Reviews of Escape by Calvin Klein
Escape by Calvin Klein (1991) is a very big perfume, almost counter to Eternity by Calvin Klein (1987), which it succeeded by a few years. Eternity was composed by Sophia Grojsman, and is a masterclass in sheer futurism, transparent and with Grojsman's "hug me accord" nestled between what otherwise might be stinging levels of freshness. Here with Escape, Claude Dir perfumes and takes the dial back a bit to more conventional ideas compared to Eternity. That said, Escape is still fairly sheer, with a lot of fruity and floral accords that are in and of themselves light; it's just that he layers so many of them on top of one another so thickly, that the end product is a literal "wall of smell" that comes at you opaquely like a typical 1980's powerhouse. The only thing close to this would be Sunflowers by Elizabeth Arden (1993), which could be seen as a downmarket clap-back at Escape in many ways; my mom certainly liked it much better. J'adore by Christian Dior (1999) would strip away the fiddly bits from the core ideas found in Escape, and make a leaner, more elegant version of them.
The biggest players in Escape's "wall of smell" are osmanthus, calone, peach lactones, jasmine hedione, and rose ketones. In the usual futuristic way, very little about Escape is natural, but the smell is so impressive that you just don't care. This fruity-floral amalgam has additional players to darken and sweeten it up, like blackcurrant and green apple notes layered with carnation, mandarin orange, and musky ylang. The big dihydromyrcenol through-line brings in that oh-so-trendy aquatic freshness of the time, but it honestly fights for space against all the dense fruity floral elements. What makes this a good fruity floral and not one of the many bad examples of the over-represented genre in women's perfume, is the sharpening effect of green notes like galbanum and cassis, vetiver, oakmoss, and patchouli; all of these are background players and really don't come into play until the dry down, but that's where you want them. The slight green chypre-like edge is what also makes Escape feel more "vintage" to most noses than Eternity, both then in 1991 and now.
Had Escape come out in 1981 instead of 1991, and it would have stood strong against perfumes from Lauder, Giorgio, Givenchy, Dior, and all the usual suspects making big floral powerhouses at the time. Also considering that the materials in Escape existed at that time, just weren't in such common use yet, means it was possible; and had it been done, Escape would have been seen as a groundbreaking exercise that set the tone for what would have come regardless, instead of a slight half-step backwards that became eclipsed by the unisex offering cK One by Calvin Klein (1994) in short order. Escape for Men by Calvin Klein (1993) was wholly unrelated to the women's fragrance in the same way Eternity for Men by Calvin Klein (1989) was for Eternity, and also like Eternity's male counterpart, ended up a bigger seller in the long run even if it fell far behind the women's entry in the initial launch. In many ways the men's Escape was much more daring a composition (from perfumer Steve DeMercado), even if this original women's entry feels more time and care was taken with it. Thumbs up
The biggest players in Escape's "wall of smell" are osmanthus, calone, peach lactones, jasmine hedione, and rose ketones. In the usual futuristic way, very little about Escape is natural, but the smell is so impressive that you just don't care. This fruity-floral amalgam has additional players to darken and sweeten it up, like blackcurrant and green apple notes layered with carnation, mandarin orange, and musky ylang. The big dihydromyrcenol through-line brings in that oh-so-trendy aquatic freshness of the time, but it honestly fights for space against all the dense fruity floral elements. What makes this a good fruity floral and not one of the many bad examples of the over-represented genre in women's perfume, is the sharpening effect of green notes like galbanum and cassis, vetiver, oakmoss, and patchouli; all of these are background players and really don't come into play until the dry down, but that's where you want them. The slight green chypre-like edge is what also makes Escape feel more "vintage" to most noses than Eternity, both then in 1991 and now.
Had Escape come out in 1981 instead of 1991, and it would have stood strong against perfumes from Lauder, Giorgio, Givenchy, Dior, and all the usual suspects making big floral powerhouses at the time. Also considering that the materials in Escape existed at that time, just weren't in such common use yet, means it was possible; and had it been done, Escape would have been seen as a groundbreaking exercise that set the tone for what would have come regardless, instead of a slight half-step backwards that became eclipsed by the unisex offering cK One by Calvin Klein (1994) in short order. Escape for Men by Calvin Klein (1993) was wholly unrelated to the women's fragrance in the same way Eternity for Men by Calvin Klein (1989) was for Eternity, and also like Eternity's male counterpart, ended up a bigger seller in the long run even if it fell far behind the women's entry in the initial launch. In many ways the men's Escape was much more daring a composition (from perfumer Steve DeMercado), even if this original women's entry feels more time and care was taken with it. Thumbs up
It is fruity and fresh with very prominent melon, but with almost oldschool floral richness underneath. Very interesting, like meeting the old and the new. Well, that "new" is 30 years old already and already out of fashion as aquatic scents are not "in" anymore, but still it feels good to wear it - and you hear it from a person that normally hates aquatics!
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I remember smelling this everywhere when it was first launched, but never owned a bottle myself. I hadn't smelled it in a long time until I was recently sent this sample by a basenotes buddy. The calone note here is much less oceanic than I recalled, & the melon smells more like grapefruit to me. In fact it reminds me strongly of Armani's Acqua di Gioia, only even more synthetic & slightly turned. There's no development whatsoever; the volume is simply turned down after six hours.
I thought I would enjoy smelling this again, but either it has changed, or I have. I suspect it's both.
I thought I would enjoy smelling this again, but either it has changed, or I have. I suspect it's both.
I used to wear this when I was younger. I really liked it and got a lot of compliments on it. People always told me I smelled like watermelon. It reminds me of the way some chewing gums smell. My mom used to wear it too, but it smelled differently on her. It was less melon and more floral I think. Funny how scents are individual that way!
I haven't worn this in a long time, but I remember it well. I'm not a perfume expert, so all I can say is that I loved it then and I like it now. I prefer more "sensual" scents now which probably comes with age!
I haven't worn this in a long time, but I remember it well. I'm not a perfume expert, so all I can say is that I loved it then and I like it now. I prefer more "sensual" scents now which probably comes with age!
I was looking for a replacement for my favorite discontinued scent, New West. I searched online for similar notes including this site, and got a lot of suggestions. I don't like to wear different perfumes. I like to have a signature scent so that people identify me by one sniff. I love fresh, clean, aquatic, melony types of scents. According to "distinguished" folk, the love for aquatics is similar to a love for synthetic leather. I don't even care! I ordered samples of Issey Miyake something D'Issey, Eternity Summer 2014, Clinique Happy Heart, Clean Skin, Clean Rain (already use), Escape, and True Star. Calvin Klein Escape was the winner, hands down! From beginning to the dry down, it smells absolutely amazing on my skin, clothes, everywhere. I love it, I love it! And it's so inexpensive, that's the best part. Thanks for all the help on this website!
Summary: For me, starts nice, but the melon note becomes overpowering after a while and I cannot tolerate it.
Smells nice. A little flowery but not sweet at all. Mainly a fresh flowery scent. The flowery part is very nice, reminds me of wild flowers and wild bushes.
However, there's some note on the fresh side of this fragrance that displeases me. Maybe it is the melon, which does not smell like those sweet, fragrant, melt in your mouth melons, but just as those unpleasant, too-green melons which are a disappointment.
For me, replacing the green melon note with carnation would have been perfect, as I seem to like the other notes together. As it is, I am not sure I can get over the green melon note to enjoy the rest.
Edited to add: The sillage was actually strong enough for the melon note to become overpowering and distracting while programming at work (had applied it on my left arm near the wrist). Had to scrub it twice with hand soap and apply scented lotion to make it disappear. It seems I cannot handle this melon note after all, which is a shame as the rest was very serene and pleasing to me.
Smells nice. A little flowery but not sweet at all. Mainly a fresh flowery scent. The flowery part is very nice, reminds me of wild flowers and wild bushes.
However, there's some note on the fresh side of this fragrance that displeases me. Maybe it is the melon, which does not smell like those sweet, fragrant, melt in your mouth melons, but just as those unpleasant, too-green melons which are a disappointment.
For me, replacing the green melon note with carnation would have been perfect, as I seem to like the other notes together. As it is, I am not sure I can get over the green melon note to enjoy the rest.
Edited to add: The sillage was actually strong enough for the melon note to become overpowering and distracting while programming at work (had applied it on my left arm near the wrist). Had to scrub it twice with hand soap and apply scented lotion to make it disappear. It seems I cannot handle this melon note after all, which is a shame as the rest was very serene and pleasing to me.
Escape was the first of the "oceanic" sea scents, based on the molecule, Calone, which imparted an "aqueous melon note," which marketers "convinced the world ...was the scent of the sea" - quotes from Roja Dove.
Turin called it "white floral," (?) and gave it but two stars, but nodded that this was a description of the re-formulation. Barbara Herman calls it an "aquatic, clean and fruity-floral."
This aquatic scent was soon copied into shampoos and detergents for the mass market, thus diminishing the uniqueness of Escape itself.
Top notes: Peach, Melon, Bergamot, Apricot, Mandarin, Apple, Black Currant, Colone, Chamomile, Plum
Heart notes: Rose, Muguet, Orris, Cyclamen, Heliotrope, Ylang, Rosewood, Carnation, Jasmine, Coriander, Clove
Base notes: Cedar, Vanilla, Amber, Musk, Sandalwood, Oakmoss
I found it to be a fruity floral, drying down to a pleasant grassy/reedy scent, reminiscent of Artemesia, but sweeter.
I did not find it to be a distinguished scent by any means.
Turin called it "white floral," (?) and gave it but two stars, but nodded that this was a description of the re-formulation. Barbara Herman calls it an "aquatic, clean and fruity-floral."
This aquatic scent was soon copied into shampoos and detergents for the mass market, thus diminishing the uniqueness of Escape itself.
Top notes: Peach, Melon, Bergamot, Apricot, Mandarin, Apple, Black Currant, Colone, Chamomile, Plum
Heart notes: Rose, Muguet, Orris, Cyclamen, Heliotrope, Ylang, Rosewood, Carnation, Jasmine, Coriander, Clove
Base notes: Cedar, Vanilla, Amber, Musk, Sandalwood, Oakmoss
I found it to be a fruity floral, drying down to a pleasant grassy/reedy scent, reminiscent of Artemesia, but sweeter.
I did not find it to be a distinguished scent by any means.
Pleasant and faintly salty peach and plum white floral with a tropical feel, like a Fuzzy Navel or similar mixed drink. Though Listen by Herb Alpert predated this approach by a couple of years (and doubtless was entwined with the creation of the original Kenzo Pour Homme) CK's Escape is really one of the most natural-smelling in the company's arsenal. It suffers from an inevitable lack of excitement but it serves its purpose well - a scent for languishing in the sun on a day off or transporting the wearer to such a place even if they have to work today after all.
I was wearing it when almost nobody was in Italy, back in the 90's
Of course I was much younger and Escape was a perfect partner in crime for my youth. Fruity, fresh, floral the original formula had all the happiness of that carefree age.
As soon as the fragrance appeared on the Italian shelves it was on EVERY woman passing by and to me Escape lost its magic spell.
It remains an enjoyable fragrance for teens and holds lots of good memories. Would not wear it now (I am 39 yo) though as I have a matured a different self consciousness and look for different notes in a perfume.
Of course I was much younger and Escape was a perfect partner in crime for my youth. Fruity, fresh, floral the original formula had all the happiness of that carefree age.
As soon as the fragrance appeared on the Italian shelves it was on EVERY woman passing by and to me Escape lost its magic spell.
It remains an enjoyable fragrance for teens and holds lots of good memories. Would not wear it now (I am 39 yo) though as I have a matured a different self consciousness and look for different notes in a perfume.
Summer has definitely arrived once I'm wearing Escape, there can be no mistake.
I don't know why it is but this amazing frag smells the same no matter how long you wear it, camomile is predominent, backed up by marigold and hyacinth. Just enough sweetness is brought to the mix by the melon and lychee, and peach I think.
No matter how old I get (I'm 42 almost), CK scents remind me of the 90s. I had a set of minis in the late 90s containing CK One, Eternity, Obsession, Contradiction and Escape. There is still a similar product but they swapped Escape for Truth.
Escape smells of sunshine, simple as that.
I don't know why it is but this amazing frag smells the same no matter how long you wear it, camomile is predominent, backed up by marigold and hyacinth. Just enough sweetness is brought to the mix by the melon and lychee, and peach I think.
No matter how old I get (I'm 42 almost), CK scents remind me of the 90s. I had a set of minis in the late 90s containing CK One, Eternity, Obsession, Contradiction and Escape. There is still a similar product but they swapped Escape for Truth.
Escape smells of sunshine, simple as that.
I started wearing this in 1991 when it first came out. It was the only fragrance I could really ever wear back then. I was faithful to Escape and Escape alone for many years afterward. I've only become a perfume junkie in the past 5 years, trying new things and appreciating "the classics" and so forth. Now I am faithful to no scent. BUT, of all the scents I have worn, Escape is the only one I would receive compliments on. Men loved it on me. I think my husband fell in love with me...or Escape, or both of us...
I am know the formula has changed over the years, too bad. It was so beautiful back in the day.
I am know the formula has changed over the years, too bad. It was so beautiful back in the day.
I read these reviews before I tried this perfume, and I must say I was preparing myself for an overpoweringly strong, mature perfume. I should add that I'm 18 and that I really liked this fragrance when I finally got around to testing it.
Strong, yes, but not so strong that it would knock someone out upon first sniff. Sophisticated, warm and sensual is how I would describe Escape. I can see this perfume being worn anytime, whether it be during the day, at night or even at a special occasion. It may be a perfume that smells very similiar to a lot of fragrances these days but there's something about Escape that is intriguing and rather charming.
Update:
When I first tested this fragrance I had never noticed that Escape had a salty note. I was quite surprised to discover this as it did indeed remind me of the ocean. Seeming that all my memories associated with the beach are good ones, this will most definitely be top priority on my wishlist.
Second update:
Escape did not work well with my skin chemistry. Unfortunately I had to push this one aside.
Strong, yes, but not so strong that it would knock someone out upon first sniff. Sophisticated, warm and sensual is how I would describe Escape. I can see this perfume being worn anytime, whether it be during the day, at night or even at a special occasion. It may be a perfume that smells very similiar to a lot of fragrances these days but there's something about Escape that is intriguing and rather charming.
Update:
When I first tested this fragrance I had never noticed that Escape had a salty note. I was quite surprised to discover this as it did indeed remind me of the ocean. Seeming that all my memories associated with the beach are good ones, this will most definitely be top priority on my wishlist.
Second update:
Escape did not work well with my skin chemistry. Unfortunately I had to push this one aside.
what a WONDERFUL fragrant! I tried it today for the first time. Most peoples comments are about it's nostalgia, given I am only 20 and have no nostalgia from it I still LOVED it!!! It is a bit strong at first but the drydown is esquisite! I think I will purchase a small bottle for my collection. hrs after I sprayed it it is still very strong.
This fresh yet classy fragrance is my everyday "work" choice. It doesn't give me a headache or make me feel nauseous or trigger my asthma as some fragrances can. A light application allows me to feel feminine and groomed while not overwhelming others or the environments I visit. It lasts so I don't feel the need to top up. I would wear this in all but the hottest weather.
This reminds me quite strongly of Cabotine by Gres a soapy ,sweet floral but this is soapier on me .I like this and bought a full size set (very cheaply at TJMaxx)but I'm not sure how often I will wear it.
best worn in the summer, i normally dont like floral aquatics, but i find this one alright
Oh, I tried wearing this when it first came out. I wanted to like it so much...and I did like it...but it gave me the biggest headaches in the world. The scent just never seemed to fade. Even with one spray, I could still smell it on myself eight hours later! That sickeningly overbearing sweet smell.I left it for many years, and last Christmas, my mom got a small bottle in a gift set and I smelled it. I thought twice before spraying it, and then I did. I then remembered why it never worked for me. It made me gag, and even stayed on my wrist after washing my hands for several minutes. No can do.
I have been a long-time fan of Calvin klein fragrances, but this one does not appeal to me AT ALL. I think it's supposed to be a light natural and fresh fragrance but to me it smells like bug repellent. The name "Escape" is appropriate. When I smell someone wearing this fragrance, I want to escape. Thank God it's not very popular anymore.
I wonder why this scent's name is "Escape" but by thinking about it my mind escape for a while. Very sweet & lasting.
I am in my early 30's and love this fragrance. It can become a bit heedy, so as other reviewers have pointed out, find out how this wears on you before too much is used! :) It evokes a very classy feeling, an air of sophistication surrounds you when this is worn.Here are a few fragrance notes from different sites that I located ... TOP: peach, apricot and rose lilyMIDDLE: carnation, ylang-ylang and cedarBASE: vanilla, amber and muskA fruity floral fragrance with notes of chamomile, apple, mandarin, jasmine, rose, plum, peach, musk and sandalwood.A floral and fruity fragrance, with a hint of marine scent evokes the adventure that is each woman's life. Escape opens with chamomile, apple, lychee, coriander and hyacinth followed by a heart note of jasmine, peach, lily of the valley, rose, osmanthus, and carnation. The end note is composed of sandalwood, musk and vetiver. FRAGRANCE NOTES - Chamomile, Apple, Mandarin, Rose, Plum, Peach, Musk, Sandalwood.
'Nice,' in the most boring sense of the word. I don't actively dislike it at all, but there's nothing here that does it for me either... I've heard it called a marine fragrance, which I suppose is accurate. If it were a person it would be a big, dumb oaf. 'Big' due to the strength, 'dumb' due to the complete lack of complexity or development, 'oaf' because you can't really relate to it, nor can you find it in your heart to really dislike it... it is what it is... it just isn't for me. I should mention though that this is my dad's girlfriend's signature fragrance, and she seems quite happy with it (judging by the over-generous application;-)
when you're a 20 year old(years ago) and the delicious older lady you're dating wears this, you're not sure if you've fallen truly, madly for her or for her fragrance...i remeber nuzzling the nape of her neck and teasing her ear just to get a closer experience..its a magical fragrance...not too much is necessary...but it overpowered this young man into total submission..at least while we were together...evocative..that is the best a scent can do..5 stars
Again, one of those fragrances that make you a tad nauseous if overapplied. I use it QUITE sparingly, and like it. Not the most frequently used fragrance in my wardrobe, but not one of the "sleepers", either.
Escape has the whole Meryl Streep 'Out of Africa' feel to it. On me this isn't heady or cloying at all, it is soft with great sillage. This isn't one that I would wear all the time, but I still like it. This scent sets the mood for English pleasure riding.