The 7 Virtues Lotus Pear Review (CPL Aromas and Barb Stegemann) 2022 + Giving Back Draw

 

The 7 Virtues Lotus Pear

Fruity floral perfumes are a much-maligned genre. Perhaps this is so because people frequently associate them with a coy girlishness bordering on the saccharine. I would challenge this preconception (were we all in the same vicinity) by putting forward any number of fruity/floral perfumes before your noses: I guarantee that you’d be surprised at how versatile they can be. Fragrances which include fruits and flowers may assume the guise of resinous, chypré, leathery, aquatic, verdant, and woody: they may smell fresh, dry, juicy or exotic – vintage or contemporary. That’s a vast umbrella; best not to rush to judgment.

Barb Stegemann of the 7 virtues

Barb Stegemann appeared on ‘Dragon’s Den’ (The Canadian Shark Tank) in 2010 and realized her dream to pitch her business: a perfume company which sourced its ingredients from Afghanistan. Kevin O’Leary,  aka Mr. Wonderful on Shark Tank didn’t even give Barb any chance 

Many of us find ourselves conflicted during these ongoing tempestuous times – we tend to be cautious about being frivolous when we’re surrounded by the turbulence, uncertainty and the suffering which surround us. Philanthropist, energetic businesswoman, founder and entrepeneur Barb Stegmann of The 7 Virtues has created a way to salve our collective conscience without forgoing the primary pleasure of perfume. Barb is dedicated to improving the lot of the less fortunate globally through the employment of clean, vegan and sustainable fragrance and packaging, encouraging struggling nations to cultivate and harvest crops as an alternative to those utilized in the drug trade – and providing work which will pay a fair wage while embracing programs which support and help advance families’ welfare.

Days For Girls, an international organization dedicated to the eradication of ignorance, stigmatization, of menstrual practices

 photo Boone Sommerfeld 

The 7 Virtues Lotus Pear proceeds help to fund a singular and unusual cause: Days For Girls, an international organization (in this particular instance, the locus is current-day Nepal) dedicated to the eradication of ignorance, stigmatization, poverty, lack of education and menstrual supplies. Although menstrual practices and customs follow a time-honored, centuries-old tradition, chhaupadi – the risks are great. From the onset of puberty until menopause, women are isolated in a small unheated cowshed where they are exposed to extremes of temperature, snakebite, pneumonia and other illnesses – all the while unable to be in contact with family and community, unable to attend school and religious rituals. Food and drink is passed on to them with no physical contact. The re-education process is slow and laborious, but thanks to the partnership of The 7 Virtues, it is becoming a reality.

Barb Stegemann of Dragon's Den

Barb Stegemann at CPL Aromas photo via Barb©

Another marvelous consequence of The 7 Virtues’ ethical practice is upcycling. The Turkish rose and Tunisian orange blossom which they employ in Lotus Pear conserves water and minimalizes waste, using leftover distillation water from hydro distillation and a modicum of floral absolute – as opposed to costly essences which require far more flowers and the land for growing them. Egyptian geranium oil is harvested so that soil health is fostered with no excess water usage or squandering of resources. The end result is a beautiful, ecologically sound fragrance which spares our precious planet – a win-win situation.

 

Lotus Pear The 7 Virtues

All this alone would be more than sufficient reason to purchase The 7 Virtues Lotus Pear. So now is the time to tell you that it’s luscious. Juicy, exotic and luxurious: these elements conspire delectably – AND at an extremely reasonable price. Lotus Pear is the exception to the rule which proves the point. It may appear guileless, but it’s sophisticated and possesses excellent longevity and tenacity. I harbor a particular fondness for its pear note; Poire Williams (made from Bartlett pears) is an eau de vie (brandy) which is produced in Alsace Lorraine, where my father’s family originated. Its satiny crispness blends well with pulpy peach, softened sweetly with tender rose, orange blossom and jasmine. The greenly fruity and floral aspects of lotus bear a twinkling of indole; geranium imparts its complex rosy/herbal leafiness. A gardenia note intimates tropical ripeness, while vanilla smells woody and comforting.

The 7 Virtues Lotus Pear is an uplifting example of the fruity floral category. Its sweet, tropical nature might be perceived by some as feminine – but frankly, it’s high time that these associations be laid to rest. Wear what pleases; wear what suits –  what you crave. Living one’s life in fear of others’ judgment is but a shell of an existence. It’s up to you whether you perceive yourself as Carmen Miranda or Mother Nature’s Child: embrace it and be at peace with yourself and your planet. When you purchase and wear any of Barb Stegemann’s fragrances, you can be assured that you are contributing to the greater good.

Notes: Williams pear, peach, upcycled rose and orange flower, jasmine, lotus flower, Egyptian geranium, gardenia, vanilla.

MAKE PERFUME, NOT WAR®

 Bottle kindly provided by Barb Stegemann – many thanks!  My nose is my own… all photo provided by Barb unless otherwise specified

~ Ida Meister, Deputy and Natural Perfumery Editor

Barb Stegemann of the 7 virtues

Thanks to the generosity of Barb Stegemann and The 7 Virtues we have one 50 ml bottle of Lotus Pear available to one registered reader in North America. Be sure to register or your comment will not count. To be eligible for the draw, tell us where you live and what appeals to you about Ida’s review of The 7 Virtues Lotus Pear and where you live. Draw closes 3/13/2022

Also available at Sephora

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20 comments

  • Ida’s review of the 7 Virtues Lotus Pear is extremely appealing because of the nuances and attention to detail that Ida gives to each and every note presented. Whether its the juiciness of the citruses or the leafiness of the herbs, Ida never fails to vividly describe the fragrances to such a degree that I could imagine already having the perfumes myself.

    Live in the USA.

  • The fragrance sounds amazing specially spring is right around the corner!!!! I really love the pear note in perfumes!!!! And it’s so good to hear that The 7 Virtues cares about the community and the problems within. And with the support of companies like this one we can minimize and help people in need… And it’s affordable and ecological friendly!!!! Amazing!!!!! I’m fromMA, US.

  • I have to admit, I like fruity florals, but I do get how many of them feel very same-y. What I look for is an unusual fruit note, maybe a spice, and especially natural ingredients, which aren’t easy to do in this genre. This luscious pear not,e as it has been described, really sounds like the type I’d enjoy. I am from New England, USA.

  • Ida! ❤️❤️❤️ What an amazing review, story, and mission! The perfume sounds fantastic, too! I love the good that 7 Virtues is doing in the world! Thank you for shining a light and for this wonderful opportunity! ❤️ USA

  • msnitechemist says:

    I was hoping you would review this new fragrance! I knew some of the backstory of it but Ida’s article filled me in on so much I didn’t already know. I own 7 Virtues’ Blackberry Lily. It’s such a unique scent and the geranium especially, wow. It’s a bonus that it’s a perfume that does good in the world, too. A bit of kindness goes a long way. I would love to add Lotus Pear to my collection. I love pears and peaches in perfume. I live in the US, Maryland.

    As a fruity floral lover, I’m glad you wrote this. I am now in my 40s and I am not ashamed to like what I like, and I get compliments on what I wear, too. Fragrantica is littered with reviews that demean fruity florals. I was one of those people who was worried about what people might think if I wore Juicy Couture. Not anymore. I like what I like and I am unapologetic. Fingers crossed for this draw!

  • I love that Ida includes the background on this scent. Barb Stegemann has found a way to follow her passion and also help others. Perfume is so uplifting and beautiful to me personally, but here is is uplifting and beautiful in a broader way. Tackling a custom like the one described around female menstruation is challenging, and yet she’s making change. A wonderful read all around this morning. Thank you.

    I’m in Madison, Wisconsin.

  • Hi Barb, Ida and all.

    I live in Cincinnati Ohio, a sister city to Kharkiv Ukraine.

    “Make Perfume Not War” appeals to me as much as the description of the fragrance.

    From John Lennon to Bob Marley, I can see their type of t-shirts in my imagination with this slogan.

    Coincidentally, Cincinnati is also a sister city to Rome Italy for the Seven Hills we have here therefore 7 Virtues is giving me “all the feels”.

    So nice to emeet you on this fine day.

    PS – I have a sample of Vanilla Woods which is amazing! Lotus Pear sounds like the “Spring Fling” that I need. xo

  • Enjoyed reading Ida’s review, as always, and learning about The 7 Virtues company, and how it helps underprivileged communities. I enjoy floral, fruity perfumes, though not the saccharine kind, and Ida highlighted the virtues of 7 Virtues Lotus Pear, along with other floral and fruity perfumes in general. Like the fact that it’s vegan too. Thanks for the review, the incredible work this company is doing, and for the draw. From the USA.

  • I’m always humbled by what others are able to dream up and put into action to help others. I haven’t tried anything from this house, and wasn’t aware of their mission, and that will be rectified immediately. Thank you for spotlighting the organization benefiting from the sale of this perfume. Ida, you’ve convinced me to try more fruity florals; I do love a good pear note, especially when there is longevity to be enjoyed! I’m also extremely intrigued about the orange flower and Rose being upcycled to reduce waste, and this is something I’d love to see more perfumers employ. Thanks for a lovely review. I’m in USA.

  • I like the idea of a fragrance which seems like it would be enjoyable to smell, and at the same time it might give the wearer of it another good feeling, i.e. on account of the things which this fragrance house cares about. Even though I prefer fragrances which are marketed for men, or are considered unisex, I still want to try this one. I probably don’t have anything like this in my collection. I live in the U.S.A. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.

  • GennyLeigh says:

    I appreciate 7 Virtues commitment to making the world a better place. Lotus pear drunks like a lovely, uplifting, and yes, unabashedly feminine fragrance. I agree with Ida, don’t worry about the designation, wear what pleases and wear what suits. I have a small decant of 7 Virtues Middle East Peace which is an invigorating grapefruit scent, Would live to try the Lotus Pear. MD, USA.

  • Michael Prince says:

    I loved Ida’s review of The 7 Virtues Lotus Pear. Ida’s brilliantly described the most lovely fruity floral fragrance with sweet peach and pear highlighted by tender florals. I would love the opportunity to win this one. I am from the USA.

  • What appeals to me from Ida’s review if that the fragrance is described as uplifting (fruity floral). I love when a fragrance can boost the mood in such a way and I am looking forward to smelling this one when it is in stores! I have been trying recently to get more into fruity-floral in particular, so this sounds great!
    Thank you for the draw, I am in Canada

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thanks for the great writeup on Barb Stegemann and The 7 Virtues Brand.

    I remember reading about this brand here on CFB and was quite impressed with their business ideals.

    This fragrance is a wonderful homage to womanhood – a lot of strong and beautiful florals with different facets. I am glad to see that the proceeds of this fragrance are going towards the eradiacation of chauppadhi.

    Cheers from WI, USA

  • Very interesting to learn Barb appeared on Shark Tank! A show that has it’s roots in Canada as Kevin O’Leary originally appeared on the Canadian version called Dragons Den.

    Lotus Pear sounds very nice and I think if I won I would gift it to my wife.

    Thank you from Canada!

  • The goal of 7 Virtues to help less privileged people especially girls is very noble. It is also worth applauding the environmental sustainability process implemented by the brand. The note of pear sounds unique to me and would be worth experiencing this fruity floral scent.
    Maryland, US.

  • Enjoyed so much reading this review! The whole concept behind this fragrance makes it alone a very appealing perfume, but also reading the notes and how it develops, it makes me more intrigued.
    Would love to smell it and to have it my own,
    USA here.

  • sephrenia300 says:

    Very nice review Ida! What appeals to me about Ida’s review of The 7 Virtues Lotus Pear is learning that proceeds support such an amazing charity as Days For Girls. I love a fragrance with a message, and a message of hope and charity is a particularly great one. Even though fruity fragrances aren’t usually my thing, as Ida said because they tend to be sweet, this one for charity is one I will absolutely make a point to try! I live in the US.

  • Ida’s review of the 7 Virtues Lotus Pear makes me really want to experience it. I love how she explains that a sweet tropical scent should not be perceived as feminine, and that we should wear what suits us and what we crave. I live in California, USA.