Scudo Electrique

The Scent Profile

Scudo Electrique throws a decent opening jab of ginger and lemon – think lemon-ginger tea with a touch of floor cleaner astringency. The bergamot is fleeting, almost undetectable. The heart shifts quickly into a peppery, slightly metallic violet leaf accord, reminiscent of dryer sheets mingled with pencil shavings. The spices lean synthetic, lacking the warmth and depth of natural ingredients. As it dries, the tonka bean emerges, adding a powdery sweetness that fights with the cedar and vetiver, creating a somewhat muddled, plasticky base. It aims for the YSL DNA, but ultimately feels like a simplified, less nuanced imitation.

To Buy or Not to Buy?

This is a fragrance for the guy who wants to smell generically appealing without making a statement. He's probably in his early 20s, works in a cubicle, and spends his weekends gaming. It’s a safe, inoffensive option that won’t offend, but won’t inspire compliments, either. A background fragrance for the man who blends in.

Projection Power

Longevity is moderate; I got about 5 hours on skin, with noticeable projection for the first hour, reaching about an arm's length. After that, it sits closer, becoming a skin scent. I wore it during a casual Friday at the office and then to run errands. It performs best in climate-controlled environments; the heat amplifies the synthetic edge.