To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
eyn095speagoessenda – :
I adore this scent, which surprised me because I am not usually a sandalwood fan. I have bought it and were it often, I also find that if it is blended with Sun it is even better.
g.e.n.d.u.g.o.v – :
The sandalwood here reminds me of that which i smelt in the vintage samsara edt and edp. That pure smelling scent that i also pick up in Al Haramain Night Dreams perfume oil.
Smuggler’s Soul is a very straight forward pure smelling sandal and vetiver combination. It is strong to begin with and then softens out to leave a skin scent after a few hours. Would make a great perfume for layering too.
An ideal scent to wear when not in a perfume mood or for yoga and relaxation exercises.
More on the unisex side and a nice change to having the sweetness omitted.
unitnp – :
I own the solid one and it is so divine!!
We were one evening out with my Fragrantican friends and one of them brought it to test it with Karma from Lush which is a perfume for the future!!
I fell in love with SS and on me it was green, balsamic something like a deep Mitsouko EDP and Silences in 1 perfume!!
I couldn’t put it down so when my friend went to England I told her to buy this and Lust.
If you like balsamic green fumes I think this one is the best and I have tried thousands “greens”.
The solid works better in Autumn and Spring but for wintertime also.
Thank you so much Denoula!!❤
V
papadosoff – :
Had a bottle, eventually gave it away to a friend and I feel like it was a much better fit for her.
The alcohol is very strong in this one at the opening.
Turns into a nice, simple wood scent, quite strong.
Aerohoplenerikyd – :
Absolutely love this! On me it reminds me of something between Mitsouko and Bandit, both which I love, but I really want to buy cruelty free / vegan brands going forward so this fits the bill perfectly and the price point is great too. Stumbled on this one accidentally after scouring reviews for Lush, it’s an unexpected delight, love the name too! A really lovely, woody citrus. The Lush perfumes are a great addition to my new collection.
wed3d4 – :
I’m really surprised that nobody else has mentioned Smugglers Soul’s resemblance to the current formulation of Chanel No 5. I got a bottle of No. 5 as a Valentines gift and when it hit my skin I thought, “Wow, this smells a bit like Smugglers Soul.” So later when I couldn’t shake the similarity, I smelled side by side and they definitely have major commonalities! Smugglers is like a more unisex No 5 (I think all fragrances are without gender, but I mean unisex by standard definition) with a amped up sandalwood in place of the aldehydes and white florals. The overal effect is similar enough to mention. I have always loved Smugglers, love No 5 too. Try it!
tytrakan – :
I smelt this on somebody’s wrist, probably not the best way to try this out but it literally smelled like gasoline to me. At least by it’s opening. If I smell this again on myself I’ll update this
Malopuk – :
I’ll be honest guys, once upon a time I may have scrubbed this at first blast, but I’ve come a long way in my perfume journey and I like to think I am more open and refined in my “scent” sibilities lol You get a pretty heavy citrus menthol first blast but if you hang in there it quickly settles into a beautiful creamy lipsticky sandalwood delight. Probably second only to Samsara. This is good shit, you get your money’s worth for sure.
master2003-2005 – :
my first scrub off, ever…
will try some other day, maybe…
bctrecha – :
this is one of my top three go-to fragrances for day wear. it’s very simple but heady, and i often get compliments on it. it has a pleasantly masculine vibe, without feeling like you’re wearing straight-up men’s cologne.
zenona – :
One of my favorites from Lush.
Somehow this reminds me of the lipstick/powder smell that can be found in Creed’s Love In Black. Only brighter in the beginning with citrus. I get a pleasant and warm sandalwood throughout.
There has to be more notes than what’s listed above. Get’s more subtle after the citric opening and turns a little soapy. Love this stuff.
BriSk – :
I usually love Lush perfumes, but this one really disappointed me. I love sandalwood, but could only smell a sharp penetrant cedar !!!
kolea234 – :
The notes listed do not do this perfume justice, definitely vetiver and citrus, and a similar oily kind of musk that is in Shalimar. In fact I think this is most reminiscent of that fragrance. Some floral in here too that gives it a sweetness, can’t put my finger on which though. Hints of bergamot make it early grey-esque too! Just confirmed citrus, bensoat, vetiver, lemongrass, and tagetes via another website.
Кулик13 – :
After reading Luca Turin’s review of this (“lipstick & fireworks”), I was even more eager to try this.
The published notes for this scent didn’t sound like any lipstick like smells should be present, but after the lemony opening wears off, a big, beautiful, gloriously waxy, powdery lipstick emerges. Smuggler’s Soul is even more of a pronounced lipstick scent than Dior Homme Intense or MM Lipstick On. Longevity could be better, but I’ll happily re-apply. Edit: longevity is actually very good (all day) when I apply 4-5 sprays.
I absolutely love this fragrance, even though I still can’t figure out how sandalwood+vetiver+lemongrass=lipstick. I suppose it doesn’t matter if I can make sense of it as long as it smells wonderful. (And it does!)
My review is for the 50ml spray, but the labels on the bottle don’t specify a concentration (EDP, EDT ??)
imarshag – :
The opening is lovely, then Smuggler’s Soul quickly (in 15 minutes) dries down to the same bleak sandalwood as Dirty.
Another puzzling marketing idea; picking a late mobster, a serial killer of 184 and 900 elephants as an emblem to products.
landry777 – :
An excellent complex sandalwood with a hint of floral plushness (rose probably) and citrus in the opening. A mixture of woody oils extend the olfactory footprint of the sandalwood heart. Mostly vetiver and glorious rosewood which has a creamy, sweet character that complements the spice of sandalwood and grassy quality of vetiver. Smells like an old fashioned silver makeup compact – powdery, waxy and faintly sweet, heavy but penetratable.
Of all the LUSH fragrances, this is the easily the best, and harkens back the most to vintage perfumes. Ultimately unisex, but you need to be a strong character to pull it off well. This fragrance pulls no punches.
adm79 – :
The drawing on the packaging is misleading, makes it look like a perfume for machete-armed raiders – sort of – but it’s not. To me Smuggler Soul is more on the hippie side and would be jist perfect with a paisley shirt. Soon after the opening blast of woodsy citronella, the sandalwood shows up. Absolutely unisex. No way to get rid of that citronella note completely, but all in all, a very likable sandalwood.
I got both the solid perfume and the body spray. I didn’t buy the perfume (the one in the tiny bottle with the dropper); in hindsight I regret it because this one doesn’t last long enough and it’s a bit…underwhelming! As for the solid stuff, that’s nice and entertaining, especially if used as hair perfume. Unfortunately, short longevity for this one too.
Azizus – :
Mixing lovely old school barbershop vetiver with two kinds of sandalwood oil, Smugglers Soul is a bearded hipster’s dream scent whether intended or not, though the drawing of the man on the label with the exaggerated mustache leads me to believe it was. Read any of my reviews for Gorilla Perfumes and you’ll see that we mostly don’t get along. Maybe I’m extra critical because their unique aesthetics make me want to like them, their descriptions sound great, and aside from Lush regional issues, they’re so easy to find. Unforutnately I usually end up underwhelmed. This father and son team are prolific as hell though, and I do think they’ve improved over the years, as any artist should. Early scents like the Bug and Hellstone were disasters, though I’ve come to enjoy more recent stuff like Kerbside Violet, and now Smuggler’s Soul.
When I first sprayed this on, or rather, had one of Lush’s notoriously annoying mosquito like employees spray it on me, I thought “where’s the wood?” I get sharp, pez like lemongrass, vetiver, and something almost like gin. Again, a very nice dose of classic barbershop. It takes a few minutes before one can pick up on any trace of sandalwood, but it’s there lurking in the shadows, albeit a little too much of an afterthought. It’s a luscious (no pun intended) concoction, but I’d like to echo a review below that sums it up perfectly: Smuggler’s Soul feels incomplete. On a side note, Luca Turin claimed this smells like “lipstick and fireworks”, though I have absolutely no idea what the hell he’s talking about. But let’s toss the critics aside and while we’re at it, gender too. Because despite it’s hyper masculine impression, Smuggler’s Soul seems to have a ton of female fans. Almost a winner, if only the woods weren’t so subdued.
1,47852E+11 – :
No on this one.
I’m from the USA and the LUSH stores here only feature 5 or 6 fragrances.
WHY? Hell if I know.
Karma is my favorite AND a staple in my collection! I’m on my 3rd bottle!
LUSH only stocks their lame scents here in the USA. Sunshine. Dull. Breath of God. Boring. Lust. Toilet cleaner. Vanillary. Plain. Curbside Violet is just OK.
There are so many other that I wish I could try and they are not available here!!!!!
LUSH please fix this!
ZHULIK191 – :
I also have the solid version, which is a fine composition. The scent is aptly titled, you can feel a bit of sea and adventure. Furthermore, it’s original but not annoying.
At the end of the day, however, it’s not ingenious enough to become a classic. I doubt it will be on the market in 2025. But for now, it makes a pleasant, fashionable, and very manly scent.
***
tocyra – :
A likeable, serviceable fragrance. I find it smooth and far less brash than many of the other Lush fragrances. Some may find it a little bland. The lemongrass works well with the sandlewood, there is a leafy undertone. I like the 50ml perfume the best. I found the solid too weak, although the body spray was fine.
dyamiter – :
Ive got the perfume solid. I really like it. I get lots of wood note s and some sandalwood. There is definitely something citrus here as well. I can definitely see the Shalimar similarity. Its sad that sillage is poor on me but I will use it as a base for layering. For just £2 how can I go wrong lol
dsv – :
I get a crude, stripped down version of Guerlain’s Shalimar from this. Citrus on top and then lots of sandalwood. There isn’t a lot of complexity here, just something relaxed and comforting.
Hierro – :
this bitter stinky vegetable soup smelling like fresh tomato leaves and pepper smells less sandalwood to my nose,less sweet and warm welcoming,reminds me of Geoffrey Beene,blend is crude.
projection is worth praise.
Medwc308Diobtetty – :
Got it yesterday and wearing it today. Smuggler’s soul has this aromatherapeutic, spa-like quality (along the likes of Flowers Barrow, Karma and Sun–all from Lush). Sandalwood, herbs and citrus combine to create this fresh, calming scent that smells clean without that screeching “laundry-detergent” quality. This unisex scent has moderate sillage but great lasting power.
EDIT: I love this. The drydown smells like a discontinued fragrance from Victoria’s Secret–Mandarin Santal. Quite enjoyable.
mutabor – :
Smuggler’s Soul hit the market in 2014, as part of the latest line of fragrances from Gorilla Perfume brand, called “Volume 3”. My review is for the Body Spray version, which is an Eau de Toilette with 200ml. It arrived in Brazil before the other versions (EDP and solid perfume) and taking into account our climate and the cost x benefit relation, it is a real gem.
Nothing is said about the concept, but I researched and found that the image of the label and the fragrance composition were inspired by the story of Veerappan, an Indian smuggler of sandalwood and ivory, who was involved in dozens of murders. By the way, Simon Constantine also wrote an illustrated book on the subject, called “On the Trail Of Sandalwood Smugglers”.
Therefore, in its composition were combined two types of essential oils of sandalwood, essential oil of chinchilho (also known as Tagetes Minuta or Marigolds), essential oils of Lemongrass and vetiver from Madagascar, as well as chemical compounds such as Geraniol (enhancing the floral aspect) and Linalool (which gives sweet-floral aroma).
Smuggler’s Soul is slightly Woody, Balsamic and filled with herbal nuances. For those who like this type of scent, it’s a treasure. I’ve read some other reviews that speak very well about the presence of sandalwood. However, what I would like to highlight and praise in this fragrance is the vetiver. Since the day I met at the store, the vetiver smiled at my nose.
On the skin, it’s like an incense that is burning while receives layers of other substances on top, just to keep burning together. First comes the sandalwood, then a touch of lemongrass, the stems from marigolds, and then, layers of sandalwood. A delight!
Smuggler’s Soul is, in my humble opinion, another perfume marketed as unisex, which was thought to be worn by men, though. As much as the scent smells great on women, is the perfect fragrance for men. It has versatility, exudes and lasts way beyond reproach (even for an EDT) and does not have a common smell. At the moment, is my favorite of the Gorilla Perfume brand and I don’t get tired of wearing it.
Go test Smmugler’s Soul and let this smuggler steal your heart.
kaka5kaka5 – :
Bu markanın en beğendiğim parfümü. Yukarıda açıklanan notalar eksik. Açılışta gerçek limon yağı var ve ardından oldukça keyifli bir vetiver geliyor. Vetiver kaybolmuyor ve sandalwood ile devam ediyor. Bir sandalwood parfümü değil. Vetiver ile karışımı çok başarılı. Buna benzeyen başka bir parfüm görmedim. Karşımızda bir klasik parfüm yok. Farklı ama popüler tarzı sevenlerin ilgisini çekecektir. Kalıcılık makul Sillage ise sanırım farklılığı sebebiyle oldukça yüksek. Bu parfümü krem olarak da satıyorlar ancak tavsiye etmem.
VladimirKaza – :
I have been wearing this a bit lately, and my unfortunate conclusion is: This smells borderline cleaning product. I feel I have used something similar to clean my floors.
I love the sandalwood, but the lemon is quite prominent and does make me think of household chores. Also there is vetiver I think and salt.
telez22 – :
Sweet, powdery Sandalwood.
unique.
Long lasting.
Beastly Sillage and Longevity project this into my favorites category!
Clearly visible oil’s in this fragrance are a real treat.
This dissolves into a powder bomb sandalwood that radiates off the skin for hours (until you wash it off really).
Sweet, pleasant and quite unique. There is nothing I can think of to compare this to!
Grade A Stuff!
dead_darkness – :
This review is for the oil version.
I have to admit, this one was a let-down. I really like Lush scents in general, and have been drooling over this (and a few others from Gorilla 3) since it was announced. In true Lush style, it’s hard to come by outside of extremely limited distribution, but I was able to snag a bottle (for too much money) and see what all the fuss was about.
It opens with an almost vintage-smelling aromatic citrus — a strong lemon verbena kind of note. This burns off fast and it shifts into a linear vetiver with some modern sharpness to it. There’s a buttery sandalwood humming away somewhere in the background, but it’s pitifully quiet. Thankfully, this isn’t relying on hideous synthetic sandalwoods (no sourness), but the sandalwood that it is using is holistic at best. The end result is a slightly old-school and brisk smelling citrus / vetiver combo — and that’s about it. It doesn’t smell minimal; it smells incomplete. As a freestanding aromatic, it’s average. As a sandalwood scent, it’s poor. Performance is mediocre at a couple of hours, and although I still want to try Kerbside Violet (if Lush can get their distribution problems sorted), my hopes have been dashed by this one. I suspect the body spray is the better option than the perfume when it comes to Smuggler’s Soul.
serh.aguero – :
Warm and lightly spicy. I purchased it for the aromatherapy, as this composition sounds comforting and calming, yet uplifting.
To expand the notes listed in Fragrantica’s description, there are several oils noted on the bottle, which are perfectly “visible” in the composition: besides Indian Sandalwood, there are Madagascan Vetivert, Tagetes, and Lemongrass. Tagetes are exactly the note, which seems to be so familiar after the first sniff:)
ромакккк – :
Smuggler’s soul is not straight out sandalwood, although it is the main note. This is a musky, floral scent with (sandal)woody base and a bit of a green, citrusy edge. On the bottle label, besides the sandalwood, there is also tagetes, vetivert and lemongrass. This is not a dark scent comparable to Bug or Icon, as I expected, but it’s sophisticated and captivating. It has a more classic, timeless feel. I can easily see it in a Chanel bottle. Although I quite like the bottle made by LUSH and their new “comic book” design.
Barentsis – :
Sandalwood that smells like it used to in fragrances before synthetics took over. Dry yet somehow oily at the same time with undertones of spice, smoke and salt. Vetiver adds dimension, lemongrass a little zing and pep. And that’s it.
Smuggler’s Soul is all about the back-to-basics/less-is-more approach.
A very enjoyable experience indeed.
osvold – :
I’m not a fan of Lush perfumes. I was attracted by the all-natural claim, but I usually end up with something that it’s not me at all.
This Smuggler’s Soul is a bit different. As soon as I heard “sandalwood” I needed to try it!
Well, it’s a nice scent, not overpowering but quite strong in the opening. Woody, raw but smooth, no flower detected, instead a big dose of lemongrass, which I’m not so fond of when taken so blatantly.
At last came a Lush that I could wear, but it’s not complete. It misses something to be my taste. I wanted more luscious flowers and a tiny bit of vanilla, but that was not the aim of the perfumer. This perfume is very unisex, exotic woody, a little oily (I tried the concentrated version), elegant in a raw way.
It’s very longlasting on my skin with little projection.
Not totally for me, but not bad.
хитр27121977 – :
Using the body spray, terribly big and clumsy bottle looking like something for the bbq but I guess it is the inside that counts.
For me this smell has tree very different parts, the good thing is they are all very nice. First a fresh citrus that goes away quickly leaving room for a cozy and warm sandalwood. When this one also fades after several hours what is left is a soft and sweet notion of cinnamon.
Like it a lot!
kulikov_evgen – :
Drink up me hearties yo ho!
The opening to me is a bit animalistic and musky, just a tad. Like leather, or civet. That litteraly goes away in the first few minutes. Then the citusy part of it kicks in. Vetivert and lemongrass. Fresh and soapy. A bit like a barbershop.
But the heart of this fragrance is what you really want. Salty planks and sandalwood. Chests filled with bottles of rum. A bit smokey. Makes you feel like a luxury scallywag.
I have this in the perfume version, and as much as I like it, It just doesn’t last on me. 2 hours tops. Thats a bugger.
anyatet – :
Such a nice surprise!
Smuggler’s Soul starts off as a citrusy green vetiver which is not so distant from other modern takes on the main theme such as Comme Des Garcons Vettiveru then, slowly, the fragrance turns into a dry sandalwood and vetiver combo with an overall austere and kinda rough vibe. Simple yet so gratifying and, in the end, even original…especially given there aren’t many *sandalwood + vetiver* prominent fragrances around.
Very nice.
Rating: 7/10
boris197 – :
I highly recommend this to Sandalwood lovers.
Woody, crisp, warm…. it really is a comforting scent. Longevity is fantastic on my oily skin.
The body spray and fragrance are both extremely long lasting and dry down to such a nostalgic dream.
Quite masculine, although this lady cannot stop sniffing herself!