Lavender Thorne
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A Midnight Stroll
by Gucci
A Midnight Stroll by Gucci delivers a deeply smoky, incense-driven scent with a robust leather-woody base, evoking a midnight walk through a forested cathedral or a damp, ancient woodland. It opens with an intensely acrid, burnt-rubber and aromatic incense burst—most noticeable in cooler weather—before unfolding into a smoother, green, cypress-dominant drydown. The fragrance is woody, aromatic, and smoky, with a surprising depth that many describe as mystical, dark, or incense-laden, akin to living in a resinated landscape or a decaying church. The cypress note brings green freshness, cutting through the intense richness, while cade oil provides a resinous, astringent quality that roots the composition. The scent evolves slowly, with a long, linear journey that becomes more airy and mossy over time, often described as 'suffocating' or 'intense' in its density but also deeply bewitching and meditative for fans of dark, smoky perfumes. The fragrance has moderate to strong projection and remarkable longevity, lingering around 10 hours in some cases and remaining strong throughout the wear. Despite frequent criticism of its high price point, it is praised for its depth, quality, and elegant bottle design. However, it's not for everyone—some find the surface-level notes overwhelming, others an immediate match for a personal favorite. Many find the subtle green and smoky nuances hard to pinpoint, but they agree that the experience is profound and tactile. It's not a scent designed for daytime or warm weather, and its most appropriate setting is autumn or winter nights, either alone or in a sophisticated setting. The scent is surprisingly unisex in appeal—some users report it feels masculine, while others describe it as accessible for any gender when worn with confidence. Its unique character is polarizing: it's not a welcoming, sweet, or traditional fragrance. It attracts people who appreciate dark, experimental, or niche olfactory experiences. Those who love incense-heavy and woody compositions find it essential, while others leave it unloved after the initial aggressive opening.
Pros
- +Well-executed smoky incense and woody character that creates a deep, immersive experience
- +Strong longevity and moderate-to-strong sillage that performs reliably over time
- +A refined, unique character that stands out in the fragrance landscape, especially for lovers of dark, resinous, or Aesthetician-like scents
Cons
- −The initial burst is often intense, acrid, and overwhelming for some, leading to a negative first impression
- −Some users report poor longevity despite others experiencing excellent duration, suggesting inconsistency in wear
- −The high price point is heavily criticized, with many finding the cost unjustifiable for a scent that some consider underperforming