Lush Fragrance review

Lush Pumpkin Spice Review: A Savory, Smoky Body Spray

Not your average PSL – this is a beast-mode spice bomb that divides the fragrance community.

By Vivir · · Updated
Pumpkin spice has become a cultural phenomenon, synonymous with cozy autumn days, oversized sweaters, and sweet, creamy lattes. But Lush's 2025 release, Pumpkin Spice, flips that narrative on its head. This is not a bakery gourmand; it's a savory, spicy, resinous body spray that smells more like a simmering pot of spiced chai or a smoky boba tea than a pumpkin pie. Built on an unusual quartet of clove, ginger, carrot seed, and carob resinoid, it's a fragrance that challenges expectations and has sparked heated debate among fragrance enthusiasts. In a world where sweet gourmands dominate the fall fragrance landscape, Lush Pumpkin Spice dares to be different. It's polarizing, potent, and unapologetically unique. With a community rating of just 2.59/5 on Fragrantica, it's clearly not for everyone – but for those who appreciate a savory twist on spice, it might just be a hidden gem. In this review, we'll dive into the notes, performance, and the cultural context surrounding this controversial release, helping you decide if it deserves a spot in your collection.
Longevity
5.0
Projection
5.0
Sillage
4.0
A$55
SpringSummerFallWinter

Accords

warm spicy woody fresh spicy powdery nutty sweet chocolate musky fruity

Notes Pyramid

Top
cloveginger
Heart
carrot seed
Base
carob resinoid (carob tree)

Scent Journey

1
Opening 0-30 min

The first 0-30 minutes deliver a sharp, almost medicinal burst of clove and ginger. It's spicy, fresh, and slightly vegetal, with a hint of carrot seed's earthy sweetness. Some may find it reminiscent of spice cabinet or even soup broth.

2
Heart 1-2 hrs

After 1-2 hours, the spices soften and the carob resin emerges, bringing a smoky, chocolate-like sweetness with a nutty, woody edge. The fragrance becomes rounder, more resinous, and slightly powdery.

3
Drydown 4+ hrs

4+ hours in, the base is a warm, resinous, woody blend with lingering spice and a subtle musky powder. The carob becomes more pronounced, resembling a sweet boba tea or dark chocolate, with excellent longevity.

Performance Dashboard

Longevity 5.0/5

10+ hours on skin and 2–3 weeks on fabric

Projection 5.0/5

very strong; 1-2 sprays maximum advised

Sillage 4.0/5

strong to heavy; fills a room

When to Wear

SpringOK
SummerAvoid
FallBest
WinterBest
cozy evenings at homeautumn/holiday casual wearscent layeringlinen and room spray

Pros & Cons

  • Extreme longevity and projection
  • Affordable at A$55 for 200ml
  • Unique savory gourmand
  • Great for layering
  • Polarizing scent (2.59/5 on Fragrantica)
  • Not office-friendly
  • May be too strong for some
  • Not a typical sweet pumpkin spice

Price & Value

A$55
Excellent value for a 200ml body spray with exceptional performance

“A budget-friendly way to try a challenging, conversation-starting scent”

Reformulation History

No significant batch variations reported.

Who It's For

Ideal For

  • spice lovers
  • gourmand adventurers
  • fans of Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille
  • Lush Sticky Dates enthusiasts

Not Recommended For

  • office workers
  • those who prefer fresh scents
  • people sensitive to strong projection
  • anyone expecting a sweet pumpkin pie fragrance

Explore More

Similar Fragrances

Layering Ideas

Final Verdict

Lush Pumpkin Spice is not your average pumpkin spice fragrance – it's a bold, savory, and extremely potent body spray that challenges expectations. While its polarizing scent and low community rating may deter some, those who appreciate unique, smoky spice will find a hidden gem at a very affordable price.

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