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.
Citrus, Juniper, Pineapple. Ambergris, Almond. Sandalwood, Lavender, Musk. I felt compelled to revisit DK Men ( Fuel for Men ) after perusing through some older samples and then reading my previous review from 2009. Wearing DK Men again has caused me to revise my original post. I liked it three years ago and have a new found appreciation for this extremely smooth fragrance. My perception of it has changed slightly, but my opinion is still extremely favorable. This time around, I get less of a petrol vibe and much more of a fruit and suede theme. The pineapple note is integrated so well that I am surprised I couldn't previously esteem its deft implementation like I can now. The magic of DK Men is in the blending of chosen notes. The citric opening is very good indeed in spite of its quick dissipation. The pineapple and amber quickly pick up the slack. They are rich, full bodied and manage to keep a respectable presence while offending no one. The volume is intelligent. ...

Nice review Carrie. This one sounds like it has "Not for Aromi" written all over it...lol...
ReplyDeleteI'm not very familiar with this house. Is there others from them that you find good?
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.
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteThank 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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