Catalyst (for women)

asilverfire614

Oh, I wanted to like this so badly because I really love that bottle! Sadly, this fragrance is NOT for me.

I completely agree with darlingbuds...for the first 15 minutes or so, the top notes are extremely sour and rancid. I can't even explain how it smells to my nose, it's just so awful...

Then, all I get is carnation. Maybe just a touch of tuberose. Then the musk...sandalwood, and some cedar. Where are all those other lovely floral notes listed? Not on my arm!

This carnation is not a pretty one...it is warm, yes, but warm in a sickening, rotting way. Not a fresh floral way at all. I honestly can't recommend this to anyone, unless you love carnations...and even then, you've been warned! :)

darlingbuds

When I was a kid we had this neighbor who would fry up kidneys for his breakfast on Sunday mornings. On first spray of Halston's Catalyst, the immediate and inescapable onslaught is that of the sizzling kidneys:acute, somewhat rancid, ureaic. Seriously, it's that bad. Wavering, however, underneath that initial drastic note was something appealing. I waited. Approximately 14 minutes later, the reek had made its exit and a warm, steady stream of carnation and some musk lay on my arm. I don't exactly know where to lay the blame for the abysmal first act (the peach? but it's so animalic...), but if you can wait it out (or not leave the house) for around 14 minutes, you'll have something worth the price of admission. Perhaps here the wearer, not the juice, is the true catalyst. My only other complaint is that the guys' version gets the cool little test tube bottle and holder.

kiselina

I like it, it brings reminiscence about my childhood, when my grandma was using a similar perfume. Makes me feel comfortable and safe. Luckily, i don't smell any vanilla in this perfume ;)