By Kilian Let's Settle This Argument... Review: A Discontinued Scent Worth The Price?
A deep dive into the cult-classic creamy fig fragrance that collectors are hunting down.
In 2018, the house of By Kilian, known for its opulent presentations and high-luxury price points, made a strategic move to capture a younger, edgier audience. The result was the "My Kind of Love" collection, a series of fragrances with provocative, conversational names housed in sleek, minimalist bottles resembling miniature sculptures. These were initially launched as Sephora exclusives, signaling a clear departure from the brand''s usual niche boutique distribution. The goal was to offer the Kilian DNA of sophisticated, high-quality perfumery at a more accessible price point, without sacrificing the brand''s signature boldness.
Within this lineup, "Let''s Settle This Argument Like Adults, In The Bedroom, Naked" immediately stood out. Its name alone was a marketing masterstroke, promising a scent that was both playful and deeply sensual. It was positioned not as a powerhouse fragrance for making a grand entrance, but as an intimate, personal scent designed for close encounters. It eschewed the common tropes of heavy ambers or loud florals often associated with "sexy" perfumes, opting instead for a nuanced, skin-like gourmand profile centered around the sophisticated note of fig nectar.
The concept was clear: to create the scent of a lover''s skin, a warm, slightly sweet, and utterly addictive aroma. The inspiration draws from the idea of intimacy and vulnerability, a fragrance that doesn''t shout but whispers. It combines the green, earthy quality of a fig tree with the creamy, milky sweetness of its fruit, all resting on a smooth, comforting base of sandalwood and vanilla. It’s the olfactory equivalent of a cashmere sweater worn on bare skin—comforting, luxurious, and undeniably sensual.
Despite its initial success and critical acclaim within the fragrance community, the entire "My Kind of Love" collection was eventually discontinued. This move transformed "Let''s Settle This Argument..." from a popular, accessible niche scent into a coveted collector''s item. Its reputation has only grown in its absence, with fragrance aficionados lamenting its departure and driving prices on the secondary market to significant heights. It is now remembered as a unique, ahead-of-its-time creation that perfectly captured a modern, understated form of sensuality.
The Nose Behind the Scent
Calice Becker. A master perfumer and frequent collaborator with Kilian Hennessy, she is the creative force behind iconic scents like Dior''s J''adore and Kilian''s own Love, Don''t Be Shy.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
A brief flash of bright citrus quickly transitions into a realistic, green fig leaf accord. It''s fresh and natural, evoking the entire fig tree, not just the fruit.
The heart becomes creamy and lactonic as the fig nectar emerges. This phase is smooth, warm, and sweet, balanced by a clean cedarwood note that prevents it from being overly gourmand.
A soft, sensual skin scent emerges. A sophisticated, non-sugary vanilla blends with creamy sandalwood and a hint of powdery orris, creating a warm, comforting, and long-lasting finish.
Performance Dashboard
Lasts a solid 6-7 hours on skin. The final 2-3 hours are an intimate skin scent.
Projects at arm''s length for the first 1-2 hours before settling closer to the skin. It is not a room-filler.
Leaves a soft, subtle trail. It''s more likely to be noticed in close proximity than from across the room.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Receives high-quality, personal compliments in close encounters. It''s a ''you smell incredible'' scent, not a ''what are you wearing?'' scent.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Unique, sophisticated creamy fig scent profile.
- ✅ Perfectly unisex and versatile for intimate occasions.
- ✅ High-quality, smooth blending from a master perfumer.
- ✅ Cult status makes it a unique and coveted fragrance.
- ❌ Discontinued, making it very expensive and hard to find.
- ❌ Performance is moderate by design, which may disappoint some.
- ❌ The lactonic note can be polarizing.
Price & Value
“Worth the high price only for dedicated collectors or those who truly love the scent. For most, it''s a poor value proposition at current market rates.”
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Unisex, for individuals 25-45.
- Those who prefer subtle, sensual, and sophisticated scents.
- Fans of fig, creamy, and woody fragrances.
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Anyone seeking a loud, powerful fragrance with massive projection.
- Those who dislike sweet or lactonic (milky) notes.
- Budget-conscious buyers, due to its discontinued status and high reseller prices.
The Family
Part of the same original ''My Kind of Love'' collection, focusing on a marshmallow and green tea gourmand profile.
Another scent from the ''My Kind of Love'' collection, a floral gourmand with hot milk and sugar notes.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
A more photorealistic, greener take on fig, focusing on the entire tree.
Shares a similar creamy fig and sandalwood heart, but with added cardamom spice.
A much brighter, citrus-dominant fig scent, ideal for summer.
💡 Clone Alternatives
A direct inspiration fragrance aiming to be a 1:1 clone of the original.
A popular alternative from a clone house that captures the creamy fig and woody base.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
Fans of creamy, woody, unisex scents will appreciate its iconic sandalwood profile.
Shares a similar sophisticated, warm, and creamy sandalwood DNA.
Offers a similar soft, woody, vanilla-based drydown with an ethereal vibe.
More from by-kilian
🧪 Layering Ideas
- Molecule 01 by Escentric Molecules to enhance the woody base and projection.
- A simple vanilla fragrance like Kayali Vanilla 28 to sweeten the drydown.
- A light musk to add a layer of clean, skin-like warmth.
🏆 Final Verdict
By Kilian''s ''Let''s Settle This Argument...'' is a modern masterpiece of understated sensuality. Its unique creamy fig and sandalwood profile is both comforting and alluring, making it a perfect choice for intimate moments. The quality is undeniable, a testament to the skill of perfumer Calice Becker.
The decision to buy, however, is now complicated by its discontinued status. This is no longer a simple fragrance purchase; it''s an acquisition for a collector. If you are passionate about unique scents and have the budget, securing a bottle is a worthwhile endeavor to own a piece of modern fragrance history. For everyone else, we strongly advise sampling first to see if the scent justifies the steep price of admission. It''s a beautiful fragrance, but its value is now in the eye of the beholder.