Devious

Devious by Contradictions in ILK is a rich, gourmand fragrance centered around cherry, almond, and liqueur notes, with a deep tonka bean and vanilla base. It opens with a bold amaretto and sour cherry burst, creating an intensely sweet, almost syrupy aroma that evokes Bakewell tart, marzipan, or cherry cordial. The scent evolves into a warm, nutty, and slightly boozy dry down, with cardamom and sandalwood offering subtle depth. While some reviewers find it very close to Tom Ford Lost Cherry or Rouge Smoking—especially in its cherry-chapstick quality—others note it feels heavier and more complex, with a smoky undertone influenced by the cardamom and an almond-tonka finish. Despite the highly positive reception from gourmand lovers, performance is widely seen as lacking: most users report it fades rapidly or becomes nearly imperceptible after an hour, with longevity being more consistent on clothing than on skin. The fragrance is widely considered unisex and most favored for evening wear, with strong preference for winter and autumn wear.