FRAGRANXE
détermination by ba[dr]
14COMMUNITY BALANCE2
BA[DR]RANK #33,955 OVERALL

détermination

★★★★★★★★★★
4.1718 votesUNISEX

Détermination by ba[dr] offers a vibrant interplay of citrus, florals, and deep woody notes. This unisex composition opens with orange and bergamot before moving into a jasmine and neroli heart. The base features rich vanilla, oud, and earthy patchouli. It is a compelling choice for those seeking a gourmand fragrance that balances brightness with dark, long-lasting warmth.

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Performance Metrics

80 VOTES
LONGEVITY
77
Long
15 votes
SILLAGE
73
Strong
15 votes
LOVE / HATE
79
Liked
18 votes
PRICE VALUE
69
Good value
14 votes
RR SCORE
48
Building evidence
18 votes
Ratings18
OVERALL65Well regarded80 votes
Open Performance Breakdown 1 TAKE

This fragrance is long-lasting, typically providing 7 to 9 hours of wear. The sillage is strong, projecting well beyond arm's length for several hours before settling closer to the body. It performs optimally in moderate climates, avoiding extreme heat or freezing cold.

Notes Pyramid

Search these notes
TOP
Orange Bergamot
MIDDLE
Neroli Cedar Jasmine
BASE
Vanilla Oud Patchouli

Détermination is a floral fruity gourmand characterized by its energetic citrus opening, radiant jasmine and neroli heart, and a warm, resinous dry-down. It possesses a dynamic, textured feel that moves from a bright, fizzy citrus top to a deep, earthy base of vanilla, patchouli, and oud.

Main Accords

8 MAPPED
Citrus
White Floral
Fresh Spicy
Woody
Vanilla
Oud
Fresh
Sweet

The citrus and white floral accords dominate the opening and heart, creating a light, airy feel on the skin. As the fragrance matures, these transition into a woody and vanilla-heavy base. The oud and patchouli accords are well-behaved, providing depth without becoming harsh or medicinal.

Community Data

157 TOTAL VOTES

COMMUNITY SENTIMENT

OWNERSHIP STATS

GENDER APPEAL

16votes

REVIEW SENTIMENT

0%positive
Positive0
Neutral1
Negative0

When to Wear

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SEASONS · 38 VOTES

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OCCASIONS · TAP TO VOTE

It looks easiest to wear in spring and fall. The vote picture leans most toward daytime.

Pros & Cons

Quick take before you sample

WHY PEOPLE MAY LIKE IT

+

Excellent longevity of 7 to 9 hours.

+

Versatile for both professional and evening wear.

+

Strong projection that lingers comfortably.

+

Beautifully balanced unisex composition.

+

High-quality jasmine and neroli heart notes.

+

Vanilla base adds a cozy, gourmand warmth.

+

Patchouli adds depth without feeling dirty.

+

Efficient application means less spray usage.

+

Distinct transition between citrus and wood.

+

Modern and well-blended scent profile.

WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR

−

Oud can be overwhelming if oversprayed.

−

Not ideal for extreme summer heat.

−

Citrus top notes fade rather quickly.

−

May feel too heavy for casual settings.

−

Not a safe blind buy for everyone.

−

Needs time to settle on the skin.

−

Might be too sweet for oud purists.

−

Patchouli might alienate some users.

−

Projection can be too loud for some.

−

Lack of unique perfumer branding info.

Fragranxe Review

EDITORIAL
“Détermination by ba[dr]: A Modern Take on the Floral Gourmand”

Détermination opens with a sharp, vibrant blast of orange and bergamot. It is an immediate, zesty wake-up call that feels clean and energetic. This citrus phase is punchy, setting a bright tone that promises a refreshing start, though it does not stick around for long before the heart begins to pull the scent into a more complex direction.

As the citrus fades, the heart of neroli, jasmine, and cedar takes center stage. The neroli provides a soapy, clean floral quality while the jasmine adds a touch of sweetness. The cedar acts as a bridge, pulling the composition away from a purely floral path and introducing a woody structure that feels both elegant and grounded.

Then comes the dry-down, which is where this fragrance earns its gourmand label. The vanilla arrives, not as a sugary bomb, but as a rich, smooth undertone. It is anchored by patchouli and oud, which add an earthy, dark complexity. This base is what gives the scent its staying power, ensuring that the initial brightness is eventually replaced by something far more profound and resinous on the skin.

Performance is impressive. You can count on 7 to 9 hours of solid longevity. The sillage starts strong, easily filling a room for the first few hours, before settling into a moderate, comfortable cloud. It wears best in moderate temperatures, like a breezy spring afternoon or a crisp autumn evening, where the heat does not flatten the nuances of the oud and patchouli.

This is a versatile, unisex choice. It suits anyone who wants a fragrance that transitions from professional daytime wear to an evening out without needing a respray. It is a reliable signature scent for someone who prefers a composition that is both bright and deep.

Verdict: Détermination is a solid, well-composed fragrance for those who like their florals with a woody backbone. If you enjoy gourmand scents but find pure vanilla fragrances too boring, the patchouli and oud here provide a necessary, mature balance that is well worth sampling.

FRAGRANXE EDITORIAL

FAQs

What is the primary scent profile of détermination?+

This fragrance is a floral fruity gourmand. It features bright citrus notes like orange and bergamot at the top, which transition into a floral heart of neroli and jasmine before settling into a warm, woody base of vanilla and oud.

How does the fragrance change from opening to dry-down?+

The opening is immediate and zesty with heavy citrus. Within an hour, the jasmine and neroli heart notes emerge, adding a floral lightness. By the time it fully dries down on your skin, usually after two hours, the vanilla and patchouli gourmand qualities become the most prominent features.

What is the expected longevity of this scent?+

Most wearers find it to be long-lasting. On skin, you can expect it to linger for about 7 to 9 hours. If you spray it on your clothes during a cooler spring morning, the vanilla and oud base notes often remain detectable well into the evening.

How strong is the projection of this fragrance?+

Détermination has strong projection. It fills the space around you for the first few hours, easily extending beyond arm's length. It is potent enough that two to three sprays are typically sufficient for an office environment, as anything more might become overwhelming in small rooms.

Is this a suitable fragrance for all seasons?+

It performs best in spring and autumn. The citrus and neroli notes provide enough freshness for milder spring days, while the deeper base of patchouli, vanilla, and oud provides the necessary warmth for cooler autumn evenings. It may feel slightly heavy in extreme summer heat.

Is this scent appropriate for office wear?+

Yes, but with caution. Given its strong projection, it works best in the office if you apply it sparingly. The floral heart of jasmine and neroli gives it a clean, professional edge, provided you avoid overspraying to keep the oud and patchouli from becoming too loud.

How does the gender lean for this fragrance?+

It is a true unisex composition. The citrus and floral elements lean slightly feminine, while the cedar, oud, and patchouli base provides a sturdy, masculine structure. It smells balanced on both men and women, depending heavily on individual skin chemistry and personal preference.

Can I layer this fragrance with others?+

Yes, it layers well. Because it has a strong vanilla and patchouli foundation, you can layer it with a lighter citrus or rose fragrance to add depth. Avoid layering it with other heavy oud scents, as the combination might become too cloying for daily use.

Does it smell like other popular fragrances?+

Some users have noted similarities to Prada Paradoxe Intense due to the floral and gourmand structure, though this version introduces a distinct patchouli and oud edge. It is not an exact dupe, but if you enjoy that style of floral gourmand, you will likely appreciate this.

Is this a good value for the price?+

The consensus is that it offers good to great value. Considering its longevity and strong projection, the bottle lasts a long time. It is priced reasonably for a niche-style composition that uses prominent notes like oud and high-quality jasmine.

Rankings

Full rankings
Overall#33,955
Top Rated,
Most Reviewed#36,569
Best Longevity#68,643
Best Sillage#68,551
Price Value#68,755

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Dupes & Alternatives

COMMUNITY DUPESCORE

Consider Prada Paradoxe Intense for a similar floral gourmand vibe, or Tom Ford Oud Wood if you want a more wood-focused experience without the sweetness.

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Scent of the Day · Tuesday, Oct 6

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déterminationba[dr]
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