REA

I’ve been sitting on this one for a while. Sometimes a fragrance will be so redolent of past memories that it’s hard for me to give it an objective note-by-note breakdown, and I think that might be the issue I’ve been having with REA. It’s a good one, though. The memory-trigger aspect of perfumery is probably the main reason I’ve stuck with the hobby: Byredo’s Sundazed weirdly brings to mind a particular Cirque du Soleil performance my parents took me to once; Neroli Portofino contains the memory of all my family vacations to Florida when I was a kid; JSP’s Burvuvu and Tauerville’s Vanilla Flash each contain a crucial aspect of my conflicted experiences at an overly evangelist Christian summer camp when I was a preteen. And for some reason, a lot of fragrances remind me of my maternal grandparents... It’s never a direct one-to-one “this smells like their house” kind of thing. Instead, it’ll be weird shit that’s only tangentially related to them. Like, something about 1996 Inez & Vinoodh perfectly captures the scent of an old toolbox my Grandpa used to keep in his old Ford pickup truck. I feel like that scent is probably supposed to have a more high-fashion lean, but when I smell it, all I can think about is sitting in the passenger seat of that truck. He’d let me shift gears while he steered and worked the clutch. Good memories. But another sensory memory that I associate with my grandparents is that once a year on Easter, they would send me a Terry’s Chocolate Orange, which, if you’re not already aware, is an orange-flavored milk chocolate sphere that’s divided into segments (like an orange) and wrapped in aluminum foil. I think their unofficial motto was “tap it and unwrap it” because the easiest way to get the segments to separate was to whack it on a table before taking it out of the foil. Enter REA. As a youngster, I always thought the flavor combo of a Terry’s Orange was sort of “out there” in theory compared to most other candy from my childhood, but at that time, it was genuinely the only thing I knew of that tasted that specific way, and the uniqueness of the flavor along with the rarity of my getting to experience it meant it was always a big deal when I got one. And now as an adult, I feel a similar delighted feeling when I wear REA. The orange and chocolate combo hits, I’m zapped back in time, and it’s like wearing a blanket made of a comforting childhood memory. I've been given a gift by people who care about me, and all is right with the world. I’m actually sure you could argue that I’m unqualified to speak on it because my positive memory bias is so strong here, but either way, when I smell this perfume, the fond echo of childhood Easter holidays is pretty much all I can think about, to the point that I honestly struggle a bit to pick the scent apart on its own terms. Clearly this is getting a positive review in my book, but I don’t think this will be for everyone because there’s an aspect of unadulterated fun to REA that some of particularly “selective” taste might write off as juvenile or conflicted. That’s not to say this lacks sophistication, but the chocolate, orange, floral trifecta here has the potential to be misread as unfocused or too much of a good thing. That said, I think the people this will hit home with are those for whom this will conjure up a memory of better, simpler, more innocent times in their lives. For me, there’s a clearing-of-the-mind effect when I apply it, with just a hint of melancholy humming in the background as I think about the people I miss from my past. Experiences will vary, but I think this is terrific. Great performance, unique scent profile, memory bomb. Very glad to have experienced this.

REA is another exceptional fragrance designed by the team of Rajesh Balkrishnan and Antonio Lasheras. Their last collaboration was Mallo’s ARC which I have rated as near the top of all of my many fragrances. Arc sold out very quickly at LuckyScent, so I would encourage those who are interested in this one to purchase it sooner rather later. The back story of this fragrance is worth including here (I’m quoting from the description on LuckyScent) : An ode to youthful beauty and charm named for co-creator Rajesh Balkrishnan's niece, REA is a floral gourmand like no other But make no mistake, this fragrance is unisex. It is not overwhelming but subtle and shape shifting. Here are the notes: Valencia Orange, Chocolate, Indian Night Tuberose, Spanish Carnation, Sandalwood , Vanilla planiflogia, Ambrette Seeds I had a wonderful conversation last night with a friend who has worked with some of the top houses and she is convinced that Ambrette Seeds are magical. I am not sure I would go this far but the blending of these notes is bewitching both for the rarity of the materials and the way they work to form a whole greater than the parts. I admit I have many fragrances with chocolate, but I find its presence here to be just one great note among many. I am familiar with Carnations, but I have not been exposed to Spanish Carnations before and it is wonderful. Blending is a magic art and separates what is good from what is great. The same can be said for the quality of the notes. Maybe my Maris/Mantle reference was incorrect. This is a classic fragrance that sings like a great piece from Rogers and Hammerstein. I will be wearing it a great deal this summer. The silage and longevity are quite good but do not attempt a coup of a room. It is a joy to wear, and I may have to purchase another bottle before they sell out.

The nature of the fragrance is a cozy gentle fragrance of love and youth. The soft morning curls on your toddler’s head and the sweet powdery scent of them. The carnation note has an unexpected beauty, the vanilla in this brings out the mossier side of it as opposed to the usual spiced clove aspect. A uniquely warm carnation! A bit of chocolate flits here and there never settling in. The night tuberose is the star in this composition, beautiful and dewy sweet. With the orange adding a nuance to the sweetness and sandalwood adding a spice. The ambrette gives it a blanket of coziness. This is overall a tender fragrance, yes it has sweetness but it’s not a gourmand or a sugary floral. That said the sillage is fairly big, with 2 sprays creating quite a strong scent projection. Longevity is quite long as well. This is obviously a high concentration and high quality release. Highly recommended for Night Tuberose lovers out there and anyone who likes an ambrette cozy floral. This is a beautifully made “soft” fragrance with a big heart and sillage and I definitely feel the celebration of youth in it.

This is an absolute masterclass on how to use tuberose from Antonio and Rajesh. In REA, you can smell the best of each perfumer’s skills put to work. REA opens with a huge blast of tuberose absolute, punched up by a sweet orange oil. As the perfume settles, the floral tonality is grounded by simultaneous wooden qualities of ambrette and sandalwood in combination with rich qualities of carnation and chocolate. Everything sings in complete harmony into drydown, where it doesn’t necessarily change, just turns into a powdered skin scent. What I love most about REA is how it has balanced the often loud and garish tuberose material into a composition which feels in total harmony. Nothing is here that doesn’t need to be. This is by far both perfumers’ best work to date. On a second note, REA avoids the trap of pairing tuberose with ylang-ylang. Which, while they may aid each others performance, often leads to a cloying banana sweetness in a perfume. Thankfully none of that is present here.

This fragrance presents a delicate dance between tuberose and vanilla-chocolate, seamlessly blending modern and classic elements, while balancing floral and gourmand notes. It’s fascinating how the composition unfolds in multiple dimensions, almost like a 3D pyramid. Each note stands distinctly on its own, yet together they create something greater than the sum of their parts. The drydown is my favorite phase, where the tuberose softens (though still present), allowing the ambrette and vanilla to take center stage. A truly masterful creation.

Wearing REA was refreshing as a “brighter” gourmand, not heavy, syrupy, or cloying - perfect for warmer weather. While you can certainly ascertain individual notes, overall REA evokes memories of having a Stewart’s orange cream soda, followed by an orange tootsie pop. Adding to the charm, the tuberose that pops up in the wear is quite beautiful. In my opinion, REA is another success by Mr. Balkrishnan and Mallo perfumes.

Multifaceted fun gourmand. If you enjoy Profumum Roma gourmands you will enjoy this. Orange chocolate with a beautiful tuberose. The vanilla and sandalwood keep the gourmand experience true from start to finish. Not as syrupy as the PR's. Extremely Unique. Easy to wear. Uncompromising quality as expected from Balkrishnan and Antonio of Mallo. Enjoy.

I'm not sure where to start with REA. Disappointment, perhaps? That feeling does not extend to the blending or the materials used; as always, Lasheras is beyond reproach in this regard. Let me first start by saying that even when Mallo is delivering a perfume from a structure we've had countless times before, such as the fougere or chypre, I could reliably go into the experience thinking it was going to be unique, beautiful, and thought provoking. With REA we see another exploration of an eminently popular category: the sweet-tuberose-vanilla-sandalwood gourmand. That is, in itself, honestly for me, disappointing - mostly because it is confirming a fear of mine that Mallo's creative direction is shifting towards the pedestrian and popular styles (with a particular focus on food profiles, for some reason). This doesn't work for a small, artisanal, batch producer of perfumes, and is really only conducive to the commercial houses that are P&L-focused and shifting a lot of product; if you're going to do a small batch run, and charge a premium for it, there is no safety in presenting the common. That is not the market that is buying from you. Secondly, it is disappointing because I do not smell anything unique in REA. This is not a unique take on the sweet tuberose vanilla perfume. It is essentially Chanel Gabrielle parfum without the aldehydes, a Dior Poison flanker, Amouage Love Tuberose, a less interesting Guerlain Joyeuse Tubereuse, or any other large number of the perfumes that exist in this category. So, let's dive into it (or go read a pyramid of any of another 100 sweet tuberose vanillas, if you want). Sparkling orange juices, the sunlit-warmth and musky glow of ambrette, and hints of sweetened chocolate open the perfume. The orange and ambrette, in particular, make this opening quite notable and enjoyable. But it is a very brief experience before we plummet into a tuberose, carnation, sandalwood, and vanilla final layer. The tuberose lacks any of the green edges that can make it a bit of a diva, instead presenting the sweet, creamy, luscious white floral, and heady qualities common to all tuberose accords of this perfume varietal. The carnation is a fairly interesting touch, giving a bit of lift with its unique peppercorn quality - but only just enough to keep the perfume from become a cloying vanilla pudding. The lactonic sandalwood and vanilla loom largely and dominantly underneath the tuberose. The final skin scent is the vanilla, and the lactonic sandalwood taking on a slight floral facet. So here it is, my opinion, direct and firm, for better or worse: REA is a good sweet tuberose vanilla sandalwood perfume. I always hope when trying the next Mallo to come across my path that I smell exquisite materials and Lasheras’s deft blending abilities, and he hasn’t let me down yet and not here with REA either. But... there is a but... and a big one. This is a big creative misfire from the brand, and does not make sense with how they operate nor how they have positioned themselves in this big, wide world of perfumery. I would expect this out of Amouage, in the brand’s current form, or Lutens (for the same reason), or some other much larger outfit trying to shift bottles and instead of ideas. I would not expect nor want this from Mallo. The mandate of beautiful materials and Lasheras’s talent is incongruous to REA, like Pavarotti deciding to sing saccharine pop music. It doesn’t - and it won’t - work, no matter how hard Pavarotti tries. No less is that it is one of the least interesting, and the least detailed, of perfumes Mallo has yet to release, which also means that it’s one of the least compelling. I’m torn between giving this a neutral or a positive rating. Neutral because I know Mallo is capable of so much better, but positive because, at the end of the day, it is still a well constructed sweet tuberose vanilla sandalwood that does standout in the genre - but for the exclusive price? - For Mallo? No, not really. So, positive I choose, but begrudgingly. My list of Mallo perfumes ordered by favorites has this at the very bottom.

Tuberose! Where...? That was the first thing that came to my mind when i saw the notes while sniffing the top note! All i got was chocolate, and orange & that's it... That was on a plotter! anyway, i sprayed it on a plotter and left it for around 8 hours, & that's because i got back again to the vintage era as i started to test some 70, 80s, 90s, & early 2000 blends. So leaving the plotter for a while was the best thing to do since (beside) i wasn't interested in new creations at the moment, i didn't much liked the overdosed chocolate orange that i got when i first sprayed it on the plotter, but when i got back to the plotter (by mistake) & when the blend calmed down, i started to sniff some creamy slightly sweet juicy tuberose (no cloying) with much less chocolate & moist oranges & that by itself made me want to spray it on my skin! & i did thankfully! .... the first blend that came to my mind when the juice touched my skin was "Blond" be Versace with that juicy sweet tuberose and a touch of oranges that i can find in the vintage "Nocturns" by Caron the spray bottle with black cap adding to it bits of chocolate to softens the blend. This blend is quite different than anything in this brand! It's much stable, & balanced than "Blond", and quite sophisticated that makes it work on both, days & nights. Beautiful blend indeed & the tuberose presented in here is just insatiably addictive Beautiful.

I’ve been wearing this perfume for the past few days now and even to my birthday lunch. REA has quickly grown on me, as it is sultry and high quality. Raj likes to use naturals like myself and you can clearly feel that with this perfume. The opening is a blast of Valencia orange and Tuberose. The tuberose used here is divine, not the kind that most people will associate with from mainstream perfumes. On my skin, the scent settles down to a velvety vanilla musk from the cocoa and ambrette seed. This is a must try for anyone looking for a unisex floral for any occasion!

Dripping with the sweetness of chocolate tempered by fleshy tuberose and spicy carnation, and a dusting of citrus. I am a lover of tuberose and carnation but have had trouble with chocolate fragrances and not into gourmand in general. I really like burst of chocolate here is mouthwatering, and how it melts into the flowers as the fragrance progresses. If I were to improve anything I would love something a bit sharper tuberose or brighter citrus but this would be just my personal taste as this becomes almost too buttery and soft for me as it wears down.

This tuberose is green and minty, similar to the tuberose in Tubereuse Criminelle. A white chocolate kind of creamy sweetness blends with it, creating a scent that resembles mint chocolate. It’s a fresh take on a gourmand fragrance. Even though I can’t wear it myself, I think some people could pull it off beautifully, with a unique character.

Rea by Mallo Parfums and Rajesh Balkrishnan - A Symphony of Wonder Rea is a fragrance that defies conventional wisdom, pushing the boundaries of perfumery and redefining the art of scent. This extraordinary creation is a symphony of seemingly disparate notes, expertly woven together to form a tapestry of unparalleled beauty. The opening notes of Valencia orange and cocoa absolute evoke the warmth and vitality of a Mediterranean sunrise, with the sweetness of the orange tempered by the rich, velvety smoothness of the cocoa. As the fragrance unfolds, the Indian night tuberose and Spanish carnation add a floral depth and complexity, their heady, slightly spicy flavors mingling in a joyous celebration of life. But Rea is more than just a beautiful fragrance - it’s a journey of discovery, a sensory exploration that unfolds with each wear. The sandalwood and vanilla planifolia CO2 add a creamy, sensual warmth, while the ambrette seeds provide a subtle, nutty nuance that adds depth and intrigue. As the fragrance evolves, the notes seem to shift and change, revealing new facets and nuances with each wear. It’s a true masterpiece of perfumery, a scent that rewards close attention and invites exploration. In short, Rea by Mallo Parfums is a fragrance that will appeal to those who crave the extraordinary, the unusual, and the truly unique. It’s a scent that will transport you to a world of beauty and wonder, a world that’s waiting to be explored. Rating: 5/5 stars Longevity: 12 hours IG-loveforfragrance

This is an absolutely stunning fragrance. It's so sultry; the image it brings to kind is a tropical goddess, sun-kissed skin, sun rays, and warm beach sands. One initial spray you get a blast of perfectly ripe Valencia orange. The scent was so true to life I almost recoiled when I smelled it for fear of getting orange juice in NY eyes like when you cut into a fresh orange. Best orange scent I have smelled. Yhen after about two minutes this bold, sexy, exotic tuberose appears. Fleshy and waxy and the perfect amount of indole. After another minute this golden sweet honeyed warmth emerges. There is a definite chocolatey quality. Soo smooth and sensual it combined perfectly with the tuberose. The creaminess from the sandalwood lends this silliness to the chocolate but it doesn't smell woody. The carnation gives a warm aromatic depth to the fragrance. It's absolutely stunning. I could see anyone wearing this but I think it would pair so well with a sexy and confident woman. Please do yourself a favor and get your nose on this. You will not regret it.

Another bold offering from the increasingly prolific R. Balkrishnan. Where other creators that primarily work solo and slowly start to repeat ideas, Raj’s working with different noses from very different corners of the globe has resulted in continually bringing a refreshing and drastic departure from the previous release’s profiles. Arc offered what I believe to be a defining forest masculine of the year. Rea on the other hand brings a heavy, authentic tuberose perfectly balanced with chocolate and orange. Rea is not for the faint hearted. Where most fragrances try to make a pretty sparkling tuberose with synthetics, often parading around as gardenia scents, and others reiterate fruity variations of vintage stars like poison and loulou, Rea unapologetically lays its ingredients out on the table and entices your nose closer and closer until you’ve fallen into a blissful cloud. I had a difficult time thinking about how to describe the scent, but in the end it’s simple. Tuberose-chocolate-velvet with a hint of dewy/misty forest.

Let me just say that I believe Raj B. is a perfumers perfumer. What an absolutely gorgeous and complex arrangement this fragrance is. I think in many perfumes tuberose can come on strong and dominate the space. Here it did not. It cooperated with the the other notes very nicely. I did not get a heavy hand of chocolate or orange. For me the vanilla and ambrette gathered round to make this a soft creamy white floral. After a hot summer and dry fall winter sets in and sweater weather has arrived. You pull out your favorite pure white fuzzy cashmere and slip it over your head letting its soft touch warm your body. The tea kettle whistles signaling hot water. A ceylon tea bag drops into your mug and a dollop of honey swirls in a dance with your spoon until it completely dissolves in the warm liquid. Sit back on your couch in front of the fire and open your favorite novel. Pure pleasure.

Rea is soft, gentle, and elegant. A fitting tribute or inspiration for Rajesh's niece and 2nd collaboration with Antonio. The building block as far as I can pick up is : opening combination of cocoa and orange which quickly makes way for the tuberose, sandalwood & Vanilla. The tuberose is to my liking as it is tamed and not sharp. One can say that it leans more feminine if that's even a thing. Rea is different from Mallo's typical bold DNA. Although still a great scent, it has not left a mark on me as the great ARC did. Will look forward to trying any possible future collabs. IG: eatandsmellgood

What can I say???? This is one of the most beautiful tuberose fragrances I have ever smelled. The mix between chocolate and tuberose make it so special. It’s creamy it’s sensual it’s floral it’s just perfect. Bravo!!!!

Does anyone know where I can get my hands on this one?