Hello everyone, and welcome to another of my reviews. In this article, I’ll review a pair of fragrances from the local perfume label The LAB Fragrances.
I’ve previously reviewed a pair of fragrances from The Lab Fragrances back in 2021. Since then, the brand has continued to grow its presence both locally (its perfumes are stocked in Design Orchard) and internationally (The Lab Fragrances recently exhibited at the niche perfumery show Esxence in Milan).
The brand just launched its latest scent Black Tea, and sent it to me for review along with the Bergamot & Musk. Let’s take a closer look.
The LAB Fragrances – Black Tea
Let’s first take a look at the brand’s latest scent, Black Tea.
The LAB Fragrances describes Black Tea as “an elegant fragrance oozing beautiful natural scents” that’s “wrapped in a rich, heavenly smokiness”.
From the opening, the black tea accord is immediately apparent—not the bright, bergamot-laced profile of Earl Grey (which I previously reviewed), but something darker, richer, and more tannic. It evokes the aroma of freshly brewed loose-leaf tea steeping in a teapot, complete with the subtle bitterness and depth that tea lovers will recognise.
What makes this fragrance particularly interesting is how it develops. The tea note remains at the forefront, but it’s gradually joined by smoky tobacco, supple leather, and woody oud. Rather than overwhelming the composition, these notes create the impression of sipping a strong cup of tea in a wood-panelled study, surrounded by old books and worn leather armchairs.
The addition of Damask rose is subtle yet effective. Instead of turning the fragrance floral, it softens the edges and prevents the darker notes from becoming too heavy. As the scent settles, patchouli and wood bark emerge, lending an earthy dryness that reinforces the fragrance’s tea-centric character.
The LAB Fragrances – Bergamot & Musk
Let’s next take a look at Bergamot & Musk, which has always been one of the brand’s bestsellers.
The LAB Fragrances describes Bergamot & Musk as “a fresh scent that releases bursts of bergamot and apples in the opening and then leads to the sharp heart of birch and patchouli with a hint of jasmine and rose”.
The opening is exactly what the name promises: a burst of crisp bergamot accompanied by juicy apple and blackcurrant. It’s bright, energetic, and immediately uplifting without venturing into the territory of a generic citrus cologne. The fruity notes lend a touch of sweetness that softens the bergamot’s natural sharpness, resulting in an opening that feels polished rather than overly zesty.
As the fragrance develops, the composition takes on a more textured character. Birch and patchouli emerge, introducing a subtle earthiness that prevents the scent from remaining one-dimensional. There’s a gentle floral touch from the rose and jasmine, but these notes play a supporting role, adding refinement rather than steering the fragrance in a floral direction.
What I enjoy most about Bergamot & Musk is how it balances freshness with warmth. Many citrus fragrances peak within the first thirty minutes before fading into obscurity. Here, the transition into white musk, amber, vanilla, and oakmoss gives the fragrance a smooth comfort that retains its clean character while adding depth and longevity. The musk is particularly well-executed—present enough to create an alluring skin-scent effect, yet restrained enough to avoid becoming powdery or overwhelming.
Conclusion – so the LAB Fragrances “shiok” or not?
I highly enjoyed the perfumes from the LAB Fragrances. Unlike many modern tea fragrances that lean fresh or airy, Black Tea embraces the darker side of the note. It’s warm, contemplative, and slightly mysterious. For those who appreciate fresh fragrances but want something with a little more character beneath the citrus, Bergamot & Musk strikes an appealing balance. It delivers the invigorating brightness that bergamot lovers seek while grounding it in a musky, woody base that keeps the scent engaging from start to finish.
A 50ml EDP (Eau de Parfum) bottle costs $138, while the 50ml Extrait de Parfum bottle costs $198. Those interested can use the promo code “WAHSOSHIOK2026” to enjoy a 10% discount on all purchases from The LAB Fragrances, valid till the end of the year.
View the LAB Fragrances’ full range of offerings here.
P.S. Shiok is a common word Singaporeans use to express admiration or approval. As of 2016, you can find the definition of the word in the Oxford English Dictionary.
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