When I was given the chance to try Versace Bright Crystal Absolu, I couldn’t say no. I am a huge fan of the original Bright Crystal fragrance, so I was curious to see how the Absolu version would compare.
If you are curious about which one I like better, keep reading to find out. Because In this post, I’ll be sharing my comparison of Bright Crystal and its Absolu version to find out if the Absolu is really worth the extra money.
Versace Bright Crystal
Versace Bright Crystal is a floral fruity fragrance created in 2006 by world-renowned perfumer, Alberto Morillas. Versace talks about how this perfume was intended to be a much softer and more luminous version of their hugely successful Crystal Noir. I have to say that Morrillas did a pretty good job of hitting that brief on the nose.
Bright Crystal is exactly as you’d expect; super bright and fresh. It comes in a light pink bottle with an enlarged crystal-like lid. It looks glamorous and beautifully girly. For this reason, I’d straight up say that this was a fragrance that would suit a younger lady, perhaps even as a first designer perfume for a teenager.
It won’t make you feel sensual or sexy. Instead, Bright Crystal is a perfume that’ll cause you to feel carefree and fun. It’s a hugely floral perfume so if you like flowery scents then you’ll quickly fall in love with Bright Crystal.
Speaking of love, I think this is a very romantic and innocent scent. It’s perfect for a first date or an afternoon out with your significant other. However, I wouldn’t suggest this as a winter fragrance as you’ll find that it has a hard time projecting. As a summer signature for a youthful, fun-loving girl that loves all things pretty, this makes a great choice.
Versace Bright Crystal begins with notes of yuze, pomegranate, and ice before opening up to a floral heart of peony, magnolia, and lotus. At the base, there’s a sweet woody twist with amber, mahogany, and musk. As far as compositions go, I feel that this is quite unique; another reason it makes a good signature, it’ll easily get you recognized.
However, you must consider that bright Crystal is a very delicate fragrance. It’s great for intimate affairs but if you want to stand out and make a statement, this isn’t going to be for you.
Versace Bright Crystal Absolu
Seven years after Bright Crystal made its debut, Versace stunned its fans by launching a flanker, Bright Crystal Absolu. The primary reason for this was that many people had talked about how they loved the composition of the original but wanted something more intense.
And boy did Versace deliver. Bright Crystal Absolu comes in a hot pink bottle that surely makes a statement. It doesn’t mess around when it comes to getting noticed and is far louder and more outgoing than the original.
However, it still retains much of its character. Bright Crystal Absolu is still a very girly, fresh, and vibrant perfume, but there’s more of a fruity hit this time. However, it still retains much of its character. In the past, I’ve often found that intense versions of fragrances tend to be a little more mature than their younger brothers and sisters, but this isn’t the case here.
Bright Crystal Absolu remains a fun-loving youthful scent that is superbly easy to wear. This time around, it projects much more heavily and lasts longer on the skin. According to some users, when sprayed on clothing, it increases longevity. Is that a downside? Most likely not.
Another thing I often find with flankers is that they usually have a surprisingly different blend of notes. But that cannot be said for Bright Crystal Absolu. It has the exact same composition as the original apart from the addition of raspberry at the heart and the ice notes have been replaced with water notes. Everything else remains the same.
This is great if you are looking for something that’s a little stronger and more suited to special occasions. But if you wanted a true twist on the original, this might not be different enough.
My Winner Of Bright Crystal Vs. Bright Crystal Absolu
Comparing Bright Crystal and Bright Crystal Absolu isn’t an easy task as there are some striking similarities between the two. They both have almost exactly the same notes but there is a difference in how that blend comes across.
Bright Crystal is a much more floral-dominated scent, whereas Bright Crystal Absolu shows off the fruity side of the fragrance much more. Which of these you prefer will be a very personal choice, but for me, I like the floral hit I get when I spray Bright Crystal.
If you’re looking for an in-your-face fragrance that will stand out in a crowd, there’s very little point in buying Bright Crystal. It does project nicely but it’s very soft and delicate. For me, I’d wear this to work or for an afternoon out shopping with the girls.
On the other hand, Bright Crystal Absolu is a monster of a perfume that is bold and not afraid to get into your olfactory system. For me, this gives it the upper hand in terms of performance. It lasts far longer than Bright Crystal so you don’t need to worry about reapplying as often.
When I wear Bright Crystal, I feel carefree and happy. That’s what it is. It’s a scent that makes you feel good in a very innocent and childlike way. But while Bright Crystal Absolu is a very similar blend, there’s an undeniable sensuality to it. It’s playful and mischievous and almost feels edible with those intense fruity notes.
Both of these fragrances offer moderate versatility. While you couldn’t wear Bright Crystal Absolu to an event where you needed to wow the room, it does work well for ‘regular’ evening events. Perhaps something like an evening meal out with family or a trip to a cocktail bar. However, Bright Crystal just wouldn’t have the oomph for this kind of thing and is very much a daytime perfume.
Versace Bright Crystal comes in a choice of four bottle sizes; 30ml, 50ml, 90ml bottle ($99), or a 200ml bottle for $140. These are reasonable prices for a designer fragrance so I’d say it is good value for money, even if the projection and strength could be a little better. The bottle is delicate and feminine, just like the perfume, and I love this aspect of its character.
Versace Bright Crystal Absolu comes in 30ml, 50ml, and 90ml. Though Versace is no longer selling this fragrance on its website, you can pick up one of the bottles at Sephora; the 90ml is priced at $115. So the original Bright Crystal is a slightly more affordable choice.
Although Bright Crystal Absolu, due to its excellent performance, is overall a superior value for money, I’m not as taken by the bottle. It feels a little too much and almost as though it’s trying too hard. The bright pink flacon is a bit in your face. At the same time, the more delicate presentation of Bright Crystal is more in keeping with the feminine yet strong character of these fragrances, which I find appealing.
So, which is my overall winner? While I LOVE the performance of Bright Crystal Absolu and its undeniable intensity, I’m a floral girl through and through. The way that the peony and magnolia come through when wearing Bright Crystal tip me over the fence and well onto the side of this perfume. I also love the subtlety of the original and how the perfume makes me feel. For me, Bright Crystal is the choice. But if you value performance, and don’t shy away from the fruity, then definitely try the Absolu route.
