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The People of the Labyrinths: Luctor et Emergo

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Luctor et Emergo by The People of the Labyrinths (Netherlands) is an odd little creature, and if I were you, I wouldn't let it anywhere near your man. It's suitable for girls, for women, maybe even for babies, but its sweetness and initial burst of cherry almond tempered with "grasses" (which I detect as hay and sweetgrass accords) is very femme indeed. This is the kind of perfume that even fans of a good many gourmand scents will shy away from, as it represents the extreme edge of foodiness. It boasts some pretty amazing packaging and lists precious woods, vanilla, fresh grasses and white florals among the notes, but don't let that fool you. The flowers are eaten by the other top notes, and the only time you will see any woods here is in the drydown far off in the distance, where a light sandalwood that could almost pass for sensual musk and a pervasive powderiness duke it out for control.  There are some days I just want a sweet scent to comfort me, but I want it to be interesting. Luctor et Emergo would fit the bill. It's far beyond vanilla; it is tenacious and has an odd beauty that is slightly disturbing. It inches up on cloying, it even borders on annoying, but it never quite arrives there. Okay, Luctor et Emergo, go get your stuff. You can stay.


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  1. AromiEroticiJanuary 17, 2011 at 10:08 PM

    Nice review Carrie. This one sounds like it has "Not for Aromi" written all over it...lol...

    I'm not very familiar with this house. Is there others from them that you find good?

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  2. Carrie MeredithJanuary 17, 2011 at 11:10 PM

    Thanks Dave! I've not tried the other scent from POTL, A*MAZE, but it sounds like another ultra-feminine scent (rose-based this time). I would like to see more from them.

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  3. tarleisioJanuary 17, 2011 at 11:55 PM

    I seem to recall this being listed under the category "cherry bomb", and I can certainly relate! This is, well, a candied catfight in a bottle, and while it might not be for everyone, it's definitely not boring! I liked it a lot, just not enough to own it. A*MAZE, on the other hand, I would buy! Great review!

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  4. Carrie MeredithJanuary 18, 2011 at 10:12 AM

    Thank you tarlesio, I love your description "a candied catfight in a bottle". Whoa, wish I'd thought of that. :) It's perfectly accurate.

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