Reviews of Sensuous (2008)
by Estée Lauder

Hmmm... It smells very similar to the discontinued Burnt Sugar by Comme des Garçons.

I've got to give Estee Lauder credit for introducing a perfume that does not smell like anything typically from its line. Not that I don't like EL; I do. Some of its fragrances are among my favorites--such as my all-time woody, honeyed rose, Knowing, plus the long-lived spicy Youth Dew and green, floral, ambered Private Collection. Sensuous is a radical departure from these, as well as from the bright, soapy notes of White Linen or the clean florals of Pleasures. Sensuous is decidedly modern and spare. With fanciful notes like "molten woods" I am unable to analyze the aroma within the parameters of the traditional pyramid. Instead, I will say that it is a juxtaposition of woody, unsweet black pepper on top of a sweet, rich, fruity caramel. Together, they create an enjoyable accord but, personally, I am tired of black pepper in perfume. It seems to pop up everywhere, tempering overly sweet notes. I'll give this a neutral until further notice.

I enjoyed the "niche-lite" woodiness of Sensuous for about 10 minutes until it disappeared from my skin completely! It seems more of a ghost of a fragrance than the fully fleshed-out idea. While inoffensive and enjoyable, I found it "barely there" as so many new fragrances have been lately. Hardly worth the money.

A well-crafted perfume designed to have more of a purr than a roar. Sensuous is a pleasant and light woody-oriental. The floral top notes melt smoothly into a sweet, powdery base that has plenty of warmth and charm. It's about as sensual and challenging as the ad campaign's aloof A-list models in white Gap shirts, but is very easy to wear and has great lasting power so will undoubtedly sell well. It’s pleasant enough in a rather bland way and ideal for those timid about venturing into amber-oriental territory: this scent will not shout loudly or otherwise threaten. Personally, I get virtually the same attitude and sweet, buttery skin scent from a bottle of Palmer's cocoa butter body lotion: For the price, I'll stick with the Palmer's and save my hard earned cash for a frag with more bite. … Although perhaps Sensuous’ does have bite of a more elusive nature, as a grown-up oriental with mainstream popular appeal toppling the reign of tweeny fruity-floral confections. If so, bravo EL! (and I'll look forward to Sensuous Extreme).