Fantabulosa

did... did I just find a new cute signature? that fits MY Filipina fem queen shenanigans? okay so full disclosure I wanted to buy this because it used to be called Ladyboy, and I went BONKERS because hello? Filipina Fem Queen Shenanigans? core member of the Ladyboy Council? I was sold and almost booked a ticket to Liverpool just for it, as this perfume is a Lush Liverpool store exclusive iirc. BUT my store boss gifted it to me and I was so happy. to me, this is Tank Battle’s drier sister; if tank battle was the smoking alley of berghain after a rainstorm, fantabulosa is the dressing room where the girls are vaping banana flavored juice while beating their mugs. the opening is a hardcore banana, like a hard banana candy. it wants to pull differently every time (banana pie, banana makeup powder, plantains, banana smoothie, banana protein powder, to name a few) as the banana flies off after maybe 15 minutes on my skin (depends) it lands into a powder scent akin to the gloriously draggy Airspun. like a grandma preparing for her lounge singer show or a grizzled old pageant girl with her giant compact, the perfume leans into a drier powdery scent that seems to lay over a sweaty diva; the labdanum and chamomile kind of combine here to give a soft dry powder scent, while the seaweed brings out the labdanum’s “hairy pits” vibe that ends up more clean than nasty. I can easily pick out oakmoss lurking in the background like a chaser hiding in the shadows while the dolls perform, and that adds a layer of the sweaty dry “dirty jockstrap” skin note that I smell in disco era oakmoss perfumes (hey Halston Classic!) going back to the plantain comment, that is where the violet leaf note lies in this composition of heel clacking and fan snaps; a green aura that surrounds the perfume and contributes to the “dry” feel compared to tank battle. still mossy and earthy, but with less dank. longevity is of course, on par with tank battle and other lush perfumes where it almost just lasts for the whole day. TB tends to have more projection, but Fantabulosa gives me a small bubble that makes people want to sniff me. same staining issue, but it’s worth it tbh. final verdict: FQ Realness GP.

"Ah, banana oil!" is one of my favorite old-timey expressions, especially as it was used by Flash in Danny Elfman's cult classic film Forbidden Zone. I could've dismissed Fantabulosa as such after seeing a banana note prominently listed, but the inclusion of chamomile and seaweed (!) had me quite curious. I am a bit detached from the apparent queer theme tied to it—it's original name was "Ladyboy"and the word 'fantabulosa' itself was coded slang used by gay British men pre-decriminalization. That's all fine and dandy, but my nose takes me somewhere far elsewhere, notably where certain leaves change their color and decay in the forest. I know, very campy. Seriously though, as the invigorating banana Runts candy opening eases up and the chamomile is more forward, this mid-Autumn stroll takes shape. The seaweed note isn't necessarily discernible here, but it could be that among labdanum, oakmoss, and violet leaf, a general spongy and damp green mossiness forms. It gives me the impression of finishing a banana in the thickest part of the thicket. Something also reminds me of the maltol-heavy aroma of katsura tree leaves as they turn color in October. I must say, it does put a smile on my face.

'Fantabulosa' is unorthodox, yet so fascinating to my nose. It's a perfectly-balanced unisex, multi-faceted fragrance that's addicting to smell & pleasure to wear. Surprisingly not heavy, thick or overwhelming despite the risky note combination. Banana-flavoured cotton-candy / bubblegum opening! SERIOUSLY! Similar to Lush's 'Snow Fairy' except not suffocating, more complex & BANANA. On me this luscious opening lasts but dims down moderately as the perfume develops. The dry-down is green & mossy but not intensely earthy. Instead super smooth, gently powdery and clean. Any seaweed or labdanum? Nah. Thankfully there's no notable salty, bitter or animalic facets in 'Fantabulosa'! To be completely frank the chamomile, violet leaf & oakmoss combo give it a soothing baby powder vibe. Good lasting power, silage (blue tinge doesn't stain at all) & the scent trail is amazing! No perfume influencers have added this one to their lists or even Lush lists, & I can understand why! 'Fantabulosa' isn't here to please or seduce the masses. It's anomalous, powdery yet niche quality with unpredictable notes: Who would have thought banana candy would compliment oakmoss so well?

Formerly labeled "Ladyboy" in its vintage bottle, this is a beautiful scent but only for acquired taste! This starts with a quick blast of synthetic banana - which smells exactly like those Banana Bubblegum back in the days. This banana phase lasts for about 10 minutes before transitioning to what I call the labdanum phase, which smells very much like a man's pubic area (with all the unwashed hair) but perhaps less sweaty. I think it's wonderful but certainly not for everybody.

This was a spontaneous in-store "I'll grab it" with a 50% discount and i am so in love with it! I read a quick description that it smells like green banana and wet moss, and i totally agree. I don't get tired of it, it's just all day long giggles that it's actually my perfume that smells so funny. I love wearing it to my very serious office job as a rebellious quirky childish detail