Is Promise a safe blind buy?+−
No. Because of its intense sour-apple profile and extreme potency, it is considered one of the more polarizing scents in the Frédéric Malle lineup. It is highly recommended to test it on skin first, as the "industrial" or "sharp" facets can react differently to individual skin chemistry.
How does this compare to Portrait of a Lady?+−
While both are spicy, rose-centric creations by Dominique Ropion for the same house, Promise is much drier, smokier, and more aggressive. Portrait of a Lady is more elegant and atmospheric with its incense, whereas Promise is denser and has a distinct fruity-sour edge from the apple.
Is this suitable for hot weather?+−
Generally, no. Most users find Promise to be too heavy and suffocating in the heat. It is best suited for fall and winter, where the cold air allows the complex resins and spices to bloom without becoming cloyingly loud.
How many sprays should I use?+−
The community consensus is to start with one spray. Due to its exceptional longevity and sillage, many find that a single application on the chest or neck provides enough projection to last for an entire day and well into the next.
