September 12, 2012

Lady Gaga Fame Eau de Parfum Review

This was provided to me by a brand for review but all opinions expressed are my own

Rumors of blood, sex, semen, and even Gaga’s own DNA peppered the launch of Lady Gaga Fame Eau de Parfum. Just like the enigmatic Gaga herself, this launch was clouded in all sorts of mystery and rumors that had us eager to get a sniff of what sort of perfume creation this eccentric celeb would create.

Lady Gaga spend over two years creating Fame with Haus Laboratories. It’s one of the first ever black eau de parfume formulas. The innovative fluid technology is black, like the soul of fame Gaga proclaims, but becomes invisible when airborne.

Fame isn’t limited to an Eau de Parfume launch, it also includes Shower Gel, Body Lotion Limited Edition Soap (shaped like a black egg no less), and rollerball. The scent is built around three master accords that are dark, sensual, and light.

Does the Fame perfume live up to the legendary Lady Gaga herself?

Take a look!

Well, Lady Gaga Fame isn’t quite what I thought it would be. With rumors that included semen and other delightful body fluids one had to scratch their head and wonder at the smell of such a fragrance. However, Gaga created a sensual floral fragrance that might surprise a few.

Housed in a oval, egg shaped glass bottle with a gold claw topper the fragrance does evoke to Gaga’s legendary Grammy arrival. The black fluid inside is quite unique and possibly a little creepy at a glance. The inky blackness of the fragrances gives off a gothy vibe and is actually quite an interesting innovation. As intimidating as the black is don’t be scared to spritz it, it won’t stain your clothes I promise, it applies completely clear. The black to clear fluid is actually very rare in the fragrance industry.

Traditionally fragrances have a pyramid structure with top, middle, and base notes. Fame has a push-pull technology where the ingredients interact together to highlight different notes at the same time without the need of the traditional fragrance hierarchy.

It is a full on sensual floral blend but nothing overpowering here that makes it unwearable or overwhelming. I think you just need to enjoy richer floral notes to get on board with the entire scent. The fragrance can’t really be described in terms of notes as it seems like they all come together here to create one single note. Belladonna is a dominate one though with floral layers of tiger orchid and jasmine sambac. There is some mix of apricot as well as honey and saffron which give the fragrance a certain sweetness. I wouldn’t call it a fruity sweet fragrance though but more a full bodied floral. There’s a rich warmth here but nothing that can be pegged down as being spicy or oriental, more mysterious and sensual.

I have to say it isn’t what I expected from Gaga at all. I thought perhaps it would be something overwhelming and awful. Something I couldn’t or wouldn’t want to wear. It’s actually not as unique as I thought it would be either. It’s not to say that Fame will not appeal to YOU but personally I don’t really like it for myself since I navigate to very sweet fragrances.

Overall, it’s a very nice fragrance with a good throw and linger. If you enjoy florals you might just love this. After all the hype and insanity that surrounded it I thought Fame was a little tame, a bit uneventful, and not nearly as unique as I was hoping for. But maybe Gaga is turning a new leaf and recreating herself yet again and perhaps Fame is the introduction of that new persona she will take on.

Have you smelled Fame?

What did you think of it?

Do share!

Fame is available now at Sephora, Sephora.com, and other fine retail counters or visit littlemonsters.com to learn more about Lady Gaga Fame.

This was provided to me by a brand for review but all opinions expressed are my own

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Cj

    Yeah I’m right with you, I gravitate to more light fruity scents, this is kinda dark and kinda musky. But I’ll still wear it if I’m feeling in the mood lol.

    Be have you seen the new DKNY intense perfumes? I totes already ordered em lmao! Ahh can’t wait 25 minutes till the announcement I need a tranquilizer shot lol

    • the Muse

      did you feel it was uneventful after all that hype!? I think I got incredibly disappointed b/c it wasn’t as unique as I had hoped. I saw those…! curious if they are any good, you must review for me. wahoo it started, lighter, thinner, 18% thinner in fact oMGZ!

      • Cj

        Yeah definitely, It’s still a great perfume, and the whole black to clear thing is amazing but scent wise it’s not for me. Don’t forget longer!!!! God I need to take a Xanax I’m freaking out lol. I can’t wait :D!!! Will do!

        • the Muse

          same here 🙁 le sigh! it had good throw and linger though…! LOL ;-D I’m VERY excited…I can’t wait for OS6 deets!

          • Cj

            Uh oh… New dick port 🙁 what’s gonna happen to my HDMI tv thingy guh.

          • the Muse

            lmao I had to post dick port LMAO! I actually think lightening is cool but I’m a little meh on the fact I have to buy an adapter now for other accessories use..it’s kinda like you’re forced to renew all your accessories along with your iphone purchase either that or pay one million dollars for an adapter :-/

          • Cj

            Hd front camera finally! Only bad thing is I’ll have to put on makeup before I accept the call lmao jk

          • the Muse

            LOL!!!!!!!!! ;-D love the virtual wallet not happy about the lack of nfc still BLAH!

          • the Muse

            sniff i need hugs ;-D black..I always get the black *shrug* dunno why..I think the white always looks strange…you?

          • Cj

            Aww *huggs* Im gonna get white again 😀 It looks more clean and nice lol. I thought at first it would look like a kiddie toy but I love it! The black one does look super cool tho with black metal instead of the aluminum look.

          • the Muse

            honestly if you are like me you prob have hundreds of cases and never even see the back lol! ;-D

          • Cj

            Lmao very true! I probably have like 20 cases laying around somewhere xD Gah I’m so happy the battery life isnt worse. Apparently it’s a little better woot!

          • the Muse

            I’m excited about the battery life too, I never had issues with 4s and felt it performed very well with daily use but def def def can always use more battery! new itunes lay out=not impressive. everything looks so big!

          • Cj

            Geez even the new iPod nano looks really cool lol. My mom wants the purple one xD

          • the Muse

            I just really want them to spring a new ipad on me so I can cancel my kindle fire hd order lol! meh who am I kidding I’ll prob keep the kindle fire hd!

          • Littlecreek

            “everything looks so big”…..that’s what she said. Heh heh heh

          • Cj

            Woah! Did you see how think the new iPod touch is?? I’d be afraid of sit on it and break it in half lol

          • the Muse

            lol pirate would have been better! DOOD! I’m a pirate! pirate trumps ninja ;D

          • Cj

            I hope they come out with a slightly smaller (and cheaper) iPad soon too. But I still wouldn’t get a kindle fire hd lol! I’m a android hater 😛

            Ps AMMAGAWD NEW HEADPHONES!! someone fan me before I pass out its too much I tell you!!

          • the Muse

            i am too i am too…but I do make an exception for nook/amazon. amazon is an overall great user experience it’s a DAMN shame they reply on android for their devices 🙁 but I still have hopes kindle fire hd will prove a better user experience than the original kindle fire launch. I’m happy to say that my nook hasn’t had too many FC issues 😀 HA I saw those was terribly excited…! they are available for shipping today!

        • Cj

          I just watched the video on apple.com I seriously can’t wait to get my hands on this!

  • Barb

    love her frag…. especially the almost incense-like note it leaves on the skin… hated Madonna’s frag… way too strong… LGG is still feminine with a punch (like her)

  • Suburban Style Challenge

    I smelled it in the store and was pleasantly surprised. I quite liked it as sprayed on the little piece of paper, but didn’t test it on myself because I was wearing something already. I’m interested in how it smells on me… I’m a little worried that the super sweet floral scent might read a little childish. But I’m going to try it next time I’m at the mall for sure. Great review!

  • Cindy

    I was very curious as to what this smelled like, so I went and gave it a whiff. I was surprised at how it smelled. To me, it’s unique, but it smells very pleasant. I’m not big on perfume, but I would wear this!

  • Rebekah

    Last week, walking through Dillards I got a sample handed to me by the fragrance ladies. I honestly don’t remember what it smells like at this point, but I do remember thinking at the time, “I don’t know what to make of this”. I couldn’t decide if I liked it or not! I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it either.

    Maybe it’s because of how you said there is not the typical notes…maybe my poor unsophisticated nose couldn’t figure out what to identify!!

    • the Muse

      i felt the same, I was oh ok, but not OMG I love this…just seems an unforgettable floral.

  • Littlecreek

    Huh. I might actually like it. I tend to go for more fruity scents, but I can dig a good floral. I’ll have to give it a sniff!

  • Rawr

    I thought it was a bit bland and uneventful. Before I sniffed it, I didn’t think it would be overpowering but I thought it would be really unique and something that you just go “WOW!!!!!!!” about, whether you love it or hate it. This just smells like any other perfume IMO 🙁

    • the Muse

      mm I got that element too rawr, kinda smelled like something I’ve already smelled before in some other fragrance..! I expected something different!

  • Laura

    I really was looking forward to this – as the notes sound wonderful. But it just smelled like a fruity sweet mess to me. Not enough floral

  • JoElla

    I read on a perfume blog that this just *might* smell like Victoria from VS, so I just knew I had to siff it. I was quite surprised it did remind me of Victoria. Not a dead on dupe, but you can tell they are kissing cousins.

    It wore well on me, and I didn’t get the fruity notes, more spicey on me. I know I am not the demo group for this, but i’ma gonna wear it!

    Only bummer, the tester I played with.. the interesting black liquid doesn’t stay that interesting black liquid.. it morphs into a muddie blue/grey. (think water colors water after you used black)

    To me that was the most dissapointing thing about this.

    • the Muse

      nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm maybe that’s where I smelled it before maybe?! there isn’t a demo group girl, anyone should be able to wear it ;-D wear what smells good that’s your demo group *wink* oh that’s odd! mine didn’t do that!

  • Debster

    I like how mature it was compared to alot of the sweet smelling perfumes lately. I couldn’t buy it since it gave me a headache when I tested it. :/

  • Comrade Garlic

    Smells too much like Juicy Couture. The whole first black perfume thing is annoying. Wode by Budicca sprays on blue and dries clear, and it came out in 2008. Once again Gaga didn’t do anything avant garde or original. I’m sure I’m too old for the cult of Gaga.

    • the Muse

      nope gotta disagree b/c I love juicy and I’m not getting that, I’d be more inclined to rave it if it smelled like juicy girl! I didn’t know about Budicca having a blue perfume, that’s wild must google!

  • Pooja

    Complete waste of my money,It is OK nothing extraordinary,but it doesn’t even last 1 hour on my skin,& the black fluid maybe just a gimmick?

    • the Muse

      nooo I actually have to disagree, good throw, good linger for me Pooja. Actually after 9am spritz I can still smell it now at 3.35! Didn’t have an issue with it but depends on body chemistry. Now the scent, that I’m not sure I’m into ;-D I expected something else!

  • Isis

    I actually just bought this earlier this week, I go for very heavy perfumes, jasmine being a must for me! I found this reminded me of ghost deep night, which I liked at first but found sickly and headache causing after a little while,I could always smell it on myself.
    This one seems to go with my chemistry, once it’s on I can’t smell it at all, everyone else can, it just blends with ,My own p.h. or scent or whatever:-).
    I Like it, and I ordinarliy Hate celebrity perfumes! This is also inexpensive as it’s eau de parfum and a little goes a long way and it lasts on the skin.
    all that said perfume is probably the most subjective beauty product out there.

  • katrosado

    I haven’t tried it yet. I do want to after reading the notes and reviews. The bottle reminds me of Thierry Mugler designs in some of his fashion and his own fragrance lines. Just something that came to mind when I saw the cap of the bottle.

  • Fuu

    I thought it was boring. Smelled like a body spray from CVS sorry to say. I thought that my Stella by Stella McCartney was more sensual…

  • jane

    The initial scent is of fruit, blackberries. Dries down quickly to a musky vanilla with the fruit still present. I was expecting to dislike it due to all the negative reviews. It’s very wearable with a mass market appeal. I wouldn’t expect anything less, to be quite honest. I purchased the Masterpiece with the metal cap at a 100ml. I enjoyed it that much. :))

    • the Muse

      yay jane happy to hear it ;-D I’m glad you enjoy! I wish it would stay a little fruity sweet on me but mine dries down very floral!

  • blauriche

    I can’t believe how sweet it is. It seems more appropriate for a Taylor Swift fragrance or something. Not at all what I expected from Lady Gaga. I was pretty disappointed, especially since I had heard it might be a dupe for Illamasqua Freak, which it isn’t at all.

    • the Muse

      a dupe for freak? oh no, no way! freak is much nicer imho! although the wear on freak stinks compared to fame!

  • Nancy Light

    Gaga and the Floral fragrance!!!!! oh my, i can’t really imagine these two together.. or may be gaga at heart is really that sweet little girl.. hah.. but i don’t know.. i am kinda not able to digest this news.. its totally opposite to my expectations.. or perhaps.. Gaga is always unpredictable.. she loves to surprise her fans.. and this could be another surprise thing..

  • Tammie

    Yeah it was more “normal” than I was expecting, but I like it a lot, I MIGHT even get it some day. I tend to prefer more gourmand/sweet scented things but this doesn’t offend my nose lol. I LOT of perfumes make me sneeze and give me asthma issues but this one didn’t, so for that alone I am biased haha. Even some perfumes I like a lot (Flowerbomb or whatever) just got really strong/smelly on my skin, so I have to take what I can get with perfumes that work on me lol

  • Irene

    To me it didn’t smell fruity, just very sweet and floral. I was expecting something more intense and “darker”, to be honest.

  • Quinctia

    Darn, floral. I like the aesthetic and I like Gaga, so if it had the potential to be wearable, I would’ve checked it out. Florals tend to make me ill. I have a short list of like, maybe, five flower notes that I can wear.

    Is it weird I would’ve pegged a scent that looked like this as either rich with amber for the gold, or something more ozoney/sharp to go with the metal? Haha.

    • the Muse

      I had it pegged as that too quinctia or something more in your face like musky patchouli….!

  • Anna

    This scent smells so good on my skin. It somewhat reminds me of Alien by Thierry Mugler, which I own also. I rotate between Michael by Michael Kors and Alien, and I believe this is going to be another one of my favorites. These sorts of spicier, stronger scents go well with my body chemistry.

    • the Muse

      ya know what anna, now that you mentioned it, yes it does kinda smell alien or even something that TM might have corrected like Womanity.

  • Ruthless

    I have to say that I am disappointed in this fragrance. It’s nice, but not unique. Even the parfum is VERY light, the scent doesn’t stick around at all.

    I expected something darker, sexier and more sophisticated.

  • Izzybell

    I personally like this perfume, but for me it’s too similar to my black xs and peace, love and juicy. They’re almost identical to me. But the design of the bottle is awesome.

  • Karen M

    This is a no go for me. While I like the smell of it, it disappeared from my skin in around 30 minutes after spraying it on. I am returning it.

    • the Muse

      aw sorry to hear it karen, smell was impressive to me but the linger was decent!

  • Laura

    Smelled it and thought it smelled familiar. Smells like Jessica McClintock’s Silk Ribbons. Almost exactly the same. If you like this scent you should check out Silk Ribbons!

  • Cpu

    Lady Gaga’s fragrance, Fame, lasts quite a long time on me and smells pretty with a strong hint of s-e-x-y. I am hoping more fragrances mimick this comb. I am excited to find it sooo reasonably priced. I bought a gift set which had a cololgne spray, lotion, and body wash for $20. My husband and son have praised it and my 16 year old niece loves it too. I also love Sarah Jessica Parkers fragrance, Lovely.