Absolutely Dark by Zara
Verified Match
Target Retail Price$$$

Secured by Amazon / Partner

Zara

Absolutely Dark

Scentonym Analysis

7.5 Value Rating
Similarity Score90%

Notes & Nuances

Absolutely Dark opens with a burst of synthetic lavender, sharp like a cleaning solution, juxtaposed against a candied mandarin orange that leans heavily artificial. The bergamot struggles to cut through, presenting a fleeting citrus zest before disappearing. The heart introduces hedione, but lacks the airy luminosity, instead showcasing a muted, almost watery violet note alongside a surprisingly pungent coriander – more stem than seed, and slightly bitter. The base collapses into a wall of ambroxan and amberwood, creating a monolithic, scratchy accord, underlined by a stark musk. It diverges significantly from its inspiration. Whereas the original has a nuanced, almost mineralic dryness, Absolutely Dark opts for raw, unrefined materials and a plasticky undercurrent emerges.

Longevity & Projection

Longevity is moderate, clocking in at around 5 hours. Projection is strong for the first hour, extending a little over an arm’s length, before quickly retreating to a skin scent. Tested in a climate-controlled office environment, the scent remained static, without evolving or developing.

To Buy or Not to Buy?

This fragrance is suited for casual daytime wear where subtlety is not paramount. It works as an everyday, inoffensive choice when a simple and straightforward scent is desired.

Performance Audit

Longevity
6+ Hours

Based on average wear time

Projection
Moderate

Sillage & radius

Price Tier
$$$$$

Relative to market avg

Total Value Score
Performance per dollar ratio
7.5
Concentration
Eau de Parfum
Community Votes
276

Why we track this:

Price Arbitrage: Significant savings compared to the original Parfums de Marly pricing.

Community Verified: Cross-referenced against 276 enthusiast votes for accuracy.