Our take
What does Illicit smell like?
Jimmy Choo launched Illicit in August 2015 from a formula by Anne Flipo. The brand wanted an evening scent more sensual than its first women’s perfume, and the name sets the tone. It opens with sharp ginger and a lightly zested bitter orange. That is the best part. The heart moves to a classic bouquet of rose, jasmine sambac and orange blossom, warm rather than bright. Then honey takes over. It clings to the base with amber and vanilla, softened by sandalwood and cashmere wood. Some lists add caramel, and the smell explains why. The perfume can’t decide between floral oriental and gourmand. Compared with Mugler’s Alien, another amber white floral, Illicit is sweeter and less radiant. It stays comfortable, but the honey ends up flattening the flowers.
When to wear it
For a winter night out or dinner, two sprays on the nape. At the office or during the day the honey gets heavy fast.
It belongs to the Floral, Oriental / Amber family. Illicit is one of 7 creations by Jimmy Choo in our encyclopedia.
