Red

Man, getting hit with all those memories when I spritzed this stuff—back to my early 20s, clubbing days, and feeling like I was royalty with that Gossard bra. It’s almost too good to believe it’s still out there for just £13 on eBay! Cinnabar and Youth Dew? Woody and spicy with a touch of fruity sweetness—that’s the magic right there. I can’t get enough of how it transports me back to those carefree nights, dancing with my girls, and ignoring my mom’s screams about the TV. The scent feels so classic, like something that should be in a museum or something. I’m totally digging this throwback vibe and giving it a solid 9/10! If Giorgio Blue is half as good, I might just have to pick it up too—cheaper than smokes, and honestly, you’d be rude not to. Love this stuff!

I've been trying to work my nose out on various scents lately, but I can't seem to pick up on "Red." It's definitely strong enough to notice, but I'm just not getting a clear sense of its character. All I'm catching is this generic vibe, like the drydown of some spicy woody fragrance. Maybe I'll take a break for a few days and give it another shot later.

The 30ml size of Red feels richer in scent compared to the 90ml, which has an unpleasant plastic-like burn and soapiness. The fragrance starts with a smoky, spicy warmth, reminiscent of an extinguished match, before evolving into earthier notes like marigold, myrrh, and peppery spice—evoking a richness akin to Dior's Fahrenheit. The base is warm, powdery, and sweetly nuanced, reminiscent of dried fruits or brandied apricots with a hint of cinnamon. I find it subtle yet inviting, making it easy to wear, especially during colder days when wrapped in cozy layers like pajamas. It’s a casual, earthy sibling to scents like Opium or Cinnabar, perfect for jeans and cowboy boots. While not as dressed-up as those two, this one feels versatile and approachable. For fans of Obsession, it’s worth exploring—affordable and undeniably memorable.

Red’s kind of the only perfume from my past that I might want to revisit again. My mom gave me this big 3.4 oz bottle of Red for Christmas in 1989, and I remember that time like it was yesterday. It was when I first fell head over heels in love, and those memories are etched into my brain. Red was always there, sitting on my dresser next to my bed, making her presence known even if I didn’t wear her often. Her scent would waft through the room, strong and undeniable, coming from the glass bottle or under her hat cap. Back then, I didn’t reach for Red much. In fact, I can probably count on one hand the number of times I used her in the first six months after getting her. She was so strong, so bold—maybe that’s saying something, considering I came of age in the 80s! Red was spicy, sexy, and sultry, but at the time, I was just starting to figure out who I was. Sophisticated Red felt like she was from a different world compared to my shy, coming-of-age self. From the early '90s onwards, she was more of a decorative piece on my dresser, her presence still filling the air in every room she graced, but I never gave her another chance to shine. Now, she’s been sitting in a storage unit since 2001 after we moved, along with a dozen other perfumes that my mom forgot to pay for. I don’t know where she is now, but I do remember she still had a lot of life left—she was almost full. Why does she terrify me so much? Well, it’s probably because she reminds me of those wonderful memories of my first love and how strong everything felt back then. These days, I’m more sensitive to scents, even ones I once loved. Just thinking about Red might send me into a sobbing puddle with a migraine to boot. But despite all that, she’s been whispering to me lately, tempting me to give her another shot. It’s both fascinating and a little scary how much she still impacts me after all these years. She’s not my signature scent or even my favorite, but she’s got this unique power to evoke reactions from me like no other perfume can. I’m curious, but also a bit scared. Maybe revisiting Red could be something worth considering—though I’m not sure if I’m ready for the full experience again.

I couldn't help but feel let down when I realized what I thought was Giorgio Red ended up being Red Door instead. While I had always enjoyed Red Door, I waited years to finally try Giorgio Red, hoping it might recapture the essence of my youth. Unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations at all. It seems like whatever magic was in the original formula is gone, replaced by a scent that feels more like something you'd find in a CVS than the iconic fragrance I remembered. The sweetness and spice I once loved are now overwhelmed by a harsh, alcohol-heavy mix, with sharp, unbalanced notes that feel cheap and artificial. There's a faint trace of pencil shavings and a musty undertone that honestly just feels outdated. It's like trying to relive the past, only to find out how much things have changed—and not in a good way.