TL Intenso by Ted Lapidus

Kept this for two years and haven’t used more than 20% of the bottle. Snatched it up at a local auction for around $50 or more because prices here are absolutely bonkers. I loved the scent in the store; although it’s marketed as coffee, the first thing I got was a childhood memory. When I was a kid, my mum would send me to the corner shop for cigarettes, and I’d pocket the change to buy sweets. One of my favourites was caramel popcorn, and that’s exactly what this smells like. My wife and I were so moved by it that I decided to buy it. Two years later, after using it several times, I have to admit it’s true that it goes unnoticed: nobody notices it or shows any interest (I tried to sell it in my perfume community and no one even asked what it smelled like). It smells nice, but it’s irrelevant: it doesn’t project, it doesn’t catch anyone’s attention, it doesn’t bring compliments, simply nothing. If you’re looking for a coffee scent, try Ferragamo Uomo, Coffee Addict, Theodoros Kalotinis Akro Awake, Montale Ristretto Intense Cafe (if you like roses) or Halloween Man X. I’m sure I’m missing others I’ve tried. The point is, this won’t make you remember coffee, and that’s where it falls flat. I’d only recommend it if you’re after caramel popcorn, in which case give it a try and get it for between $20 and $30, which is a fair price. It performs better in the cold and at night, with casual wear. It doesn’t project and doesn’t last long. I liked it, but the problem is it’s not special for occasions nor a ‘wow’ scent to collect. With better things in my collection, I gave it to a friend who isn’t an expert but also sensed the popcorn aroma and liked it. Scent: 6/10, Longevity: 5/10, Price: x/10 (paid too much on impulse), Projection: 6/10, Uniqueness: 6/10, Wearability: 7/10.

I was looking for something gourmand and long-lasting for cold weather. The guy handed me the leaflet: ‘it’s new, maybe you’ll like it’. Seeing it, I thought ‘what a rustic bottle’, but upon smelling… wow! Sweet, bright, tropical fruity opening, almost Caribbean. It’s not a fresh summer scent, but it mixes that fruit with a roasted coffee touch and a slight freshness. The notes confirm pineapple, bergamot, and that roasted sensation which could be coffee, with a creamy lavender and tonka base. I didn’t buy it straight away because I was looking for something ‘beast mode’ and the synthetic touch made me suspicious. The seller said it lasts 6-8 hours but doesn’t project much, so I took a safer option (although I insist, the bottle is ugly). I’d definitely try it again. It cost around 10,000 Chilean pesos, roughly $14-15. A bargain for that scent. I’m already back at the store for it.

WOUUU! What geniuses created this with things that give us pleasure: morning cappuccinos, tropical summer pineapples, soapy lavender in the shower, and mystical patchouli for dates. It’s my autumn/winter or night perfume. It has something strange yet pleasing: that peppery cold clashes with the refined aroma of an expensive cappuccino, and the tonka bean is there all the time. The lavender feels clean, a bit synthetic but pleasant, and the aromatic pineapple with smoky touches. It’s spicy. I’d repeat it like a N. Rodríguez or a Joop. Ideal for those mystical nights.

I’ve really enjoyed this; it smells fantastic if you like coffee or cappuccino because it’s quite sweet. It has that synthetic Lapidus style, but we all know that’s not a problem. It reminds me of Pour Lui, but without the vanilla and without that vintage vibe. Love it or hate it, like many Lapidus fragrances… but for me, it’s the first choice 😁

Don’t buy it blindly