7
Very helpful Review
The Lavender that Stopped an Invasion
I used to think Invasion Barbare was the benchmark for modern (fougere) lavender - serious, dry, and impeccably tailored. But Sunshine Man quietly outmaneuvered it.
I kept the Amouage creature and let the MDCI go.
Sunshine Man's opening is an immediate burst of aromatic lavender, sweetened by orange brandy and dry, herbal immortelle. It’s a curious boozy, floral, and slightly candied mix. I see that some have likened it to Pez or candied citrus, but it never veers into syrupy slop territory. Instead, it’s textured... almost grainy, like sun-warmed sand.
As it transitions into its heart, the fragrance becomes greener and more aromatic. Juniper berry adds a gin-like freshness, while clary sage and bergamot bring a crisp, herbal lift. This phase is where the backbone structure really shows: the sweetness recedes slightly, and the composition breathes.
The late drydown is where Sunshine Man settles into something more grounded. Vanilla and tonka bean lend a creamy softness, while cedarwood anchors the composition with a dry, woody base. The immortelle still persists, maintaining the sun-dried, warm hay-like texture.
Performance is solid. On my skin, it lasts 10+ hours with moderate projection. It’s not a room-filler, but it radiates around you. 3 to 6 sprays, depending on your personality... and, if I know that I will spend most of my day outdoors, I am happy to increase the count.
Some say it’s not "Amouage enough.” I disagree. Even in 2015, Sunshine Man was proof that the house can extend its footprint into something unexpected... something that doesn’t have to rely on incense, smoke or bombast. Sunshine Man is impressionistic, versatile, textured and it scores high in my book. I'd sample it, while it is still available.
I kept the Amouage creature and let the MDCI go.
Sunshine Man's opening is an immediate burst of aromatic lavender, sweetened by orange brandy and dry, herbal immortelle. It’s a curious boozy, floral, and slightly candied mix. I see that some have likened it to Pez or candied citrus, but it never veers into syrupy slop territory. Instead, it’s textured... almost grainy, like sun-warmed sand.
As it transitions into its heart, the fragrance becomes greener and more aromatic. Juniper berry adds a gin-like freshness, while clary sage and bergamot bring a crisp, herbal lift. This phase is where the backbone structure really shows: the sweetness recedes slightly, and the composition breathes.
The late drydown is where Sunshine Man settles into something more grounded. Vanilla and tonka bean lend a creamy softness, while cedarwood anchors the composition with a dry, woody base. The immortelle still persists, maintaining the sun-dried, warm hay-like texture.
Performance is solid. On my skin, it lasts 10+ hours with moderate projection. It’s not a room-filler, but it radiates around you. 3 to 6 sprays, depending on your personality... and, if I know that I will spend most of my day outdoors, I am happy to increase the count.
Some say it’s not "Amouage enough.” I disagree. Even in 2015, Sunshine Man was proof that the house can extend its footprint into something unexpected... something that doesn’t have to rely on incense, smoke or bombast. Sunshine Man is impressionistic, versatile, textured and it scores high in my book. I'd sample it, while it is still available.