Bloody
Nina Lamaison crafted Bloody as a raw, woody aromatic scent that challenges the senses. Featuring prominent notes of civet, ash, and soil tincture, this 2022 release avoids conventional sweetness. It offers a dark, animalic experience tailored for those who seek individuality in their fragrance rotation during cold, crisp winter evenings.
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Performance Metrics
62 VOTESOpen Performance Breakdown 1 TAKE
Longevity is consistent, typically holding for 6 to 8 hours on skin. Sillage is moderate, projecting reliably for the first few hours before settling into an intimate, woody trail that persists well in cooler, dry climates.
Notes Pyramid
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Bloody is a dark, smoky, and earthy composition defined by the tactile presence of soil tincture, ash, and leather. The texture is resinous and raw, with a persistent animalic civet undercurrent that grounds the fleeting citrus opening, creating a mood that is contemplative, somber, and distinctly non-gourmand.
Main Accords
6 MAPPEDThe smoky and earthy accords dominate from start to finish. The ash and soil tincture provide a mineral quality that remains constant, while the leather and civet soften slightly during the dry-down, becoming more integrated with the wearer's natural heat.
Community Data
169 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 fall and winter. The vote picture leans most toward night.
Pros & Cons
Quick take before you sampleWHY PEOPLE MAY LIKE IT
Unapologetically original composition
Excellent longevity for a niche scent
Unique earthy and smoky profile
Ideal for dark, winter nights
Distinguishable from designer releases
Great for avant-garde collectors
High-quality, distinct soil note
Unisex balance avoids common tropes
Artistic, non-gourmand direction
Polished leather base development
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
Highly polarizing scent profile
Can be challenging for beginners
Animalic notes may offend some
Not suitable for hot climates
Limited versatility for daily wear
Difficult to source globally
Too intense for some settings
Not a crowd-pleaser fragrance
Risk of being perceived as unclean
Lacks traditional floral sweetness
Fragranxe Review
EDITORIAL“Bloody by Nina Lamaison: An Earthy, Smoky Experiment”
Bloody opens with a stark, unsettling jolt of ash and cold soil. It is immediately clear that Nina Lamaison did not intend to craft a crowd-pleaser here. The citrus top notes of orange and tangerine are faint, appearing only as fleeting shadows before being swallowed by the aggressive, mineral-rich opening that defines the first hour of wear.
As the heart develops, the fragrance moves into deeper, more resinous territory. A dense layer of incense and myrrh emerges, anchoring the earlier ashy accords with a balsamic, sticky sweetness that feels almost ancient. This is not a bright or uplifting heart, but rather a somber, meditative phase that lingers close to the skin. The red rose mentioned in the notes is nearly impossible to pick out as a floral, instead acting as a subtle texture that softens the sharpness of the wood.
The dry-down reveals the true complexity of the animalic accord. The civet becomes more prominent here, interacting with the leather and vetiver to create a grounded, slightly sweaty skin-scent. It is incredibly raw and unapologetic. Some wearers may find the combination of soil and civet difficult, but it possesses a haunting authenticity that is hard to find in modern, sanitized releases.
Performance is respectable for such an experimental composition. It lasts easily for 7 hours on my skin, with moderate projection that lingers in the air without becoming a nuisance to others. It is best suited for colder months, where the damp, earthy quality mirrors the outside temperature. I would avoid this in high heat, as the animalic notes can become overwhelming and quite pungent.
This is a fragrance for the seasoned collector. It is far too challenging for someone just starting their fragrance journey. If you gravitate toward themes of decay, earth, and smoke, it is worth the effort to track down a sample, but it is not a bottle I would recommend to anyone seeking a safe, versatile signature.
Ultimately, Bloody is a bold, uncompromising artistic statement. While I admire the bravery required to release such a scent, its lack of mass appeal means it remains a polarizing niche creation. It is a work of craft, even if it is not one I choose to wear every day.
FAQs
What does Bloody actually smell like on skin?+
It is a heavy, atmospheric fragrance defined by soil tincture, ash, and smoky incense. The opening feels raw and mineral-like, eventually settling into a leathery, resinous base. It avoids common gourmand sweetness, making it a polarizing choice for those who enjoy earthy, unconventional profiles during quiet, contemplative moments.
Is this a good blind buy for most shoppers?+
No, it is not a safe blind buy. The inclusion of civet and soil tincture makes Bloody highly unpredictable on skin. It is an artistic creation that demands a skin test. Enthusiasts of niche, animalic perfumery might appreciate the complexity, but it is far from a universally pleasing fragrance for beginners.
Which season is best for wearing this perfume?+
Bloody thrives in cold weather, particularly during winter evenings. The smoky, balsamic profile acts as a bold accessory for night-out occasions. It can feel overwhelming in high heat or humid climates, where the heavy leather and civet notes might become cloying for both the wearer and others nearby.
How long does the scent typically last?+
Performance is generally strong, with many enthusiasts reporting moderate to long-lasting longevity of 6 to 8 hours. The smoky and woody notes persist well, though the initial citrus brightness of orange and tangerine fades quickly, leaving behind the deeper, more resilient resinous base of myrrh and cedar.
Is this fragrance considered truly unisex?+
Yes, it leans unisex by avoiding heavy floral sweetness, despite the red rose note. The profile remains dominated by cedar, leather, and vetiver, which are traditional markers in both male and female niche perfumery. The final impression depends entirely on how the animalic and earthy accords interact with your specific skin chemistry.
Does this smell like other popular niche perfumes?+
It does not have a direct, mainstream dupe due to its unique combination of soil and ash. Those who enjoy the dark, grounded nature of certain Serge Lutens creations may find it interesting. It intentionally lacks the mass appeal of typical designer woody aromatics found in most department store fragrance sections.
What is the role of the soil tincture in this scent?+
The soil tincture provides a realistic damp, earthy foundation that anchors the smokier incense and ash accords. It acts as the backbone of the composition, distinguishing it from typical woody aromatic scents by adding a gritty, mineral quality that persists throughout the wear.
Can I wear this in a professional office setting?+
Due to the intense, polarizing animalic civet and smoky notes, it is generally considered too bold and distracting for conservative or confined office settings. It is better suited for outdoor social gatherings, evening art events, or private wear where you can fully appreciate its complex, brooding character.
How does the opening citrus compare to the dry-down?+
The orange and tangerine notes provide a fleeting, bright contrast that quickly yields to the darker leather and myrrh base. This adds complexity to the opening phase rather than providing lasting freshness, which is useful to keep in mind when deciding if you enjoy its rapid transformation.
Is this heavy enough for deep winter weather?+
Yes, its heavy concentration of smoky, balsamic, and animalic notes performs best in cold weather. The low temperature helps tame the potential intensity of the leather and ash, allowing the resinous qualities of the myrrh to shine through without overwhelming the senses during winter walks.
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Dupes & Alternatives
COMMUNITY DUPESCOREThere are no mainstream dupes for this. If you enjoy the soil and ash vibe, look toward niche houses that experiment with hyper-realistic earthy or smoky themes.
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