State Lady

State Lady comes on strong and unapologetic, just like the Lush original it echoes: a creamy, heady tuberose blooms front and centre from the very first spray, with no gentle introduction. Frangipani and a soft vanilla swell in the heart, adding a tropical, lightly earthy sweetness, while jasmine threads through with a sweet, narcotic richness. The whole thing carries the faintly smoky, incense-tinged white-floral character that made Sikkim Girls a cult favourite, leaning seductive and very feminine without tipping into old-fashioned. As a dupe it follows the original's lush tuberose-jasmine-frangipani blueprint faithfully; where it diverges is in texture, with the florals reading a touch smoother and more polished and less of the original's raw, lively edge, while staying power holds up respectably. Projection is heavy at first before settling closer to the skin. Sensual and romantic, it suits evenings, dates and dressed-up occasions across the warmer months, delivering the heady spirit of a beloved niche white floral at budget cost.