This one I bought with zero research. Didn’t know the notes, didn’t read reviews and I didn’t even know there was hype around it. I don't even know who Cal is nor do I really care. I was in Beauty Base, a friend told me to try it, I sprayed it, liked it, bought it. Only after buying and checking online, I realised this fragrance was fairly new and has a buzz around it; and that it's very polarizing between people. FYI; I love powdery fragrances. I’m a simple man, I hear it's “powdery” and I immediately want to try it or buy it. But this one is more complex than just a powdery vanilla bomb.

**Thriller Cal Cologne X by Maison Asrar – 8.4/10**  
  
The opening is a little harsh and synthetic. This will awaken your senses with a blast of saffron, pepper and cardamom that really flares up the nostrils. There’s a bit of citrus mixed in - but it's mostly the spices coming through at the start. I get the incense undertone early; which I find pretty addictive. Strong, modern scent - mature but modern. Definitely not basic. As it dries down, it becomes a thick wall of vanilla and sandalwood. Starts to smell very soft, clean and well put together. It’s more complex than the standard ME fragrances I like, which is why I don’t actually think this is a safe blind buy. This is one you should definitely try first.

To me It smells well blended. The leathery suede dry down is among nicest vanilla dry downs I've tried. It's not sickly or cloying thanks to the incense and leather notes. I haven't tried YSL #6; but if you're familiar with that one - this is meant to be a dupe. Performance is decent. From the opening you'd assume it lasts forever, but once you get past the harshness (about 5 mins) it settles in really well. I get around 6 hours on skin, with great projection for the first 2 hours, then it settles into a nice clean musky skin scent that lasts most of the day. On clothes it lasts over night and is really pleasant on fabric.

Overall, I get why this one is divisive. It’s not your typical mass-appealing MEE fragrance, and it’s not a safe blind buy; but, if you like powdery, musky, clean fragrances with a bit of spice and complexity, this is definitely worth trying. Not cheap, not basic - but very good quality and something a bit different. This is an occasional wintery evening scent - and no way is it unisex. Leans very masculine. I don't often mention the bottle - but this one is great. Matches the dark earthy scent really well and the atomiser is open to the elements by design - inside of a cage-like cap. I imagine great for maceration. We'll see how it ages.

III Thriller Maison Asrar X Cal Cologne / Review