The Mourning of Lost Souls

“The Mourning of Lost Souls, a white floral with a licorice twist”

The Mourning of Lost Souls by Scent by Alexis sits in a very specific sweet spot: it is recognisably floral, but it refuses to be just another clean white-flower scent. The signature here is anise, that licorice-like snap that can read cool, aromatic, and slightly spicy. If you enjoy that note, it gives the perfume a point of view right away. If you do not, sampling first is the smart move, because anise is one of those materials you either crave or you avoid.

On skin, the opening tends to feel fresh and lightly green, then it quickly turns toward a brighter white-floral centre. Lily of the valley brings that airy, soapy-luminous impression, while gardenia adds a creamier, more plush floral feel. The anise threads through the middle like a ribbon, not necessarily shouting over the flowers, but staying present enough to keep things interesting. It is not a heavy, indolic white floral, it reads cleaner and more polished.

As it dries down, vanilla becomes more noticeable, not as a dessert note, but as a smoothing base that rounds off the sharper edges and makes the whole thing feel more comfortable to wear. There is also a gentle lactonic (softly milky) impression in the overall accord profile, which can make the later stages feel calmer and a touch more intimate. The sweetness stays controlled for most wearers, but if you are very sweetness-averse, this is still not a strictly “dry” fragrance.

In terms of wearability, this is an easy fragrance to place in everyday life. It can suit daytime errands, casual workdays, and situations where you want something pleasant and put-together rather than dramatic. The main consideration is that anise can be polarising in close quarters, so it is worth starting with fewer sprays if you plan to wear it around people who are fragrance-sensitive.

Performance impressions from the limited voting available point toward strong longevity and moderate projection. That combination usually means you will keep catching it on yourself throughout the day, without it constantly pushing outward. If you like long wear, it is a plus. If you prefer fragrances that fade quickly, you will want a lighter application.

The best way to decide is to treat it as a “note check” fragrance. Do you like white florals, do you like anise, and do you like vanilla as a soft base? If yes, The Mourning of Lost Souls is worth a sample. If any one of those directions is a known problem note for you, especially licorice-like anise, sample first and keep the spray count modest.