Bright Crystal vs Absolu Perfume Comparison

Versace Bright Crystal has been very popular for many years now. It has since been joined by Absolu, a more concentrated version of this fragrance. Of course, this causes the dilemma, of which perfume do you buy? Which scent is better Bright Crystal vs Absolu? In this post, I will break it down by category, before declaring a winner.

Tale of the Tape: Bright Crystal vs. Absolu

Bright Crystal

Notes include: yuzo, peony, pomegranate, musk, magnolia, iced accord, lotus, amber

Click Here to try Bright Crystal: Versace Bright Crystal Eau de Toilette Spray for Women, 3 Ounce

Read my review: Versace Bright Crystal

Bright Crystal Absolu

Notes include: peony, pomegranate, raspberry, lotus, yuzu, magnolia, musk

Click here to try: Bright Crystal Absolu, 3 Ounce

Opening

Bright Crystal opens up with its fruity notes out in full force. It’s pomegranate and yuzu, dominating the top. Underneath that, are the floral notes, of peony and lotus. It is indeed ‘bright’ and juicy.

The fruity notes, will eventually give way to more of a floral aroma, led by the peony. It’s peony with some musk, watery lotus, and yuzu really coming through.

Absolu is sweeter and fruitier in its opening. You get much of the same thing, but this time with a raspberry note, and some more lotus in the early stages.

Absolu will also stay fruitier throughout, than its predecessor. Which is better in the opening act? Well, it’s extremely close, but I do like the raspberry touch in Absolu. So, it gets a slight edge.

Edge: Absolu

Projection

Bright Crystal is pretty moderate with its sillage at the start. For me, it will project 4-6 feet at first, then move in closer. It’s ultimately a light to moderate wear.

Is Absolu stronger? Yes, somewhat. Again, it isn’t a powerhouse, but it does seem to have a bit more presence.

Neither is super consistent for the duration of the wear. But, you will get a solid sillage for the first hours with each. Absolu just does it better for longer.

Edge: Absolu

Longevity

With Bright Crystal, it will hang around on my skin, for an 8-10 hour period. Very good longevity.

Absolu and Bright Crystal are sometimes even in longevity. However, I can get a few extra hours, from Absolu. I’d say up to 12. 9-12 hours, depending on the climate.

These two have been pretty impressive for these sorts of popular mainstream fragrances. Unless they have undergone reformulations recently, how long each lasts shouldn’t be a problem at all.

But again, the edge goes to Absolu.

Edge: Absolu

Versatility

I don’t see any real difference between these two fragrances, in terms of when they can be worn. Daily wear, warm weather, and highly versatile with places you could wear it.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

These two scents are very close, by there very nature. Honestly, I really enjoy how both of them smell. I like the yuzu and pomegranate. I like the peony drydown with the original.

Which is the better buy? Well, if you’re talking pure performance that’ll go to Bright Crystal Absolu. It’s a stronger dose.

With the smell, that depends on what you’d rather have. Bright Crystal is more floral, with stronger citrus, and muskiness.

Absolu is sweeter, fruitier, and while it brings the peony…it lacks the same yuzu strength.

For me, I’d probably lean Absolu. That’s my choice, as of now. Though, you should consider your own personal taste. The pomegranate and raspberry notes are very nice.

The initial lotus is a bit better than the blend in the original. But, the floral notes do change up and favor that one. Obviously, there is a whole lot of overlap with these two, but Absolu got my attention more.

Winner: Absolu

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.