L'Orpheline
Serge Lutens (2014)

To me it smells very synthetic and harsh, but in a light and understated way - there's something peppery-woody-sweetly-scratchy that I smell in Chanel Chance, Erba Pura and Zara's Amber Fusion and cannot stand in these fragrances. In L'Orpheline this facet is much subtler and better than in those 3, but still I find it alarming. No musk nor incense to me.

It's very unisex. Very abstract. Very synth but in a subtle understated way. Hipsterish. Slightly mineralic. Lightly buzzing. Slightly sharply spiky. Also slightly underwhelming to me. But I believe that it could be a gem for a right person seeking for an understated yet quirky personal scent, so better try it for yourself.

I adore the scent of soil tincture, so this fragrance definitely piqued my interest. However, the soil scent has a slightly burnt quality due to the incense note, which detracts from the overall experience. Additionally, the fragrance doesn't seem to have a clear direction, as sometimes I pick up more patchouli, while at other times it's a more earthy incense. Personally, I prefer when it leans more towards the incense side, as I'm not the biggest fan of the dirty patchouli, but I still appreciate certain aspects of that note, especially when it contributes to the soil tincture vibe.

I plan on wearing this fragrance more to see if my opinion changes. If you're a fan of earthy and light incense scents, then I suggest giving this fragrance a try.

A bright, metallic and crisp opening blast greet me, to be replaced soon by an equally bright patchouli impression. Transient whiffs if vetiver and bergamot in the background enhance the bright character of this stage of the development.

Then it gradually brings of a smooth and slightly creamy incense, which turn a bit darker, but not very much. It becomes sweeter and develops a resinous undertone, with a restrained spiciness that blends in well. I do not get any campherous or medicinal undertone, and it lacks any ceremoniousness on me.

he base adds white musks, which are less egregiously synthetic than in many other olfactory products, and fairly pleasant.

I get moderate sillage good projection, and six hours of longevity on my skin.

An interesting scent doe warmer autumn days, with lots of patchouli in the first half. The patchouli is not very harsh - this is different from Tom Ford's Purple Patchouli - and it is less intense that Le Labo's Patchouli 24, for instance. The resin and incense part is nice, but not really very special, although an agreeable result is present most on the time. overall not bad, but with the somewhat overly chemical opening this Lutens not cutting it such as to warrant a wholeheartedly positive score. 2.75/5

I fell in love with L'Orpheline almost instantly, found it enchanting and very hard to pin down to. Like many other scents I love it has several inbuilt contradictions: cool - warm, clean - dirty, clear - murky. It's one of those scents that plays hide-and-seek with you.

I've never been a super-gigantic Serge Lutens fan; however, I do like a few of his fragrances and over the years, I've worn one, or two on a regular basis (Vetiver Oriental, Santal Blanc).

L'Orpheline leaves me feeling frustrated. No matter how much I apply, or how often I apply the fragrance, I can barely detect any discernible notes. Beyond "a watercolor painting" as one reviewer cited, this stuff reads more like "The Emperor's New Clothes."

Incense, patchouli and musk? Upon application, this fragrance emits the usual Lutens spicy, over-the-top "top" notes that quickly dissipate while one sneezes. The middle of L'Orpheline is frustrating, as I sniff and sniff and sniff and receive nothing but a powdery, musty odor. Fortunately the powdery and musty notes are too weak to make any difference and are barely detectable.

Within 20-30 minutes, L'Orpheline settles as a linear, muted, powdery bore with faint licorice notes.

Not for me and certainly not at the Lutens price-point.

very sweet and floral opening, soap, soapy soap, musk is not as annoying as the white musk, it is a great musk.s, I confirm a mild metallic note and also a well-known cipriata.ora goes to the old style female side with hints of wood sandal.the incense fatigue. is almost imperceptible. there is smell of church but not strong. smells of some scent of narcissus rodriguez.
the smell is delicate, sweet and balmy. there is pepper in the composition. is a good relaxing scent for elegant evenings. but I expected more incense.
vote 7/10
great performance.
elegant scent to dine out, very delicate.
I believe overrated.

if you are looking for an expensive alternative to prada infusion of homme and prada amber this is great.

more on the female side.

little incense. very sweet moss.