American Cream Lush 2011 Perfume

Many years ago, I stumbled upon Lush, though I can't quite remember how.
My nearest store is almost 200km away, so a visit has to be well thought out.

Somehow, I am the only one in my circle of relatives and friends who loves the scent of these stores. You step inside and are practically overwhelmed by impressions of all kinds, colorful, loud, kitschy, and yet so beautiful.

I first got to know American Cream as a conditioner. Unfortunately, it had no chance with my unruly hair, but I always bought a small bottle just for the scent. (And yes, maybe I used to slather it all over my body in the shower, no conditioner-shaming please! :D)

Still, 200km or ordering blindly is generally not an option for me at these prices. Thus, the paths of the Lush empire and I parted ways.
And then there was a Boxing Day Sale.

I will never forget how the postman stood at my door back then and said, "Whatever this is, I want it too, it smells incredible. I would have preferred not to deliver the package and keep it in my car."

Amid what felt like 400 bath bombs and bubble baths, the bottle of American Cream emerged.
One spray and I have to smile.

This perfume is, for me, cuddly in liquid form.
So incredibly warm, soft, and beautiful.
For me, the strawberry comes through only slightly; mainly, I smell vanilla, and it lingers forever.
However, even though I primarily perceive vanilla, this scent is somehow versatile and yet beautiful in its simplicity.

Imagine you are sitting in America, somewhere in a small town, almost a village.
There isn’t much there, a few shops here and there, a gas station, and also a diner.
The souls of the village gather there, and you are right in the middle.
You see a young couple sitting at one of the niche tables, freshly in love, giggling and whispering.
They order together, the portions are big enough, a huge milkshake.
The whipped cream on top towers high, and with every sip from the straw, you get a dollop on your nose.

THIS is what American Cream smells like to me.
Kitschy in love, carefree, and romantic.
The longevity of this perfume is, in my eyes, gigantic; sprayed on in the morning, I can still clearly smell the vanilla late in the evening.
The sillage is lovely; I am often complimented on my "sugar scent."
For me, a clear recommendation for anyone who likes vanilla but finds vanilla too simple. The price/performance ratio is absolutely fair in my opinion, and American Cream is and remains a staple for me.