Antonio Mcgowan
Calvin Klein's Obsession is a vintage Oriental Spicy fragrance for women that was launched in 1985. The formula and scent have been dramatically altered since its launch, and it is now very different from the original version. The easiest way to identify if you have the vintage formula is to look at the box. The perfume industry changed the way it listed ingredients in 2003, so if the box has a very short list of ingredients, it is likely to be the vintage formula. Another way to identify the vintage formula is to look at the bottle. The vintage formula will have a reddish-brown cap with a gold rim around the bottom, and the sprayer will be embedded in the cap.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Spray | The sprayer embedded in the cap is the oldest. |
| Cap colour | The newer cap is dark brown and opaque with no gold rim. The vintage cap is reddish-brown and not opaque with a gold rim. |
| Ingredients | Older bottles have no or a very short list of ingredients. |
| Bottle | The vintage bottle is likely to be made in the USA. |
| Scent | The vintage scent is likely to be stronger and spicier. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Check the box for ingredients and barcode
Checking the box for ingredients and barcodes is a crucial step in determining whether your Obsession perfume is the vintage formula. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you with this process:
Firstly, examine the box for a list of ingredients. Older versions of Obsession may have no ingredients listed or a very short list, while newer versions will typically have a longer list of ingredients. This is due to changes in the perfume industry's ingredient listing standards in 2003. Thus, if the box has a lengthy list of ingredients, it likely indicates a more recent formulation.
Additionally, pay close attention to the manufacturer information on the back or bottom of the box. Vintage Obsession perfumes often mention "Calvin Klein Cosmetics" or "Unilever" as the manufacturers. On the other hand, if you see "Coty" listed as the manufacturer, it indicates a newer version of the perfume. The change in manufacturers occurred when Coty acquired Calvin Klein, resulting in a significant reformulation of the original Obsession scent.
Another crucial aspect to look for is the presence of a barcode. Most original packaging of perfumes includes a serial number or distributor code, often in the form of a barcode. The absence of a barcode or serial number may indicate a vintage or older version of the perfume. However, it is worth noting that some vintage perfumes may still have barcodes, so this is not a definitive indicator.
When examining the box, consider the language used in the ingredient listing. Older versions may have additional language translations, such as an extra French ingredients list, indicating a potential vintage formula.
Lastly, be cautious when purchasing Obsession perfume online. While sites like Mercari or eBay offer various options, including vintage bottles, always request detailed pictures of the box, including the back, to ensure authenticity. Scrutinize the colour of the cap, the presence or absence of a gold rim, and the overall packaging design, as these can be telling signs of whether the perfume is the vintage formula or a newer version.
In summary, checking the box for ingredients, manufacturer information, barcodes, and language translations can provide valuable insights into determining whether your Obsession perfume is the vintage formula. Remember to be diligent, especially when purchasing online, to ensure the authenticity and desired formulation of your perfume.
Testers' Guide: Getting Samples for Perfume Reviews
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Look for the gold rim on the cap
If you're on the hunt for vintage Obsession by Calvin Klein, one of the key indicators of the original formula is the colour of the cap and the presence of a gold rim. The original cap is described as reddish-brown with a gold rim around the bottom, while the newer version has a dark brown, opaque cap with no gold rim.
The gold rim is described as a "telltale sign" of the vintage formula, so if you're looking for the original Obsession scent, this is a crucial detail to look out for. The reddish-brown cap is also mentioned as a distinguishing feature, as some newer versions have a lighter brown or opaque cap.
The sprayer mechanism can also provide clues. The oldest bottles had a built-in sprayer embedded in the cap, meaning the cap could not be removed. Newer bottles have a removable cap, with the sprayer mechanism underneath.
Additionally, the length of the ingredient list can be an indicator of the bottle's age. Older bottles tend to have a shorter list of ingredients, while newer bottles have a longer list.
So, if you're seeking the original Obsession fragrance, keep an eye out for that reddish-brown cap with the distinctive gold rim.
Are Bath Bombs with Perfume Oils Harmful?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Check if the sprayer is embedded in the cap
If you want to determine whether your Obsession perfume is the vintage formula, one key indicator is to check if the sprayer is embedded in the cap. The earliest versions of Obsession featured a fixed spray mechanism, where the sprayer was integrated into the cap and could not be removed. This design meant that the button to activate the spray was located on the side of the cap itself. Subsequently, newer versions introduced a removable cap, allowing the cap and sprayer to be separated.
When examining your bottle, look for a cap that is light brown or reddish-brown in colour, as this is indicative of the older-style bottles. The presence of a gold rim around the bottom of the cap is also a distinguishing feature of the vintage formula. If you notice that the cap is dark brown and opaque, it is likely a newer version.
The integration of the sprayer and cap in the vintage formula resulted in the cap being non-removable. This design choice ensured the integrity of the fragrance and prevented accidental spills or leaks. However, it also meant that the bottle needed to be tilted or angled during application to ensure the sprayer was directed towards the desired area.
It is worth noting that the sprayer's quality may vary across different bottles, even among vintage formulas. Some users have described the sprayer as "cheap-looking," but this does not necessarily indicate a fake product. The sprayer mechanism may also differ between the vintage and newer formulas, impacting the overall user experience and fragrance distribution.
In summary, if you are inspecting an Obsession perfume bottle and notice that the sprayer is embedded within the cap, it is likely that you possess an older version of the fragrance. This fixed spray design, characterised by a non-removable cap, is a distinctive feature of the vintage formula. However, other factors such as the colour of the cap and the presence of a gold rim also play a role in determining the age and authenticity of the perfume.
Best Places to Buy Eternity Perfume
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Compare the scent to the current formulation
Comparing the scent of vintage Obsession to its current formulation is a complex task, as the perfume's formula and scent have been dramatically altered and it no longer smells like its original iteration. The vintage Obsession, a fragrance from the 1980s, is described as having a rich, full, and ambient scent with a spicy, warm vanilla aroma and a hint of green, herbal notes. It is heavy and dense, yet not overpowering, with a dry-down of delectable vanilla and a hint of animalic presence, possibly civet.
In contrast, the current formulation of Obsession is said to be less appealing. Some have described it as stale cinnamon water, lacking the depth and longevity of its predecessor. The new batches are characterized as a sharp synthetic overdose of spices and wood, with basic notes of powder and amber.
One notable difference between the two formulations is the presence of a harsh and acrid note in the vintage formula, possibly from coriander combining with various wood notes, resulting in a gingerbread spice cake effect. This harsh note is absent in the current formulation, which may contribute to its less complex character.
To truly compare the scents, it is advisable to obtain samples of both the vintage and current formulations. Department stores and drug stores that carry testers often have Calvin Klein fragrances, making it easier to experience the current formulation. For the vintage formulation, one may need to resort to online searches or specialty perfume retailers, keeping in mind that vintage Obsession is highly sought-after and expensive.
Additionally, when comparing the scents, it is essential to consider the concentration of the perfume. The vintage Obsession was available in different concentrations, including parfum, cologne, and eau de parfum. Each concentration would have had a slight variation in the scent's intensity, which could be a differentiating factor when compared to the current formulation.
Shipping Perfume: USPS Rates and Regulations
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Check the manufacturing location
The manufacturing location of a bottle of Calvin Klein Obsession can indicate whether it is a vintage formula or not. The original fragrances were manufactured in France, bottled in the USA and France, and distributed by Calvin Klein Cosmetics.
Some older bottles of Obsession were manufactured in the USA, while others were made in France. Some users have noted that their vintage bottles were manufactured in the USA, while others mention France. It is worth noting that the formula remained the same whether the bottles were manufactured in the USA or France.
If you are looking for a vintage bottle of Obsession, it is best to avoid anything with "eau de toilette" and "vaporisateur" on the label, as these are not easily identifiable as vintage, even if they are from the late '80s or early '90s. Additionally, anything from Coty, the current owner of the Calvin Klein fragrance brand, is not vintage.
You can also check the text on the back or bottom of the box for manufacturer information, as this can help identify the production location and date. The ingredients listed on the box can also be a good indicator of the age of the product, as the way ingredients were listed changed in 2003. Older products will simply list alcohol, fragrance, water, and colouring agents, while newer products will include allergens such as limonene, coumarin, and linalool.
Bobbi Brown Beach: What Perfumes Have Similar Scents?
You may want to see also
