Metaphor La Rive 2024

Continuing my search for affordable drugstore perfumes, I prowled the drugstore I trust.
So, I stand in front of the shelf, all the perfumes somehow the same, typical drugstore. Then, just as I’m about to leave, I see one last women's fragrance that I don’t know yet, half-hidden among the men's perfumes. Of course, I become curious, as someone (hopefully) must have thought this through; maybe the scent is different from the usual 0815 floral fragrances, a bit more unisex?

I sniff the new fragrance and am not disappointed. First, the citrus note from the bergamot, then a more robust scent that is still accompanied by floral accords. The composition seemed familiar - the scent definitely strongly resembles L'Interdit.

Naturally, I purchased the fragrance - a bargain at that price - and immediately sprayed it on at home. The scent hardly develops, but despite the price, there is no sharp or cheap-smelling note. The longevity is good, the sillage is decent, but not to the extent that uninvolved civilians become collateral damage.

I can recommend the fragrance if you are looking for something elegant for little money, but also a little bit outside the norm.

As I have mentioned before, after my COVID illness a year ago, I had to start from almost zero when it came to fragrances. Many scents unfortunately had to leave, as we were no longer best friends. It hasn't changed now either. Just to clarify.

To avoid spending a lot of money on fragrances that I might not like in the long run, I am looking at drugstore scents for my re-entry. It’s always possible to upgrade later.

In April, Metaphor was released, and the brand had it on sale for even less. I took the risk of a blind buy and was initially disappointed. At that time, it didn’t appeal to me, as I was wild for spring. The bottle (functional, practical) went into the cabinet and was forgotten. Now that it's getting a bit more autumnal after the heat, I pulled the scent out. I wanted to test whether to keep it or let it go. I have a nice recipient in my son-in-law's niece (15) for it. But she won't be getting this one.

The opening is a bit fresh with a touch of 4711, reminiscent of my great-grandmother. I don’t like that at all. Along with that is the typical synthetic hairspray scent for the La Rive brand. But that’s usually a short-lived affair. As with this one, once that note with the 4711 smell fades, it becomes lovely. Flowers mix in, but they don’t reveal themselves clearly. After a little while, everything becomes very harmonious and spicy-herbaceous. A bit lightly masculine and elegant. I find that very unique and extraordinary without being ordinary. The finish then rounds off with an autumnal touch, where thankfully there is no musk. Clearly detectable are patchouli, which I still love, vetiver, and a hint of vanilla.

The longevity of the scent is above average. You enjoy it for 5-6 hours, and it’s still close to the skin even after 9 hours. Price/performance is more than good.

It is an autumn/winter scent that does not come off as fresh floral/creamy, but rather spicy and lightly herbaceous. So, for those who don’t want to smell like a Christmas cookie long before Christmas, this scent is perfect. However, the wearer should be aware that it is not a run-of-the-mill fragrance, but a bit more noticeable. It leans somewhat towards "Explosive / Provocation (Eau de Toilette) | Aigner," but is tamer.