Mindset

Bottom Line

If Mindset were a movie character, it would be the try-hard supporting player in a teen drama. The one who desperately wants to be cool and effortless but comes across as awkward and overly eager. It lacks the self-assured confidence of the original, settling instead for a passable imitation that crumbles under closer scrutiny.

Notes & Nuances

Mindset by Maison Alhambra opens with a compelling citrus burst, dominated by the bright, almost candied Calabrian bergamot. However, a slightly acrid edge lurks beneath, like stale lemonade on a hot day. The heart is a syrupy orange blossom, reminiscent of Nerds candy, lacking the indolic depth of a true Tunisian bloom. The base is where the divergence becomes stark. The ambrofix is dialed up, creating a scratchy, synthetic ambergris effect that clashes with the grounding patchouli. It's less a harmonious blend and more a forced marriage between sweet and sharp, resulting in an unsettling plastic-doll drydown.

How Long Does it Last?

I get about five hours of noticeable wear from this fragrance. Projection is moderate for the first hour, reaching maybe an arm's length. After that, it quickly retreats to a skin scent, clinging close like a guilty secret. I wore it to a casual brunch and then later while running errands. It faded considerably after the initial rush.