by Lubin
Upper Ten for Her is a highly complex and transformative fragrance that begins with a vibrant, effervescent burst of juicy grape and raspberry, laced with cooling elemi and wormwood, creating a surprisingly fizzy and slightly medicinal opening reminiscent of potpourri or fresh cocktail. This lively head quickly settles into a layered heart of dark chocolate, Sichuan pepper, and a subtle, smoky rose, giving it a gourmand-oriental character that is both sweet and spicy. The drydown is dominated by incense, woody amber, and a powdery, musky base that lingers for hours, particularly on clothing, developing into a warm, sensual, and slightly smoky profile. The scent evolves dramatically over time, shifting from a bright, fruity-gourmand opening into a more mature, resinous, and ambiguous woody-smoky declaration. While some find the initial fruity burst overly sweet or gaudy—comparable to sugary candy or brownie batter—others describe it as uniquely sophisticated and unforgettable, likening it to a dark chocolate truffle or a liquor-infused rose. The scent performs best in colder months, especially during evening wear, with moderate to strong sillage. Its longevity is consistently impressive, lasting beyond 12 hours on skin and often persisting for days on fabric. The fragrance overall occupies a space between gourmand and oriental, with unexpected depth and modern flair, but its pronounced shift in character means it’s not a linear scent, and preferences can vary sharply.