Island Lush

Island Lush arrived on the market in 2023, and its fragrance was created by Amélie Jacquin (Givaudan). It is part of the Botanical Series as its third creation, succeeding Silky Woods and Purple Suede in its proposal to explore rare raw materials from a contemporary perspective. Inspired by the volcanic islands of the South Pacific, particularly Vanuatu and New Caledonia, the fragrance highlights the precious local sandalwood (Santalum austrocaledonicum), creating a composition that combines exoticism, creamy texture, and woody depth. Classified as woody-spicy, Island Lush also has a 25% concentration and combines notes of ginger, pink pepper, nutmeg from Indonesia, geranium from Egypt, guaiac wood from Paraguay, sandalwood from the South Pacific, vetiver, and Australian oud. Once touches the skin, the fragrance reveals a luminous spicy accord, where ginger, nutmeg, and pink pepper create a warm and vibrant sensation, evoking the heat reflected on tropical landscapes. For those who enjoy the nutmeg note – warm and with a freshness capable of opening the nostrils, sometimes even slightly salty – it's a real treat! This spicy opening is not aggressive; on the contrary, it prepares the ground for a more enveloping evolution, where the composition gains density and elegance through woods and subtle green nuances. Notes such as guaiac, cedar, and geranium add a dry, almost smoky texture, creating a contrasting connection with the spices on top and the much creamier base. This phase reveals the refined character of the fragrance, which carries a lot of balance and sophistication. It is in the drydown that Island Lush reveals its true identity: sandalwood emerges rich, buttery, and enveloping, accompanied by vetiver, resinous benzoin, and facets of oud that amplify the sensation of warmth and sensuality. The result is a creamy, woody, and slightly leathery drydown that lingers on the skin with tactile elegance and plenty of personality. Let's talk about expectations? Unlike traditional tropical fragrances, Island Lush doesn't seek oceanic freshness or obvious fruity sun accords. It aims to translate the spirit of the islands through the richness of woods, resins, and spices, creating a deeper and more contemplative interpretation of the soil and the botanical landscape. On my skin, Island Lush performs very well, leaving a luxurious trail and honest lasting power (+10 hours), characteristics reinforced by the high concentration of botanical essences used by the brand. In my opinion, it has a more masculine profile, but that doesn't prevent women from falling in love with it, especially considering the increased interest in more intense and spicy notes, widely disseminated by Arabic perfumery. A beautiful fragrance indeed!

I disagree that it's masculine, it is unisex to my nose. The spice is very delicate compared to other spicy perfumes, even some female leaning ones, and the floral notes make it really gentle as well. There is nothing strongly masculine about it, but if you're a woman you have to like more spicy/oriental perfumes to wear it I suppose. Overall this is more of a cold weather/night time/going out to an event scent. The opening and the first hour or so are the best part. As you spray the ginger & spices are prickly and sharp, but it is a spice perfume after all, and the sharp edge vanishes soon after. The mix of spices and bergamot and some other note, that makes it strangely fresh, clean, and almost soapy despite all the spices (or is it actually the bergamot & ginger mix creating this?), is amazing. When the iris kicks in in addition to that it becomes even better. Very complex and unusual. The base is more subdued, creamy, and cozy thanks to the sandalwood and sweet accords, as the interesting opening notes disappear. I don't detect much leather compared to the sandalwood which is good in my case because it keeps the perfume lighter and more unisex. I do wear spicy perfumes only sometimes but I will consider buying a full bottle of this once I run out of my current staple spicy perfume, as this is a classic spice with a very interesting opening, good quality overall, and lasts long.

First proper sampling of Goldfield & Banks Island Lush, an aptly-named multifaceted blend that conjures a tropical experience without leaning too heavily on tropes. To my nose, it’s at the intersection of most typical categories and has a lot going on. I think it actually ends up being fresh and resinous more than any other categories, but it has sweet, fruity, floral, musky, woody, and spicy aspects. Its full note list tells a fittingly complex story: bergamot, pink pepper, nutmeg, and ginger in the vibrant, bright opening; geranium, guaiac, and cedar wood in the spicy, woody heart; and sandalwood, patchouli, vetiver, benzoin, and even leather in the more resinous-leaning base. There is surely a lot going on here, and I enjoy the tightrope being walked between sharp and smooth aspects, with a healthy use of benzoin and patchouli at the center, in my opinion. It does transport me to an island but without being a tropical fruity/floral blend (though those are often quite nice, as well). It has some gravitas and density, and performs quite well. Island Lush has the same retail pricing as the rest of the Botanical Series, at $240/47 for 100/10ml, and as with the entire house, I love the option of the 10ml size, as there are several such fragrances from the house that I would love to try more in the 10ml size prior to committing to a 100ml bottle. 8 out of 10

Goldfield and Banks's Island Lush is, without a doubt, a masterpiece—and in my opinion, their best creation, even within the Botanical Series. It's a shame to see the criticism this fragrance receives, as I think it's a brilliant and unexpected take on the concept. It seems we've become so conditioned to expect a stereotypical "island" scent that we've lost our ability to appreciate a more complex and imaginative interpretation. The name and brief for Island Lush are perfectly suited to the fragrance it is. The opening is a truly beautiful and slightly sweet burst of Bergamot and Ginger, which quickly gives way to a vibrant and spicy heart of Pepper and Nutmeg. As it develops, the scent takes on a creamy and smooth body of Sandalwood and Guaiac wood, with a touch of iris and leather giving it a sophisticated texture. The final layer of Vetiver and Patchouli adds a subtle, earthy greenness that gives the fragrance a truly unique herbal quality. I deeply appreciate Goldfield and Banks's creative vision for what "island" and "lush" can truly mean. While I love the entire line—and would rank Purple Suede as a close second for its incredible character over Silky Woods—Island Lush will always be my number one. It's a fragrance that stands apart and tells a story all its own.

This is very nice perfume. It is strong sweet and leathery perfume, and a bit powdery. I’m very sad this is rated so low. People are raging because of the name of perfume (?!) and also someone said this smells like burnt toast. It maybe smells like burnt toast only if you are having a stroke, otherwise it is very simple scent - sandalwood and leather. My only problem is that this perfume can be too sweet, and this is coming from someone who loves sweet perfumes. At least for me, this is happening only with sandalwood. It also has very good projection, which is so rare nowadays. Everyone are into ‘skin scents’ but why am i buying perfume if i can’t smell it at all. Take a sample of this perfume and decide on your own, but i would totally recommend Island Lush.

Love the review below and I get the exact same impression from this: the “island” evoked here isn’t a tropical paradise with palm trees, coconuts, and margaritas. Island Lush departs from the beach and takes you where the tourists don’t go. This is the dense jungle of Papua New Guinea: thick, steamy, air, thatched huts with animal skins, exotic spices and smells mixing in with the humid floral vegetation. Spot on, perfectly captured. It’s not really a summer fragrance in the traditional sense. Perhaps some of the negative reaction for this one come from subverted expectations based on its name. But this is superb and perhaps a bit challenging only in the sense that it is different from the herd- a truly artistic rendering of a densely jungled isle.

Intoxicating dressed up spiced sandalwood! My new favourite Goldfield & Banks! A true gem for lovers of sandalwood or spicy, woody, resinous fragrances. If you love other iconic fragrances like Memo African Leather or BDK Gris Charnel Extract - then you must sample this fragrance. The sandalwood note is so divine! It has fruity nuances; a sweetness to my nose like fig fruit, which truly compliments the woody and resinous notes and that smooth leather backbone. Island Lush is unisex leaning masculine (in the opening) but anyone can wear this! I wore it for 7 hours today and it was still projecting when I got home after a day in the heat. I would wear this to any dressy occasion, date night, anytime you want to impress.

I dont even care how this is marketed. This perfume is simply a disaster. It is not blended well. Put it in any bottle any name, it wont help. For this price i expect very good craftsmanship, it feels rushed. This couldve been so much better if they worked on it to really smooth it out and make it more seductive and alluring. It just smells like chemichals. I just like it a little bit after an hour but it is still not developing to the fullest potential. This perfume is a reason why just because the price is high and its a ''niche'' doesnt mean its good. I dont like to criticize perfumery because its art. But brother If youre gonna sell this shi for this price at least craft this shi to its fullest potential.

Silky Woods was that much of a stone-cold banger that I was confident enough to grab a bottle of this blind. To try and summarise in as simple terms as I can - this is what you get if you are looking for a tropical scent for more formal occasions. It has a leathery nuanced depth that you would want in a formal scent yet has that tropical twist very well blended in. Not listed in the notes but I pick up a guava or some other tropical fruit, but it's very well done with no note really being more prominent. This is going to be a versatile fragrance that is perfectly unisex and will likely suit the wearer whatever the gender. Need to try Purple Suede now, these botanical series fragrances are top notch

Opening: Surprisingly refreshing and with a slight sweetness. Mid: The guiac wood really stands out along with leather and is almost overpowering. Dry down: The stringent guiac wood really tones down, and the softness of the cedar and sandalwood emerge, but the benzoin and vetiver really add the balance to the fragrance. On me, the pepper and nutmeg faintly remain, and the slight ginger, bergamot and sandalwood add a freshness that lingers all day. This can be a polarizing fragrance, so purchase a sample first. For me, a travel spray of Island Lush was a blind buy for me since I already had several G&B fragrances. But I am surprised how much I really love Island Lush.

I went to Harrods to look for a winter perfume, in the end I arrived home with pdm herod, and bdk crem cuir, of which I received two decant ojar infusion velours, and Island lush, I'm not a goldfield fan and I don't own none, but island lush, simply, it smells very good, it opens easily with a smell of ginger and bergamot, an air of iris, and then a light and creamy leather smell, let me say that it is a bit dry with goldolpinh, but island lush has smoother leather and not as strong,, and you would make a woman share it too, I decided that in 2023 it will be the first perfume I will own from the house of goldfield

A beautiful fragrance. Sandalwood heavy with a light backbone of leather. They seem to be able to produce a powdery fruit accord which mixes with the sandalwood very well to produce a tropical feel. The leather in the background, and it is very far in the background, allows this fragrance to maintain a slight elegance while showcasing a tropical vibe. This house is doing great things, and I look forward to getting a full bottle of this beautiful sandalwood scent.

This is fantastic. I am a sucker for most if not all of the aforementioned notes. Really great composition. Does not remind me of an island or lush foliage or even lush island. But their website labels it as carnal - bountiful. That I can get behind. A tad pricey even at a discounter. Not sure if am ready to splurge just yet. But it has certainly made it on my radar. Really fantastic.

It is a Harrods exclusive perfume until 2023 and it is such a gorgeous scent. It is very creamy and smooth with sandalwood and benjoin, while vetiver, ginger and nutmeg add a hint of dryness to it, creating a balanced cosy fall/winter fragrance. It is an affordable one compared to other Harrods exclusives and I will definitely get one sooner or later.

I have a very large collection, and I cannot understand why anybody would dislike this bottle. It's fresh, powdery, and complex. I think it's great and can be found for a steal if you shop around. It reminds me a little of one of the openings to one of the Xerjoff JTC bottles. I'll research and update this later.

Bright, fresh and sweet woods. Brilliant sandalwood scent with all the beautiful facets of this ingredient. You’ll get both sweetened creaminess and darker&drier pencil shavings from this. Absolutely love how it combines with soft iris powderiness and some fresher spices. Follow me on IG: scent.guide

Love this. Impressive longevity - I'm enjoying a mellow vanilla note twelve hours after applying, which must be the Guaiac wood. Sillage is moderate, but enjoyable for the wearer all day long.

I'm not a big fan of these notes individually but love them all together in this fragrance. I'm getting a slight Dior Homme Parfum vibe.

As others have said the name of this fragrance may offer some false preconceptions about what to expect - this is a deep woody, spicy and leathery/animalic scent. I also don’t really think of this as being very unisex, much more masculine of a scent profile for me. Personally I’m a sucker for a lot of the scents included in this profile especially Ginger, sandalwood, nutmeg, vetiver and cedar which all seem to dominate this scent in my mind. I don’t pick up too much of the bergamot on the opening or iris/geranium, likely because some of the other notes (particularly cedar & nutmeg for me) are so strong. I can also see how this could read rubbery to some folks, but I personally get more of a deep woodsy vibe that I do really enjoy. My partner however really reacted to the patchouli and said that was mostly what he took away from it and hated it - so I probably won’t be adding this to my collection as a full bottle. This is also a scent that I experienced some strong nose blindness with. On the first day of wearing, I could still smell this 12+ hours later as a skin scent, but by the second day I was struggling to smell it. I know it wasn’t a performance issue though because a coworker said they could smell me as I entered the room a full 8+ hours after applying 6 sprays from a sample vial (so I have to remind myself not to be so heavy handed with this one!)

The opening of the fragrance is rich and creamy sandalwood and fresh citrus notes. In order to like this one, you have to be a fan of sandalwood, as that is the big note in this fragrance. After about five minutes, the citrus dissipates, and spices takes over as the second note after sandalwood. After the ten-minute mark, light floral notes and woody aromas join in, pairing with sandalwood and spices. Eventually, after about an hour, I began to get leather along with green vetiver joining in, creating a rather masculine scent that I really enjoyed. Island Lush has a pretty good performance for me. It projects really well for the first hour, creating a noticeable scent bubble around me. After the initial hour, the projection reduces to about two feet, where it stays for the next six hours. The scent then becomes a skin scent that I had to press my nose to my arm to smell, until it finally disappeared around the ninth hour. Island Lush reminded me of my time in New Zealand. The aroma evokes memories of a lush green forest, the kind you might find on an island. It lacks the fruity or watery notes you might expect from a fragrance with 'island' in its name. Instead, it's the experience of walking through the interior of islands, through the trees and grassy fields, and walking into a local's house, smelling the delicious spices of their cooking.

This smells very similar to purple suede (which is AMAZING)from the same collection but sweeter and more exotic. This is probably a more unisex option whilst that one is definitely masculine. I am not the biggest fan of this - I tend to struggle with iris and sandalwood combos. Although objectively, I think it is really nice. It’s woody but also a bit sweet and ambery, with a bit of light citrusy spice. It is also really strong. It does smell good and I would be okay to smell this on the right person but I think it would bother me on myself. I’ve kind of encountered a similar profile with the classic scent from Who is Elijah - I think a lot of brands utilise this sandalwood iris woody thing. This does smell expensive and smooth but definitely not a safe blind buy. I also think this is more masculine but could be worn by a woman who fits the vibe. I would recommend trying this for sure, the botanical collection is nice overall and has some good scents but ofc won’t be for everyone.

Cooee, this perfume from 'straya is fair dinkum choc a bloc with pressed linen and will have you gobsmacked how much it's just like a kangaroo putting its laundry out on the Hills-Hoist on a sunny arvo. You'll be in a good pozzie and having a ripsnorter, as when it drys down it reminds me of a time that this one sheila and a bloke were sitting together and having a convo about their dodgy cleaner. Av a go of this one if you would chuck a sickie just to eat some fritz from the tube. Bloody oath I don't want to rev you up too much, but if you prefer long socks then you better take a squiz. 7/10.

I found the opening to be very impactful and interesting the pink pastel sweetness of pink pepper and iris over an instantly enveloping pillow of musky, dusky, sandy woods. It appeals to me on a very basic level but I went through stages of feeling a little smothered by it's themes but then just wallowing in the loveliness and cozy atmosphere of it all. I could still smell it on my skin this morning, and it was a musky skin scent. Good stuff but by no means great.

woody with a soft background of citrus and spice, also the leather note in this is suuuper strong, literally dominates most of what I'm smelling, definitely do agree with this being a more refined men's designer perfume, because this quite literally reminds me of something I could find in Sephora at first sniff. Strong longevity decent projection and masculine leaning.

It’s nice. Creamy woods like scent profile that’s aromatic being lift with herbs. After a hour or two it turns into a more feminine profile where it’s light, powdery and iris really stands out. Most of the notes in the pyramid listed I do not get though, especially Bergamot and Pink Pepper. One of the better releases from G&B for sure. Maybe lower top ten.

Never heard of this brand until Harrods sent me a sample, used it a few times and this is very warm and potent. It’s keeps going for hours and one that never gets annoying. Fairly unisex and now i am intrigued to try more from the house. Ordered a FB of this and probably could wear in any season.

It was wonderful I enjoyed it thoroughly It was smooth and easy to wear Performance was good Felt more on the masculine side The crazy part it was actually unique Smells like a signature scent So far the best I tried from the brand

I was surprised by this a few times - luckyscent sent a sample as their own pick with another purchase and from the name I expected overly fruity/boozy, in the bottle/from reading notes I was intrigued, and on the skin... meh, alas. I pretty exclusively wear unisex scents and was rooting for the sandalwood/ginger, but the leather very much wins here for me, and it pulls more masculine than I’d prefer. I might try it again in warmer weather as generally typically-winter scents that pull masc on me fare better then, but I think the leather might just be too much here. It definitely dominates this scent more than you’d think from notes or from name.

I could give a subjective collector’s take on Island Lush, but there’s hundreds of those on here already. So here’s the practical take: If you wear this, you’re going to smell vaguely like burnt toast to people nearby. Apply more than 1-2 sprays and everyone in the Tri-state area won’t be able to smell anything except burnt toast. Your average person isn’t going to pick out typically unlearned notes like Guaiac, Clearwood Prisma (“funk-less patchouli”), Nutmeg, etc. They’re just going to smell something weird, which, in their frame of reference, is closest to burnt toast. Not inherently an unpleasant smell, nor is it inherently pleasant.

Powdery, spicy sandalwood mixed with something like stale ginger peels. Not bad, not good. I smell an interesting concept that doesn’t go anywhere, but I can see how others might love it. Sits on a bed of rich nuance that’s well blended but not harmonious. Akward leather and floral combination at work here.

Nutmeg Cedar and Sandalwood, a smattering of the other bits. Mostly reminds me of a generic sorbelene cream. Sadly another failure for me - unlike Bohemian Lime this falls into what I consider over hyped blessings for G & B. I also received ingenious Ginger which is much more promising.

The opening is fine. The dry down is beautiful. Longevity and sillage are good. It has a strong rubber note, to me. This one doesn't suit my personality. UPDATE: My brother tried this on himself yesterday and it smelled really good on him. I could only say this is not a blind buy safe.

reminiscent of a men's designer fragrance, like specifically armani code parfum and burberry hero parfum, but more refined. licoricey, somewhat leathery. gives off a very put together and sophisticated vibe

Wasnt too bad until it dried down, and it started to give off a plasticy smell like lipstick. Just didnt like it.

Mmm...unisex? No way. Definately a male scent in my opinion. Not for me but hopefully my husband will love it and I know I'll love it on him. Leathery, spicey, woody scent. More a night out scent for me i think. Not sure yet though, as I'll have to have him try it. I think it's very sexy so far and not something he would wear to work. If he enjoys it too, I'll be getting the full bottle for him. Have a 10ml sample.

I get why some people are annoyed by the name. For whatever reason I read lush in the old-fashioned sense - as in, an alcoholic. So 'Island Lush' had me picturing something Hemingway-esque: linen.. rum... an intense, husky guy pounding mojitos in the Caribbean heat. The scent doesn’t live up to that fantasy at all, but I like to imagine it would smell great on that big sweaty drunk. Sadly it’s pretty boring on me.

Completely agree with poster before me. There is nothing tropical or paradise evoking in this fragrance. This stuff is very masculine and so not a blind buy, even for a guy. All I can smell is vetiver, strong not-so-pleasant leather, and ginger. I made the mistake of blind buying it and had to wash my arm after fifteen minutes. I tried it on my husband and he strongly disliked it as well. Lesson learned.

It opens with an orange spicy candy with a sweet sandalwood similar to Lancome's Santal Kardamon. It dries a little cleaner floral than iris and musk but still with that juicy orange tone on the skin. At times it reminded me of Malizia uomo rosso and the 90s, even if the trail is more childish, floral, clear and feminine. Ends amber with creamy leather and more sweet sandalwood. Too sweet.

Got the sample and it leans more masculine in my opinion, cause a headache. Love the drydown cause it's not too complicated.

Smoky wood, very heavy and headache inducing for me. But the longevity is admirable, I can smell it on my wrist whole day.

I got a sample and it has a strong leather note and too aquatic. I think it's more masculine.

It's giving old timey Imperial Leather soap to me. Clean smelling but a pass.

A generic leather scent. Nothing island or lush about it. I don't get it...

Masculine woody scent with nutmeg. Not typical "island" nor "lush".

This is my first Goldfield and Banks and as an Harrods exclusive for the time being, I doubt many will have tried it yet. I was looking for a spicy, warm winter fragrance that’s not too heavy or dense. In my search, I also tried Eight & Bob’s new Agneta. It has a somewhat similar note breakdown, but whereas I found that to be too dense, ambery and sweet for me, this gives me what I was hoping for (which is a good job as it was a blind buy and I’ve had my fingers burnt before). Personally, I think the name is a little misleading. It doesn’t strike me as particularly tropical and you need to like leather as that’s the main note I detect. There is a slight fruity freshness in the very initial spray but that very quickly dissipates as it settles. Primarily, I get a silky smooth, creamy suede/leather that’s not harsh, dense or overbearing. There’s a slight spiciness and a touch of powder but these elements are very well blended into the fragrance and provide structure, more than main stage facets. Although it has some sweetness, thankfully this isn’t too much but it’s not dry either. Creamy woodiness with leather is the best I can do to really describe it, with a touch of spice hovering above. I agree with the review below that there’s a very slight hint of tropical fruit hiding in the background, although this disappears as it dries down. Performance seems great so far although I really need to wear it fully to test it properly but it appears to have longevity with strong projection and only needs a light spray. Expensive, but not absorbently so. A nice, well balanced and versatile fragrance that should be quite popular upon full release. Whether you see this as unisex or masculine depends on your view of leather.

What I get? Nothing bubbly bright sharp or zingy that u might find on a vacay in the summer in a tropical dream getaway. No coconut! Only a slight florality mixed into a heady alluring skin musk. Like a nude musk. Has a damp feel to it much like a overcast morning. Yes, LUSH as in the flora/air island breeze but not a fruity thing at all. The beginning sniffs feel only slightly fem. I kinda maybe here n there felt slightly outta place in it but this uneek fragrance pulls u in and u cant wait till the next whiff...now the end/bottom notes made me feel so alive n masculine bcuz to my surprise as the reddish slightly animalic musk comes peeking thru and I was suddenly aware of the 70's manly man kinda musk vibe. Seriously! Wow, animalic feels in the end really set this off/apart. How did they get away with that! Magical fuming at its finest. Overpriced? Yes. But all the great frags normally are.......that ending though!

This is like classy and very masculine baby powder, just add some baby powder and strong woods to baby powder and you'd get this. Unfortunately this is the type of leather I hate, the same smell you'll see Quentin Bisch use in everything in combination with akigalawood. It's got that same smell that you'd find in ganymede or bois imperial and the kenzo fragrances but then just balanced out with baby powder smell. I think there is redeeming qualities to this fragrance that make it somewhat likeable though it's definitely very unique smelling and on the right person and right occasion it could work, definitely very polarizing and not a safe one to wear. The dry down reminds me of Penhaligons Halfeti once the powdery smell goes away it becomes just a nutmeg leather scent with a bit of that cola smell to it so definitely leans more towards the Halfeti direction in the dry down

This fragrance is an extremely natural-smelling woody fragrance. It's complex but still encapsulates the intention of the perfumer. Although I've tried it on my skin and on paper for many hours, I still can't make my mind up if it suits me or not. I've asked around and some say yes, some say there's better fragrances I've worn. I don't think I'm going to purchase a bottle of it, might just hold onto the smaller vial.

This is an amazing fragrance, my favorite from G&B next to Sunset hour. You have to enjoy leather to like this fragrance though. Great projection and longevity. I don't get the comparison to Santal 33 whatsoever, this doesn't smell anything like Santal 33 to my nose. It's a sexy leather fragrance with a bit of spice and sweetness. To me it kind of resembles Creme de cuir by BDK Parfums, it's just a lot denser.

It smells much more like a Tom Ford fragrance with a dark bottle and a sultry name than a tropical themed fragrance from a niche Aussie brand. It also evokes a modernized and sexed up Bois des Isle by Chanel. Powdery, woody, creamy sandalwood with exotic spice inflections and suedy iris. Avoids the sandalwood trap of simply being comfy and cozy. Must like sandalwood!