Black Soul by Ted Lapidus

It’s a weird but rich perfume; it smells a lot like Toy Boy to me.

A very old-school 80s powerhouse, true to the house style. It’s the cousin of Ted Lapidus Black Soul Imperial (the latter being a bit more versatile and modern thanks to its spiced coffee note) and reminds me of the legendary Ted Lapidus Pour Homme from the 80s, or the cult classic Dark/Goth, the Black Extreme. It also evokes vintage luxury totems like YSL Kouros or Chanel Antaeus. TL Black Soul is a dark soul, strong and lasting 8-9 hours without reapplication, with a trail about half a meter wide for a couple of hours; it’s invasive and heavy, loaded with resins, balsam of Peru, spices, a light citrus touch, woods, florals, and lots of musk. This is for mature guerrilla types and fresh weather; above 30°C it’s pure Sarin gas. In short, nothing like modern perfumery. Most people, especially young or inexperienced ones, will find it dizzying and outdated. But, despite being not very versatile and hard to wear—almost an onanistic pleasure experience—it’s a great perfume. If you’re a guy unafraid of what others say, who doesn’t care, has no inhibitions, and has iron-clad personality, go for the Ted Lapidus. They never fail. Plus, they’re ridiculously cheap; 100ml rarely costs more than 40 bucks. Awesome. Come on, be brave.

First time posting because I just snagged a 100ml bottle on sale at Makeup. It smells like a Pakistani warehouse in the middle of winter eating curry with bare feet wrapped in dark shoes and leather jackets, while the clerk explains: ‘No copy, original, same same’. I like distinct scents, but this one… it’s very complex. I admit that as it dries, it mutates drastically: you go from hating it to liking it enough to project it again. I’ll use it to mix with others, though it’s quite invasive. Anyone who says it smells like One Million should know they need urgent surgery because they’re not getting enough air or some weird neural crossover is happening inside them. It’s a matter of smelling it first; if you buy it blind, you might hate it absolutely. Try giving it time. Analyze it later because I tell you the dry-down is tremendous. Cheers.

It’s a scent quite similar to the classic Ted Lapidus Pour Homme, but this one is sweeter, slightly fruity, and the smell is much more refined. I like its masculine and sweet touch, quite unique, ideal for a cold or mild night; you can use it for a date or dinner. Just be careful with the sprays as it could be very strong, depending on each person. It leaves a pleasant scent on clothes and lasts until the next day. I have it and I’d buy it again.

I bought this perfume for my husband years ago for our anniversary; it’s mid-range priced. It’s worth the investment because the scent is very masculine and woody; I love it. He’s already on his third bottle, so you won’t regret it.

At first, due to its animalic and earthy notes (which give it a particular appeal), it reminds me of the classic Ted Lapidus Pour Homme (the one in the dull gray bottle); I also perceive, though very briefly, a certain common base with Black Soul Imperial (I don’t think it’s the coffee). Then, in the dry-down, it leaves a sweet but not cloying, very pleasant, and well-balanced powder trail. Although it seems to follow a similar logic to the composition of 1 Million, it doesn’t smell like it. Honestly, I like this one more than that one because it’s better balanced and has a certain classic touch that makes it very interesting. Definitely recommend it.

First test in-store: cinnamon, incense, and woods last 4 hours. Average projection. Even though I hate that blend, here the incense hits its mystical role, perfect with leather or a suit. Not romantic, but distinctive. Not for everyone, try before you buy.

It smells overly sweet but outdated, slightly green, a heavy fragrance, especially if overapplied. It doesn’t resemble One Million at all as some claim. This fragrance is a disappointment.

At first, a sweet, musky, mentholated candy. Then woods, and finally kitchen herbs like rosemary or laurel with a salty touch, not sure why.

Tested today: 1) Nothing like One Million! Now everything smells like that. 2) Black Soul Imperial is a thousand times superior, believe me. As honor1 says, ‘gentleman perfume,’ but his sister Imperial is muuuuch better in every way, even in personality.

Couldn’t find it to try, but based on the notes, I’d like it. Without smelling it, I wouldn’t risk it. Update: I tried it at El Corte Inglés in Barcelona, and it passed without making or breaking anything; it didn’t say much to me.