Clin d'Oeil Passionate
Clin d'Oeil Passionate offers a retro alternative for vintage perfume collectors who prefer clove-dusted florals over modern sugar bombs. Bourjois constructed this EDT around a theatrical mix of carnation, gardenia, and jasmine backed by a warm vanilla base. It projects heavily for the first two hours, making it ideal for brisk winter strolls, retro theme parties, or evening gatherings where you want a distinct cosmetic powder trail. The scent balances spicy carnation bite against rich white florals, creating an unashamedly eighties-style cosmetic vibe. Anyone hunting for affordable nineties nostalgia will find plenty of character in this budget bottle.
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Performance Metrics
356 VOTESOpen Performance Breakdown 1 TAKE
Expect six to seven hours of wear on skin, with strong projection across an arm's length for the first two hours. Sillage settles into a moderate powdery aura by hour three, performing reliably in cold autumn and winter weather.
Notes Pyramid
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Bourjois Clin d'Oeil Passionate presents a bold floral profile dominated by spicy carnation, creamy gardenia, and lush jasmine. A foundation of sweet vanilla and subtle leather grounds the bouquet, giving the initial floral sharpness a velvety texture as it warms on skin.
Main Accords
5 MAPPEDThe white floral accord leads with an immediate punch of gardenia and jasmine that feels cool and dry. Soon after, the warm spicy accord takes over as carnation unleashes a clove-like heat, before the vanilla accord smooths the outer edges into a soft cosmetic powder trail.
Community Data
373 TOTAL VOTESCOMMUNITY SENTIMENT
OWNERSHIP STATS
GENDER APPEAL
REVIEW SENTIMENT
When to Wear
TAP TO VOTETIME OF DAY · TAP TO VOTE
OCCASIONS · TAP TO VOTE
It looks easiest to wear in winter and spring.
Pros & Cons
Quick take before you sampleWHY PEOPLE MAY LIKE IT
Rich carnation note brings distinct nineties retro character
Lush jasmine and gardenia heart unfolds smoothly after initial blast
Exceptional price-to-performance ratio for an Eau de Toilette
Strong projection across arm's length during early wear
Solid six-hour longevity on skin in cold weather
Comforting vanilla dry-down cushions the heavy floral spice
Ideal choice for chilly autumn and winter evenings
Fun vintage pick for lovers of classic drugstore perfumery
Distinctive powdery trail that stands out from modern gourmands
Complex transitions from sharp clove spice to soft floral suede
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
Sharp carnation opening can feel dusty or medicinal at first
Heavy white floral density might overwhelm fans of light scents
Cheap bottle construction and loose plastic cap
Unsuitable for high summer heat or humid weather
Dated scent profile that may strike younger wearers as old-fashioned
Hard to find in standard retail stores outside vintage sellers
Synthetic edge during the initial five minutes of application
Lacks modern sweetness for those seeking gourmand notes
Can cause headaches if over-sprayed in enclosed spaces
Minimal sillage after the fourth hour of wear
Fragranxe Review
EDITORIAL“Bourjois Clin d'Oeil Passionate Review: A Spicy Carnation Throwback”
Bourjois launched Clin d'Oeil Passionate back in 1999, landing at a moment when heavy floral spice was giving way to aquatic freshness. Spraying this bottle immediately brings a wave of sharp carnation dusted with dry clove. The opening feels intense and theatrical, pushing a vintage cosmetic vibe that leaves no doubt about its late nineties heritage. Cold air makes the spicy top notes pop with surprising punch.
As the top notes settle after fifteen minutes, the fiery carnation yields space to a lush white floral heart. Jasmine and creamy gardenia emerge side by side, rounding off the harsh medicinal edge of the opening. The floral volume remains high, yet a sweet vanilla note begins to simmer underneath, providing a subtle warmth that keeps the gardenia from feeling overly sharp or screechy.
On skin, the scent moves through distinct stages rather than staying linear. The white floral accord holds center stage during the first hour, supported by a distinct warm spicy accord that mimics old-school clove spice. As the hours pass, the powdery vanilla base slowly absorbs the florals, leaving behind a smooth trail that carries a surprising touch of dry rose and soft leather in the deep background.
Performance is impressively robust for an affordable Eau de Toilette. On a cool November evening, two sprays to the chest project comfortably across an arm's length for over two hours. Total longevity easily clears six hours on skin and stays on sweater collars until the next morning, making it a reliable performer when temperatures dip during late autumn.
This fragrance suits enthusiasts who celebrate retro perfume styles and actively seek out carnation-heavy formulas. If your collection leans exclusively toward modern praline gourmands or clean skin musks, the spicy floral density here might feel dated. Beginners should approach with curiosity, but fans of nineties drugstore classics will appreciate its unapologetic character and distinctive trail.
Clin d'Oeil Passionate delivers an entertaining retro experience from Bourjois. While the lightweight bottle cap feels budget, the liquid inside offers genuine charm for anyone craving spicy white florals without paying niche prices. Grab a bottle if you want an affordable piece of vintage floral history that still holds its ground today.
FAQs
What does Clin d'Oeil Passionate smell like?+
Bourjois Clin d'Oeil Passionate smells like a retro blend of spicy carnation, jasmine, and gardenia over a soft vanilla base. The fragrance opens with a sharp clove-like punch before settling into a warm, powdery floral aura on skin.
How does the opening of Clin d'Oeil Passionate compare to its dry-down?+
The opening hits with a sharp, medicinal burst of spicy carnation and dry clove. As it dries down over thirty minutes, creamy gardenia and jasmine soften the spice, leaving a smooth vanilla and rose veil during late wear.
How long does Clin d'Oeil Passionate last on skin?+
Clin d'Oeil Passionate lasts between five and seven hours on skin, with the carnation and spicy white florals projecting for the first two hours. On clothing, the powdery vanilla base lingers until the following morning in cold weather.
What is the sillage and projection like for Clin d'Oeil Passionate?+
For the first two hours, this fragrance projects noticeably across an arm's length, pushing a distinct aura of spicy carnation and gardenia. After three hours, the sillage contracts into a soft, intimate vanilla trail within personal space.
Which season is best for wearing Clin d'Oeil Passionate?+
Clin d'Oeil Passionate performs best in winter and late autumn. Cold temperatures help tame the heavy carnation spice and powdery white flowers, whereas summer heat can make the dense vanilla and gardenia feel suffocating.
What occasions suit Clin d'Oeil Passionate best?+
This EDT fits evening outings, crisp winter walks, retro gatherings, and relaxed casual nights. Its bold spicy floral character feels a bit too theatrical for quiet corporate offices, but shines during cool social events.
Is Clin d'Oeil Passionate strictly for women?+
While marketed to women, Clin d'Oeil Passionate carries a strong clove-accented carnation note reminiscent of classic male colognes like Old Spice. Anyone who loves vintage spicy florals can wear this fragrance comfortably regardless of gender.
Who is the ideal audience for Clin d'Oeil Passionate?+
This fragrance suits lovers of nineties drugstore classics and vintage floral enthusiasts who appreciate carnation and gardenia. Shoppers looking for modern sugary gourmands or watery fresh scents will likely find this profile too retro and powdery.
Can you layer Clin d'Oeil Passionate with other fragrances?+
Yes, layering Clin d'Oeil Passionate over a simple amber oil or dark woody base note helps ground its sharp carnation opening. Adding a plain vanilla lotion underneath also enhances the cozy dry-down for winter wearing.
How does Clin d'Oeil Passionate compare to Givenchy Ysatis?+
While some reviewers link the two, Clin d'Oeil Passionate is simpler and sweeter than Ysatis. Ysatis features a complex animalic oakmoss structure, whereas Passionate focuses primarily on spicy carnation, gardenia, and vanilla.
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Dupes & Alternatives
COMMUNITY DUPESCOREWhile not a direct clone, Clin d'Oeil Passionate shares the spicy floral DNA of Gloria Vanderbilt Vanderbilt and the warm clove vibe of vintage Old Spice. If you enjoy Givenchy Ysatis but want a sweeter, simpler drugstore option, this bottle scratches a similar itch.
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