Better Than Sex

This fragrance is defined by its fruity and tropical character. It opens with bright notes of passionfruit and litchi, transitioning into a floral heart of rose and jasmine. The base provides a musky, woody foundation that keeps the sweetness grounded, making it a distinct choice for those who enjoy punchy fruit notes.

The opening is immediate and loud, dominated by juicy passionfruit and peach. After about an hour, the fruitiness recedes, allowing a powdery rose and jasmine heart to emerge. Eventually, it settles into a deep patchouli and sandalwood base, moving from a youthful fruity splash to a more mature, woody musk skin scent.

Most wearers report moderate longevity, typically lasting around four to six hours on skin. It performs best in moderate temperatures, where the tropical fruit notes have enough space to project without being overwhelmed. In colder winter weather, the patchouli and amber notes may last slightly longer, becoming a closer, more intimate fragrance.

Better Than Sex offers moderate projection. It creates a noticeable scent bubble for the first two hours, usually reaching about arm's length. After that, it pulls closer to the body, becoming a more personal experience. It is rarely described as room-filling, making it suitable for moderate social gatherings or dinner dates.

While the tropical notes of passionfruit and litchi seem perfect for summer, the heavy patchouli and woody base can feel quite dense in high humidity. It performs best during spring evenings or mild summer nights. For sweltering heat, the musk and sandalwood might feel a bit too heavy for some wearers.

While marketed primarily to women, the strong woody and patchouli base gives it enough depth that some find it leans unisex. However, the floral heart of magnolia and orchid remains quite prominent. If you enjoy deeper, fruit-forward fragrances, it can be worn by anyone who appreciates a sweet, musky wood accord.

Blind buying is risky due to the polarizing nature of the patchouli-heavy base. If you enjoy fragrances similar to La Nuit Tresor, you might find common ground here. However, the intense opening and the powdery dry-down are distinctive enough that testing via a decant or store sample is highly recommended before committing to a full bottle.

This is a great choice for evening outings, such as a date night or a night out at the theater. The bold fruit and floral combination feels festive and somewhat rebellious. Given its moderate sillage, it works well in social settings where you want to be noticed without overwhelming the people around you.

Yes, but use caution. Because the passionfruit and litchi opening is quite strong, layering it with another fruity scent might create a messy profile. Try layering it over a simple, clean musk or a light vanilla body lotion to soften the patchouli-heavy dry-down and extend the longevity of the top notes.

The packaging is visually stunning, making it a popular choice for gifting. However, because the scent is subjective and features a strong musky floral accord, it is best gifted to someone who has already expressed interest in it. If they enjoy fruity, woody fragrances, the bottle design alone usually impresses fans of the brand.