by Kylie Minogue
Darling 2021 is a warmer, more mature evolution of the original scent, emphasizing vanilla, amber, and sandalwood over the bright fruity top notes of the 2006 version. The fragrance opens with a soft, sweet burst of passionfruit and freesia, but quickly settles into a smooth, powdery base where vanilla, amber, and woody notes dominate. The floral heart, including lily and boronia, is subtle but present—more a background presence than a central character. While the initial radiance and potency are modest, the scent projects moderately and maintains a wearable presence for around four to five hours. The overall impression is softer, richer, and more balanced than the original, with a gentle, skin-scent richness that leans toward gourmand and creamy textures, reminiscent of a well-blended version of Angel. It is least effective in warm weather and feels most suitable in autumn or winter.