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
In this review
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.
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
Heart1-2 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
Drydown4+ 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
Longevity5.0/5
10+ hours on skin and 2–3 weeks on fabric
Projection5.0/5
very strong; 1-2 sprays maximum advised
Sillage4.0/5
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”
Layer with a vanilla or tonka-based fragrance to enhance the sweetness.
Try with Lush's Sticky Dates for a richer gourmand experience.
Use as a base under a woody fragrance to add spice and depth.
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.