Black Soul
Black Soul by Ted Lapidus delivers a warm, ambery blend of cinnamon, resins, and cedarwood. Ideal for winter nights, this spicy masculine scent offers excellent performance for its price. It is the perfect budget choice for men seeking a dark, resinous alternative to sweet designer clubbing colognes.
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Performance Metrics
1,757 VOTESOpen Performance Breakdown 1 TAKE
Expect six to eight hours of solid longevity. Sillage is moderate, projecting about two feet for the first two hours before settling close to the body in cold weather.
Notes Pyramid
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A dark, resinous snapshot of sweet cinnamon, smoky Tolu balsam, and dry Chinese cedar. The fragrance transitions from a cold mint opening to a warm, powdery amber finish on skin.
Main Accords
10 MAPPEDThe warm spicy and amber accords dominate, creating a dry, incense-like texture on the skin. The balsamic notes prevent the woody cedar base from feeling too dry.
Community Data
1,954 TOTAL VOTESCOMMUNITY SENTIMENT
OWNERSHIP STATS
GENDER APPEAL
REVIEW SENTIMENT
When to Wear
TAP TO VOTETIME OF DAY · TAP TO VOTE
OCCASIONS · TAP TO VOTE
It looks easiest to wear in winter and spring.
Pros & Cons
Quick take before you sampleWHY PEOPLE MAY LIKE IT
Incredible value for a low price point
Great performance on skin in cold climates
Unique presentation with a black metal canister
Warm balsamic dry-down smells like premium incense
Excellent match for casual leather jacket outfits
Less sweet than mainstream clubbing fragrances
Distinctive dark, gothic vibe that sets it apart from standard designer releases
Presents a more natural smelling composition compared to typical modern cheapies
Intriguing black licorice and creamy black jellybean accord in the development
Excellent fabric performance with projects well on clothing comments from users
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
Initial spray has a harsh synthetic edge
Not suitable for hot summer daytime wear
Can smell too powdery on dry skin types
The medicinal mint opening is quite polarizing
May feel too mature for teenage buyers
Cheap cap construction feels a bit flimsy
A polarizing urine like note reported by some in the early stage of wear
Can feel uninspiring or mediocre to enthusiasts seeking a complex party scent
Performance is inconsistent with reports of poor longevity and fast evaporation
Unpleasant plastic doll style sweetness that can smell cheap to some noses
Fragranxe Review
EDITORIAL“Ted Lapidus Black Soul Review: A Spicy, Resinous Bargain for Winter Nights”
Ted Lapidus Black Soul opens with an unexpected contrast of temperatures. Cold cardamom and fresh green mint clash against a faint citrus background of bergamot. The initial spray can feel slightly synthetic on skin, but this sharp edge softens within ten minutes. The top notes fade quickly, revealing a warmer, spice-laden path.
The heart of the fragrance brings forward a dry cinnamon and soft saffron. Rather than smelling like kitchen spices, this stage carries a dusty, resinous warmth. The sweetness is controlled, never turning syrupy. Guaiac wood and Chinese cedar begin to anchor the blend, giving it a dry, masculine woodiness.
As the fragrance reaches its final dry-down, the Tolu balsam dominates the composition. This resinous base mimics the scent of burning incense, warm amber, and clean musk. It sits comfortably on the skin, feeling dark and slightly mysterious. The performance relies heavily on these balsamic resins, keeping the scent alive for hours.
For a budget Eau de Toilette, the longevity is impressive. You will easily get seven hours of wear on skin, and even longer on a wool coat. The sillage remains moderate, projecting about two feet before drawing in. It thrives in freezing temperatures, where the cold air tempers the spicy sweetness.
This scent fits a mature crowd looking for a winter evening signature. It matches casual leather jackets, dark clothing, and nighttime settings. Those who dislike sweet or powdery woods should stay away. It is not a safe choice for hot summer days or formal office wear.
Black Soul is an easy recommendation if you want a spicy, ambery scent on a budget. It offers a darker, dry woody alternative to mainstream sweet clubbing colognes. While the opening is a bit rough, the rich incense dry-down makes it worth the small price tag.
FAQs
What does Ted Lapidus Black Soul smell like?+
This fragrance opens with a sharp burst of fresh mint and citrus. It quickly shifts into a warm, resinous heart dominated by sweet cinnamon and saffron. The base settles into a dark, smoky mix of Tolu balsam and Chinese cedar, creating an incense-like aroma on the skin.
How does the opening compare to the dry-down?+
The opening is bright and slightly medicinal, featuring cold cardamom and green mint. As it wears on skin, the coolness fades completely. The dry-down becomes much warmer and resinous, highlighting sweet cinnamon, heavy resins, and dry guaiac wood.
How long does Black Soul last on skin?+
On average skin, this Eau de Toilette delivers solid longevity. You can expect it to last between six and eight hours. The heavy balsamic notes like Tolu balsam help the fragrance cling to shirts and skin long after the top citrus notes vanish.
What is the sillage and projection of this fragrance?+
It projects moderately for the first two hours, radiating about arm's length. It does not fill a whole room, making it safe for close-up settings. After three hours, it pulls closer to the body, creating a warm, spicy skin hug.
Which season is best for wearing Black Soul?+
This scent is custom-made for the winter and late autumn. The heavy accords of warm cinnamon and thick resins need cold air to breathe. Wearing it in hot summer weather can make the sweet, resinous notes feel overly cloying.
For what occasions should I wear this scent?+
This is a prime choice for casual night outs, bar hops, or winter date nights. Its smoky, sweet profile suits leather jackets and dark clothing. It is too heavy and sweet for formal business meetings or hot gym sessions.
Does Black Soul lean masculine or unisex?+
It leans heavily masculine because of the strong cedarwood and guaiac wood base. The dark spices and resinous textures appeal to traditional men's fragrance buyers. However, anyone who enjoys dark, smoky incense notes can wear it.
What age group is this fragrance best suited for?+
It suits mature men over twenty-five who appreciate spicy, complex compositions. The balsamic dry-down feels too heavy and dark for teenagers. It appeals to enthusiasts looking for something more substantial than simple fresh fragrances.
Can I layer Ted Lapidus Black Soul with other scents?+
Yes, it layers well with simple citrus or dry woody scents. Adding a clean cedar cologne can dry out the sweetness of the cinnamon. Avoid layering it with other sweet vanilla perfumes, which can make the combination headache-inducing.
How does it compare to Paco Rabanne One Million?+
It shares a sweet, spicy cinnamon vibe with One Million in the early stages. However, Black Soul is much darker, woodier, and less synthetic. It swaps the loud bubblegum sweetness of One Million for a dry, smoky incense texture.
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Dupes & Alternatives
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A solid, woodier alternative to Paco Rabanne One Million and Spicebomb.
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