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Have Calvin Klein recaptured the spirit and success of the 90's CK One with CK2...? Well not quite but perhaps partially? I acquired a sample of another new(ish) fragrance on the same day and I have to say CK2 out did it massively. It's quite the understated, metro sexual (rather than unisex) juice. CK2 has an opening of freshness and green qualities which take it to new levels, truly the freshness of this fragrance is something to behold. It doesn't feel chemical or harsh or aquatic like, just very very fresh. It didn't annoy me or become cloying, just sits low and hums naturally if slightly femininely. I don't say this as a criticism, others would see it as a perfectly androgynous entity but I get a slightly translucent, ladylike, summer scent when it's settled. The level of pretentiousness is in danger of disappearing up it's own backside, when we talk about 'Pebble notes' but I can forgive them in this case as I can get the association. I wish I got the wasabi but sadly I just don't. However, there is some spicing here but very subtle and more reminiscent of a very, very, light incense maybe something like moschino Forever(+ Forever sailing)? The base is woody for sure, clean vetiver and more predominantly as it dries down, a warmer, powdered feel emerges I detect the orris root but something more associated with a few recent releases. Can you guess? Well it's ambroxan and in the same way that these minimalist creations have been dividing opinion, CK2 has transformed over the course of a few hours from a one thing into another. I like it, I have to say, you'd go a long way to find something fresher, especially in the opening. It's not groundbreaking but comes along at a time where there's many worse, fresh fragrances to choose from. Lasting power was average and projects lighty but maybe more than I expected for such a translucent fragrance. The bottle and campaign are innovative enough but ultimately you've seen it all before. Bravery should be rewarded and if this fragrance was as weird as the notes suggested, I would more than willing to praise it. However, everything said I would wear this happily in summer and smell very nice, and that is it's purpose. Update: 22/07/21 I actually bought this. I got it knockdown price. I'm fascinated by the CK aesthetic, pebble note bs and all! There's a touch of Joy to everything they make, one might make the assumption that they just just bang stuff out there, flanker after flanker but Calvin Klein consider their releases more than many other brands, guaranteed!!! So it's a sparse structure pushed out with transparent aroma-chemicallyness(TM) BUT I'm partial to a bit of that. This has a perceptible fresh top, a definite but at the same time nondescript floralcy and then a hint of warmth in the base, it's not irritating cotton candy or BR540 but there's a certain hiding sweetness that is clearly derivative but is so mild in the mix it works unlike all the saccharine sweet monstrosities of modern designer releases. Won't blow your socks of but functional for summer heat and smells pretty good.
