Winter smells vol 3 - Lolita Lempicka Si Lolita

Si Lolita isn't a new scent - it has been out since 2009 - but it is certainly most suitable or winter. I have picked this as one of my winter fragrances simply because I feel like it doesn't get enough coverage and is often overshadowed by the other scents from Lolita Lempicka. That, plus the fact this is one of the spiciest modern frags I have smelt, make it an ideal perfume to write about today.

"Unique and inspired, Si Lolita’s bold character comes from a feminine interpretation of a traditionally masculine note of spices. A fragile wild flower that is refreshing and light, intense and pure: the secret spicy freshness of sweet pea. From the opening, to the fragrant trail on the skin, spicy notes dominate this poetic composition. Pink peppercorn top notes accentuate the fresh, exquisite citrus aromas of bergamot and mandarin. A heart of wallflower brings out the spicy fragrance of sweet pea whilst heliotrope brings out its sunny character. Peppery, spicy elemi gum at the base adds a touch of spice to aphrodisiacal amber, rare and precious patchouli and sweet, sophisticated tonka bean".

Si Lolita is an outstanding fragrance - its four leaf clover bottle may look all innocent and girly, but, boy, is this a false impression! This is a scent so spicy and so peppery it is almost more masculine than it is feminine. It starts off with, you guessed it, peppers and (surprisingly) cinnamon. The first 10-20 minutes in Si Lolita's company may scare off some - the initial blast of pepper is really strong and the bergamot barely noticeable. But things "calm down" afterwards. Si Lolita remains strong, bold and daring, but the patchouli and tonka bean soften and sweeten it quite a bit. In fact, patchouli in its drydown is so dominant, it adds dryness and darkness to it. Dry and sweet - I know, these two kind of contradict each other, but then, Si Lolita is by no means your general suit-everyone type of scent.

I know a lot of people get a gourmand like drydown with this, but, apart from catching a few faint whiffs of tonka bean, I can't tell where and what the edible notes are. Si Lolita - to try and sum it up - is spicy and striking from start to finish. It changes, becomes softer, then throws a tantrum before mellowing down once again... Once it has "played around" on my skin for a few hours, it gets tired and finally settles. Some very mild spices with a dash of patchouli is all I am left with.

Si Lolita is an ideal winter scent, but it would also please any oriental lover - this, simply, is unlike any other fragrance I personally have ever experienced. I applaud Lolita Lempicka because Si Lolita is a masterpiece, and it should get more attention than it does.

Lolita Lempicka Si Lolita EDP is available to buy from department stores nationwide. Prices start from £35 (for 30ml).