Essence No. 2 Gardenia vs Hypnotic Poison

The r/fragrance community strongly endorses Essence No. 2 Gardenia as one of the most authentic and realistic gardenia fragrances available, with particular praise for its woody florality and impressive longevity. Users consistently recommend it as a standout within the Elie Saab Essences line and a worthy alternative to more expensive gardenia options, though some note it performs similarly to comparable fragrances like Gardenia Pétale.

Hypnotic Poison is a divisive fragrance with devoted fans and skeptics. While older formulations were praised for depth and longevity, recent batches are noticeably weaker and reformulated. The scent's gourmand profile (almond, vanilla) appeals to some but the initial notes (often described as root beer, playdough, or rubber) are off-putting to others, making it highly dependent on personal skin chemistry and preference.