Eau Gourmande Creme Brulee

This is my second review of this fragrance, as I haven't worn it in a long time and just decided on a whim to wear again today...and because I realize that this perfume gets a lot of hate. I think I know the reason why, and it's not the perfume's fault.... Eau Gourmande Creme Brulee (EGCB) by LM indeed is a creme brulee scent...with a prominent white musk undercurrent. You MUST love musk to truly enjoy this fragrance. End of story. There was a point of time in my life when musk was new to my nose and I absolutely recoiled. The first musk I ever owned, and still enjoy my original bottle to this day, is White Musk by The Body Shop. I have "babied" my bottle for decades, literally, so the oil is still good and smells fresh to this day. But it was a scent that I would have never EVER tried much less bought if I were not a Body Shop employee at the time. The reason I bring up TBS White Musk is that EGCB has a very similar white musk smell, along with the sweet creme brulee accord. I actually enjoy this, tremendously. It makes it distinctive and actually adds a little bit to the "burnt sugar" aspect of this scent. Without it, I think it would be too on-the-nose and boring. The trick, I think, is to layer the accompanying lotion with this scent, as it is missing the majority of the musk (to my nose), and so it makes it just a little bit sweeter. The other thing you could do to tamp down the musk is to layer Solinotes Tonka on top. This is an excellent creme brulee scent all on its own, and when layered with EGCB it really takes it to another level of good-good. So, in conclusion, I really hope this fragrance starts getting appreciated for what it is and that the hate can possibly subside just a bit once people understand that they are not getting just straight-up creme brulee. And to that point, I don't think the fragrance would be suffering from all the hate it gets if it only had a different name, and thus, different expectations. EDIT: BTW, I 100% agree with Fragaddict4u below who says this dries down to something similar to Oud Orange Intense! It does end up having a slightly orangey-citrusy smell over time. This fragrance is totally underrated.

I've owned this frag for maybe about a year now, although I've tested it on my wrist but not really ever worn it. Today was the first day I sprayed it on and finally "got it." Apparently, Creme Brulee underwent a reformulation at some point since its launch (according to reviews on the LM website). People are PISSED at the new formula, saying it smells like "rotten vanilla donuts" or "a cheap Glade air freshener." Supposedly the original was very sweet and gourmand. Now, I never smelled the 2006 version when it was launched, and I'm quite sure I have the newer version. Here's the thing: if you have a pre-conceived notion of what you're going to get, probably with any fragrance, more than likely you'll be disappointed. I actually really like this perfume, but to me, it does not smell like creme brulee. It smells chocolatey. A bit hazelnut chocolatey. What is the main huge difference for me between a year ago and today's wearing of LM Creme Brulee? Two perfumes have since some into my life: Angel Muse (both EDT and EDP) and Chopard's Wish. Both are hazelnut chocolate heavy, and I freaking LOVE them. And what do you know? LM Creme Brulee is reminiscent of them both. I'm totally down with that. So a year ago when I tried CB I probably thought, "Wait, this doesn't smell like creme brulee, it smells weird, or 'off.'" But taking it for what it is, I'm totally happy with it. It's a little musky. A little chocolatey. It's just right. Well, whadda ya know?! EDIT: I got my bottle off of ebay, and was specifically looking for the older version. My label is orange, so I'm wondering if it is, indeed, the older version...the one that people who love this scent are referring to. The next time I'm at a LM counter I'm going to test the gray label version to be sure.

I don't find this to be too sweet at ALL....again, I am trying it in 30 degree weather. I LOVE THIS! It has that edge of skanky honey like I find in Serge Lutens Miel de Bois. However, this isn't quite AS skanky as Miel de Bois - which is my FAVORITE dirty honey. This is much lighter, but still worth every little penny spent!

Delicious. I think I have the one without musk. Something floral in here too?

WOW! This is so similar to Angel on me! And I was not expecting that from this line at all. All my other fragrances from this line (Ambre Vanille, Vanille Gourmande, Almond Coconut, and Fresh Fig) are cozy, comfortable scents. There is nothing at all that is strange or unsettling about any of them. I find them all safe and comforting to wear at any time of day and on any occasion...I wear them to sleep. I wear them when I need a hug. I wear them when I want to be in a happy place. This one is a little different. There is definitely something a bit unsettling and perhaps even fascinating about it. I'm surprised that musk is so low on the notes tree because I find it to be quite prominent. I think it's what gives this caramel treat a bit of edge. I'm still not sure how burnt sugar and musk translate into a toned down Angel on my skin, but I like it! A LOT! But then again, I'm a big fan of Angel and all its friends. If "caramel" is what piques your curiosity here, keep in mind that the caramel is definitely of the brulee variety - burny, nutty, and decidedly grown up.