State of Mind Secret of Success Review (Karine Dubreuil) + Art Deco Tearoom

 

State of Mind Secret of Success

State of Mind Secret of Success, by Karl Topham©

 Tea and high society blend with hedonistic heat in this crescendo of Olfactory Art. Synesthesia is the involuntary association of the senses and the foundation of the decadent and intriguing brand ‘State of Mind’.  The core tenant of founder Catherine Laskine Balandina was to create an olfactory experience par-excellence.  Located in Versailles; her Olfactory Tea Room is an ode to the ‘Art Deco’ movement and freedom of expression.  A place where the rules of ‘normal society’ do not apply, State of Mind is a location where customers revel in the magnetism of enchantment via tea tasting and olfaction. In order to realize this unprecedented project, Catherine enlisted three professionals at the pinnacle of their respective talents, Tea Master Olivier Scala, Illustrator Elena Minenko and Independent Perfumer Karine Dubreuil, formerly of Mane, Drom and Takasago. From the logo to the flacon, associated packaging and scents, State of Mind is a brand that has been crafted with incredible attention to detail.

Catherine Laskine Balandina

Photograph of Catherine Laskine Balandina, State of Mind official image.

State of Mind Secret of Success surprises and entices.  Upon experiencing it for the first time, I immediately make the connection to the Art Deco Movement, to which Catherine has drawn her inspiration.  Secret of Success is bright, exaggerated and sultry.  The flacon is a semi translucent glass sculpture, which shimmers and dazzles in the light, a statement of opulence and grandeur.  As I gently hold the bottle, my mind turns specifically to the paintings of Tamara Lempicka who is known for her semi-abstract portraits of bright colour, clean lines and angular bodies.  Reminiscent of the presentation of the flacon, Lempicka depicts an amplified version of reality.  As an individual of considerable talent and enviable style, she encapsulated the ‘free living movement’ of the 1920’s.  Known for her elegance, glamour and bohemian – champagne swilling – reputation and a penchant the salacious, Lempicka was an arbiter of the Art Deco who moved in the most enviable of circles.

Tamara Lempicka

Tamara De Lempicka collage Michelyn via Wikimedia

 The opening is a bright Japanese Sencha Tea in combination with grapefruit and cinnamon is an unexpected and vibrant welcome.  Place into your mind the imagery of both hot and cold tones- cinnamon, fiery and wild…  grapefruit and sencha, refreshing and green.  Such a contrast is creative and explosive.  Akin to unexpected meetings and adventures.  More specifically in this case, I refer to Lempicka’s portrait of Marquis Sommi, 1925. Lempicka was known to have numerous wealthy admirers and he was such an individual.  His tastes would run from futurism to the avant-garde.  The fragrance and presentation remind me of the Marquis’ attire: the sharp angular shoulders of his suit, painted in a cubo-futurist style, overtly dramatic.  The masculinity and sultriness of the scent permeates into one’s consciousness via rosemary and ylang-ylang.  The rosemary is both deeply aromatic and has a cleanness in symphony with ylang-ylang this brings a sharp and metallic edge to the scent.

Portrait of Marquis Sommi, by Tamara Lempicka, 1925

I imagine a meeting between the artist and her suitor.  Indeed, such imagery is intense.  The duality of intensity and subtlety is a beautiful juxtaposition and the secret to this fragrance’s success.  Lempicka is said to have recounted her experience with the Marquis thus: “He came to me and said: ‘In three days, you will come to Torino. And I will wait for you.’ And I came to Torino. And waited for him. And he came. The first day we went to the opera. The second day we went to bed”.

The contrast of this encounter – the genteel visiting of the Opera, with the promise of brazen and salacious activity afterwards is such it fabulously exemplifies the hot and cold tones of this mesmeric scent.

State of Mind Secret of Success Elena Minenko

State of Mind Secret of Success illustration by Elena Mineneko

The warmth of cardamom, vanilla and oud rounds off the sultriness of the fragrance.  A nod to the desires of the flesh and the glow of impassioned trysts, the combination is done with style and panache.  Indeed, warmth over sweetness is the overriding experience here.  Tones of grey are imprinted into my mind, so suggestive and interesting, the transitions of the scent also reflect this, they are tempting and make one question the fragrance’s intent. As the aromatics continue throughout the lifecycle of the scent, sencha balances beautifully with the vanillic note.  However, the oud here isn’t dominant and creates a just subtle depth.

Secret of Success is unexpected.  It has a dandified, smooth exterior with a heart of a ‘Devil may care’ attitude. The scent is complex and clean, but also libertine and carnal.  The contradiction of terms is entertaining and enlightening.  Just like the artist Tamara Lempicka, State of Mind Secret of Success harnesses the outward style and grace of ‘high-society’ with the salaciousness and sultriness of the alluring protagonists. Catherine Laskine Balandina has realised her vision quite superbly

Secret of Success was launched in 2017. The perfumer is Karine Dubreuil-Sereni.

Karl Topham, Senior Contributor

Notes: Sencha Tea, Grapefruit, Cinnamon, Ylang-Ylang, Rosemary, Agar Wood (Oud), Vanilla Cardamom

State of Mind, Secret of Success kindly sent to Karl for review purposes.  Thoughts are his own.

State of Mind Secret of Success

Thanks to the generosity of State of Mind we have a 100 ml bottle of State of Mind Secret of Success (255 Euros) for one registered reader in the EU, USA, UK, UAE You must register or your entry will not count. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what you find most interesting based on Karl’s review and where you live. Draw closes 3/5/22 

State of Mind Secret of Success was a 2018 Finalist in the Russian FIFI awards

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69 comments

  • Sorohan Adriana says:

    what is success how can we achieve it? to be successful or not to be successful in this dilemma we cannot get out. I hope this perfume solves my dilemma.
    I am from Bucharest Romania Europe

  • Brad Woolslayer says:

    I was impressed that 3 different experts were brought in to achieve this fragrance, including a tea master, illustrator and independent perfumer. I live in Maryland USA.

  • Jeremi says:

    I find the notes of the fragrance interesting based on the review, I live in Poland, EU.

  • JB says:

    I would like to know more about the synesthesia aspect of this creation. Was it the result of a synesthetic connection between two of the perfumer’s senses? Which ones? Fascinating! Any fragrance that exemplifies so beautifully as this one does, a time and place I wish to delve deeply into.
    Thank you! I am in the US

  • crapocroc says:

    J’aime la dualité et le contraste qui semblent faire l’identité de ce parfum d’après la revue. J’habite en région parisienne en France. Merci pour cette opportunité de gagner un flacon de cette maison que je trouve par ailleurs très intéressante

  • FC says:

    My impression from the review is that State of Mind Secret of Success is a fragrance of romance and suited to romantic encounters. While it has a fresh start, it transitions into a warm composition. I like the bottle, especially when viewed from the side angle. I am in US.

  • JazzBelle says:

    I love Japanese Sencha tea notes! I also love cardamom, vanilla and oud. I also am fascinated with the art deco aesthetic and the romance, and I love the photo of Lempicka. The bottle is gorgeous.

    I am in California, USA.

  • jaysmells says:

    I enjoyed reading about vanilla and oud rounding out the experience of this fragrance rather than dominating by any means. I am rather partial to oud as a supporting actor but haven’t fully come around to oud as the star of the show yet, so the combination of cinnamon, tea, grapefruit, greenness, vanilla, and oud sounds divine.
    USA

  • Jennifer J says:

    I love tea, ylang-ylang, rosemary and cardamon. I’d really like to find a favorite soon, my go to fragrance. I really love the bottle; so dark. Mississippi U.S.A.

  • Ben A says:

    It’s always nice when a fragrance has an inspiration that appeals to you. I love art deco. And, not surprisingly, I also like the packaging. But what really appeals to me are the notes. They look contradictory (grapefruit…and cinnamon). And Karl’s review makes it sound like this is scent full of contrasts. All of this makes me want to try it! I’m in Oklahoma, USA. Thanks, as always, for the draw!

  • Jake Dauod says:

    I really enjoyed reading Karl’s review. Although, I must say, I am most pulled in by the notes. His description of them were lovely, and I really have no idea as to how this is going to smell (which is great!). The notes sound like they can go in any direction and the way that they harmonize I just can’t picture. I am extremely intrigued by this perfume. I would love to get my nose on this one to see how these lovely notes harmonize. Kind regards from IN, USA.

  • Bassey says:

    This fragrance notes sounds like an interesting combination- Japanese enchanted tea, grapefruit, cinnamon, with rosemary and ylang-ylang in the mid and rounded off with cardamom, vanilla and Oud. The combination sounds like a fragrance I will enjoy.
    Maryland, US.

  • Doni says:

    I like the subtle nods to mysticism in the deco and bottle design. Mineneko’s artwork brings a new underground dimension to the James Bond experience. I certainly didn’t know that ylang could bring a metallic edge to a fragrance! Very interesting. The juxtaposition both in the opening notes and in the transition into the base wonderfully mirrored in the Torino story. But it’s the sencha and how it plays throughout the scent that intrigues me most. I’m actually a big fan of Karine’s work for the Lalique Group, Gucci and L’Occitane. It seems she’s no stranger to blending tea with cinnamon and spices. Is it coincidental that I’m wearing one of her fragrances right now? Perhaps there are unknown forces at work… Either way, I’d certainly be interested in giving this contradictory fragrance a couple of wearings. With eyes wide shut of course. (◭,◭) USA

  • sherylnd says:

    Interesting review. It paints a picture of intriguing contrasts. It sounds like the kind of complex fragrance that one can wear again and again and find something new each time.
    I live in the US.

  • sav17 says:

    State of Mind Secret of Success sounds intriguing. The notes of tea, cinnamon, grapefruit do seem energetic and cozy but are all very contrasting notes. It’s interesting to hear the ylang ylang and rosemary impart masculinity to the fragrance, although I can see why the rosemary would give it that edge. I love that State of Mind fragrances are all based on tea and they all sound great. I have only tried Spontaneous Generosity, but it was nice! I would love to win Secret Success. Thank you, Karl, for the article, and thank you to State of Mind for the giveaway. I am located in the USA.

  • Devon81 says:

    What a fascinating concept for a perfume house! Synesthesia has always intrigued me, especially seeing colors with scents. I don’t know what it’s like to have that condition or gift, but I can imagine it, just a little bit, by Karl’s descriptions of the impression of the color Gray, and the warmth and cold. Very impressive review. Thank you for the chance.

  • Nikolina_84 says:

    Karl always does brilliant reviews, so detailed and colorful! I believe he sums it all up with: “Secret of Success is unexpected. It has a dandified, smooth exterior with a heart of a ‘Devil may care’ attitude. The scent is complex and clean, but also libertine and carnal. The contradiction of terms is entertaining and enlightening”
    Hugs from Croatia, EU.

  • Skin.on.me says:

    This sounds like a true work of art – from the idea, through surprising notes all the way to the bottle design. I love the duality of this perfume that Karl writes about – smooth exterior with a heart of a ‘Devil may care’ attitude, complex and clean, but also libertine and carnal, so entertaining and enlightening! I’m from EU.

  • dapazin says:

    Great review, Karl! I haven’t heard of this house, but this sounds amazing! The combination of Sencha Tea, Grapefruit, Cinnamon, Ylang-Ylang, Rosemary, Oud, Vanilla and Cardamom sounds incredibly complex and alluring – just right up my alley.

    But what really grabbed my attention in the review was this sentence – “The scent is complex and clean, but also libertine and carnal.”, oh my, my! Fragrances that can get away with this duality are really rare and extremely well blended, in my opinion!

    I’d like to know if it’s really true! I live in Croatia, EU

  • Linda70 says:

    Tea, cinnamon, unusual for me in a fragrance. SECRET OF SUCCESS is precious, everything is taken care of and recalls art.
    I don’t know if this fragrance is for me, but a still unknown perfume can create unexpected emotions
    Linda EU

  • Sonbahia says:

    One of the best things Karl says about State of Mind Secret of Success is that is an unexpected scent: an smooth dandy exterior with a “devilish” attitude. Never heard of State of Mind brand but it has an amazing approach to perfumery with the creation of an Olfactory Tea Room magnetic experience via tea tasting and olfaction. We, far from Versailles, can have this enchantment with the scent created by Mme. Dubreuil. Inside a beautiful flacon we find the duality and contradiction of terms: hot and cold, intense and subtle, clean and sultriness. Of course there is tea (in the opening) : Japanese Sencha in combination of grapefruit and cinnamon. This refreshing green opening takes us with rosemary and ylang to the sultriness and warmth of vanilla, oud and cardamom. What a trip : sencha to vainilla. Lovely! I live in Spain, EU.

  • k says:

    I found the idea of combining hot and cold tones together in the opening very interesting! Thank you for this review. Writing from the EU.

  • Amaziz89 says:

    The warmth of cardamom, vanilla and oud rounds off the sultriness of the fragrance. A nod to the desires of the flesh and the glow of impassioned trysts, the combination is done with style and panache. Indeed, warmth over sweetness is the overriding experience here. Tones of grey are imprinted into my mind, so suggestive and interesting, the transitions of the scent also reflect this, they are tempting and make one question the fragrance’s intent. I am really fascinated by the notes especially tea, cardamom, vanilla and cinnamon in particular. This is a house that I am not familiar with but I am intrigued by the notes and Karls description sounds like a warm and cozy scent. Thanks a million from the United Kingdom

  • Ozzyaziz says:

    As the aromatics continue throughout the lifecycle of the scent, sencha balances beautifully with the vanillic note. However, the oud here isn’t dominant and creates a just subtle depth.

    Secret of Success is unexpected. It has a dandified, smooth exterior with a heart of a ‘Devil may care’ attitude. The scent is complex and clean, but also libertine and carnal. The contradiction of terms is entertaining and enlightening. I am really fascinated by the tea and cardamom notes in particular as well as cinnamon and vanilla sounds like a stellar mix. A house that I have got no experience with I am afraid but I need to explore further. Thanks a lot from the UK

  • aptavare says:

    Karl certainly has a gift for words; his review was intricate, grammatically complex, and artistic to reflect the subject matter. Although I do not consider myself an artistic person in the traditional sense, I absolutely appreciate the discipline and talent that it takes in order to create artistic media. Secret of Success undoubtedly achieves this. What intrigues me most is the dualities which are presented here, summarized so expertly by Karl. “The contradiction of terms is entertaining and enlightening.” I am also a sucker for anything with a tea note done well, so this offering also speaks to me on that front. It would be amazing to experience this piece of art as well as get acquainted with State of Mind, with which I have no prior experience. Thanks again, as always, for the opportunity and cheers from Illinois, USA!

  • xoe says:

    Wow. I want to go to that tea room! Everything about this sounds wonderful. Art Deco is such an interesting period to work with. The notes and development of the scent sound just lovely. I am in the US.

  • zamar says:

    Thanks, Karl! I can definitely see different flavors for tea in this perfume. In our culture, we add regularly cardamom, cinnamon, and sometimes a few drops of citrus (mostly lemon) into the black tea.
    Mix smell of tea and cardamom is my favorite. Thanks for the draw. I am in the US.

  • NituNicolae says:

    This frangrace sounds like a dark, mysterious and yet mature. A perfume that Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca would wear. Oozing of confidence, someone you could not say no to. Amazing review, i apreciate the opportunity for this giveaway, seeing as i love Oud based fragrances. I live in Romania, EU.

  • Jon Snow says:

    This sounds like a sensational ode to them wonderful times of class and elegance. That fun and naughtiness of the times period too.

  • Uncle1979 says:

    Never heard of State of Mind house before, I like the idea of having fragrances leaving you the impression of drinking tea
    “The opening is a bright Japanese Sencha Tea”
    The taste and flavor of Sencha Tea differs depending on the region its harvested, and the season. I don’t know if Karl Topham is from US, but here well over 80% of the Sencha Tea is fake , and produces in China, or at least Infused with other green teas.
    Early February i had private order for 5 traditional Sencha and Hojicha Cakes . Karl Topham review reminded of of that, and I imagined eating the cake , while dressed up on some high end event .
    Appreciate the review, learning about State of Mind house, and the giveaway campaign
    USA

  • Vahagn says:

    What an interesting notes combination- Sencha tea, vanilla and oud !! I can not say I am familiar with this house- just quickly have tested during vacation in other country- but I remember I loved them.
    USA

  • malikadog says:

    The mix of warmth and cold sounds fascinating! I also love sencha tea, and find it an underused note in fragrance. I bet it adds a wonderful depth to Secret of Success.
    From Portland, Oregon USA.

  • wandering_nose says:

    A scent that is clean and complex but also libertine and carnal, sounds to me like one out of the usual or expected fragrance realm. I find Lolita Lempicka utterly fascinating and love hear unique and bold art so grateful to Karl for creating the very visceral connection between her lifestyle and art and Karine Dubreuil’s creation. I love the spicy and woody notes of State of Mind Secret of Success. Based in Dublin, Ireland, EU

  • alleycat says:

    Really cool art deco motif on the bottle. I’m a sucker for cardamom and vanilla so I am definitely intrigued. I am from New England.

  • realtyisme says:

    The one thing I will take from this review is Karl explaining Lempicka’s reconunted experience with Marquis:

    “He came to me and said: ‘In three days, you will come to Torino. And I will wait for you.’ And I came to Torino. And waited for him. And he came. The first day we went to the opera. The second day we went to bed”.

    A fragrance that provides a “genteel” quality, as well as, a “salacious” side, is one that I would like to get to know better.

    The notes in this fragrance are very inviting to my taste. Looking forward to getting my nose on this scent.

    I live in the USA.

  • Parke Muth says:

    I find the review a beautiful evocation of what in rhetoric is called an oxymoron such as the way shakespeare describes Cleopatra who “makes hungry where she most satisfies”. It seems Tamara Lempicka this fragrances dedicated to her may do the same.

  • simo975g says:

    This looks like a very innovative release. From the unusual bottle design to the Japanese sencha tea while the overly popular vanilla and oud notes take a backseat to let other notes shine. I would love to win this warm, sensual blend.
    I live in Denmark, EU.

  • drjedi says:

    I liked how Karl brought out the seeming contradictions in State of Mind Secret of Success comparing it to artist Tamara. I have never tried this brand before, but I like that it has agarwood, or oud, one of my favorite notes in a perfume. Thanks for the review and a very generous draw. From USA.

  • Brian says:

    After reading from Karl’s review, I am very intrigued to try this fragrance for multiple reasons, e.g. I’d like to what Sencha tea is like in a fragrance, it seems like its of the nature of being an award-winning fragrance, and because of how Karl talked about it in his opening paragraph. I live in the U.S.A. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.

  • hshinkoda says:

    Omg!!!! State of Mind Secret of Success Sounds amazing!!!! Rich, sweet, warm!!!! The notes are my favorite notes!!!! Vanilla, oud and cardamom and the Sencha Tea note balances the fragrance adding some aromatic freshness!!! I would love to try it!!!!

  • WaltherP99 says:

    I’m familiar with all State of Mind fragrances, I bought the sample set directly from their website. If I have to rate my favorite ones:
    1. Spontaneous Generosity
    2. Modern Nomad
    3. Secret of Success
    To be honest I’ve never heard of Tamara De Lempicka , and I know very little about Art Deco Movement , but I love the complexity, and the contrast of the opening, the heart, and the base in Secret of Success. To me the fragrance starts with green tea and really sharp citrus, gets a bit herbal in the heart, and leaning into gourmand territory in the base, something i was not expecting when I smelled it for the first time.
    In the base Secret of Success has similarities to the famous Ambre Narguile , and Oajan. Not the same fragrance by any means, it’s Less sweeter, more sour of course, still similarities are easily detectable, if you’re familiar with Ambre Narguile , and Oajan.
    I’ll make sure to follow @voxprofumi and @elenaminenko
    Thanks a lot , @waltherp99bg
    USA

  • GennyLeigh says:

    Synesthesia is a fascinating ability. I was always intrigued by by intertwining of senses like olfaction and sight. I can see how tones of gray would be experienced by smelling tea, rosemary and vanilla. I. an see the Art Deco inspiration in the bottle. It’s definitely evocative. MD, USA.

  • C K says:

    I found it very interesting how Karl discussed the scent through the lense of the artist Tamara Lempicka both her life and art. In particular her painting “Portrait of Marquis Sommi”, 1925 as well as her relationship with the man. That the scent is both hot and cold fresh and sweet “complex and clean, but also libertine and carnal” interests me as well due to the contrasts. The notes also sound quite nice. Thanks for the generous giveaway, from CT USA.

  • Dazi83 says:

    This creation born in collaboration with pure artists sounds so provocative, unexpected, surprising and intriguing, I just have to know what it feels like, what it smells like!
    EU

  • Jahia says:

    What a smart brand and name of a brand. I googled the “State of Mind” website and I got impressed. It is a piece of art to represent fragrances in a wonderfully innovative way. I loved everything in the “Secret of Success”, the name, the design, and the notes. It is a clever combination to have hot and cold with Cinnamon and Grapefruit in a masculine way. Cardamom, vanilla, and oud this is magic 🙂 and a real state of success. I hope to smell and wear this perfect perfume. Warm greetings… I’m in the US

  • Nele says:

    I have no interest in winning the bottle, I just wanted to chip in and say that this fragrance is a marvel of design. So complex, well balanced and thought out. Impressive.

  • nounours7 says:

    Thank you, Karl, you just made me discover two things – State of Mind that I never heard about before, although I live in Paris which isn’t far from Versailles. So, I definitely go visit a place this summer. And also wonderful Tamara Lempicka, those portraits are indeed magical. I live in Paris, France

  • Laurentiu says:

    I liked the final part of this review – Secret of Success is unexpected. It has a dandified, smooth exterior with a heart of a ‘Devil may care’ attitude. The scent is complex and clean, but also libertine and carnal. The contradiction of terms is entertaining and enlightening.

    Thanks for the draw!

  • Diana D says:

    Such a gorgeous collection of notes. This sounds like quite a collaboration, with the original fragrancer and 3 experts. I love that it has oud that is not overpowering.
    I live in the USA.

  • hshinkoda says:

    Omg!!!! State of Mind Secret of Success Sounds amazing!!!! Rich, sweet, warm!!!! The notes are my favorite notes!!!! Vanilla, oud and cardamom and the Sencha Tea note balances the fragrance adding some aromatic freshness!!! I would love to try it!!!! I forgot to say I live in MA, USA

  • Timea says:

    Very nice and interesting review. I like unique fragrances. From the base of the notes it sounds unique and very good. Thank you for the draw. I live in Europe.

  • Caliwas says:

    Outstanding review by Karl. State of Mind with its juxtaposed olfactory hot and cold notes has my attention and interest in getting my nose on the fragrance. I need a glorious fragrance like this one in my life. Thanks for the amazing giveaway!!!co.love. USA,CA.

  • verdassenzio says:

    “The contradiction of terms is entertaining and enlightening”… thats the point. cheers from Italy.

  • redwheelbarrow says:

    Tea, grapefruit and cinnamon sounds like such an interesting combo. I also love that this was inspired by art deco. I love the contrasts described here too – carnal vs clean. This fragrance sounds so interesting! Also, I LOVE those bottles. Beautiful! Great review. Thanks for the draw. From the US.

  • Mirea Luca says:

    State of Mind Secret of Success seems to be an unique take on some clasic notes. The contrast in the fragrance that the review describes, the ”libertine and carnal” aspect of it… incredible review and for sure an incredible fragrance. I live in Romania, EU.

  • Starlit12 says:

    That sounds like a successful combo indeed, so the secret has been unveiled and it turned out to be a sensual and warm aromatic tea fragrance. The notes truly sound to die for, sencha tea, cinnamon, ylang, vanilla and cardamom…indeed right in the middle between zen and an accelerated pulse.
    Tamara De Lempicka and Marquis Sommi’s story was also thrilling to read.
    Please count me in for the draw.
    Denmark.

  • Gig84 says:

    I’m new to State of Mind . What I find intriguing in Karl Topham work , is how he looked at Secret of Success from a few different angles, the artistic one , the tea one , and serenity one.
    I also like the complexity of the fragrance, and how different the opening and the base are.
    The green tea , and the vanilla I’m looking for the most.
    Thanks for the draw
    USA

  • mleenstra says:

    I really like the idea of the collaboration between a tea affineur, illustrator and perfumer. Sencha is one of my favourites teas and a perfume created around that peaks my interest. Also the balance between the spices and vanilla notes and the tea sound interesting. I would love to get to know the Secret Of Success 😉 marit UK

  • Kevin Pedrazs says:

    I was blown away discovering that 3 very different professionals worked in this perfume (illustratos, master perfumer and a Tea master)
    I love tea; at home we always have a tea time. This fragrance surely is a total “love at first smell” for me.
    Karl really did a great job here, I hope I can get my nose on this amazing scent.
    USA here

  • Kevin Pedrazs says:

    I was blown away discovering that 3 very different professionals worked in this perfume (illustratos, master perfumer and a Tea master)
    I love tea; at home we always have a tea time. This fragrance surely is a total “love at first smell” for me.
    Karl really did a great job here, I hope I can get my nose on this amazing scent.
    USA here

  • sephrenia300 says:

    Very interesting review Karl! What I find most interesting based on Karl’s review is how he describes it as a study of contrasting hot and cold, with fiery cinnamon and refreshing cool grapefruit and sencha, with sultry warm ylang ylang and cold clean aromatic rosemary. I love fragrances that plays on strong contrasting sensations and scents, and this perfume sounds perfectly that, intense and clashing, full of conflict and beauty. I can’t wait to try it! I live in the US.

  • mmerline says:

    Karl’s review of State of Mind Secret of Success is both highly conceptual and literate; I like a review that teaches as much as it informs. Beyond Karl’s allusions to art and the Art Deco Movement, I also really enjoyed his conclusion, which conveys a more personal interpretation of this fragrance. “The scent is complex and clean, but also libertine and carnal.” Wonderful review.

    I’m in the Midwest, USA.

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thanks for the great review Karl!

    It seems like the state of mind in this scent is a dichotomy of hot and cool, gourmand notes cut by citrus and bitter notes, making for a fascinating mix of things.

    Cheers from WI, USA

  • mronhubbard says:

    I love something atypical and unexpected, which is the impression the review gives. The worlds and the lifestyles this suggests sound incredibly glamorous and intriguing.
    (USA)

  • Michael Prince says:

    I loved Karl’s review of State of Mind Secret of Success. State of Mind brand founder Catherine Laskine Balandina has put together a brilliant team Master Olivier Scala, Illustrator Elena Minenko and Independent Perfumer Karine Dubreuil to create a truly beautiful tea fragrance experinece. State of Mind incorporates Tamara Lempicka 1920s artistry into the brilliant, unique, and beautiful bottle design. I really loved reading Karl’s article and learning more about State of Mind Fragrance. I would love an opportunity to win this fragrance. I am from the USA.

  • RonaldJ says:

    Thanks for the article Karl!

    It’s always great to read about an artist that I’ve never heard of. I love Tamara Lempicka’s Art Deco style. I have been to many modern art exhibitions and may have seen it before, but posts like yours remind me, I should read up more on the artists behind their work. It’s fascinating.

    The artwork matches perfectly with your article about State of Mind Secret of Success. The dandified, smooth exterior with a heart of a ‘Devil may care’ attitude of the fragrance matches perfectly with Tamara’s art.
    I consider myself a bit of a dandy so I would love to wear this one day when I wear my checked suit to a high-society event.

    Greetings from the UK!

  • IvanVelikov says:

    What I find intriguing in Karl Topham review of State of Mind Secret of Success, is the complexity of the fragrance, how it goes through a lot of phases, from a green tea, to warm , and woody vanilla.
    Of course as a tailor I love Markus Sommi dress code , hairstyle, and I’m sure few would notice, the aristocratic ring on his hand.
    Great comparison between a fragrance, and top notch dress code kind of guy in the portrait.
    Thank you Karl Topham, and State of Mind fragrances
    USA