4 Perfumes Similar to Obsession for Her

Obsession by Calvin Klein was an absolute powerhouse back in the 1980s, both in terms of its sales total, and its bold sillage. Seriously, this stuff could and still probably can, fill a room. With such a classic status already achieved, there are going to be plenty of women, trying to find something that can match what it did or at least feel similar to this perfume.

Well, there has been some reformulation of the classic, so the current Obsession isn’t exactly the same. It’s probably still most of the way there, however. As such, I’m going to try to get some close options between the two. Is there a cheaper clone? What scents smell alike?

What Perfumes Smell Like Calvin Klein’s Obsession?

Softer and More Floral

Must De Cartier By Cartier For Women. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.3 oz
Must is a warm and beautifully sweet fragrance that is great for casual wear and is long-lasting. Must De Cartier is a softer perfume but one that is well-crafted and has many admirers.

This is a good alternative, for those who still want designer fragrance quality, but without the same intensity level as Obsession. You do get some spice, but not to the same level, and probably a greater floral profile as well.

Must de Cartier features plenty of wood dipped in amber with vanilla and tonka bean playing support roles. However, this perfume is not that simple, as there is also floral notes and sweet floral notes involved too. At times it is green, sweet, spicy, but it all settles into something refined and classic.

Less Spice, More Resinous

OPIUM For Women By YVES SAINT LAURENT Eau de Toilette Spray 3 oz
An exotic classic that is spicy and oriental in its presentation. Mandarin, myrrh, jasmine, and bergamot.

This YSL perfume has always been in the same close family of fragrances, to Obsession. I would say, that the spices are toned down here, while the amber/resin/balsamic qualities are amped up.

Opium is a sensually intriguing experience that drives the imagination to dream up distant lands. Beautiful. Obviously, since the release in the 1970s, this perfume has undergone reformulations as just about everything has to.

However, the newer incarnation, is still a very nice fragrance. It still has its spicy, warm, and sweet notes with its underlying herbal and citrus tones that waft up throughout the wear. Opium has retained its charm and is actually a breath of fresh air when compared to many newer releases.

The Other Obsession

Calvin Klein Obsession For Men Cologne, .5 fl oz– Yes, one alternative to the ladies’ version of Obsession, is the men’s version. They were always closely connected, and the men’s, never went too far masculine to make it unwearable for women. In fact, it’s close to unisex.

Obsession has a lovely spice to it and features notes of mandarin, sandalwood, and amber. It’s got a great cinnamon led warmth and spice, that is supported by the nutmeg. The amber creates a sort of an envelopment around the person wearing it and this is one of the reasons, that Obsession is so good during the winter time.

This is such a rich and enticing scent, good for everyday wear, but can also pull double duty as a date night go to. There is sweet vanilla and nutmeg, which help to round out the fragrance, and create a memorable wear.

Spicy and warm, yes, but also a smoky balsamic element that peaks through at times. The classic formulation of this was amazing, but it is still holding up well today.   My Obsession review

Another Similar 80s Perfume

Moschino By Moschino For Women. Eau De Toilette Spray 2.5 Ounces– The original fragrance dating back to the late 1980s. A long lasting blend of florals, vanilla, and spice which gives it an exotic and special scent. It’s classic and gives you a different experience from most of the perfumes, out on the market today.

Moshcino when compared to Obsession, is a lot less spicy. Amber is there for sure, but you get a whole host of floral notes, which play a larger role in this composition. Also, a lighter sillage, in comparison.

Moschino is a rather complex composition, but still manages to be extremely well blended. You get herbal spice, green notes, but more warmth and periods of sweetness. All of this comes together with floral notes, such as: rose, marigold, gardenia, and carnation.

Very unique and great performance, with deep and satisfying aroma. Moschino for Women is an underrated classic.

Best Men's Colognes

Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with different fragrances, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, I have written hundreds of reviews and other pages about perfumes and colognes.