This review is very close to pointless. Le Labo cleverly, infuriatingly only released 100 bottles of Geranium 30, 95 of which have already been bought. (The remaining five are still available at the Arc Hotel Opening Ceremony location as of 1 PM today.) However, as I expected, at least one bottle has made its way to eBay. Since almost no one had the chance to actually smell Geranium 30, I thought a review might be helpful for those of us deciding whether to bid away our cats’ college funds. (The retail price was $240 for 100 ml, so I predict an insane final price.)
Geranium 30 juxtaposes a sharp, dark green note (poisonously green, nothing fresh or leafy) with a classical sweet, woody base (think Yves Saint Laurent Opium or Estee Lauder Youth Dew). There’s no notes list for this fragrance, but I’m going to guess galbanum. About an hour in, the contrast lessens, leaving only the sweet woodiness. I first tested Geranium 30 with the incomparable Daisy, who said she was reminded of the Elizabeth and James Nirvana fragrances; I can definitely see the resemblance to Nirvana Black in the base.
Should you hunt down Geranium 30? I think it depends on which part of the fragrance’s description appeals to you. If you like the sound of that dissonant green note, Geranium 30 could be worth it for you. If it’s the warm woodiness that you’re drawn to, there are plenty of cheaper alternatives (the previously mentioned Nirvana Black is only $22 for a rollerball). Either way, Geranium 30 is a very attractive fragrance with nice projection and a desperately cute bottle.
SCENTS OF SELF 
How come I’ve never heard of Nirvana Black Ari? Is it easily available in NYC?
Are you still in NYC? Will we be seeing you in November?
Portia xx
It’s at Sephora here. That’s all I know.
Here meaning the US, not NYC specifically.
Thanks LaurelS,
Yes I did a quick search. It’s very easy to grab over there but hasn’t made it to Oz yet. I think I’ll grab a rollerball while in the USA in November.
Portia xx
Nirvana Black is available at every Sephora, Portia! I think it’s a pretty big seller for them.
My lease ends in October, so while I’m not sure if I’ll still be living here by November, I will make sure to be in New York on the days that you visit! Nothing could stand in my way!
Thankfully, Geranium is not on my list of favorite notes. But why do they do 100 bottle crap!? Probably in a year from now it will be part of the regular collection!
Geranium 30 isn’t being added to the permanent line, according to Perfume Posse. Which is a shame, I think it would sell very well!
I think it would sell super well too. It’s extremely likable! Ari also forgot to mention that the perfumer is the dishiest dish ever 🙂
I’m admittedly veeeery curious to try this but of course Le Labo’s limited editions prove to be the most frustrating I can think of! Oh well. I haven’t tried on yet I needed , though I do love some bitter greens. Any chance this reminds you of Covet?
100 bottles is almost a parody of Le Labo’s limited-edition tendencies! It’s been a long time since I smelled Covet, but Geranium 30 is much warmer and spicier.
I was very tempted to buy this unsniffed but my rational mind took over. I think STC had offered a sample of this. (P.S. I agree that Daisy is incomparable!)
They were practically forcing you to buy it unsniffed, considering there were only two testers in the whole world (one at each Opening Ceremony location)!
Aww! Hajusuuri, you guys are the incomparable ones!
Part of me is kicking myself for not snatching a bottle and selling it for rent money on ebay.
Thanks for your review sweetie! There’s no chance for me to get it anyway, as there is no Le Labo counter in Poland but I was glad to read your impressions of the scent.
My pleasure, Lucas! Maybe someday Le Labo will do a Poland exclusive! 😀
It’s as good subject for a review as any of the obscure vintage perfumes one finds at a garage sale: mildly interesting to read with no practical use.
Posts about great vintage perfume finds at garage sales or Goodwill always make me so jealous. I found a Cartier Panthere for $1 once, but nothing since.