Prices are collected from third-party retailers and updated periodically. Always verify the price on the retailer's site before purchasing. We may earn a commission on purchases made through our links.

What does After Effect smell like?

After Effect is a dense, nocturnal fragrance that centers on a heady "boozy" core. The opening is dominated by a sharp, realistic rum note that creates an immediate sense of warmth. This isn't a brigh...

Details

House: French Avenue
Gender: unisex
Longevity: 7.6 / 10
Sillage: 7.4 / 10
Scent Profile: Spicy, Oriental, Sweet, Creamy, Gourmand
Best Seasons: Winter, Fall
Best Occasions: Night Out, Evening

Community Insights

Based on 18 discussions

RedditYouTubeFragrantica

The general consensus is that this is a high-accuracy alternative to Initio Side Effect, capturing the tobacco-rum-saffron DNA at a fraction of the cost.
Performance is widely praised, with users reporting that it lasts all day on skin and can linger on clothing until the following morning.
There is an ongoing debate regarding a "kerosene" or "industrial" note in the opening; some enthusiasts enjoy this metallic edge, while others find it a bit stressful until the scent dries down.
While marketed as unisex, some male reviewers find it leans slightly feminine due to the syrupy sweetness, though it is most commonly recommended for evening social events and cold weather.
Value is considered one of its strongest points, with many suggesting the liquid benefits from "macerating" (sitting for a month or two after the first spray) to smooth out the spicy edges.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this compare to Initio Side Effect?+

Most enthusiasts consider it about 90% similar. It captures the signature "boozy gummy" sweetness and spicy tobacco of the original, though some note the opening is slightly more synthetic or harsh before it settles into its creamy drydown.

Is this a safe fragrance for the office or gym?+

Generally, no. This is a heavy, spicy, and sweet fragrance designed for evenings, dates, and cold weather. Its strong projection can be overwhelming in high-heat environments or professional settings where subtle scents are preferred.

Does After Effect require any special handling before wearing?+

Many users recommend the "maceration" process—spraying the bottle a few times and then letting it sit in a dark place for 4 to 8 weeks. Community members claim this softens the harsh alcohol and kerosene-like notes in the opening and increases the depth of the sandalwood.

Can this be worn year-round?+

While it can technically be worn anytime, it is overwhelmingly favored for fall and winter. The density of the rum and tobacco can become cloying in the spring and summer heat.

Appears in Collections

Date Night Fragrances1836 Evening Fragrances2333 Fall Fragrances492 Winter Fragrances480 Unisex Fragrances3693 Fragrances Starting With A689

Similar Fragrances

Frapin

1697

Absolu De Parfum

Amouage

Fate Woman

Eau De Parfum

Boucheron

Place Vendôme

Eau De Parfum

Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Oud

Extrait

Diptyque

34 Boulevard Saint Germain

Eau De Parfum

Paris Corner

Khair Confection

Eau De Parfum

Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Grand Soir

Eau De Parfum

Diptyque

34 Boulevard Saint Germain

Eau De Toilette

from $30.79· Checked Jul 11 Compare

$30.79

Typical priceChecked Jul 11

FragranceNetTrusted

Buy now

We may earn a commission.

$30.79

Typical priceChecked Jul 11

FragranceNetTrusted

Buy now

We may earn a commission.

What does After Effect smell like?

After Effect is a dense, nocturnal fragrance that centers on a heady "boozy" core. The opening is dominated by a sharp, realistic rum note that creates an immediate sense of warmth. This isn't a brigh...

Details

House: French Avenue
Gender: unisex
Longevity: 7.6 / 10
Sillage: 7.4 / 10
Scent Profile: Spicy, Oriental, Sweet, Creamy, Gourmand
Best Seasons: Winter, Fall
Best Occasions: Night Out, Evening

Community Insights

Based on 18 discussions

RedditYouTubeFragrantica

The general consensus is that this is a high-accuracy alternative to Initio Side Effect, capturing the tobacco-rum-saffron DNA at a fraction of the cost.
Performance is widely praised, with users reporting that it lasts all day on skin and can linger on clothing until the following morning.
There is an ongoing debate regarding a "kerosene" or "industrial" note in the opening; some enthusiasts enjoy this metallic edge, while others find it a bit stressful until the scent dries down.
While marketed as unisex, some male reviewers find it leans slightly feminine due to the syrupy sweetness, though it is most commonly recommended for evening social events and cold weather.
Value is considered one of its strongest points, with many suggesting the liquid benefits from "macerating" (sitting for a month or two after the first spray) to smooth out the spicy edges.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this compare to Initio Side Effect?+

Most enthusiasts consider it about 90% similar. It captures the signature "boozy gummy" sweetness and spicy tobacco of the original, though some note the opening is slightly more synthetic or harsh before it settles into its creamy drydown.

Is this a safe fragrance for the office or gym?+

Generally, no. This is a heavy, spicy, and sweet fragrance designed for evenings, dates, and cold weather. Its strong projection can be overwhelming in high-heat environments or professional settings where subtle scents are preferred.

Does After Effect require any special handling before wearing?+

Many users recommend the "maceration" process—spraying the bottle a few times and then letting it sit in a dark place for 4 to 8 weeks. Community members claim this softens the harsh alcohol and kerosene-like notes in the opening and increases the depth of the sandalwood.

Can this be worn year-round?+

While it can technically be worn anytime, it is overwhelmingly favored for fall and winter. The density of the rum and tobacco can become cloying in the spring and summer heat.

Accords

Notes

HeartSaffron

Is the tobacco note very prominent?+

The tobacco is significant but serves as a supporting player to the rum and cinnamon. It provides a dry, textured base rather than a "dirty" or "ashtray" smokiness, contributing more to the scent's overall woodiness.

How many sprays are recommended?+

Due to its strong sillage, members of the fragrance community suggest starting with 2 to 3 sprays. Over-spraying can result in a very thick, syrupy aura that can be dominant in enclosed spaces.

//

Cinnamon//

Rum//

Tobacco//

Sandalwood//

Hedione

Similar Fragrances

Frapin

1697

Absolu De Parfum

Amouage

Fate Woman

Eau De Parfum

Boucheron

Place Vendôme

Eau De Parfum

Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Oud

Extrait

Diptyque

34 Boulevard Saint Germain

Eau De Parfum

Paris Corner

Khair Confection

Eau De Parfum

Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Grand Soir

Eau De Parfum

Diptyque

34 Boulevard Saint Germain

Eau De Toilette

Appears in Collections

Date Night Fragrances1836 Evening Fragrances2333 Fall Fragrances492 Winter Fragrances480 Unisex Fragrances3693 Fragrances Starting With A689

Where to buy After Effect

from $30.79 (75ml) · 1 retailer

Every retailer shown here is a seller we’ve vetted.

75ml

Checked Jul 11

FragranceNet

$30.79Buy

Today's best price of $30.79 is about the typical price for this size, based on 15 days of tracking.

Price history

75ml price trendAt tracked low of $30.79

Amazon

Price not trackedBuy

Get on the early list. We'll email you as this rolls out.

Prices are collected from third-party retailers and updated periodically. Always verify the price on the retailer's site before purchasing. We may earn a commission on purchases made through our links.