Calvin Klein launched Eternity in 1988, unlike some of it's counterparts from that decade Eternity has lasted the course. When ever I think back to perfumes launched in the 80's I always end up thinking about the more ''in your face'' perfumes such as Dior's Poison, Calvin Klein's Obsession and Yves St Laurent's Opium, this could well be due to the fact I had friends who practically bathed in all of these perfumes. I of course might have been guilty of sporting the odd subtle squirt of Obsession from time to time!
In the decade that saw the rise of the yuppie, power dressing and a society that became more and more of a throw away society,it comes as a surprise that Calvin Klein attempted to market Eternity with the help of some wonderful black and white stills as a perfume inspired by the whole concept of ever lasting love and intimacy.
The perfume was supposedly blended using a range of classic and contempary scents to produce a perfume that reflected timeless quality and a modern style. Given that this perfume is now 15 years old and still one of Calvin Klein's best sellers they might just have got that right! As the by line in the adverts states ''as long as intimacy goes on so will Eternity''.
Most perfume sites classify Eternity as a romantic, floral perfume and for once I am in agreement. Eternity is one of those perfumes where you will get people asking ''What perfume are you wearing?'' and you'll also get a fair few complements. It's the kind of perfume you wear when you're feeling confident and contented with life. It's understated, but in the same breath screams class.
As with all Calvin Klein perfumes the packaging is very understated and minimalist. With a cream box which does not hide the fact it's made of recycled card. Along the top in grey lettering you'll find the name Eternity. It's subtle and to be honest I find over dressed perfume packaging rather off putting - I tend to shy away from ''in yer face'' looking perfumes. On opening the box you'll be greeted with a bottle which is very art deco in style. Given the decade it was first manufactured in the simplicity of the bottle is rather surprising. The only slightly unsubtle thing about the sleek oblong shaped bottle would be the silver T shaped lid which incorporates the push down sprayer. But having said this it is in keeping with the art deco style Calvin Klein was so obviously after. One word of caution the push down button can be very stiff at first.
Eternity is a blend of the following notes: mandarin,freesia,sage,narcissus,lily of the valley,marigold,jasmine,rose, amber, sandalwood, patchouli and musk. With a blend such as this you really would expect a very floral smell and slightly heavy smell. Thankfully this is not the case with Eternity.
Eternity on first spraying can only be described as awful! I walked away from the counter rather disappointed the first time I tried it. The first thing you notice on spraying is a rather odd smell, slightly metallic mixed with a musky fresh tobacco smell. When I mention tobacco I'm talking about the odour you get when say you smell a packet of rolling tobacco not the odour that unfortunately clings to the clothing of us smokers. It was after about 5 minutes when the top notes had died down I noticed a slight change in the smell. Gone was the metallic smell I could practically taste, the tobacco smell had most definitely gone but it still smelt odd and decidedly musky. I was going to put on my never to try again list in all honesty till after 30 minutes I had another sniff. By this time the perfume had obviously settled down to produce a very subtle light fragrance that was now rather pleasing to my discerning nose! It a light slightly fresh blend of floral/earthy aromas with just a subtle hint of musk and patchouli.
Eternity is one of those perfumes where thankfully given it's smell on first spraying you do not have to keep re spraying. I've worn it to work and it's light smell is still evident some 8 hours later. This might be due to the fact I have the more concentrated Eau De Parfum so I'm unable to testify to the staying power of the Eau De Toilette but I would not have thought it would be that much different.Given it's staying power and the fact you only need a couple of squirts to smell good a 50ml bottle should last you well in excess of 12 months.
As with all designer perfumes Eternity comes with a range of accessories: Eau De Parfum and Eau De Toilette - 30ml, 50ml and 100ml bottles, shower gel, body lotion, deodorant spray and soap to name a few.
With a recommended retail price of £36 for 50mls of the Eau de Parfum it is definitely advisable to shop around to pick up a bargain.I have seen it in various shops recently on special offer for about £27. I was lucky to get mine on Strawberrynet.com for £16.95 including postage. Unfortunately this offer is no longer available but you can still pick up a bottle on their for under £25.
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