Laertes

A confusing scent initially, because there is no almond or floral to be found. Instead it’s a tropical fruit bonanza; passionfruit, mango, maybe just a hint of orange. It’s very summery, fruity, fresh, and juicy, and really bears no resemblance to the Van Gogh painting that is said to inspire it.

After a few hours the fruitiness fades and the vanilla base starts to shine through. It’s deliciously creamy at this point, but still no almond. It’s a nice enough scent, but not really what I was either expecting or looking for given the name. If anything, it reminds me of the body shop mango bath fizzers I had as a child…and for that reason, God of Fire.

Initial spray leans unexpectedly heavily into the vegetal, green bamboo. Lots of chlorophyll and sap. Underlying are lighter notes of vanilla and sandalwood, which become more prominent over the first hour and contribute a delicious woody creaminess. There is a distinctive orchid note also that prevails throughout. I like this one a lot, even though it’s not quite what I expected. It’s sweet yet still fresh, and very green, making it a contender for summer as well as winter. Lasts and projects reasonably well.

I waited to try this one until winter (having purchased my sample back in the summer along with some others) and I’m glad I did. In summer this would be too much, but in winter it’s perfect. Photorealistic honey with comb; sweet, waxy, a little buttery. The royal jelly aspect really comes through, and it’s a touch woody and vanillic also. Very warm and ambery, maybe even a tad peppery at times. It’s quite linear, but both lasts and projects superbly. Definitely not difficult to imagine that this is the what the inside of a beehive might smell like!

ETA: my husband says this smells like baby powder.

Reviewing the Throwback version currently available in the UK.

Definitely a nostalgia filled throwback to my teenage years! My memory of the original is hazy now, but this still captures the essence of how I felt at that time. It’s zesty and fizzy in the opening with loads of lemon, which gives way to a more floral (but still fresh) water lily and freesia heart. Such a fun, uplifting scent; I’m really pleased to see this on the shelves again. Lasts and projects nicely, and pairs or layers really well with DKNY Be Delicious and Floral Street Sunflower Pop.

Exactly what it claims to be; sweet, sugary vanilla-heavy marshmallow against a background of soft leather. Lasts and projects well, and fortunately not too cloying. This was a year round go to for me when I attended the office frequently pre-covid, and it’s still one I come back to every so often now. If you like sweet scents with a slight edge, this one’s for you. It pairs perfectly with a leather jacket!