Toxic

Toxic, like modern art, is an acquired taste. And, when you think of it, more than 100 years after the revolution in art that gave us the "moderns," the taste of the average homeowner or decorator still leans heavily toward the traditional. Toxic wasn't created for those who prefer Americana to Modigliani. Toxic is, perhaps, a bit too cutting edge even for those who think themselves ahead of the crowd in fashion because they perceive, quite rightly, in the case of Toxic, the crowd is certain not to follow.

Like other works of modern art, Toxic was created as a statement. In the case of Toxic, the statement is about men, about fragrance, and about society's tendency to reject out of hand that which is different. Yes, Toxic is a different approach to perfumery and to men's fragrances in particular.

If you were to look at the formula for Toxic, you might easily miss the single ingredient that infuses it with it's "toxic" tone. After all, clove, lily of the valley, ambroxan, sandalore, and Iso E Super are among the most pleasant materials used in perfumery and, after all, cade oil makes up less than 1 percent of the formula. But the cade oil, with its smoky, lethargic, aroma is what gives Toxic its distinctive character and an aroma that might give you "Alice In Wonderland" visions of a Caterpillar smoking a hookah.

When I completed the formula for Toxic, I had a generous (by my standards) supply made up for me but, when it's gone, I don't believe I'll be producing Toxic again. Will that make Toxic a collector's item? I don't know. Meanwhile I can tell you that if you use Toxic in the morning, it's highly unlikely you'll run into another man using "your" fragrance.

Personally I continue to be fascinated by Toxic, the way I am with certain modern art, music and styles. I continue to use Toxic regularly myself, but certainly not every day. Would you enjoy Toxic? Or would you just appreciate it? For just TWO CENTS (plus postage and handling) you can find out. Just take advantage of the offer below my signature and become a Toxic critic.