it headache-inducing, synthetic, and cheap-smelling. Try before you buy, but at this price, it might just be a steal.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Fresh
  • Clean
  • Energetic
  • Modern
  • Confident
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Absolutely Dark 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.

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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 Fall

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

Best Occasions

Best For:
Casual Sport
Also Works:
Office Date

Its moderate performance and fresh, versatile scent make it a solid choice for casual wear, office environments, and even sport. However, the 'shower gel' vibe and perceived synthetic quality by some might detract from formal occasions.

Ingredients and allergens

We don't have this fragrance's ingredient list yet.

About

Don't let the name fool you, this is absolutely not dark. It kicks off with a bright, bracing marine and citrus blast, reminiscent of a high-end shower gel. As it settles, a clean, slightly powdery rose and iris emerge, giving it a sophisticated edge without being overly floral. The base warms up with a smooth, musky blend of sandalwood, dry amber, and tonka, maintaining a fresh, versatile character throughout.

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Compare & Pair

Layer

Wear two at once: the blends worth trying, how each one scores and where to spray See what layers well

Complement

Two people, two scents: what sits well beside it when you each wear your own See what pairs well

Where to buy

Prices for the United States ·

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