Illicit

Illicit, inspired by Jimmy Choo Illicit (2015)

Ginger opens with a fizzy, peppery spark, and bitter orange adds a zesty bitterness, giving the start a cocktail-like lift. Rose and jasmine sambac follow, with orange blossom, powdery and sweet rather than dewy. The heart gradually melts into a honey-amber accord, the defining feature of the scent. Sandalwood, vanilla and a touch of caramel keep the drydown smooth and gourmand.

About the original

Jimmy Choo launched Illicit in August 2015, with Anne Flipo as perfumer. The brand pitched it at a tempting, risk-taking woman. Now Smell This found the drydown dominated by honey and compared it to sugared almonds and vanilla cake. Illicit is no longer listed on Jimmy Choo's own fragrance pages in the UK, US, France or Germany, which now centre on I Want Choo and the original Jimmy Choo eau de parfum and eau de toilette.

Our version

Ours is an independent eau de parfum made to evoke the same character. It is not Jimmy Choo stock, not an official relaunch and not the original formula.

Who it suits

It suits anyone who wants a honeyed floral with a lively start. The ginger start is lively, but the finish is sweet and gourmand, so those wanting a fresh or citrus-led scent may find it too sugary.

Related scents

• Jimmy Choo
• Jimmy Choo I Want Choo
• YSL Black Opium Illicit Green

Notes of the original fragrance, as given in the launch information.

Top notes: Ginger, Bitter Orange

Heart notes: Rose, Jasmine Sambac, Orange Blossom

Base notes: Honey, Amber, Sandalwood, Caramel, Vanilla, Cashmere Wood

Ginger and bitter orange open spicy and sparkling.

Rose, jasmine sambac and orange blossom form a powdery, sweet floral heart.

Honey, amber, sandalwood, caramel and vanilla make up the base.

Is Jimmy Choo Illicit discontinued?

It no longer appears on Jimmy Choo's fragrance pages in the UK, US, France or Germany, and it is now sold mainly by discount retailers. We have not found an official statement from the brand.

Is this related to YSL Black Opium Illicit Green?

No. That is a different fragrance from another brand, which we also make. This page is Jimmy Choo Illicit from 2015.

Is Jimmy Choo Illicit coming back?

So far, we have found no announcement from Jimmy Choo that it will return. Our version is an eau de parfum in 50 ml or 100 ml.

Inside the EU, delivery is free on orders of €49 or more. Below that it is a flat €4.99. Outside the EU, delivery is a flat €4.99 on every order. We send every order in 1 to 2 working days. It arrives in 3 to 7 days across the EU and in 7 to 14 days outside the EU. You have 14 days to return an unopened bottle.

Jimmy Choo and Illicit are trademarks of their respective owners, and all rights remain with them. Parfumour is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Jimmy Choo in any way, and no business relationship of any kind is implied. Our product is an original interpretation created to evoke a similar scent profile, and the trademark names are used purely for honest, descriptive comparison, so that you can quickly identify the style and fragrance family you are looking for. We make no claim to sell the original product, and we do not use the same ingredients or formula. Any similarity lies in the overall impression of the scent as interpreted by our own perfumers, not in the source materials.