Tabu • Tabu by Dana cologne splash • Fragrances

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*TOP REVIEWER* verolyn on 3/28/2007 9:44:00 AM more reviews by verolyn

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

On impulse, I picked up a bottle of this from the drugstore. I remember ads for it in the 80's, but I was too young to wear it then. It was a familiar scent, but I wasn't sure how it would be on me. I recalled it as a mix of musk and powder. I'm so glad I bought it. So interesting and sensual. Yes, it MUST be applied lightly. LIGHTLY, ladies. Even if you can't smell it, everyone else can. The first spray was a puff of rising smoke, and then there was a boozy kind of smell. After a while, it warmed up to a sensual blend of musk and patchouli and.... light incense. When worn just close to the skin, it's lovely. This is going to be a great hot summer night fragrance. I could smell the musk on my wrists the next morning, so it is really strong and lasting.

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Phynesse on 3/7/2007 3:40:00 PM more reviews by Phynesse

Age: 30-35   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I cannot think of another perfume that smells as repulsive as Tabu. Maybe I am overly senstive to it but everytime I catch a whiff of it--I immediately want to vomit. I've had to change seats on trains/buses I have to be very careful not to get near anyone who is wearing it as it makes me instantly sick. There are a few other scents that give me the same problems but none as severely as Tabu. It's quite possibly the most awful scent ever created.

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*TOP REVIEWER* darkharbour on 2/21/2007 2:26:00 PM more reviews by darkharbour

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Hazel    

Tabu, if you were the product of Serge Lutens or Ava Luxe, the world would love you. Instead, you are synonomous with chintz and cheap, and lurk on the lower shelves of mass market stores. Tabu is a powerful fragrance, which must not be applied lavishly. Instead, it must be kissed against one, two, but no more than three pulse points. Perhaps between the breasts, the hollow of the throat, and lightly on the backs of the knees. The result is a warm, spicy, fiery scent of incense and civet. Very long lasting. Not for a garden party. It was conceived and developed as the scent of a "putana" or, prostitute. It does not smell especially whorish to me. It may be sexy to some, but I also find it to be weirdly evocative of more contemplative moods, with an Indian sitar playing a soothing accompanyment. It is the scent of an exotic place.

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*TOP REVIEWER* freegracer on 12/30/2006 8:20:00 PM more reviews by freegracer

Age: 44-55   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

One of the reasons why Tabu often gets bad press is simply because its wearers tend to overapply it. And if there's one fragrance you should never overapply, it's Tabu. Developed by the great Jean Carles, Tabu is the most intimate smelling fragrance I've ever tried. Vintage Femme runs a close second, but Tabu by far is an open door into a woman's private boudoir and even into her most private thoughts. Tabu can be an intimidating fragrance to wear; you wonder if you really want others to know you have this side to you, if you really want to reveal this dark, intimate side of your nature. Apologies to Viv Westood, but her Boudoir has nothing on Tabu. Javier Serra, the founder of Dana, wanted Jean Carles to create a shocking fragrance; he wanted "un parfum de puta." Baby, he got it. And how.

Most of the great classics are great classics because of an overdose of a particular ingredient (or two). Take Chanel No 5. It became a groundbreaker because of its overdose of aldehydes. Shalimar has an overdose of vanillin, and on it goes. Tabu's overdose lies in the one-two daring punch of patchouli Carles added to the formula. The carnation-patchouli note is Tabu's signature. Tabu in the cologne formula is very tempting to overapply, but don't. Just a tad and you have enough to last all day and into the night. This is extremely strong cologne. There are some well written reviews below mine. Read on and treat yourself to them. Ayala's review, in particular, is striking. According to Luca Turin, there would be no Opium without Tabu. And certainly there would be no Youth Dew, either. Even the Guerlain clan consider Tabu one of the greats. And when a Guerlain speaks, you do well to listen.

20 out of 21 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Laurely on 11/29/2006 8:07:00 AM more reviews by Laurely

Age: 44-55   Skin: Normal, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Other, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

I like to mix up my own after shower body oil using one part Tabu cologne to nine parts plain old baby oil, using a empty body spray container to hold the brew.Shake &
spray lightly on wet skin & rub it in, it smells so warm & lush on me.I get so many complements on this dime store cologne & when asked what is that heavenly fragrance
i say its Tabu they usualy are astonished. It is truly a man magnet no doubt about that. This fragrance deserves better than to be a running joke to most perfume snobs.

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kamaile on 11/12/2006 7:05:00 PM more reviews by kamaile

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Tan   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I don't hate TABU, but I just can't make it mine. I've smelled it on so many others almost on a daily basis. It's a classic perfume, and I find it pleasant, but it's just not me! I do recommend a light hand when applying. Also, if you dig this, try Big Lots--they have sets for dirt cheap.

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LBellM on 11/6/2006 6:38:00 PM more reviews by LBellM

Age: 44-55   Skin: Normal, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

I've been wearing Tabu on and off since the 1960's. Man magnet is right! Nowadays when I wear it, men of my age and those who are younger/older are coming up to me saying I smell like something from their past, like their first girlfriend in high school. It's always a good memory for them. I like heavy perfumes so I don't go lightly with it. And I sure don't mind the attention. :)

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

dewdraup on 9/19/2006 7:48:00 AM more reviews by dewdraup

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

This reminds me of when I was little, and some of my mother's friends wore this cologne. I thought it was so grown-up! I tried some in my twenties, but it was just too strong. Now that I'm older, I think I've grown up enough to wear it. I know I'm driving my husband crazy because I can't get enough of this scent! He's waiting patiently for this phase to pass ... But this is one of the greats. If you think you'd like to wear it but it's too strong, try the body powder. It has the same wonderful scent but is much softer IMHO.

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*TOP REVIEWER* potionsandlotions on 9/6/2006 3:04:00 AM more reviews by potionsandlotions

Age: Unknown   Skin: Combination   Hair: Other   Eyes: Brown    

This is NOT for perfume snobs, this is for lovers of perfume who like and wear spicy orientals. If you wear perfume hoping someone will compliment you so that you can respond that it is some boutique and hard to find exclusive scent, then you will probably not even ever try this--and miss out BTW. If you don't care who makes the perfume, how little it costs, or how available it is as long as you love it-- then this might be for you assuming you can pull this off-- and not everybody can pull this off and wear it well. This is sexy and I am planning on wearing it and get compliments from perfume snobs who will assume I am wearing a Surge Lutens non import. LOL! The joke is on all of those who think perfume has to be costly to be this sexy. It is not perfume with this much attitude that is hard to find, it is women with enough confidence to wear this kind of perfume that are hard to come by nowadays. Wear yours well and in health. A bottle will lasts ages if applied sparingly, which I will do.

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muguet_de_bonheur on 8/20/2006 2:48:00 AM more reviews by muguet_de_bonheur

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Hazel    

The most horrible perfume ever created. I first smelled this when I was a teen. My mother had a bottle of it. Fortunately she didn't wear it but she sprayed something in the foyer of our home and every day I'd come home from school and be literally assaulted by its nauseating pong. It would make me physically ill to the point of gagging, choking, and feeling faint. This went on for two weeks. I found out later she'd only sprayed once or twice, but this malignant stench has the tenacity of a pit-bull that's latched onto its prey. I have never had such a bad reaction to a scent before or since. It remains on my #1 top spot of stinky fragrances of all time and should be in the elevator gagger hall of fame. I find it interesting that many people who detest this have the same nauseating physical reaction that I experienced. I knew I wasn't the only one.

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philprof on 3/28/2006 1:18:00 PM more reviews by philprof

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Black    

This is just as complex and interesting as more expensive orientals out there....if you wear it lightly...one or two dabs...it does not overpower and can blend nicely with body chemistry. It has incense-like, sultry, musky-ambery tones. I think its a kind of classic and my boyfriend likes it.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* fes_fsa on 2/28/2006 4:18:00 PM more reviews by fes_fsa

Age: 19-24   Skin: Very Dry, Olive, Neutral   Hair: Black, Straight, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

okay... so the first time i sprayed this, i thought to myself... "this is something an old lady on a fixed income living on catfood would buy... simply because she THINKS she needs perfume when she could get the same results with insect repellant." i was horrified that the stuff turned my wrist orange... and that i let my cheap sided curiosity get the best of me--this was far too dry smelling and i had sprayed on waaaay too much. on the way to the bathroom, it started drying down... and immediately, this incense jumped out at me. the scent of the fragrance itself still bothered me, but the incense intrigued me to the point of letting this concoction stay on my wrist a bit longer. 10 minutes later, the incense got a bit stronger, smokier, sweeter... powdery. in my mind... i envision Madonna's character from A League of Their Own, in the church booth, making the priest sweat more and more with each confession; i see the honor student who skips class to bang her boyfriend in the back of his dad's station wagon; i can picture the sweet old lady that i thought of initially, but timeless in her appearance, baking cookies for her grandson's kindergarten class... then coming home to clad herself in leather, and whip her husband like the big, bad dog that he is. this perfume... is all the evil poison in the hearts of the women we perceive to be sweet and harmless. i'll buy this again... and again... and again.

11 out of 12 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

librazebra on 1/12/2006 9:17:00 PM more reviews by librazebra

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

Anytime I smell this I want to puke. I don't understand why anyone would wear it.

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*TOP REVIEWER* ayala on 1/8/2006 11:09:00 AM more reviews by ayala

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Green    

Tabu has a dry edge of spices and carnation with a heart of gold – rose, orange blossom and jasmine sweetened with resinous honey note over a sultry foundation of patchouli, amber, oakmoss, civet and musk. Although the top notes seem dry and somewhat severe at first, they quickly evolve into voluptuous and seductive curves that whisper a lustful invitation.

And you better listen to those whispers, as Tabu is the definition of a good buy – a high quality, original perfume with class and lasting power (remarkable for an Eau de Cologne!) which any great name perfume house would be proud of, for prices as low as $8-$15 depending on the size. It’s also very reliable: it’s been around since 1932 and hasn’t been altered as far as I know. In fact, it is written in the history of perfumes as the trendsetter for perfumes such as the patchouli drenched Youth Dew (1952), the spicy carnation & incense Opium (1977) and the ambery-mossy Obsession (1985) that tried their hand at this Oriental greatness only decades later, and in my opinion owe much for their greatness to the taboo breaking Tabu.

Tabu truly fits its name and image (as in the famous painting in the original advertisement): a forbidden, sensually provocative scent – just like the forbidden love between Anita and Holger in the unforgettable film “Intermezzo”.

Top notes: Orange
Heart notes: Orange blossom, Rose, Jasmine
Base notes: Amber, Civet, Patchouli, Civet, Musk

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*TOP REVIEWER* AngelZoe on 10/14/2005 12:54:00 PM more reviews by AngelZoe

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

This is a wonderfully classic oriental, whose formula is almost nostagically old fashioned. There is no reason not to like this, if you like orientals -- unless you a a perfume snob who cares about labels and price more than actual scent. This develops nicely on the skin, has amazing staying power, and oozes sexual energy. Challenge your prejudices and give it a whirl. You may be pleasantly surprised. If you hate the orientals, you will NOT like this. It is not a sweet, girly concoction. It smells of woods and subdued florals, with a dash of leather and spice.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

ms325i on 9/14/2005 9:13:00 PM more reviews by ms325i

Age: 30-35   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

UGH! I do not know how anyone can wear this scent..it makes me want to gag everytime I smell it. This clearly has to be one of *THE* most awful smelling perfumes ever created. My best friends' mother wears it and I have to clear the room whenever she enters with this stuff on. I had to ask my co-worker to stop wearing it at the office because it was giving me migraines...awful, awful stuff...it is always the scent that most comes to mind when I think about the most hideous smell I can think of.

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adams on 6/24/2005 5:51:00 AM more reviews by adams

Age: 44-55   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

***USE a LIGHT touch!!!*** It's super concentrated. ANY cologne will be unattractive if worn in excess.

Sexy scent.... it's a classic it's been around for ages

...gets many more compliments than very expensive scents I wear.

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katrink on 4/15/2005 2:02:00 PM more reviews by katrink

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Other   Eyes: Brown    

I just picked some of this up on a fluke at Big Lots. I purchased a 1oz. spray, a 2 oz. lotion, a 4 oz. cream and a 6 oz. moisturizing gel. I am in love all over again with this fragrance. I remember having a little bottle of perfume when I was in high school that lasted about 3 years. Its a woodsy spicy scent that has to be used with care but it still smells wonderful to me. I think I've found my HG fragrance finally. Now I just need to find some powder and I will be set for at least a year.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Glossaholic on 12/27/2004 4:13:00 PM more reviews by Glossaholic

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

This scent to me is like hell on earth. As a teenager I worked in Pathmark inside the "courtesy booth" where the bookkeeper worked about five feet away from me. She doused herself in this rancid fragrance daily; I had to finally tell her that her Tabu was absolutely "taboo" unless she wanted me to vomit on her. Needless to say, she stopped wearing it, and I haven't smelled it since!

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*TOP REVIEWER* LittleNesha on 12/27/2004 12:45:00 PM more reviews by LittleNesha

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

Wow. I tested this a week or so ago at Wam-Lart & I'm seriously thinking about going back & getting a purse-size of it. On me it smells just like Christmas eve church incense. I love incense in general but church incense is one of my favorite kinds. It's so wierd that I like it b/c I seem to remember it from the 80's as this strong, gag-inducing, trashy "bar slut" perfume like most of the famous Wam-Lart perfumes(Ciara comes to mind, blecch!). But now that I've tested it on my skin instead of just sniffing the bottle, I find that it's rich, dark, woodsy, & incensy. The best part is that I DIDN'T get a headache from it. Perfumes always score points w/me if I make it through the day w/o getting a headache after trying them, since most perfumes DO give me headaches. I likes this stuff, it stinks purty! Im'a go get me a bottle.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No