Sex

The opening of Sex by Desigual is a bright, slightly tart slap of red berries and rhubarb, with an odd green creaminess from soybean that feels almost savory. It settles fast into a dense, slightly sweaty tuberose and jasmine heart, the grapefruit blossom adding a bitter floral fizz that stops it from turning syrupy. The base is a snug cloud of vanilla musk and soft woods, but the whole thing reads like a synthetic fruit smoothie left too long on a warm counter. There is a faint animalic hum underneath, like the ghost of something dirtier trying to break through, but it never quite gets there.

This is a perfume that promises more than it delivers. The longevity is a modest two hours before it becomes a skin scent, and the sillage is polite at best. It wears best in cooler weather, especially fall, when the tuberose and woods have more room to breathe. For daytime wear it works fine, casual and flirtatious without demanding attention. Who should wear it? Someone who wants a fruity floral with a little bit of edge, but doesn't mind reapplying. Who should skip it? Anyone chasing beast mode performance or a truly natural smelling bouquet. This is a plastic flower on a denim jacket. Cute for an afternoon, forgettable by dinner. It does not reinvent the wheel, but it rolls along well enough for its price point and target audience.

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