Lee AM

“Yanina Yakusheva Lee AM Perfume Review: Dark Fruit Meets Soft Woods”

Spraying Lee AM on the wrist immediately brings forward a mouthwatering splash of dark, tart fruit. You get a direct, natural hit of crushed blackberry and black currant, balanced by the sticky sweetness of sun-dried plum. It avoids smelling like grocery store berry candy because there is an earthy tartness running underneath that keeps this dark plum and blackberry perfume feeling fresh and slightly wild. Within five minutes, a bright pop of passionfruit lifts the top, adding a brief exotic sparkle before the composition shifts deeper into its floral core.

As the initial berry brightness softens around the thirty-minute mark, the heart begins to bloom. Creamy lily petals and delicate orchid step into the spotlight, giving the scent a plush, velvety texture. There is also a distinct touch of heliotrope here, which introduces a comforting, almond-like softness that rounds off the tart edges of the fruit. This transition feels seamless and calm, turning what started as a juicy burst into a sophisticated floral blanket that sits gently on the skin.

On warm skin, the interplay between the fruity accords and powdery notes becomes the standout feature of this fragrance. The iris note really takes charge during the second hour, lending a clean, vintage cosmetic powder vibe that contrasts beautifully with the lingering dried plum. It never turns suffocating or chalky. Instead, it feels like smooth silk brushed over dark fruit compote, creating an addictive scent bubble that stays comforting and tactile throughout the afternoon.

In terms of performance, Lee AM gives you a steady six to eight hours of longevity on skin, extending even further on clothing. The projection is strongest during the first ninety minutes, floating about arm's length before settling into a polite half-arm bubble. As the base takes over, earthy patchouli and smooth agarwood anchor the composition, accompanied by warm amber. This measured projection makes it versatile enough for climate-controlled offices, relaxed weekend errands, and intimate evening dinners in spring or autumn.

This scent is thoroughly unisex and will appeal most to people who love expressive, indie perfumery that avoids conventional sweetness. If you enjoy fragrances that combine dark berries with dark woods, or if you like the idea of powdery iris mixed with rich musk, you will feel right at home here. It does not fit wearers looking for an aggressive party beast or a sugary vanilla syrup, but it rewards anyone looking for nuance, mood, and quiet individuality.

Yanina Yakusheva has created a thoughtful character study in Lee AM, balancing the bold theatricality of Lee Alexander McQueen with genuinely wearable craftsmanship. The way the tart blackberry opening yields to gentle lily and smoky agarwood feels intentional from start to finish. It is an easy recommendation to sample for anyone seeking an unconventional, deeply satisfying woody fruit fragrance that feels both cozy and distinct.