Notorious

Ralph Lauren Notorious, Reviewed by the Numbers

Every fragrance review promises honesty; few bring receipts. For Notorious — the 2008 EDP from Ralph Lauren built on Soft Spicy, Floral, Warm Spicy, Patchouli, Fruity — the receipts are climate scores, longevity hours and price-per-bottle across markets. They are all below, and they tell a clearer story than any list of adjectives.

Inspired by old Hollywood glamour classics like Hitchcock's movie 'Notorious'.

How Notorious Smells: Notes & Development

Notorious opens with Black Currant, Pink Pepper and Bergamot — the first impression as it hits the skin. As the opening settles, the composition pivots to its heart of Carnation, White Peony and Chocolate Cosmos. Hours in, what remains is the foundation: Patchouli, Vanilla, Musk and Orris Root.

Strip it back to the bones and the profile reads Soft Spicy, Floral, Warm Spicy, Patchouli, Fruity — easy to place and easy to wear.

Longevity & Projection: Notorious on the Clock

Longevity (7/10): Notorious delivers strong longevity for EDP. On most skin types expect 5–8 hours. A midday touch-up is rarely necessary but can extend the experience on special occasions.

Sillage (6/10): Notorious projects at a social distance, noticeable without overwhelming. Application to pulse points — wrists, neck, and behind the ears — maximises projection without overwhelming the room.

Versatility (7/10): Notorious is context-aware, performing well across a range of situations without feeling mismatched. From casual daytime to formal evening, it adapts without feeling out of place.

Value (7/10): Pricing at around $60 feels appropriate for what you get — neither a bargain nor an overreach.

Notorious Across Five Climate Zones

Of the five climate zones we score, Notorious does best in cold (Murree, New York) at 9/10 — it keeps its shape there instead of turning sharp or fading fast. The number to watch is extreme heat (Riyadh, Phoenix) at 3/10, where you are better off reaching for something else.

Warm spicy spicy-carnation notes bloom beautifully in cool western winters.

It is built on Bergamot, and that is exactly what heat strips out first — which is why it reads best in cooler air.

Its average across all five zones is 6/10 — broad enough to wear most of the year without second-guessing the weather.

To see how it ranks against every other fragrance for your conditions, run the Climate Matcher.

When to Wear Notorious

Notorious is best suited to Evening, Parties, Dates. Its projection is calibrated for the occasions listed — confident enough to register, controlled enough to remain appropriate in close quarters.

Seasonally, Notorious performs best in Autumn, Winter. The climate data supports this range, though performance at the extremes — deep cold or intense heat — may vary.

Versus CK Euphoria for 2000s oriental fruity-spicy dominance.

Notorious Price Guide

Internationally, Notorious sits at $60–$85. That is mainstream designer territory — an accessible price for a fragrance intended for regular rotation.

Regional pricing: PKR 15,000–22,000 in Pakistan, AED 220–300 in the UAE. The currency switcher at the top of this page converts every price on the site — EUR, GBP, SAR and more — using current rates.

Where to buy: Internationally: FragranceNet, eBay. GCC/UAE: Amazon AE, Outlet Stores. Pakistan: Discontinued Stocks, Importers.

Verdict

Notorious earns its place in the conversation through consistent performance, a clear identity, and data that backs the reputation.

An overall 6.6/10 puts Notorious in solid-but-situational territory: strong where it is strong, ordinary elsewhere. Match it to the right season and occasion and it pays off.

Commercial failure upon release led to rapid discontinuation despite good scent profile.

Still deciding? Put it head-to-head against anything else in the database — scores, notes and prices side by side.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Notorious last?

Notorious has a longevity score of 7/10. On average skin, expect 5–8 hours. Performance can vary with skin type, application method, and ambient temperature — heat accelerates diffusion while dry skin absorbs fragrance faster.

Is Notorious worth the price?

At around $60, Notorious by Ralph Lauren is fairly priced for what it delivers. Its performance scores, climate range, and composition quality make it a strong value proposition.

What does Notorious smell like?

Notorious is characterised by Soft Spicy, Floral, Warm Spicy, Patchouli, Fruity accords. Opening with Black Currant and Pink Pepper, the heart revolves around Carnation and White Peony, settling into a base of Patchouli and Vanilla.

Is Notorious good for hot or humid weather?

Notorious was not designed for extreme heat (score: 4/10). In genuinely hot climates, reserve it for cooled indoor environments or evening wear.

Is Notorious for men or women?

Notorious is marketed as a Feminine fragrance. The composition, while marketed to women, has qualities that cross traditional boundaries — nuance and restraint rather than sweetness and convention.