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    Side by side

    Promise vs. Illegal

    Promise by Frederic Malle bottle

    Promise

    Frederic Malle
    Parfum2017
    Moderately similar
    Illegal by Salle Privée bottle

    Illegal

    Salle Privée
    Eau de Parfum2021
    New comparison

    Promise rates higher with the community and wears longer on skin.

    The essentials

    At a glance

    Key facts: Promise vs. Illegal
    PromiseIllegal
    ConcentrationParfumEau de Parfum
    Launched20172021
    GenderUnisexMale
    PerfumerDominique Ropion—
    Best seasonFallFall

    Scent DNA

    Main accords

    Promise

    Woody
    Rose
    Earthy
    Patchouli
    Musky
    Fruity
    Amber
    Leather

    Illegal

    Aromatic
    Woody
    Cannabis
    Musky
    Fresh Spicy
    Green
    Herbal
    Warm Spicy

    Shared between both fragrances

    The pyramid

    Notes, side by side

    Top
    ApplePink PepperRosemary
    GingerCardamomAbsintheHemp
    Heart
    Bulgarian RoseTurkish Rose AbsoluteCloves
    Cashmere WoodGeraniumLeather
    Base
    Cypriol Oil or NagarmothaLabdanumPatchouliAmbroxan
    VetiverAmbrette SeedGuaiac Wood

    Notes both fragrances share

    Community taste

    The community verdict

    Community verdict: Promise vs. Illegal
    PromiseIllegal
    Score4/53.5/5
    Longevity10+ hours6-10 hours
    Sillagestrongmoderate

    No varnish

    Real talk

    Promise is not a shy fragrance. The clove-spiced rose and smoky cypriol drydown make it bold, but the apple opening keeps it grounded. It rewards patience, revealing its depths slowly over hours.Promise
    If the absinthe-cannabis top scares you off, this was never for you. But if it doesn't, you'll know within seconds, and you've found exactly what you were looking for.Illegal