English summertime is notoriously ill-tempered. The cool breezes and tempestuous storms, usually holding off until August, have seasoned July. It’s easy to forget that sunshine exists – Ombré Lamar is a reminder of warmer days ahead.
As I shook my half-broken umbrella down and stepped into the velvety green walls of Ombré Lamar, the ambiance immediately whisked away my soggy reality. The plush carpet and golden hues of Marylebone’s newest perfumery cast Arabian Nights into my sights as luxury fragrances enveloped all senses.
What is Ombré Lamar?
Ombré Lamar translates to the blend of two shades, where the sunset meets the horizon and the east meets the west.
Fusion is no stranger in the multicultural streets of London, but rarely is it so seamlessly balanced. Ombré Lamar embraces luxury scents of both Arab and British cultures, harmonising earthy musk and amber with floral rose and fragrant citrus.
The Story Behind the Bottle
Food made with love always tastes better. The same applies to perfume. Nassem, the son of Ombré Lamar’s curator, Yousif, raved about his father’s long passion for perfume. This store wasn’t born out of business acumen; rather, it’s the birth child of genuine dedication. Nassem spent years perfecting the bottles, painstakingly selecting ingredients to bottle not just a fragrance, but an experience.
Lamis bursts with green grass, apples, and orchards, whilst Albi breezes with tropical notes of pineapple, blackberry, and saffron; if I close my eyes I’m somewhere sandy, in dappled shade.
Family and heritage hold this perfumery from its grassroots, setting it apart from other cold, unwelcoming stores that make you feel impoverished before you’ve even had the time to wipe your shoes. The moment you step inside, the glinting greens and peacock-painted walls invite you into luxury. It might be a stretch to say I felt at home amongst so many perfumes, but I certainly felt welcomed, a part of the Ombré Lamar family.
Why are these Fragrances Unique?
The range is dynamic. Each bottle tells its own narrative whilst weaving into the other, never straying too far from its sandy, Arabic roots. And, whilst the range is unisex, there is an advised range for men and another for women. Nassem clearly understood that the profile of perfume depends highly on the wearer.
Each bottle quietly boasts a list of luxury ingredients. Oud, modestly known as ‘black gold’ or ‘wood of the gods,’ forms the base for most of the collection. A prized ingredient, this essential oil comes from one of the rarest and most expensive woods in the world. That’s why the fragrances are so sophisticated.
The high percentage of oils in Ombré Lamar’s parfums extend their longevity and wearability. Made with 30% of natural oils, Ghost really lives up to its name, lingering on clothes and skin even after washing!
A Parfum for Her, a Parfum for Him
With oud-based perfumes, a little goes a long way. By nature, this collection sits on the skin from day until dusk. While each of their 12 fragrances can be worn for any occasion, every bottle has a special character and profile
From the feminine range:
Donia is a creamy blend of saffron and pear, softly kissed with vanilla and lifted with coffee, ideal first thing in the morning. Fresh with orange, mandarin, and dusted with rose, Lila is summery and light – this bottle takes me to meadows and wildflower fields.
Lillli Ross, my personal favourite, is layered with Turkish rose and bergamot and has a backdrop akin to pistachio ice cream.
Darker than the rest, Madousa has an intense mix of saffron, Bulgarian rose, and oud – more of a sultry evening scent. Envy is similarly voluptuous, with blackberry and raspberry feathering its edges with romance.
From the masculine range:
A fresh blend, Legacy combines coriander and saffron with base notes of white musk, amber, and cedar wood. Mysterious bursts with honeyed plums and saffron, lightly spiced and warmed with tamarind. Invincible is understated and wearable, with saffron and geranium deepened by base notes of birch, tar, and leather. Sweeter scents include Prescription, where vanilla and almond blend with cardamom, cinnamon, and cashmere wood for a smooth, mouthwatering finish.
Where Can I Find Ombré Lamar?
Located on Crawford Street, Marylebone, this family-run store invites shoppers and browsers in with its emerald-tinged shopfront. The team offers a complimentary fragrance testing experience, guiding you through each scent and answering any questions you may have.
As I left the store, one of the team members warmly passed me a brand new umbrella. Braving the showers felt a little less gloomier; maybe because my skin felt sun-kissed, not by the sky, but by Ombré Lamar’s scents. The spritzes I received there stayed with me throughout the night, and well on till the next day.
To discover more, visit ombrelamar.com
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All imagery courtesy of Ombré Lamar.