TL Pour Lui by Ted Lapidus

Per-fu-món, the most commercial, charming, and versatile scent Ted Lapidus ever released. If you spot it online or in Spanish chains like Prieto, don’t think twice, just grab it. Vanilla-based yet close to the soft fougères with lavender of the 80s, sweet without being cloying, versatile, at an economical price, with an original and cool bottle design, and the performance of a TL. What more could you ask for?

The opening feels a bit classic, likely due to the lavender. Other reviews describe it well; it’s a different, pleasant, and masculine vanilla. Its weak point is projection, very soft once dried, though it lasts quite a while on the skin. I’ll try over-applying. As an aroma, it’s delicious and deserves a try. In my opinion, one of the best from Ted Lapidus. Update: Over-applying leaves a good trail and makes itself noticed.

I like this perfume a lot, but I’ll try to make an honest assessment. The opening is lavender and mint with a sour-sweet, vintage, barbershop tone that might put some off. Then the vanilla appears very slowly, gaining ground as it dries and blending well with the mint, but beware; it’s a realistic vanilla, not overly gourmand. I understand they want to compare it to Le Male, but it isn’t one. A fantastic perfume that improves in the dry-down, becoming very pleasant. I’m 47 and it’s my work fragrance. If you’re looking for extra-sweet, commercial vanilla, I wouldn’t recommend it, but if you want something masculine with a non-linear development and an old-school aroma, this is for you.

Today I received this perfume, batch 2018. I tested it with a single spray at 6pm and am writing this at 10:46pm. That’s four and a half hours: it starts with a fresh touch of lavender and mint with sandalwood, clean and neat. It suits any time of day, semi-formal or formal, and doesn’t discriminate by age. After a few minutes, the orange and cedar enter, adding robustness, followed by a vanilla that is the best standardisation of the note, avoiding both sourness and excess. Bergamot enters just after, dancing with the amber, patchouli, musk, and lily, contributing a sensation of a damp forest. Everything in synchrony, no dominant aroma, a classy fragrance for any weather. Just dose it in heat; two or three sprays in summer and four in winter. With a puff of air, it reaches over two metres and envelops you in a sphere of serenity. Without a doubt, the most potent from Ted Lapidus, even for those who don’t usually like the brand. It adds nuances to Lolita Lempicka without the anise saturation, and a bit of Jean Paul Eros without the mentholated effect. A safe purchase, though tastes vary.

Lavender and mint, Mediterranean… nothing extraordinary until the heart and base notes make it exquisite. Amber, light and sweet.

The vanilla is slightly synthetic but well-executed, unlike the MB Club Black which is a total disaster. It dries down with mint and lavender, quite unusual. It bears a striking resemblance to Escada’s Casual Friday but with superior performance, quality, and price. It has a very distinct 90s DNA; it’s from 2003. Everyone loves it and it’s fantastic, yet almost no one mentions it in the community, but knock, knock… the least commented ones are often the best. Suitable for all ages; I disagree with those who claim it’s only for men over 35. It’s an aroma that leaves you winning without losing your urban style. What a pity they’ve discontinued it. For me, it’s a mandatory blind buy if you want compliments. Go buy it!

One of the best vanillas I’ve ever smelled. Nothing cloying or overly sweet. It’s a vanilla wrapped in a green, damp forest with a refreshing touch of peppermint or mint. Great longevity and projection. It deceives you a little… it seems as though it’s not there, yet it earns compliments when least expected. A little gem, perfect for stepping out of the mainstream perfumery.

As Pour Lui makes an appearance again, I shall offer my opinion. I did not like it at all; perhaps it is one of the perfumes with which I have had the least feeling. On my skin, it smells of outdated lavender, very old school, to the point that I have worn older perfumes and they did not seem so passé. I apologise if lovers of this fragrance disagree, but I perceived it thus. The citrus, praliné, or vanilla do not appear at any point. Beware, lovers of vanilla, as you may take a great shock. That said, the longevity is beastly.

How strange, with the risky reputation of Ted Lapidus, this Pour Lui goes for a super-luminous and almost spring-like line. You do not need a specific mood to wear it, unlike other things from the house. It is ideal for everyday wear or as your personal fragrance. Easy to explain: it is a totally European oriental, with an opening of bergamot, vanilla, and lavender, a touch of mint and something that reminds me of A Men, a very subtle burnt sugar nuance. It is a scent of peace and tranquility. The vanilla, herbal notes, and cedar settle gradually with a powdery dry-down, nothing annoying, but quite the opposite. It results in fresh and perfect for the in-between times, neither too cold nor too hot. It is an aura perfume, discreet, lasting about five or six hours. For me, a little light, but it is noticeable that it is made with care and quality. It is classic but relaxed; I recommend it if you seek an oriental without fear of being overwhelming. Although by Ted Lapidus, I still prefer his more macho facet.

Magnificent creation by TL. Just one drawback: the box should carry a warning ‘Adults Only’. It’s a mature fragrance, not suitable for under 35s. I love the deep, subtle vanilla that it projects. Excellent for work, conveying seriousness and adult elegance. It’s not intrusive. I use it during the day in autumn and winter, and for spring evenings.

I was already keen to get it because here in Tenerife it is complicated. In physical shops it is difficult to find Lapidus or Bogart and online with shipping to the Canaries only the classics come through due to customs costs. I could have tried another from the brand but this was the one closest to my tastes. I took advantage of a trip to the peninsula to order it and it did not disappoint. I love the vanilla touch sweet but not cloying mixed with the freshness of mint and the florals of orange blossom and lavender. It is perfect for any occasion with longevity and projection superior to more expensive perfumes. It does not remind me so much of Mugler’s Aman as others say but rather a blend between Versace’s Eros and Guerlain’s Habit Rouge with that acidic and sour point. It is like a Habit Rouge with mint instead of citrus. I have no regrets and I want to try more from the range. Scent 9 longevity 8 projection 8 value for money 10.

Top perfume, very different. It smells like a mix of mint, cedar, and a musky base: it remains light but potent, with elegant freshness. It conveys elegance, sobriety, and strength, which I love.

Good perfume for lovers of vanillas, good price. Personally, it does not quite conquer me, although I acknowledge that quality/price is a good option. My rating is a 6.

Patchouli, vanilla, amber and woods… warm and characterful. I missed out on something so special testing this alongside Pour Elle by Lapidus. It’s a sweet and balanced explosion that takes gourmand into a vigorous, masculine territory: raw vanilla, spicy patchouli and thick amber. It’s a beast that reminds me of A Men, Joop or Gaultier 2. Extremely sweet, almost androgynous but for a man. Wonderful with a beastly trail.