Dulce Diablo
Narcotica (2022)

So, I recently received a sample of Dulce Diablo with a purchase of a Theodoros Kalotinis fragrance. Upon initial whiff from the vial, I recoiled. Nonetheless, I decided to give the Narcotica Dulce Diablo fragrance a fair try.

And while not my jam, I just cannot see the appeal of this fragrance, I can not.

I DETEST chocolate, cocoa, chocolate liquor, or anything chocolate in a fragrance. And this fragrance is not an exception. Dulce Diablo opens with an OVERWHELMINGLY strong, boozy, chocolate accord. The opening almost made me feel nauseous. But within minutes, a strong, boozy, apricot-cognac-rum accord emerges. This fruity note actually balances out the chocolate (if you can envision that). And what you are left with is a very boozy, rum-soaked, honeyed, chocolate apricot concoction.

Over time, the fragrance changes and barely detectable, pale, weak, vanilla, base notes emerge. But that's about it. And within 15 minutes, the entire experience is (thankfully) gone.

Even after all the notes faded, I still felt like I might become sick. Why? With the exception of fragrances that consist of thick, heavy, dense, rich, chocolatey patchouli notes (which I also detest), I'm not sure WHY fragrances like this are made. Why?

I feel mostly the smell of melted chocolate and sour cherry syrup in the first 3-4 hours. Then the fruity notes flow down and a soft toffee/biscuit-like aroma remains for hours, with a sweet and sour aftertaste left over from the initial stage. Overall, it's very warm and sweet and delicious. Don't be afraid of its alcoholic notes, they've been used here in a mysterious and attractive way.

This was a dud for me, unfortunately! (Reviewed this earlier today, but I don’t think it posted, so I’m trying again!) It smells fine but evaporates off of my skin so fast that I cannot enjoy it at all. Very light vanilla-tonka skin scent after the first 15 mins or so, but quite faint. It lasted a couple of hours and then poof!

I know this lasts all day according to some, so I was surprised! It didn’t even last on clothing at all. I don’t know if something has changed in the formula or what - it was like a watered down perfume. Very disappointing!