
Red Door by Elizabeth Arden is a perfume with a distinctive scent that has been described as floral, sweet, and sour. It was released in 1989 and remains one of the brand's top-selling fragrances. The perfume has a strong association with the 1980s and is often described as having a granny smell. Some people dislike the scent, finding it too overpowering, while others adore it for its complexity and richness. The perfume contains notes of jasmine, orchid, honey, sandalwood, orange blossom, and freesia. It is considered a classic, sophisticated, and elegant fragrance that can be worn all year round and suits a refined woman who knows what she wants.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Released | 1989 |
| Perfumer | Elizabeth Arden |
| Notes | Jasmine, orchid, honey, sandalwood, orange blossom, freesia, carnation, plum, ylang-ylang |
| Smell | Sweet and sour, floral, soapy, rosy, ambery, musky, bitter, "grandma-ish" |
| Seasonality | Can be worn all year round |
| Longevity | Poor |
| Intensity | Strong |
| Occasion | Any |
| Age Group | Mature |
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What You'll Learn

Red Door is a strong, floral fragrance
Red Door by Elizabeth Arden is a strong, floral fragrance. It was released in 1989 and is still one of the brand's top-selling perfumes. The scent is described as "insanely floral" and overpowering by some, while others find it to be a unique and inviting smell. It is a very distinct and classic fragrance with notes of jasmine, orchid, honey, sandalwood, orange blossom, and freesia. The combination of blooming flowers with a hint of sweetness and warmth creates a luxurious and elegant scent.
The strength of the Red Door fragrance is notable, with some reviewers advising that it should be dabbed on sparingly rather than sprayed to avoid an overpowering effect. It is a long-lasting perfume, with one reviewer noting that the base note lingered for a long time. The scent is complex and rich, evoking a sense of relaxation and pampering for those who enjoy it. It is often associated with an older generation, with some reviewers commenting that it smells like their grandmother's perfume. However, others find it sophisticated and suitable for any occasion, from errands to evenings out.
The Red Door fragrance has a strong presence and longevity, leaving a lasting impression. It is a versatile perfume that can be worn during any season and at any time of day. While some may find the scent too strong or reminiscent of the 1980s, others appreciate its uniqueness and ability to evoke memories. The perfume has a dedicated following, with many reviewers recommending it to their friends and family.
The floral notes in Red Door are prominent, with honey and carnation standing out for some wearers. The scent is described as sweet and sour, with a hint of bitterness, resembling overripe rose hips or fruit. It dries down to a rosy and ambery whisper a few hours after application. The combination of floral and fruity notes creates a warm and luxurious fragrance, reminiscent of a "cottage girl lost in time."
Red Door by Elizabeth Arden is a strong, floral fragrance that leaves a lasting impression. Its unique blend of floral and fruity notes, along with its versatility and longevity, has earned it a dedicated following. While some may associate it with an older generation, others find it sophisticated, elegant, and suitable for any occasion. The strength of the fragrance is a notable feature, contributing to its long-lasting presence and impact.
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Notes of jasmine, honey and carnation
Red Door by Elizabeth Arden is a fragrance for women that was released in 1989. It is described as a floral, vintage, and "grandma-ish" scent. The perfume is strong and heady, and a little goes a long way. It has notes of jasmine, honey, and carnation, along with orchid, sandalwood, orange blossom, and freesia.
The jasmine note in Red Door adds a floral touch to the fragrance. Jasmine is known for its sweet, romantic, and intoxicating scent, often associated with warmth and sensuality. The jasmine in Red Door blends with the other floral notes to create a rich and complex aroma.
Honey is another prominent note in Red Door. Honey is a natural sweetener in perfumes, adding a touch of golden warmth and depth to the fragrance. It provides a smooth and alluring contrast to the floral notes, creating a well-rounded and inviting scent. Honey is also known for its ability to enhance and prolong the longevity of a perfume, ensuring that the fragrance lingers on the skin.
Carnation, a spicy and clove-like floral note, is also present in Red Door. Carnation adds a unique, slightly peppery edge to the fragrance, giving it a distinctive character. The carnation note blends seamlessly with the honey and jasmine, creating a well-balanced and intriguing scent.
Together, the notes of jasmine, honey, and carnation in Red Door by Elizabeth Arden create a sophisticated, complex, and inviting fragrance. The perfume has a distinct character that has garnered a loyal following, with many users describing it as a unique and memorable scent. While some may find it overpowering, others appreciate its strong and long-lasting presence, making it a signature fragrance for many women.
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$49.99

Popular in the 80s and 90s
Elizabeth Arden's Red Door perfume, released in 1989, is a popular fragrance that evokes memories of the 1980s and 1990s. The scent is described as a floral, sweet, and heady fragrance with a distinct "granny smell" that brings back nostalgic memories for many. Its top notes include jasmine, orchid, honey, and carnation, giving it a rich and complex aroma.
The perfume was widely used during the late 1980s and early 1990s, with some reviewers recalling it as their signature scent during that era. One reviewer mentions that their cousin wore Red Door in the late 1980s, capturing the romanticism of the time. Another reviewer associates the scent with their grandmother, who wore it during that period.
Red Door's strong and long-lasting fragrance has made it a memorable scent for many. Some reviewers describe it as "overpowering" and "stifling," while others find it elegant and sophisticated. The perfume's longevity is evident in comments about its ability to evoke strong memories and transport people back in time.
The scent of Red Door is often associated with sophistication and elegance. It is recommended for refined women who know what they want and enjoy standing out. The combination of blooming flowers and a hint of sweetness creates a luxurious and inviting fragrance suitable for any occasion, from casual errands to formal evenings out.
Red Door's unique blend of notes has resulted in a polarizing fragrance. While some adore the scent, finding it rich and relaxing, others dislike it, comparing it to fly spray or a doctor's office. Despite this, Red Door remains a popular and well-recognized perfume, with many fond memories and associations attached to its distinct fragrance.
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Some say it's a 'granny' scent
The Red Door perfume by Elizabeth Arden has been described by some as having a "granny scent". This fragrance, released in 1989, is considered mature and reminiscent of the 1980s. It is a strong and heady fragrance that some find overpowering and reminiscent of soap.
One reviewer described it as "insanely floral, devastatingly soapy, [and] slightly nostalgic [like a] grandma scent". Another reviewer noted that it is a generic vintage perfume, similar to other fragrances from that era. The scent is associated with women born between the 1930s and 1960s, and one person recalled how their cousin's mother had worn it.
Some reviewers disliked the scent, finding it too strong and overpowering, with one person comparing it to fly spray. Others found it to be a comforting and nostalgic fragrance, evoking memories of their grandmother or older female relatives.
Despite the mixed reviews, Red Door remains a popular and top-selling fragrance for Elizabeth Arden. It is described as sophisticated, distinct, and classic, with notes of jasmine, orchid, honey, sandalwood, orange blossom, and freesia. It is a versatile fragrance that can be worn during any season and on various occasions, from errands to evenings out.
While some may associate it with a "granny scent", others find it elegant and luxurious, highlighting its complexity and relaxing qualities. Ultimately, as one reviewer points out, perfume preference is subjective and depends on individual taste.
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A cheap alternative is Charlie Red
Red Door by Elizabeth Arden is a popular perfume with a distinct, classic, and vintage scent. It was first released in 1989 and is described as having a floral fragrance with notes of jasmine, orchid, honey, sandalwood, orange blossom, and freesia. Some reviewers have likened the scent to that of their grandmothers, with one stating that it smells like "every hug that they didn't want".
While Red Door has its admirers, some people dislike the scent, finding it too strong, overpowering, and reminiscent of fly spray or soap. It is often described as an acquired taste.
If you are looking for a similar scent to Red Door but want to try a cheaper alternative, Charlie Red is a good option. Charlie Red is similar to Red Door but lacks the thick, sweet and sour notes of overripe roses and rosehip darkness, and the ambery dry-down. It is a cheaper alternative that provides a lighter take on the Red Door fragrance.
Charlie Red is a great choice if you want to explore a similar scent profile without breaking the bank. It captures the essence of Red Door while offering a more subtle and delicate fragrance experience.
Additionally, you may want to explore other alternatives that resemble Red Door. Juliette Has A Gun Mad Madame is said to be reminiscent of Red Door, especially upon first spray, as it has a warm and luxurious floral scent. Another option is Cacharel Anais Anais, which shares the honey-rich floral DNA of Red Door.
Exploring these affordable alternatives can provide you with similar olfactory experiences without the need to splurge on the original Red Door perfume.
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Frequently asked questions
Red Door by Elizabeth Arden is a floral fragrance with notes of jasmine, orchid, honey, sandalwood, orange blossom, and freesia. Some have likened it to the smell of their grandmothers.
Yes, Red Door was released in 1989, and some consider it to be a generic vintage perfume.
Red Door is described as a strong and heady fragrance. It is recommended that it is dabbed on rather than sprayed to avoid it becoming overpowering.
Some similar perfumes to Red Door include Fleur de Rocaille, Cacharel Anais Anais, and Charlie Red.









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