Free People x Joya Lou

Blind bought this (couldn't resist my curiosity) because storefronts still aren't having testers out, and honestly I've been really enjoying it. There is a vintage "cola" note in it that reminds me of Youth Dew (it's the vanilla, citrus and spices combo, yes that's what cola flavor is!) but it definitely smells more androgynous than Youth Dew and of course less complexity and projection. There is also a very nice and smoky incense base as well as a creamy "lotion" feel from jasmine and neroli. It's rather linear and wears close to the skin but that's what I want from a daytime everyday fragrance. I'm a fan! Definitely something more mature than the cheapie floral-fruities and screechy patchouli bombs that Free People and Urban Outfitters usually offer. I would describe it as a light and unisex citrus oriental. Neither girly sweet nor manly aromatic. It's overpriced for what you're getting but still at least worth your attention.

Lou smells like tree sap in the most wonderful way, I only wish it lasted longer on the skin. while the citrus notes are present, they mix to add depth to the cedar and benzoin notes rather than stand on their own. surprisingly complex for something set out in a clothing store.

Received as a free sample from Free People in Disney Springs back in July with purchase of a travel spray of Lodge (not in the database). I don’t like it as much as I like Lodge, but I enjoyed it enough to finish wearing my sample in two wearings. Not sure what else to say that @DamonAlbarn didn’t already cover. Although Lou has better longevity than Lodge (5-6 hours vs 2-3 hours, respectively), I prefer the scent profile of Lodge more.

This was one of a very few "successful" blind buys for me.. I love it but it's a very weak scent and I can't get enough of it, even right after it is applied. I have to spray several times on my sleeve and then sniff closely. To me, it is boozy vanilla and reminds me of the smell of leftover candy in an Easter basket after Easter has passed. Sweet and a bit candy-corn like. Weird? Yes, but very good. I just wish it was stronger and would last a lot longer.

languid. boozy Old Fashioned. New Orleans. cloaked in vanilla. I wish the sillage was stronger.