by Kerosene
Unknown Pleasures is a hyper-realistic, linearity-driven gourmand perfume that opens with a piercing, zesty lemon note evoking freshly grated zest or lemon drops. This sharp citrus bloom soon mellows into a creamy, rich confection of vanilla, caramel, and a subtle waffle cone-like base, creating a dessert-laden aura akin to lemon meringue pie or lemon bar. The scent is deeply layered and edible, with many noting the warmth and thickness of the gourmand core. It transitions through a prominent honey or buttery note, with some detecting an undercurrent of toasted coconut or spiced tea, though this can vary significantly by skin chemistry. Longevity is excellent, with many reporting wear for 8 to 12 hours, even into the next day. The sillage is moderate, projecting subtly within arm’s length and never overwhelming. While some find the opening too sharp or liken it to cleaning products, others embrace its authenticity and warmth—particularly for cooler weather, though some have found it wearable in summer. It remains unisex in scent, but leans feminine, matching its imagery of pastry and tea. As with any highly gourmand fragrance, long-term wearers may find the sweetness or liveability a personal call to action.