by Aerin Lauder
Mediterranean Honeysuckle by Aerin Lauder is a light, sparkling citrus floral that evokes a breezy summer day along the Mediterranean coast. It opens with a vivid burst of bergamot, grapefruit, mandarin orange, and lily-of-the-valley, creating a fresh, effervescent impression that feels both youthful and refined. The honeysuckle note is present but subtle—more green and airy than sweet, blending seamlessly with gardenia and jasmine sambac to form a soft white floral heart. On some skin, the scent transforms into a more complex, watery floral with a clean, slightly herbal quality, while in others, the citrus dominates for the first hour or so before fading into a delicate, skin-scent-like dry down. The fragrance is very linear, with minimal development over time, and offers moderate sillage and longevity, lasting 3–6 hours on most skin types. It is best suited for early spring to late summer, particularly warm weather, and feels ideal for daytime wear. Though praised for its elegance and innocent charm, most users note the scent is fleeting and lacks depth. It retains a clean, almost soap-like quality—not overtly synthetic, but lightly translucent, making it feel more refreshing than luxurious. The perfume is especially appreciated by those who enjoy bright citrus-floral compositions, appreciate a non-dramatic floral aesthetic, and seek a pleasant, wearable scent for casual or office use. However, some find the scent too delicate for their taste, or notice a sharp, cleaning-product-like note, while others miss the expected honeysuckle prominence or feel it’s overpriced given its performance.