Creation of Dunhill Desire Red Hair & Body Mist

I avoided this fragrance for years based of the reviews I read, despite being a Dunhill fan. When I finally bought a bottle and put my nose to it, I was frustrated that it bore no resemblance to the fragrance many negative reviewers were claiming. It’s been around for over 25 years, and tastes are subjective. There have probably been more than a few reformulations. I suspect, however, that many opinions were formed long ago, and may not be fair based on the current market.Things have changed in the last 25 years. There are new standards we can compare Dunhill Desire to that can help to set aside subjectivity. Let me be clear. By modern standards, Dunhill Desire is neither youthful, sweet or cloying, nor overly synthetic.25 years ago, the trend was mostly freshies with what would be considered poor performance and longevity by todays standards. Desire may very well have stood out as overly sweet and loud by the standards of the day. But I write this in 2026. By today’s standards, Dunhill Desire comes off fresh and musky, with a semi sweet apple accord and orange blossom completely in step with YSLs popular freshies, almost a melding of Y and Myself. It dries down with a woody teak and a hint of rose, a very common masculine scent for today.The over 35s may still think of this as a youthful scent, but the youths it was designed for are now middle aged. To anyone under 30, I guarantee this will come off as a “dad scent.” That isn’t to say that Dunhill Desire doesn’t have much to offer younger guys looking for something classy and a little old fashioned for a price that can’t be beat.Dunhill Desire is far from loud, sweet, or feminine by today’s standards. It is rather fairly common and mild in both sweetness and projection. Line this up against Stronger with You, Althair, or even Layton with which I’ve seen it bafflingly compared, and you will not find a comparison. Rather, Desire would make a great daily driver. It is super versatile, would work great in any season, a pleasant option to spray without thinking, and would make an excellent office scent.Opinions were clearly made on Dunhill Desire long ago, but if you’ve never tried it, or if you dismissed it in the 2000s, it’s time to give it a new chance. It sells for less than $30 on discounters, and is of far higher quality than it’s price would suggest. At present, it also seems that all Dunhill fragrances have been discontinued, so they may not be available for long, and there is so much quality being lost if so.Some of the other flankers are even more worth checking out. If you’re looking for something more youthful and sweet by today’s standards, try Desire Platinum. It has a vanilla cinnamon autumnal scent with an almost maple syrup quality. For a drier, even more mature classiness, Desire Black’s fresh pepperiness has become a favorite of mine. For a slightly sweeter but not cloying soapy, woody autumn scent, try Desire Bronze.Dunhill has unfairly been taken for granted over the years, and Dunhill Desire has perhaps faired the worst for that lapse. For its price, you owe it to yourself to give this scent a chance before it’s gone for good. And if enough of us catch on to this great option for a low price, maybe there’s even a chance it gets returned to production. Its profile may not be particularly unique, but you won’t find a lot of people wearing it these days. It would make a desirable signature scent.

Just bought this today. A beautiful and unique everyday or work fragrance with a nice blend of apple and floral notes. Surprisingly modern for 25 years old. I am very happy with my purchase.

Its calm, light. Like a sweet iced tea. Truly a masterpiece. Once you've smelled this you will think of it often; its invocative of happiness.

Late to the party. Signature scent-worthy. Apple Jolly Rancher with rose

Great scent for everyday use—3 to 5 sprays are enough to project, and it works for most occasions. Very comfortable to wear. Overall, I’d give it 7/10.