Lotus Shadow

I am wearing this for the first time today, as my order was just delivered. I usually wait a few days before reviewing and will probably add to this review once my bottle has a chance to settle down, but my initial impression is positive. I also have White Iris and Contemporary Tuberose from this line. I didn't have much interest in acquiring Lotus Shadow, but I saw it for an excellent price and pulled the trigger. It's much different than what I expected. It's creamy and woodsy, as well as musky and floral. I expected something fresh, perhaps even slightly aquatic for some reason. That's not a complaint. I like what it smells like quite a bit. Right now, it's difficult for me to break it down, but I like what I smell and happy I made the purchase and own all three. All three are very affordable, and the bottles and packaging are very luxurious! Heavy glass topped by an elegant gold cap, presented in a box that can double as a stand should you choose to display it that way. I can't speak of longevity yet, but at first it smells strong, but softens shortly after. I think the silage and projective are impressive. You won't choke anyone, but people will notice you coming and going in a gentle way. Lotus Shadow and it's two mates are excellent for the spring. I actually think they all can work throughout the year, with springtime being the best time! It is lovely, a Like but not quite a Love for me, but the quality vs price ratio is outstanding. I definitely need to explore more of La Perla's offerings. EDIT 5/5/22 - The commenter above me hit the nail on the head with three of the fragrances she listed - EL Sensuous Nude, Alaia Blanche, and Versace Crystal Noir. I'm not familiar with the other two. They all have different twists, relative to the brand. In this case, it would be the powdered delicacy of La Perla. Be careful though. The name might deceive you into thinking you should over spray. It's a delicate whisper with a few sprays, but surprisingly can have a sharp and artificial element if sprayed too heavily.

I was expecting this to be a bright, watery, tea scent or like a shampoo floral, but this is a warm sandalwood. I’ve only sprayed this twice since I’m reminded of Estée Lauder Sensuous Nude, Alaia Blanche, Versace Crystal Noir, Michael Kors Sexy Amber, and Roberto Cavalli Serpentine, which I have or decluttered. They have their variations, such as tropical elements, degree of pepper, and pencil shavings, of course. I’ve decluttered several of them since the pepper can be too prickly or warm and the pencil shavings too sour for me, but this is a smoother blend. Although, I still have to be in a certain mood to wear this type of scent. This is sandalwood, warmed with smooth pepper, a touch metallic/soapy and sour, a little shampoo with osmanthus, and the la perla powderiness and softness. That said, from arm’s distance, it’s a simple scent to wear, multi-occasional, and across seasons.

I was excited for the warm sandalwood as the review below mentioned but instead I got a watery tea scent! I’m a big Versace crystal noir fan, but this doesn’t have anything in common with that as far as my nose can tell. The dry down of lotus shadow really reminds me of an Alien flanker, mostly the Eau Extraordinaire flanker, maybe a bit of Eau sublime, but with the lotus flower from Alien Mirage. I own all 3 of those and this feels like a softer, less loud version of a blend of those notes. Somewhat similar to Libre EDT, which has jasmine tea notes as well but much softer. Would be really nice, bright, and flowery for spring and summer. Has a bit of an aquatic vibe from the lotus, which makes it feel like something from the late 90s/early 2000s. It’s nice. The alien flankers I own are all discontinued, so it will be nice having this to wear when the mood strikes.

Is ok smells nice but I won’t get a full bottle.

Urgh this definitely reminds me of one my least favorite scents: Estee Lauder Sensuous Nude. Granted, it's been more or less a decade since I last used that scent and thus cannot be 100% sure the two smell exactly like each other but it's the first thing that I think of upon first spray. I would not categorize this as a happy, bright, watery, lotus/tea-like scent. On my body it doesn't smell like any of that. It is a bit warm, slightly pungent, slightly masculine, slightly solemn and mature. Based on the comments below, I can tell that this scent reacts very differently to each person's chemistry. I don't consider this to be a safe blind buy. Now I need to figure out what I will do w my 100ml/3.3oz bottle!