GOLDFIELD & BANKS
ISLAND LUSH
2022
PERFUMER
Amelie Jacquin
South Pacific Sandalwood
Australian Sandalwood
Bergamot
Pink Pepper
Indonesia
Oud
Ginger
Geranium
Guaiac Wood
Cedarwood
Patchouli
Vetiver
Benzoin
Leather
‘South Pacific Sandalwood; the epitome of wild tropical beauty. Carnal and bountiful, Island Lush is a sumptuous perfume with a heart of modern woods. A wind of exoticism transports you on a journey to islands beyond the horizon, where radiant spices, powdery orris, vegetal roots and luscious resins envelop smooth wood species. A masterful blend of buttery South Pacific Sandalwood, rich in vanilla and orris powderiness, and the greener, spicier, smokier Australian Sandalwood, Island Lush offers a Sandalwood heart as enchantingly nuanced as it is seductive, embellishing it further in swathes of vetiver, leather, agarwood, and indulgent benzoin. – Goldfield & Banks
Island Lush was not instantly my type of fragrance, but it does feel very high quality and there are elements to it that I absolute love.
In particular, the strong iris is right up my alley, but the overall fragrance leans quite spicy and woody (as should be expected given the notes). Pepper and nutmeg, patchouli and a rougher side of wood (like guaiac) are quite promiment. There’s no cumin or cardamom listed, but I do get a hint of that style of spice in here as well; actually, I get a lot of it during the mid of the wear.
Texture wise it has a powdery facade up front, but there is something really dense and smooth woody underneath; presumably some high quality sandalwood. As mentioned, this fragrance feels great when I hone in on it. It is just quite rough and dark on the surface; I think this would appeal to people who are into scents like the Amouage ouds like Silver Oud, King Blue or leather scents. Island Lush gets a decent dose of leather as it starts to dry.
Surprisingly it doesn’t get darker. After about 2 hours, I find it easier to wear, as the spices fade more and the scent gets sweeter (tonka isn’t listed, but that’s what I’d say I’m smelling most).
Unfortunately, it just lands on the side of having too many facets that aren’t quite for me to enjoy. It’s one of those experience where you feel it’s 80% there and almost great, but something in it, would prohibit me from wearing this casually myself. If you’re more into this, spicy, woody and leathery direction; not too dark, but definitely a powerhouse, then Island Lush has a lot to offer.