Coty has paired with superstar athlete David Beckham to produce his first men’s fragrance, Instinct. A sporty and fresh scent, Instinct was created by perfumers Alain Astori and Beatrice Piquet and has notes of bergamot, orange, mandarin, star anise, cardamom, red pimento, vetiver, patchouli and white amber.
Though I didn’t have high hopes for this one, being both a product of Coty and another “celebrity” scent, I’ll admit that it’s pleasant. Reminding me of Dior Higher Energy with main notes of citrus, vetiver and musk, Instinct opens with a rather nondescript citrus accord, sweetened by white amber. Though the olfactory notes would suggest something darker, and slightly spicy, the fragrance basically stops here, continuing on the skin as a sweet citrus. The pimento makes a brief appearance, though really doesn’t bring much to the composition other than a slightly watery green edge. The scent has very little sillage and 2 full sprays to the left arm lasted about 2 hours. I keep wondering where the patchouli and anise are, expecting this scent to take a dark turn…but to no avail.
Overall, this is the perfect scent for a teenage boy. Perfect for school, for a nightclub, or for partying, this is a youthful and unobtrusive scent that won’t offend anyone. Beckham will surely be able to afford that Italian Villa he’s been eyeing as result of the kickbacks from Instinct and though I personally wouldn’t choose to wear it, I wouldn’t exactly put up a fuss if forced to wear it.
Beckham Instinct will launch in the United States later this year. Meanwhile, it is available at escentual and strawberrynet.
Marlen – nice review, and I'm glad you took the time to wear it on skin; I didn't! I came across this one in Boots in London at New Year, and was more impressed (read: less disappointed) than I'd expected. I'd be pleased if my teenage son wore this, as it's really quite elegant. I think the display photograph is daft though: Beckham looks so moody and glam, but we all know he's a softie and that he sounds like one of the Spice Girls. At least with most pefume models, you don't know what they sound like in real life!
I've felt this one on a guy at work and on him it truely is nauseating, didn't detect much lightness or citrus from him afait. Cloying to say the least and very damp, that was my impression. Maybe I really felt that star anis…
Maybe I should try it on myself, but on him it just felt off putting.
Apparently it sold out in Britain the day it was out (well, I am exagerrating, but not much). The scent sounds inoffensive and pleasant. Now V. Beckham is alledgedly releasing her signature perfume. I wonder if the boys will launch kiddies scents
Hey there! I tried to be positive with this review (can you tell?) and find the strengths. Instinct is doing very well in Japan, as Beckham has very strong celeb status here.
My reaction was similar to Vanillagirl's, a lot like Shifts', and though I can buy this scent at a deep discount on-line, I haven't…'nuff said!
excuse me – i'm new in this forum – where do i post a new review – looked everywhere ?
Hi, this is a blog, not a forum, so you can't post your own reviews. If you are looking for a forum to post your own reviews, try basenotes or makeupalley. Hope that helps!
thanks … was looking for Vicky Tiel -and nothing
Here is one VT review at Scentzilla:
http://scentzilla.com/?cat=25
Like the others, I was all ready to hate this fragrance, but couldn't follow through. I work in a perfumery and i find most of the buyers of Instinct to be in their early 20's moving on from Lynx Africa and still want something fresh and fruity but not as sharp as Tommy.
Like many of the other writers here, I was pleasantly surprised when I smelled this. I was expecting something fairly vile and cheap smelling. And while it is certainly never going to win awards for innovation in perfume, it is, yes, “pleasant”. That's pleasant in as much as it doesn't overly offend.
Would I buy it? God no. There is something unspeakably naff in the whole concept of buying a celebrity scent. I could never look people in the eye again…
Hey, but nobody need know
Yeah, but I'd know, I could never look at myself in the mirror again, which could get very messy when shaving… :-O
I've owned this scent for 2 years now and every time I do try and wear it out I find it too cheap smelling. It is quite nauseating but after a few hours it becomes tolerable. I agree that this is a good cologne for an adolescent boy. Might I add one that smokes incessantly and needs a good cover up, something overpowering when heading to an overheated rank club.
Hey, then you're brave to have held on to it for 2 years!
I bought this cologne for my nephew for Christmas. He really likes it. I tried it and really liked it a lot (I am a woman) so bought some for myself. I've gotten a lot of compliments!
Good for you — why not wear it if it works for you
I like it on my boy friend. I like that comfort smell. It makes me want to snuggle up close to him.