L'Étranger Lvnea

Review of the limited edition Eau de Parfum.

Opens up woody and sweet, with super interesting nuances of what I detect as bittersweet chocolate and earl grey tea. The natural vanilla is quite strong, but melds seamlessly into the smooth oak and fresh pipe tobacco. The boozy aspects soon join the symphony, creating a warm, comforting woody gourmand scent—or perhaps “gourmandy wood” is more accurate. It’s really right on the line!

Reminds me quite a bit of Rising Phoenix’s Sicilian Vanilla attar but given some extra woody dimensions, the vanilla & tobacco being similarly natural and strong there. Funny enough I’ve only related a couple things to Rising Phoenix blends and they’re both from Lvnea, the other being the closeness between Ghost Pine and Dark Forest 2012 minus the more serious smoky/earthiness of the latter. I suppose it’s likely due to both brands’ all-botanical natures.

Sillage intimate to moderate, longevity high. Leans very slightly masculine. Priced competitively in the ultra-niche market.

Bravo, madames!!!