Turbulent
Turbulent by Nick Ricardo Collection is a unisex oriental floral perfume crafted by Roger Howell. This 2019 release blends patchouli, amber, and myrrh with leather and saffron for a dramatic, warm result. Perfect for autumn nights or formal winter occasions, it offers a distinct, woody experience for those who appreciate spicy, non-binary fragrance profiles.
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Performance Metrics
45 VOTESOpen Performance Breakdown 1 TAKE
Moderate longevity of five to six hours, with projection that stays firmly within arm's reach. Best suited for autumn and winter climates.
Notes Pyramid
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A woody, resinous snapshot featuring prominent amber, dry leather, and spicy saffron. It has a complex texture that moves from an earthy, patchouli-forward opening into a warm, powdery heart, finally grounding itself in a creamy, spice-dusted sandalwood dry-down.
Main Accords
13 MAPPEDThe woody and amber accords dominate, providing a dry, resinous backbone. As the scent warms on the skin, the leather and saffron add a spicy tension that keeps the fragrance from feeling too sweet or simple.
Community Data
60 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 daytime.
Pros & Cons
Quick take before you sampleWHY PEOPLE MAY LIKE IT
Great for formal winter occasions
Unique woody and amber profile
Professional and serious scent
Approachable leather dry-down
Solid value for the price
Not overly sweet or basic
Distinctive and memorable
Warm spicy heart notes
Good for cool weather wear
Complex note progression
Sophisticated woody and amber composition
Balanced aromatic and spicy warmth
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
Synthetic middle phase noted
Not a blind buy candidate
Limited hot weather appeal
Sillage is very moderate
Industrial edge is polarizing
Not for sweet-scent lovers
Moderate longevity limits
Can feel heavy for daily wear
Not broadly crowd-pleasing
Requires a specific taste
Polarizing industrial nuance
Moderate performance profile
Fragranxe Review
EDITORIAL“Turbulent Review: A Bold Spicy Amber For The Fearless”
The opening of Turbulent by Nick Ricardo Collection hits with a bright, earthy blast of patchouli and bergamot. It is an immediate attention-grabber, but it avoids being overly citrusy by quickly grounding itself in a resinous layer of amber and myrrh. This initial phase feels sharp and energetic, setting a tone that is clearly meant for someone looking to break from the usual designer scent patterns.
As the perfume moves into its heart, the labdanum and tonka bean emerge to add a softer, slightly powdery warmth. This transition is where the fragrance starts to feel more balanced. The geranium and orange blossom offer a very faint floral touch, though they are quickly pushed back by the heavier base notes. It is a complex process on the skin, shifting from that bright opening into something much more dense and resinous.
Once the dry-down settles, the true personality of the scent appears. The blend of sandalwood, leather, and saffron takes over, creating a dry, spicy, and woody profile that lingers for several hours. This is the stage where the fragrance feels most stable. It loses that initial sharpness and becomes a warm, intimate scent that hugs the skin. The leather note here is clean rather than animalic, which keeps the composition approachable.
In terms of performance, Turbulent delivers moderate longevity, usually holding steady for about five to six hours. The sillage is also restrained, staying mostly within arm's reach. This makes it a great choice for autumn and winter, as the warmth of the amber and tonka bean really shines in colder air. If you wear this in the heat, you might find it loses its structure too quickly.
This fragrance is a strong fit for someone who wants to move beyond standard sweet clubbing scents. It feels serious and introspective, perfect for those who want a signature for the office or a cold-weather evening. It does not try to please everyone, and that is its main strength.
Ultimately, Turbulent is a bold, spicy entry that rewards those who enjoy woody orientals. It is not a blind buy for beginners, but for enthusiasts looking for something different, it holds its own.
FAQs
What is the dominant scent profile of Turbulent?+
Turbulent is an oriental floral scent built around woody and amber accords. It opens with sharp patchouli and bergmont before moving into a warm heart of labdanum and tonka bean. The dry down relies heavily on sandalwood and leather, creating a spicy, resinous profile that feels mature and grounding.
Does this fragrance smell better in the opening or dry down?+
The opening is quite punchy and bright, featuring bergamot and patchouli. However, the dry down is where the fragrance finds its character. Once the saffron and leather emerge after about two hours, the scent becomes much smoother and more pleasant to wear for an evening event.
How long does Turbulent last on the skin?+
In our testing, Turbulent provides moderate longevity, typically lasting between five and six hours on the skin. You may need to refresh if you are wearing it for a full workday or a long night out, especially in cooler autumn weather where longevity can vary.
What is the projection like?+
The projection is moderate, sitting within arm's reach for the first few hours. It does not fill a room, which makes it a sensible choice for office environments or shared spaces where you want to be noticed without overwhelming those around you.
What season is best for wearing Turbulent?+
Turbulent thrives in cooler weather, specifically during the fall and winter months. The rich amber, vanilla, and warm spice accords feel cozy and appropriate for low temperatures. It might feel too heavy or cloying if worn during a hot summer day.
Is this a good fragrance for a formal occasion?+
Yes, it suits formal occasions well. The leather and sandalwood base notes give it a sophisticated, serious edge that pairs nicely with a suit or evening wear. It is a reliable choice for dinner parties, gallery openings, or winter weddings.
Does it lean more masculine or feminine?+
Turbulent is truly unisex. The floral notes like geranium and orange blossom balance out the heavier leather and patchouli. It does not lean strictly toward traditional masculine or feminine scents, making it a versatile option for anyone who enjoys woody oriental profiles.
Is this a good blind buy?+
We recommend sampling first. While the notes are appealing, some users find the middle phase to be quite synthetic. If you enjoy spicy, woody orientals, you might like it, but the industrial feel reported by some users makes a test wear essential.
Can I wear this as a signature scent?+
While possible, its heavy amber and spice profile might become tiring for daily use. It works better as a rotation piece for specific seasons, like autumn, or for nights out. Signature scents usually benefit from being a bit more versatile.
How does it compare to other amber scents?+
It is less sweet than many modern mainstream amber perfumes. The inclusion of leather, saffron, and labdanum adds a drier, more resinous quality. If you find fragrances like Prada Amber Pour Homme Intense interesting, this may share a similar vibe.
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Dupes & Alternatives
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Consider Prada Amber Pour Homme Intense for a smoother, powdery amber or Bentley for Men Intense for a more aggressive, spicy leather approach.
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