Lost In Heaven

With my last order (which completed me having Francesca’s entire line), there were two samples enclosed. I’m like oh great, now I will probably need two more lol. Because I literally want everything this woman makes. There is something so original and unique about what she does, and all the fragrances feel meaningful, personal and very human. It’s hard to explain but they all have a lived in quality about them. Much like a patina on a leather bag. Lost in Heaven is the biggest departure from her usual style, there is a feeling of innocence here, even fragility. It reminds me of memories of little smiling girls with pink bows in their hair or a slice of white birthday cake with pastel colored swirls of icing. But....combined with elements of something that feels very adult, almost like an animalic vintage floral, so for me it creates the memories of being a girl inside a grown woman. Like she is reflecting on the innocent days that are now lost but with fondness and no sadness. There is a brightness to it, a freshness, a sweetness, an almost cake like quality, without seeming “gourmand”...but it’s added to more adult things like a rather animalic muskiness. Lost in Heaven makes me think happy thoughts, and I feel more alive. It takes away any sadness. It makes me think of pretty pastel frosting, but on a cake covered with many candles. An innocence combined with a life lived. And no regrets. I don’t want to confuse the gourmand lovers though, this is not some full on gourmand, it’s just one quality it has, combined with other things like fresh citruses and florals, musks, resins and spices. It’s like she took everything you can think of that brings pleasure and combined it in one bottle. And she chose the perfect name for it because that’s exactly what this is, a feeling of being lost in a story book, forgetting all your troubles and indulging in everything you love. It’s having your cake and eating it, too, and feeling no shame. All the good things. Lost in Heaven makes you feel jubilant yet content, the perfume equivalent of having comfort food in paradise.

Lost In Heaven is another excellent scent from a consistently excellent house. As well as being marvellous compositions - creative and bold yet wearable, taking inspiration from the classics - they very much appeal to my personal taste. LIH is a sweet-spicy amber floral, rich and honeyed but with a powdery texture and a musky base. LIH has a spicy opening, with cumin in particular coming to the fore, alongside other peppery notes. Cumin is a challenging spice in perfume - its dirty side can be off-putting, but here, it fits in seamlessly. The honeyed amber base is evident from initial spray, with sticky, sweet beeswax prominent up top. As it develops, it becomes dry and powdery, with the musky animalic accord creeping in alongside the floral heart. Yellow florals emerge, notably smooth ylang ylang and dusty, powdery mimosa. I get some muted orange blossom in there too, sweet and tropical, and orris keeps the texture wonderfully powdery. Some slightly indolic jasmine follows. The civet note is prominent, adding a vintage-style animalic quality to this scent. Obviously it is simulated, but it smells very similar to vintage animalic perfumes I've smelled - adding an edge to the sweetness. As it dries down, woody notes creep in alongside the increasingly resinous amber accord, with salty ambergris becoming prominent for a time, complementing the animalic component nicely. I get some patchouli here, adding an earthy quality to the musky drydown. Sillage is moderate and longevity is long-lasting. It is unisex by modern standards, but feels feminine-leaning to me. It is best worn in cold weather (I'm reviewing my discovery set at the wrong time of the year, but here we are!) A complex yet cohesive scent that balances sweet florals with animalic amber nicely, LIH is old-world luxury in a bottle - satisfying throughout. The animalic accord is old-fashioned in the best way, not off-putting but adding the perfect carnal edge. Heavenly. 4.5/5.

Tested via a dabber, I was hesitant after reading mixed reviews and being mindful how how personal chemistry effects the outcomes and this seems more so with FB fragrances. I recoiled with terror at the halitosis note that lasted for 5 minutes but felt my body unclench as the scent bloomed into a rich dripping with honey and lit with golden sunlight, peach. A flashback to secretly sniffing my mother’s vintage bottle of Guerlain Mitsuoko. My goodness so close a scent but improved by more hope in that golden touch of sun and honeyed peach. I managed to drop a few drops on my not-so-active wear as I so carefully tried to coat the dabber, but then managed to carelessly anoint my leg in this scent. The sillage is incredible. Dabbers are a nuisance and only afford you the comfort of knowing how it plays on your skin not the full wearing experience, but I’m thankful as any samples are very hard to source/find in my country. This has been added to my must buy list. I can wear this where I couldn’t carry off Mitsuoko and I’m thrilled. I take comfort knowing my mother would have loved this too, I know she approves that I get my own and sniff it not so furtively :) Edit: full bottle purchased and worn. This fragrance is majestic ! Currently wearing today as spring is trying to spring. I don’t notice the animalistic notes these days just the deep narcotic beauty of honey, florals and leathery skin musk. She smells less like Mitsouko than I thought (more reminiscent than actual) as I’ve bought and can actually wear well these days Mitsouko edt...bliss. LIH is one of my treasures.

Lost in Heaven hits with an opening that feels like stepping onto a forest floor in late autumn — dry, crackling leaves mixed with something damp, moldy, and quietly decaying. It’s earthy, hay-like, and strangely beautiful in its rawness. Soon after, the honey begins to rise: not the clean, golden kind, but raw, unfiltered honey with honeycomb, beeswax, dusty pollen, and that slightly animalic edge Bianchi does so well. For those familiar with Francesca Bianchi’s work, the animalics are definitely present, but here they’re softened — woven gently into the honey and lingering quietly in the base rather than taking center stage. The signature iris butter is also here, but only as a faint supporting note, adding a subdued, powdery elegance. As the scent deepens, the ambery base takes over — thick resins, vanilla, labdanum, cinnamon and other spices, tonka, and a return of those same forest-floor autumn leaves from the intro, now sweeter, darker, and more resin-soaked. The resins feel hot and molten rather than smoky — warm, fluid, and glowing, never incense-like or smoldering. There’s also a soft veil of dusty florals and that unmistakable Francesca iris note, adding a powdery, melancholic elegance beneath all the warmth and darkness. The result is both original and eerily familiar, echoing vintage classics while remaining unmistakably Francesca. Unusual, emotional, and beautifully strange, Lost in Heaven doesn’t just smell like a place — it feels like a memory you can’t quite name.

How does she do it? Francesca Bianchi I mean. She has a genius nose and genius skills. She makes old school perfumes into a new modern light. Although I have tested loads of perfumes this year and ultimately thought I will be hard to impress, I mean, she got me trembling waiting for my payday to get this gem, carefully pouring the last bits of my sample to last me till then. I was sent this sample and upon first application I disregarded it, I thought what is this oldish stuff? Nevertheless, 15 min later I smelled it again and it still had an old vibe, but it was also thick, sirupy, jammy, sticky, very much alive and alluring and not dry or deserted at all. The drydown is beautiful :it's very carnal and disobedient (I don't know how, but FB conveyed this in a perfume) but also sweet, spicy, elegant and comforting. This perfume is very much alive with a throbbing heart and I think it goes well with poetry and the autumn sunlight. I imagine wearing this on a very hot date or a very torrid love affair, because of the sweet sticky animalistic vibe, but since I am in neither of these situations, I will wear it anyhow and let this perfume write its novel in my mind.

Lost in Heaven is all about the complex dichotomy of the human condition, the torn emotion of longing for a place of happiness - a paradise of innocence and joy, only to be compelled by your darker side, realising that paradise doesn’t exist without accepting the intrusive thoughts and desires which dwell within. This scent encapsulates everything I love about Francesca’s work. On one side, there’s an angelic melody of indolic jasmine and orange blossom, softened by the delicate intimacy of sandalwood, heliotrope and sweet tonka. This is contrasted by the darker, dirtier secrets within - a devilish concoction of castoreum, ambergris, cumin and a delectable recreation of Tonkin Musk. All of this rests on Bianchi’s signature orris base alongside a thick, leathery note of cistus. This scent is filth, there is no other way to describe it. The castoreum and cumin do not try to hide, giving you a sense of a dirty, slightly sweaty secret which has not been well kept. To some that may sound revolting, to me it is heavenly. Without question, this is easily one of my all time favourites from the house.

It smells like vintage perfumery. The combination of florals along with the Orris, Sandalwood, Tonka, & Musk create a nuance reminiscent of a rich & expensive Body Lotion. The spices work well together & evoke a feeling of holiday baking. The Beeswax, Opoponax, Labdanum, Castoreum, & Ambergris give it a soft Middle Eastern flare. Which in my opinion is what makes this fragrance smell Niche. I dont pick up on Patchouli or Vetiver. In the mid & dry down i do pick up on a mix of Grapefruit & Tangerine, & oddly in that phase it gives me soft reminders of Kenzo L'Elephant. For me Lost In Heaven is a love. But i dont feel like its a must have fragrance. And i say that because overall it just smells like a risque Chanel fragrance made for Women that Men would have an easy time wearing. Performance isnt Beast. But its very strong & projects very well.

I wasn’t initially excited by this. I tested 3 Francesca Bianchi fragrances at the same time and I was obsessed with smelling the musky animatics of Sticky Fingers and balsams of Under the Skin. Lost in Heaven became ignored until 2 hours-in when something captivating happened. Whilst the others had just passed their prime, Lost in Heaven suddenly came into its own, and blossomed into the most alluring floral honey-cake. There was something that reminded me of what Chanel No.5 used to be many years ago (minus the aldehydes, citrus and rose). It must be a jasmine/ylang thing as I also get a similar vibe in No.22. I’m going to have to buy a bottle, then an in-depth review will follow. I completely get Francesca Bianchi’s vision and aspire to join her small but fragrant network.

This is such a beautiful creation Opening is strong fresh spicy, flowery, musky, quickly followed by dominating photorealistic jasmine note that claims the scent for the later half of the opening, with strong backing from the rest of the creamy flowers as sweet spices, slowly transitioning into honeyed flowers, just a touch woody, slightly balsamic drydown. While the opening is definitely a showstopper, the drydown is simply magical. Unusual, but perfectly working combination of flowers (the jasmine pretty much being the main player there, but the other flowery notes still giving its influence) spices and honey. Absolutely worth owning - unfortunately 30ml is the only bottle size in my country, but if i could buy the bigger bottle size, i would without hesitation.

This is a musty dusty powder amber bomb that is slightly animalic which sounds like something I'd hate, but there is something about it that is musty or animalic in a bewitching way! This is everything and more that I had I hoped Bal à Versailles would be, but wasn't imho. I actually thought I would like Angel's Dust and not this one, but it was the opposite experience for me. After it starts to dry down just a bit, the mustiness tones down, and it is still a non-boring powder and amber with the amber becoming a bit more shimmery at this stage (or at least on my skin). I think this can be sexy, mysterious, not too pure scent for depth and complexity. It seems to project for about 3-4 hours and bit after that is more floating just above a skin scent for awhile.

Francesca Bianchi is a magician. I could leave this review there. Honestly. But it would be remiss of me not to elaborate at least a little. Lost In Heaven is a masterpiece that manages to deliver a hugely animalistic fragrance, using a myriad of highly divisive notes that is absolutely beautiful and subtle. You don’t often see animalistic and subtle used in the same sentence without subtle receiving a ‘not’ prefix. But Francesca Bianchi has done the impossible with Lost In Heaven and created a journey for your senses. The beeswax note is all encompassing in the opening, striking and beautiful, but the stage is shared by a coming together of notes delivered just like an orchestra. A truly wonderful amber woody delight. Bravo!!!

Spicy, sweet, and a tad animalic, LiH reminds me of a misbehaved younger sister of Organza Indecence. It opens with a blast of cumin and castoreum, then gradually grows sweeter as the beeswax, orange blossom, tangerine, and cinnamon pick up. Once it has settled, I can perceive most of the notes listed, but the most prominent in my skin is a mixture of sweet spices and citrusy notes. It is a delightful unisex perfume to wear during cold weather. However, I'd advise against using it in professional settings, as it's a powerful fragrance that lasts forever (24+ h on my skin with just one spray), and I can see it's not for everyone due to the cumin. It is for me, though, as I love "orange" fragrances during the cold season :) 9/10

What a gorgeous perfume! what a glorious art! This is literally perfection. I like when art inspired by serious matters. But what’s important in second place is how much the end result is coordinated to the inspiration. In my opinion this fragrance have good inspiration and manage to showcase it in the scent. (Like many others Francesca Bianchi fragrances) Very sensual and emotional from initial spray til the very end. Deep and rich, complex and balance. Classic. My father said that it’s smell very aristocratic and I have never heard such a compliment from him! though in drydown he said you smell like cookies, but he was still enjoying it. Performance is excellent. 10/10 ( Beware it’s not for everyone )

Definitely a vintage vibe, but in a modern, almost ‘now-stalgia” way. It smells like an antique shop nestled in a gentrified town, where the basement is endless and full of everything you want, but nothing you need. It’s much less musky on me, particularly as it dries, and the beeswax stands out very well. I love the beeswax note, and I don’t think I’ve ever smelled any candle or perfume that emulates the waxy sweetness the way Lost in Heaven does. Longer term, the scent is even better; a softer, sweet musk. Generally, Lost in Heaven is somewhat formal, although I don’t think it’s necessarily restricted to that type of style.

To my nose, two notes stand out in Lost in Heaven: orange blossom and cumin. However, there’s much more going on here. It is a rich, slightly gooey blend of florals and animalics that I thoroughly enjoy. It’s bold and sensual thanks to the animalic nuances and cumin, yet also enveloping and comforting (perhaps due to the beeswax and orris). This is a great perfume for when you want to be wrapped in something soothing but not overly cosy, something that still hints at carnality. If you’d like to compare it to another creation, Rochas Femme comes to mind. Femme feels a bit airier and less sticky, and also a touch less sweet.

For the bold and brave that wish to earn heaven. Upon first spritz it’s rather offensive, even nauseating as it overwhelms you with its spices and herbal balsamic notes. There is no light airy freshness here, you will smell like a mature vintage syrupy candied honeycomb with some pollen and wax on top. A unique floral, animalic, orris buttery powerhouse. It becomes rather cozy and only serves to lures you in more as it dries down, picking up a sensuality and an almost sweaty warm skin quality. Respectable longevity and extrait sillage to boot. For lovers of rich scents with depth, complexity, sweetness and a lasting pull.

One great perfume more by Francesca bianchi. My favourite is still sex & the sea but i can appreciate in Lost un Heaven also a very high quality. The longevity is good while the sillage is only moderate. The smell is nice, sweet and spicy. I can get the cumin andbthw animal vibe that the castoreum gives to the mixture. It is Aldo very flowery and It has a high sweet and balsámic part given by opoponax, grey amber, tanka and Bee wax. Nice for daytime use during not too warm weather. Unisex and very versatile. Scent: 8 Longevity: 9 Sillage: 7 Quality/price: 5 Versatility: 7 Originality: 8 Global: 8

Honeyed cumin floating in a celestial powder-cloud with golden glints of blossom and incense. This is complex and has character, singing like a siren from my skin for the entire day, urging me to financially crash myself at the foot of this perfume house. I want every one of Francesca Bianchi's perfumes. They're all masterful and have her distinct style although this may be the easiest to wear. Distillation: soft honeyed powder shot through with cumin and spice like gold catching light

I'll start by saying Francesca Bianchi is my favorite niche house. That being said, it is so hard to truly review her scents. They are blended so well that you don't smell individual notes. Each composition is like a work of art that has to be looked at and judged on its own. Getting to the scent itself, it has the FB DNA. It is thick and dense and dusty and overall gorgeous. Like all of her scents, it brings me to a happy place. Comfortable and relaxing.

Just got this beauty today. I was expecting a little bit of a monster with the cumin and castoreum, but it is gorgeous. Spicy, sweet and creamy with an animalic touch that doesn't become ovewhelming. I get why some people compare Lost in Heaven with L'Elefant, but Bianchi's creation is way more elegant and refined. An Absolute masterpiece, my frist but not my last fragrance from Francesca Bianchi. In love with this house.