Citron 28 Le Labo 2020

I have never really understood the praises for bergamot, just as I cannot comprehend the criticism of Citron 28 now. For me, Citron 28 is the better Bergamot 22.

With the first spray, the citrus note makes itself known immediately. One might think it is more bergamot, but it quickly reveals itself as a strong lemon note.

However, this soon takes a back seat and makes way for a noble jasmine note. At this point, cedarwood and musk can be detected, albeit very subtly. Meanwhile, somewhere in between, there is a barely noticeable sharpness, but also a slight sweetness from the ginger note.

This structure remains intact over the next few hours, while lemon and jasmine gradually weaken and the cedarwood comes more to the forefront. Occasionally, it has a slightly soapy character. In my case, the scent remains distinctly perceptible for about seven hours, after which it becomes really just a skin scent until it completely dissolves on the skin. Over these seven hours, the scent actually projects quite decently, considering how fine and delicate this composition really is.

For in indoor spaces, it comes into its own very well, and it actually fits Seoul quite nicely. I had heard that some complained that Citron 28 with its lemon does not do justice to the rain in Seoul, nor to the character of the city. However, I believe it does.

Life in a million-person city like Seoul can be very tough. In the morning on the subway, at noon at work, and in the evening at a café or at home. Outside, it is gray, either overcast or raining again. The smog over the city and the air pollution do not make it particularly attractive to do anything outside, and green spaces are rare. People dress very delicately, yet simply and almost conforming, to attract attention but not to stand out, as status is everything in South Korea.

And this is exactly where Citron 28 hits the mark. On the subway, it is well noticeable, it turns heads, but does not disturb the other passengers. At work, it exudes status without coming across as authoritarian to colleagues. In the café, it appears elegant but does not overpower the conversation. On rainy days, it is perfect for staying cozy at home. In a gray environment, Citron 28 refreshes with its aura. And should it ever turn into a beautiful, cloudless sunny day in the park, it fits into that scenario as well. As a small homage to the previous comment "green-yellow..." applies very accurately to the scent.

What I do have to criticize a bit is that Citron 28 is very sensitive to temperatures. Both the daytime temperature and one's own body temperature can greatly influence its longevity and scent development. This in itself would not be a problem, but I have experienced that the scent can sometimes veer into a strongly bitter/sour direction. Some reported a rotting smell. Anyone who has had a floral scent that unfortunately went off can imagine it somewhat similarly.

Furthermore, I find that the perfume fits much more with the Asian aesthetic than with our Western world. A delicate South Korean woman or a young South Korean man would suit Citron 28's character better than Caucasians.

Nevertheless, a very beautiful scent.

P.S. The prices of the City Exclusives at €10 for 1.2ml, €112 for 15ml, €277 for 50ml, €415 for 100ml, and €1480 for 500ml are, in my opinion, absolutely unrealistic. Anyone who orders online from Le Labo for several thousand euros still has to pay the €15 shipping and should not expect free samples. Also, exchanges are strictly rejected by Le Labo. However, anyone who loves a City Exclusive and knows what they are getting into will definitely be happy with it!