Lacura

I sampled a few from Mendittorosa after reading about their ethos of artisanal cooperation and artistic autonomy. Lacura was by far my favorite. Thick, cool citrus cream with a vanilla-caramel-pear kiss. Refreshing, calming, and a little sweet. This really is a balm for the soul... via the nose! I expect that this will be a good year-round scent, as I'm already noticing a lot of variation based on the weather and ambient temperature. On cool days, I get the vanilla, caramel, and musks, while the warmth brings out the citruses and florals. Perfectly versatile in terms of occasion and gender. I can't say I've smelled anything else like this. And Sofia, the creative director, was a pleasure to correspond with. The packaging is charming, and the bottle is almost as stimulating as the scent! Brava, Mendittorosa!

This is beautiful. Very comforting, relaxing, fresh... very wearable for any occasion, soft, pretty, pretty sophisticated as repeated below. Honestly surprised by how much I enjoy it, it's a daily kind of scent -doesn't say too much about you but what it says is something to be proud of. 8/10

The consensus on Lacura seems to be that it is fine but unremarkable/safe: I disagree. I think its special! This type of DNA should be everywhere, but it isn't. Not many bitter, powdery citruses out there. Looking at the "This Smells Like" feature - nothing is close (I was the first to suggest Noiressence and that is a stretch.) This scent is unique and under-appreciated. Yes it's pleasant and an easy reach, but that doesn't make it ordinary! Now on to the review: Pleasantly bitter with a dry powder, and although I'm skeptical of caramel, this is not sweet it just adds a creamy texture. The orange and neroli notes aren't juicy or sharp, they are mellow and just flow. I don't get any pear note, which often reads "mushy" to me and this fragrance is dry. I think if this were more widely distributed and a touch more affordable, it would be extravagantly popular. I also enjoy Bvlgari Indian Garnet and Etro Messe de Minuit as powdery citruses, but this is superior (I think MdM is overrated and sharp). Redemption for Lacura!

A more "traditional learning feminine" scent that is soft, pretty, and cohesive, with noticeable notes of orange/blossom petigrain, citrus, along with a kind of ylang-vanilla and a strong powder, faint caramel and Ambroxan coming from behind--but not "sweet-Prada" style. It's not my jam, but it's more interesting than many floral-caramel genres, emphasizing a powdery/lipstick vibe. It is not sweet, but rather a pleasant more sophisticated, innocent scent with a faint whisper of something a little darker, not listed, that grounds it. Could be someone's signature as it's a little different than the mass offerings.

Strong start. It’s hard to pin down what the note cutting clean through is. It smells a bit too much like cleaning spray (unfortunately) somewhat of a creamy bitter orange. I personally think it settles into a delicious fancy creamsicle but my sister did say she still gets cleaning spray so I'll hold back on this one, but I think it's an innovative, different and complex scent which is refreshing.