Yves Saint Laurent Scandal

Jean Paul Gaultier Scandal Review: A Bold, Honeyed Floral

A seductive, animalic floral with a gourmand twist—perfect for nights out.

By Vivir · · Updated
Jean Paul Gaultier's Scandal, launched in 2017, is a fragrance that refuses to be ignored. With its striking bottle shaped like a pair of legs and a bold, honeyed floral composition, it was designed to make a statement. The perfume is a collaboration between three perfumers—Daphné Bugey, Fabrice Pellegrin, and Christophe Raynaud—who crafted a scent that is both sweet and animalic, perfect for those who love attention. Scandal opens with a burst of citrus, but quickly reveals its heart of honey and white florals, underpinned by a warm, slightly dirty base of beeswax and patchouli. It's a fragrance that feels both modern and classic, evoking a sense of glamour and rebellion. The performance is strong, with excellent longevity and projection, making it a go-to for evening wear. In this review, we'll break down every aspect of Scandal—from its notes and accords to its performance and value—to help you decide if this is the scent for you.
Longevity
4.0
Projection
4.0
Sillage
4.0
$55-$125
🌸Spring☀️Summer🍂Fall❄️Winter

Accords

Honey Sweet White Floral Citrus Caramel Animalic Beeswax Patchouli Floral Woody

Notes Pyramid

Top
Blood OrangeMandarin Orange
Heart
HoneyGardeniaOrange BlossomJasminePeach
Base
BeeswaxCaramelPatchouliLicorice

Scent Journey

1
Opening 0-30 min

The first 30 minutes are a bright, zesty burst of blood orange and mandarin. The citrus is juicy and slightly tart, but quickly gives way to a sweeter, more floral heart.

2
Heart 1-2 hrs

After about an hour, the honey and white florals take center stage. Gardenia, orange blossom, and jasmine create a lush, creamy bouquet, while the honey adds a sticky sweetness. A hint of peach adds a fruity juiciness, making the heart feel both opulent and playful.

3
Drydown 4+ hrs

As the fragrance settles, the base notes emerge. Beeswax and caramel deepen the sweetness, while patchouli adds an earthy, slightly dark edge. Licorice provides a subtle anise-like twist, giving the drydown a unique, almost edible quality. The overall effect is warm, sensual, and long-lasting.

Performance Dashboard

⏱️ Longevity 4.0/5

6-10 hours on skin, often lasting through a full evening.

📢 Projection 4.0/5

Projects well for the first few hours, then settles to a comfortable arm's length.

💨 Sillage 4.0/5

Strong sillage—leaves a noticeable trail that lingers in a room.

When to Wear

🌸SpringOK
☀️SummerAvoid
🍂FallBest
❄️WinterBest
📌 evening wear💕 date night📌 night out

Pros & Cons

  • ✅ Excellent longevity and projection
  • ✅ Unique honey-floral blend that stands out
  • ✅ Beautiful, eye-catching bottle design
  • ✅ Versatile for fall and winter evenings
  • ❌ May be too sweet or heavy for some
  • ❌ Not suitable for daytime or hot weather
  • ❌ Price point is moderate but not budget-friendly

Price & Value

$55-$125
At $55-$125 for 80ml, Scandal is priced competitively for a designer fragrance. The strong performance justifies the cost for those who love the scent.

“Good value for the quality and performance, especially if purchased at discount.”

Reformulation History

No significant batch variations reported. The fragrance has remained consistent since its launch.

Who It's For

Ideal For

  • Women who love bold, sweet florals with a gourmand twist
  • Those who enjoy attention and want a signature scent for nights out
  • Fans of honey and patchouli combinations

Not Recommended For

  • Those who prefer fresh, subtle, or office-friendly scents
  • People sensitive to strong sillage or heavy sweetness
  • Summer wear or daytime casual use

Explore More

Similar Fragrances

La Belle Jean Paul Gaultier
Good Girl Good Girl Carolina Herrera

Clone Alternatives

Scandal Dossier

You May Also Enjoy

Flowerbomb Viktor & Rolf
Black Opium Yves Saint Laurent
La Vie Est Belle La Vie Est Belle Lancome

Layering Ideas

Final Verdict

Jean Paul Gaultier Scandal is a bold, honeyed floral that delivers on its promise of seduction and glamour. With strong performance and a unique character, it's a must-try for those who love sweet, animalic florals. While it may not suit every occasion, it shines in evening settings and cold weather.

More fragrances we love

Sponsored picks
honeyfloralgourmandeveningJean Paul GaultierScandalwomen's fragrance