The Story
Why it exists.
Turmeric Latte was born from Lush’s desire to bottle the comforting feeling of a holiday drink. In 2019 perfumer Emma Vincent (née Dick) set out to translate the warm, earthy bite of turmeric into a scent that could sit beside the brand’s beloved vanilla and tonka notes. The result is a unisex perfume that captures the spice‑forward aroma of a freshly brewed latte, while honoring Lush’s ethical, cruelty‑free philosophy.
If this were a song
Community picks
Winter Winds
Mumford & Sons
The Beginning
Turmeric Latte was born from Lush’s desire to bottle the comforting feeling of a holiday drink. In 2019 perfumer Emma Vincent (née Dick) set out to translate the warm, earthy bite of turmeric into a scent that could sit beside the brand’s beloved vanilla and tonka notes. The result is a unisex perfume that captures the spice‑forward aroma of a freshly brewed latte, while honoring Lush’s ethical, cruelty‑free philosophy.
Turmeric is an uncommon perfume note, its golden, slightly peppery profile evoking the earthy warmth of a spice market. Pairing it with vanilla and tonka creates a gourmand contrast: the spice brightens the sweet, while tonka adds a milky, amber‑rich depth. This blend mirrors the comforting swirl of milk in a turmeric latte, turning a kitchen ritual into an olfactory experience.
The Evolution
The fragrance opens with a bright burst of turmeric, a golden spice that feels like the first sip of a hot latte, instantly warming the senses. Within minutes the heart unfolds, revealing a creamy veil of vanilla that softens the spice, while tonka bean adds a milky, amber‑rich sweetness that feels like steamed milk swirling in the cup. As the perfume settles, benzoin emerges, lending a smoky, balsamic resinous glow that deepens the drydown. The base lingers for eight to ten hours, leaving a subtle, comforting trail that whispers of cozy evenings and festive gatherings. Even after the day ends, a faint trace of vanilla‑tonka remains on clothing, offering a gentle reminder of the warm drink you imagined.
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.
The House
United Kingdom · Est. 1994
Lush is a British cosmetics company founded in Poole, England, in 1994 by trichologist Mark Constantine, his wife Mo Constantine, and five additional co-founders. The brand gained international recognition for its hand-pressed bath bombs, which Mo Constantine invented in her garden shed in 1989. Now operating in 49 countries, Lush has evolved from a single High Street shop into a global retailer while maintaining its commitment to ethical manufacturing and cruelty-free products. In-house perfumers Mark Constantine OBE, Emma Vincent, and Alina Gliwinska create the brand's fine fragrances, which are presented through the Perfume Library concept stores in Liverpool, Florence, and London. The fragrance collection spans over 230 perfumes dating back to 1989, organized into thematic volumes that serve as milestones in the brand's perfumery history.
If this were a song
Community picks
A warm, creamy melody with a hint of spice, echoing the comfort of a latte on a cold night.
Winter Winds
Mumford & Sons
