Fairytales
Lulu Guinness Fairytales is a playful floral fruity gourmand launched in 2007. It opens with vibrant notes of raspberry, black currant, and grapefruit. The heart features strawberry leaf and jasmine, while the base provides a warm, comforting finish of cacao and caramel. Ideal for fans of sweet, everyday fragrances who enjoy a soft, approachable scent profile.
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Performance Metrics
143 VOTESOpen Performance Breakdown 1 TAKE
Longevity is moderate, typically providing four to five hours of wear. Projection remains intimate, sitting within arm's length. It is most effective in cool, moderate climates where the warmth of the base notes can shine.
Notes Pyramid
Search these notesChoose where each note belongs.
A sweet, fruity gourmand with a playful texture. It layers bright raspberry and grapefruit over green strawberry leaf and soft jasmine. The finish is defined by a warm, creamy combination of cacao and caramel that settles into an edible, skin-hugging sweetness.
Main Accords
14 MAPPEDThe fruity and sweet accords lead, but they do not feel syrupy or cloying. The cacao and caramel accords provide a cozy, warm foundation that moves from a sharp, tart opening into a softer, skin-like finish after about two hours.
Community Data
357 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. The vote picture leans most toward daytime.
Pros & Cons
Quick take before you sampleWHY PEOPLE MAY LIKE IT
Playful and energetic opening
Unique green strawberry leaf note
Subtle and office-friendly sillage
Approachable price point
Soft and cozy dry-down
Good for casual daytime wear
Versatile for various ages
Pleasant mix of fruit and gourmand
Not overly heavy or cloying
Charming, whimsical bottle design
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
Moderate, short-lived longevity
Lacks massive projection power
Might feel too light for gourmand lovers
Requires reapplication for full days
Limited availability in some regions
Not a complex or challenging scent
Needs cooler weather to shine
Does not stand out in a crowd
Base can disappear on dry skin
Less depth than niche competitors
Fragranxe Review
EDITORIAL“Fairytales by Lulu Guinness: A Sweet and Playful Daily Scent”
The opening of Fairytales by Lulu Guinness is bright and immediately energetic. You are met with a sharp, tangy blast of raspberry and black currant, which gets a nice boost from the zest of grapefruit. It feels young and lively right from the first spray, setting a cheerful tone for the morning. It does not try to be overly serious, which is refreshing for a fragrance in this category.
As it moves into the heart, the scent shifts from the initial tartness toward a greener, softer territory. The strawberry leaf provides a unique, slightly vegetal sweetness that separates it from standard berry-forward perfumes, while the jasmine and magnolia add a delicate floral lift. This phase lasts for about an hour before the fragrance begins to settle into its true personality, which is firmly grounded in gourmand territory.
The dry-down is where the base notes of cacao and caramel take over. On my skin, this transformation is smooth and leaves behind a soft, powdery sweetness that feels very wearable. The cacao note is not like a heavy dark chocolate bar, but more like a hint of cocoa powder dusted over a bowl of fresh fruit. It warms up nicely as it sits on the skin for a few hours, becoming more intimate and cozy.
Regarding performance, this is a moderate fragrance. It lasts about four to five hours on my skin, with projection staying within arm's length. It is not designed to be a beast-mode scent that announces your presence from across the street. This makes it an ideal companion for work or casual settings where you want something pleasant but subtle. I find it performs best in cooler spring or autumn weather, where the warmth of the caramel can really bloom.
Fit-wise, this suits anyone who enjoys edible-feeling scents but prefers them to stay light. If you are someone who likes a heavy, room-filling vanilla, this might feel a bit too airy for you. It appeals to a broad audience, from students looking for an easy signature to collectors who want something fun to rotate into their collection for off-duty days.
In verdict, I find Fairytales to be a solid addition to a collection if you need a reliable, lighthearted gourmand. It is not groundbreaking, but it is well-composed and smells genuinely pleasant. If you are on the fence, a small sample is a smart move to see how the cacao interacts with your personal chemistry, but it is a fairly safe choice for fans of the genre.
FAQs
What does Fairytales by Lulu Guinness smell like?+
Fairytales features a prominent fruity opening led by raspberry and grapefruit. It quickly moves into a sweet, gourmand territory characterized by rich cacao and caramel notes. You will notice a lingering floral touch from jasmine and magnolia that keeps the sugary elements from becoming overwhelming, making it a distinct choice for those who enjoy sweet fragrances.
How does the scent change from opening to dry-down?+
The opening is bright and tart, dominated by grapefruit and black currant. As it dries down, these citrus notes soften significantly, allowing the cacao and caramel to emerge fully. This transition turns the initial energetic burst into a warm, skin-hugging finish that feels much softer after about two hours of wear.
What is the longevity of this fragrance?+
On most skin types, Fairytales provides moderate longevity, typically lasting around four to five hours. If you apply it to clothing or hair, you may get a bit more time. It is not a heavy hitter, so you might want to carry a decant if you plan to wear it for an entire workday.
Is the sillage strong?+
The projection is generally moderate, sitting within arm's length. It creates a pleasant scent bubble that is noticeable to those close to you but rarely overwhelming in shared spaces. This makes it an appropriate choice for office environments or small gatherings where you want a sweet presence without dominating the room.
Which season is best for wearing this?+
Fairytales shines brightest during the cooler days of spring and autumn. The warmth of the cacao and caramel base notes provides a cozy feel that works well in crisp air. It can feel slightly too dense for the high humidity of mid-summer, though it remains wearable for cool summer evenings.
Is this a good signature scent?+
If you gravitate toward fruity gourmands, it could serve well as a signature. Its approachable mix of raspberry, strawberry leaf, and chocolate-like cacao makes it versatile for daily life. However, since the performance is moderate, it requires occasional reapplication throughout the day to maintain its presence.
Does it have a specific gender lean?+
This fragrance is marketed for women and leans distinctly feminine due to the sweet fruit and floral composition. The presence of jasmine and magnolia alongside the caramel base reinforces this profile. However, fragrance enthusiasts who appreciate sweet, gourmand scents often find them wearable regardless of traditional gender marketing.
Can I wear this to the office?+
Yes, it is suitable for an office setting. Because its projection is moderate and intimate, it is unlikely to bother colleagues. The fruity top notes provide a fresh, professional opening, while the gourmand dry-down remains subtle and pleasant throughout the work hours, providing a clean, sweet scent trail.
How does it compare to other gourmand perfumes?+
Fairytales is less heavy or sugary than many modern gourmand releases. While it shares the cacao note seen in some luxury chocolate-themed fragrances, it keeps things lighter through the use of strawberry leaf and tart grapefruit. It feels more playful and youthful than the intense, spicy-sweet scents often found in the niche market.
Is it suitable as a gift?+
It makes a charming gift for someone who enjoys sweet, accessible scents. The packaging, often reflecting the whimsical style of the brand, complements the fruity-gourmand juice inside. It is a safe bet for a younger wearer or anyone who appreciates a balanced, not-too-aggressive chocolate note in their perfume rotation.
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Dupes & Alternatives
COMMUNITY DUPESCOREConsider Britney Spears Fantasy for a more intense sweetness, or Viva La Juicy for a similar fruity-floral gourmand profile that leans slightly more toward berries.
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