Magda Lubin 2021

I must confess, this sample of "Magda" is thanks to a late-night spree of purchasing samples that was actually focused on the fragrances from "La Maison de la Vanille." But on that darn website, there were so many interesting brands and scents. And if I'm already paying for shipping, I might as well get a little more.

I only scanned the pyramid of offered and interesting fragrances sleepily with one eye. There was "Magda" by Lubin with over 7 points. In the top notes, there’s cherry and other delicious fruits - the blackcurrant syrup can't be that bad. Gardenia, neroli, and tuberose combined with cinnamon in the heart notes I gladly leave out of enthusiasm. In the base notes, however, there were familiar and pleasant acquaintances like sandalwood and vanilla. I wanted to believe in amaretto only when I see it.

The order arrived quickly. And with all the samples, I could catch a hint of the scents just by opening the cap. With this piece, I was relatively sure in a fraction of a second: Magda and I - we will not be friends. Brave as I am, I tested it not only on a tissue... but also on my skin. But to be completely transparent: it was not my forearm. It was my calf. This is where scents that fall under the usual suspects for headaches and nausea end up. Magda had qualified.

I bravely spray 3 times. The opening is... piercing and somehow woody. And just a few seconds later, "blackcurrant syrup" jumps out at me, holding cinnamon-dusted pom-poms that it waves in my face. It brought along cherry, which has a glass of cough syrup with it. Pomegranate was actually invited but had a backache. And mandarin just peeks around the corner. Maybe it knows who is about to join the party: orange blossom, gardenia, and - my absolute "friend" - tuberose! Mandarin was right... because they are already here. The three expected white flowers appear with such force and volume that the remaining blackcurrant-fruit combo falls silent in shock. Cherry has teamed up with the syrup and is still trying to chime in a bit… I desperately look at the drink menu. There’s amaretto - neat.

After about 1 hour, I struggle with creeping nausea - the headache is already here. I can manage with one of the white flower species. Especially neroli is nice; I got to know it in Italy. And when everyone is in a good mood, I also like gardenia. But tuberose is too loud for me, intrusive, honey-like-sticky, and intoxicating. Moreover, it often brings along its unwashed giant dog named "Tutti Frutti." Tuberose alone already gives me a headache in too high a concentration. And all three together with the rest of this party mix in my nose into a bitter, overly sweet, piercing mush. Unfortunately, the cherry on top doesn't help anymore.

Gradually, the party begins to quiet down a bit. The white flowers are getting tired, while cherry and syrup really turn it up and give sandalwood a grand entrance. I unfortunately never saw vanilla in the chaos of the party.

After about 4-5 hours, I head home exhausted, take a headache tablet with lots of sparkling water, and swear to myself to pay better attention to the guest list next time.