CARNER
LA PLAYA

2025

lemon
orange
ylang-ylang

cardamom
coconut milk
pistachio

vanilla
tonka bean
musk

‘Take me back to that place where time stopped, where the sun tanned my skin covered with coconut milk and I felt the warmth of the sand on my back. A place I call happiness.’ – Carner

I often used to recommend and praise Carner, but frankly, it’s been a while since the brand wowed me. The prior release to La Playa, Helix, wasn’t up my alley at all. Now, La Playa, I like more, but it’s undeniably generic.

We stick to this beachy theme (also following the latest Beso Beach trio) and end up with a default, dime a dozen sun-tan lotion fragrance. A gourmand-leaning one, with emphasis on coconut and vanilla, rather than any sea breeze/salty touches or jasmine as is sometimes the case.

Coconutty, sweet, lactonic, yellow florals. There’s a bit of citrus that fades quickly, followed by an almost earthy warmth.

As pretty much always is the case with pistachio notes; I don’t smell it as a distinctive scent. It’s a bit nutty sure, a bit creamy, but I don’t think La Playa smells significantly different from any other coconutty sun-tan lotion fragrance.

Not the most sweet, nor the most creamy, lactonic. In general, not the most outspoken fragrance; it wears softly and subtle on me. Perfectly adequate, but in no way outstanding or interesting.