Pure Poison was launched in 2004 for women as an Eau de Parfum. Pure Poison was created by Carlos Benaim, Dominique Ropion, and Olivier Polge. Pure Poison is part of Dior’s Poison collection. It’s a flanker to the original Poison, released in 1985.
Pure Poison is a floral fragrance with top notes of orange, bergamot, and jasmine; middle notes of tuberose, ylang-ylang, and lily of the valley; and base notes of sandalwood, amber, and musk. It doesn’t enjoy the same level of popularity anymore as it did after its release, but whereas other Poison flankers have been discontinued, it’s still a pretty popular scent.
A note from the brand:
Once upon a time there was an ingenuous and captivating, sincere and mysterious fragrance… Pure Poison is the fragrance that celebrates the purest form of seduction, while exploring its duality and irresistible alchemy. Composed with Orange Blossom, Jasmine, Gardenia, Amber and Sandalwood, this delicate, modern-day potion brings out the seductress in you.
| Perfume Name | Pure Poison |
| Brand | Dior |
| Year Released | 2004 |
| Concentration | Eau de Parfum |
| Scent Family | Floral |
| Gender | women |
As a long-time Dior fan, I tried it when it was released in 2004. But as I already had Hypnotic Poison in my collection, I didn’t get it at the time. Since it’s been forever since I tried it, I recently picked up a sample at Sephora.
What does Pure Poison by Dior smell like?
The scent is fresh and clean with floral and citrus notes. The opening is bright with that zesty bergamot and orange that gets softened by the sweet jasmine. The heart of orange blossom and gardenia continues the white floral effect in an amazing way.
Pure Poison makes you feel confident and sexy. But comfortable and secure at the same time. I feel it screams less for attention than Hypnotic Poison, for example. It’s still strong, and it can make a statement but in a more gentle way. Wearing it gives me the feeling of a gentle embrace.It reminds me a little bit of Theiry Mugler Alien.
| Top Notes | Jasmine, Orange, Bergamot and Sicilian Mandarin |
| Middle Notes | Gardenia and Orange Blossom |
| Base Notes | Sandalwood, White Amber, Cedar and White Musk |
My Experience
When I first put on Pure Poison, I was instantly intoxicated by the scent. It is a seductive blend of sweet florals and citrus that leaves a lingering trail. The bottle is exquisite – sleek and shiny with a retro vibe. Wearing it feels like a perfect way to add an air of luxury to any outfit.
The dry down of Pure Poison is simply gorgeous. After about 30 minutes, the sandalwood and amber base starts to come through, which gives the fragrance an oriental feel.
At the same time, it’s a perfect blend of sweet and musky, with just a touch of floral to keep things interesting. I think it would be an ideal choice for someone looking for a signature scent that won’t overpower them.
I absolutely adore the way this perfume lingers on the skin. It’s not too heavy or overpowering, but it definitely leaves its mark. In fact, I found myself constantly being drawn back to it even after wearing other, more prominent scents.
Sillage & Projection
I found the sillage to be moderate, but the scent trail is just so beautiful. People will definitely be wondering who sprayed something so beautiful as you walk by. The projection of the scent is moderate overall too. I put it on just before getting into a car with some friends, and they complimented me on it, but it definitely wasn’t choking them.
Longevity & Versatility
I think Pure Poison is a versatile fragrance that can be worn year-round. The scent is perfect for casual or formal occasions and has notes of orange blossom, jasmine, and sandalwood, which make it perfect for warm weather months. The hints of vanilla and amber make it ideal for cooler weather months. It is a soft, delicate fragrance that works well for everyday wear.
Although, I’d probably still stick to a scent that’s a bit more summery during the warmer months. I tried it during spring and reapplied it at night before going out, and I still felt it worked in a variety of settings. I found the longevity to be pretty good, and I easily get 8 hours of longevity.
Closing thoughts
Pure Poison would be a great choice for jasmine lovers looking for something long-lasting. As with the other scents in this Dior range, I think it’s worth the hefty price tag. Given that it’s such an all-around versatile scent, I would definitely tell people that it’s worthwhile buying a full bottle. It’s a classic for a reason.
I feel this scent would suit a range of people, and it’s not something that is only for someone more mature. For example, this could be a great graduation gift for someone special in your life as it’s still a strong perfume, but not overwhelmingly so for a young person.