Potion

The Story

Launched in 2011 and composed by Annick Menardo, Potion was Dsquared2’s spicy, alchemical men’s fragrance, inspired by old apothecary vials and the idea of a seductive brew. Quietly adored by enthusiasts and often compared to the classic Gucci pour Homme, it has since been discontinued, to the frustration of its fans. Our interpretation keeps this refined spicy woody available.

How It Smells

This is a warm, polished, incense-touched woody scent. It opens with a surprising flash of cool red mint over aromatic angelica and thyme, fresh and herbal. That quickly melts into a spicy heart of cinnamon, black pepper, and a touch of rose, warm and faintly boozy, with a curl of dry incense. The base is its real pleasure: smoky cashmere wood, earthy patchouli, and a plush, pillowy amber and musk that glow softly on the skin. Refined, sweet but never cloying, it has the calm sophistication of an old-school masterpiece.

The Notes

Top: red mint, angelica, thyme. Heart: cinnamon, black pepper, rose, gentian. Base: cashmere wood, patchouli, amber, musk.

How Our Version Compares

Our interpretation rebuilds Potion at 40 percent perfume oil, a far higher concentration than the lighter eau de toilette and eau de parfum sprays most people know, where the actual oil content is often only a small fraction of that. Made in the EU to careful standards, it is formulated to track the character you remember while giving you stronger projection and noticeably longer wear on skin. Because the oil load is so high, a little goes a long way: one or two dabs at the pulse points is usually enough for the day, and the scent unfolds slowly through its top, heart, and base over many hours rather than burning off within the first one. An oil based fragrance also sits closer to the skin and reacts to your own warmth and chemistry, so the way it develops on you will be subtly your own rather than identical to anyone else. If you want to stretch the wear even further, apply it to freshly moisturised skin, which holds the oils far better than dry skin and slows down evaporation. Storing it away from heat and direct light will also keep the blend smelling true for longer. This is an independent interpretation inspired by the original accord, blended in our own workshop, and it is not the branded fragrance itself.

Common Questions

Is the original discontinued? Yes. Potion is no longer in production, so authentic bottles are increasingly scarce. Our version is made fresh and stays available.

Is this the original fragrance? No. It is an independent interpretation of the accord, rebuilt at 40 percent perfume oil.

Is it unisex? It leans masculine, but its smooth, spicy warmth is widely considered unisex and suits anyone who likes a refined woody amber.

When should I wear it? Its spicy, ambery warmth is made for autumn and winter and for evenings.

Comparative Advertising Disclaimer

Dsquared2 and Potion are trademarks of their respective owners, and all rights remain with them. Parfumour is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Dsquared2 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.