There cannot be anybody that hasn’t heard of the iconic Lush brand, and also had their nostrils playfully attacked as they walk past one of their stores. This high-street staple began life in 1995 and was founded by Mark Constantine, although the foundations were actually laid in his previous Cosmetics To Go company in 1988. Famous for their bath bombs, their bold colours, and those potent aromas, LUSH has gone on to become a worldwide favourite, thanks partly to their exuberant timetable of new perfumes, products and preparations. With so much choice, hidden gems can easily be overlooked.
The current in-house perfumer, Emma Dick, has been responsible for some of the company’s most enduring and trend-setting fragrances. She really came to prominence in 2019 with the incredible Florence Collection, which was then used as part of their Renaissance spa treatment. The five fragrances were Confetti, Frangipani, Fresh As, Nero, and Sapho, and they were used to rebalance the body’s humours. My favourites from that collection were Nero and Sappho, but unfortunately the former has been relegated to the perfume shelf in the sky. However, there is a new trio of scents waiting to be discovered.
Betel opens with an uplifting citrus blend of vibrant lime and orange, but very quickly the coriander seeds provide an herbaceous hit that skilfully helps to link to the heart of the fragrance. A beautiful davana comes through with its mulled-wine fruitiness, although a perfectly tempered neroli and jasmine is also present to give a metalic-edged white floral boost to the experience. The spiced aspect returns with a pairing of clove and anise, but a whisper of rose manages to provide the hint of a romantic nuance to the perfume. The final development of Betel sees a hay-like tobacco note coming through, adding a grounding delicacy to the scent, along with a final touch of dry cedarwood. This fragrance is perfect for any time of the year, but especially as a gift under this year's Christmas Tree.
Betel is available from the Lush website at lush.com and is priced at £100 for 100ml. It is also available as part of the Lush Tryptych Perfume Discovery Box priced at £33. You can read my review of the original Florence Collection by clicking on the image below. [Sample provided by Lush]
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