Recently, I stopped by the perfume section in the drugstore to check out the new arrivals as usual, and bingo, a new bottle from laRive caught my eye. A quick search online revealed it to be a fragrance alternative to Boss Alive, so I grabbed a tester and started spraying while continuing my shopping round.
The scent opens with a blend of blackcurrant and plum, which feels fresh and fruity, but not too sweet. It's almost as if you're reaching into a ripe fruit basket, fresh yet richly ripe at the same time. Shortly after, jasmine comes into play, adding a soft, floral note to the fragrance. The floral character harmonizes well with a hint of cinnamon, which contributes a wonderful warmth, giving the whole composition an interesting depth without overwhelming the lightness of the scent. In the drydown, almost back home, the woody notes unfold. They provide the perfume with an elegant and earthy base, ensuring that the fragrance feels not only lively but also pleasantly warm and comforting. The wood tones round everything off harmoniously and give the scent a certain maturity that I, as someone over 40, appreciate very much.
Secret of Beauty by laRive is a balanced fragrance that finds a great balance between fruity freshness, floral elegance, and warm spice. The combination of blackcurrant, plum, jasmine, cinnamon, and wood makes this scent very versatile, not too overpowering, but definitely memorable. Ideal for everyday wear, but also for special occasions, especially now in autumn. Longevity and sillage are moderate and correspond to the price-performance ratio!
Well written.