Obsession M

How it Smells

Milton Lloyd's Obsession M opens with an assertive blast of cinnamon, closer to red-hot candies than freshly ground spice. The lavender peeks through, but with a camphoraceous edge, like mothballs in a spice drawer. The heart reveals a prominent myrrh note, smoky and resinous, fighting for dominance against a dusty nutmeg. The carnation is fleeting, barely noticeable. It diverges significantly in the base, presenting a flatter, less complex amber than the inspiration. Vanilla is present, but muted, and the sandalwood has a vaguely artificial, almost cedar-like dryness. The drydown features an unfortunate plasticky note, a residue that lingers on the skin long after the initial intensity fades.

To Buy or Not to Buy?

This fragrance feels most appropriate for crisp autumn evenings. The heavy spice and resinous heart suggest a date night, perhaps something outdoorsy like a bonfire, however, the synthetic edge prevents it from feeling fully refined. I would also suggest that this fragrance would thrive better in a very cold environment to really help project the notes.

Performance Reality Check

Obsession M boasts a strong initial projection, extending a full arm's length for the first hour. After that, it quickly settles closer to the skin, becoming a subtle, intimate scent. Longevity is moderate, clocking in at around five hours on skin, but fading considerably after the third. Tested in an office environment, it proved overpowering initially, then became unnoticeable by lunchtime.