Shalimar: the history of the first amber fragrance
There are fragrances that smell like perfume. And then there are those that smell like a legend. Sha...
Oil-based perfume
Crow & Pebble Lupercalia
Gender:
Unisex
Segment:
Lux perfumes
Fragrance information:
Fragrance Character
Crow & Pebble Lupercalia is an oil-based perfume with a vivid, intense character, created by the British brand Crow & Pebble.
This unisex fragrance is for those who enjoy expressive compositions with leathery depth, spicy intensity, and a noticeable trail.
Lupercalia's olfactive profile combines oriental and leathery facets. Its key notes include black musk, black pepper, black tea, honey, a leather accord, citrus nuances, floral motifs, tobacco-woody accents, and vetiver.
The fragrance was created by Karen McCusker, the brand's perfumer and owner.
Development and Mood
Lupercalia is built on contrasts: a fresh burst of orange meets the spice of black pepper, while the dry tea accord gradually gains a warmer, denser frame.
Honey adds a soft sweetness to the composition, but the leather accord, tobacco, and vetiver keep it from becoming too light or dessert-like.
As it develops, black tea and spicy nuances create an effect of refined astringency, rose softens the texture, and black musk enhances the fragrance's depth and lasting impression.
The result is a composed, dark, and slightly mysterious fragrance with an expressive oriental atmosphere and a distinct leathery facet.
Longevity and Sillage
According to the product information, Lupercalia has a very strong sillage.
The oil-based formula sits densely on the skin and makes the fragrance especially noticeable during the first few hours after application, making it a good choice for those who appreciate intense perfumes and a distinctive presence.
For everyday wear, Lupercalia is best applied gradually, allowing you to assess its development on your own skin: oil-based perfumes may smell richer than expected from the first impression.
The original information does not specify exact recommendations for the number of applications on skin or clothing, so it is best to start with a minimal amount and take the temperature, fabric, and your personal sensitivity to the fragrance into account.
When to Wear Lupercalia
The dense combination of leather, tea, honey, tobacco, and musk unfolds especially well in cool weather, in the evening, and on occasions that call for an expressive fragrance profile.
This is a fragrance for dates, intimate gatherings, and moments when you want to give your look character, depth, and a touch of drama.
At the same time, its unisex positioning makes Lupercalia versatile for everyone: on some skin, the spicy and leathery facets will stand out more strongly; on others, it may be the honeyed softness, dry tea, or woody vetiver.
This versatility allows the composition to feel personal and keeps it interesting each time you revisit it.
Its Place in the Brand's Style
Lupercalia reflects Crow & Pebble's approach to artistic perfumery: complex materials do not work in isolation here but come together to create a cohesive atmosphere.
Black musk, pepper, tea, leather, and tobacco form a distinctive dark framework, while orange, rose, and honey add vitality, warmth, and volume.
If you would like to explore similarly rich compositions, you might consider Siordia Parfums Frida, as well as Siordia Parfums Ginger Rom and Gaia Parfums Spice Merchant.
However, Lupercalia stands out through its combination of tea-like astringency, a leather accord, and very strong sillage, making it difficult to confuse with softer spicy or sweet fragrances.
Favorites
Add to comparison
Share
0
Comment
