The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Lush's 2019 Turmeric Latte captures the cozy ritual of a spiced holiday drink. Perfumer Emma Vincent wanted to bottle that comforting warmth, translating the earthy bite of turmeric into a fragrance that could sit beside Lush's beloved vanilla and tonka notes. The choice to center the composition on these heart notes, rather than hiding them beneath traditional top notes, reflects a desire for immediacy and honesty.
The note selection prioritizes warmth and comfort over complexity. Vanilla and tonka bean create the sweet foundation, turmeric adds the signature earthy edge that makes this smell like a latte rather than a dessert, and benzoin provides staying power without introducing heavy base notes. The result is a fragrance that smells like its inspiration: warm, sweet, and grounded.
The evolution
The fragrance opens directly into its heart phase, abandoning the pretense of a separate introduction. Tonka bean and vanilla arrive first, their sweet warmth immediately present. Turmeric follows, its earthy character grounding the sweetness and adding complexity. Benzoin lingers in the background, providing a resinous sweetness that reinforces the comfort-food character. Without a traditional drydown, the scent remains stable, a sustained embrace rather than an evolving story.
Cultural impact
Since its 2019 debut, Turmeric Latte has become a winter favourite among Lush fans, frequently appearing in holiday gift guides and social‑media posts that celebrate its unisex gourmand vibe. Its bold turmeric opening sets it apart in the niche‑lite space, earning it a loyal following that values ethical sourcing and cozy comfort.
