Smuggler's Soul

Smuggler's Soul hit the market in 2014, as part of the latest line of fragrances from Gorilla Perfume brand, called "Volume 3". My review is for the Body Spray version, which is an Eau de Toilette with 200ml. It arrived in Brazil before the other versions (EDP and solid perfume) and taking into account our climate and the cost x benefit relation, it is a real gem. Nothing is said about the concept, but I researched and found that the image of the label and the fragrance composition were inspired by the story of Veerappan, an Indian smuggler of sandalwood and ivory, who was involved in dozens of murders. By the way, Simon Constantine also wrote an illustrated book on the subject, called "On the Trail Of Sandalwood Smugglers". Therefore, in its composition were combined two types of essential oils of sandalwood, essential oil of chinchilho (also known as Tagetes Minuta or Marigolds), essential oils of Lemongrass and vetiver from Madagascar, as well as chemical compounds such as Geraniol (enhancing the floral aspect) and Linalool (which gives sweet-floral aroma). Smuggler's Soul is slightly Woody, Balsamic and filled with herbal nuances. For those who like this type of scent, it's a treasure. I've read some other reviews that speak very well about the presence of sandalwood. However, what I would like to highlight and praise in this fragrance is the vetiver. Since the day I met at the store, the vetiver smiled at my nose. On the skin, it's like an incense that is burning while receives layers of other substances on top, just to keep burning together. First comes the sandalwood, then a touch of lemongrass, the stems from marigolds, and then, layers of sandalwood. A delight! Smuggler's Soul is, in my humble opinion, another perfume marketed as unisex, which was thought to be worn by men, though. As much as the scent smells great on women, is the perfect fragrance for men. It has versatility, exudes and lasts way beyond reproach (even for an EDT) and does not have a common smell. At the moment, is my favorite of the Gorilla Perfume brand and I don't get tired of wearing it. Go test Smmugler's Soul and let this smuggler steal your heart.

Got daddy issues? This is the perfume for you. Astringent lemongrass, comforting sandalwood and earthy, almost smokey vetivert combine to smell like what I can only describe as a dad fresh from the barbershop. He lets you investigate the stubble on the back of his neck as you breathe in whichever crowd pleasing yet cheap aftershave your mum bought him last Christmas and the memory of a cigarette he once smoked clinging to the suede jacket he's wearing. Simultaneously fresh and earthy, comforting and uplifting, full of happy memories yet creates a pull in your gut that is probably nostalgia but feels a bit like sadness. I love it on me, I love it on my man, it's inoffensive enough for work but wearing it around others feels like having the protection of a doting patriarch with you all day. It reminds me of my dear, departed old dad when he would get a fresh trim on a Saturday morning then slow dance with a toddler me so I could feel the spiky hair on the nape of his neck.

After reading Luca Turin's review of this ("lipstick & fireworks"), I was even more eager to try this. The published notes for this scent didn't sound like any lipstick like smells should be present, but after the lemony opening wears off, a big, beautiful, gloriously waxy, powdery lipstick emerges. Smuggler's Soul is even more of a pronounced lipstick scent than Dior Homme Intense or MM Lipstick On. Longevity could be better, but I'll happily re-apply. Edit: longevity is actually very good (all day) when I apply 4-5 sprays. I absolutely love this fragrance, even though I still can't figure out how sandalwood+vetiver+lemongrass=lipstick. I suppose it doesn't matter if I can make sense of it as long as it smells wonderful. (And it does!) My review is for the 50ml spray, but the labels on the bottle don't specify a concentration (EDP, EDT ??)

The lemongrass and vetiver is indeed quite prominent over the woody notes. For me personally it was love at first sniff. Not a complex scent, that's true, and I also can't disagree with other reviews saying there's not much depth to it. But still, there's something really beautiful in it, and I find it quite calming as well. I have only worn it on its own, and I quite like it that way, but maybe it's also good for layering? I'm thinking it might go well with something smokey, or leathery. I'll maybe try that. Also, I wouldn't suggest blind buying it, it's not for everyone. Unisex, leaning more to the masculine side, but can definitely be worn by women as well imo.

An excellent complex sandalwood with a hint of floral plushness (rose probably) and citrus in the opening. A mixture of woody oils extend the olfactory footprint of the sandalwood heart. Mostly vetiver and glorious rosewood which has a creamy, sweet character that complements the spice of sandalwood and grassy quality of vetiver. Smells like an old fashioned silver makeup compact - powdery, waxy and faintly sweet, heavy but penetratable. Of all the LUSH fragrances, this is the easily the best, and harkens back the most to vintage perfumes. Ultimately unisex, but you need to be a strong character to pull it off well. This fragrance pulls no punches.