Benghal

The Verdict

Lancome Benghal, released in 2006, is a fruity-floral composition that occupies comfortable middle ground: pleasant, wearable, and undemanding. The community finds it a pretty, bright, and sparkling fragrance with a watercolor-like quality that never quite demands attention but rewards those who discover it up close. Now discontinued, it occupies a quiet corner of fragrance memory.

Reviewers are divided between those who appreciate its understated charm and those who find it too similar to other spicy fruity florals to warrant seeking out.

What It Smells Like

The opening brings fresh ginger and mandarin orange in a combination that reviewers describe as resembling watered-down fresh orange juice with a spicy kick. The ginger has a tea-like, refreshing quality rather than a sharp bite, though some wearers find it veers toward cloying as it develops.

The heart is where Benghal becomes most appealing, as apricot brings a sweet, juicy fruitiness that mingles with osmanthus and jasmine. The apricot note in particular draws praise, creating a distinct peachy sweetness that lifts the floral elements. One reviewer from Perfume Posse compared the overall impression to meeting a friend after they have washed their hair: clean, shiny, and moving like an advertisement.

The base of sandalwood and musk is gentle and woody, providing a soft foundation that one reviewer described as having a whiff of clean humanity underneath. The scent maintains remarkable consistency from first application through the end of the day without surprising twists or dramatic shifts.

When to Wear It

Benghal works across three seasons: spring, summer, and fall. Its clean, fruity character makes it ideal for office wear, casual daytime outings, and everyday situations where you want to smell pleasant without overwhelming. The ginger-citrus opening provides enough freshness for warm weather, while the apricot and sandalwood heart carries enough warmth for cooler autumn days.

Longevity & Projection

Performance is moderate. Community ratings place longevity at approximately 3.06 out of 5 and sillage at 2.35 out of 4, suggesting four to six hours of wear with close-to-moderate projection. One reviewer found it lasted a very long time on skin without needing reapplication, suggesting that skin chemistry plays a significant role in performance outcomes.

The Community Says

Opinions cluster around two poles. Supporters find the sweet apricots mixed with ginger spice unique and wonderful, praising a scent that does not overpower but leaves a lingering impression that is both clean and crisp with a slight floral-spicy undertone. The Scent Addicts blog noted that the spice is more prominent than the fruit, making it lean more mature than youthful.

Critics point to similarities with other fragrances, particularly Salvatore Ferragamo Incanto Charms, which one reviewer found almost identical. Others feel the ginger and mandarin combination does not perform as expected, becoming cloying instead of fresh and citrusy. The general view is that Benghal is pleasant but not remarkable enough to inspire passionate devotion.

Who Should Buy This

Benghal is for women who appreciate spicy fruity florals and enjoy fragrances that integrate seamlessly into daily life without demanding attention. If you find ginger an appealing note and like the idea of apricot-touched florals with a clean sandalwood finish, this delivers a consistently pleasant experience. Mature wearers who prefer understated elegance over bold projection will find it particularly suitable.

Given its discontinued status, finding bottles requires checking the secondary market or specialty retailers.

The Bottom Line

Lancome Benghal is a pretty, functional fragrance that does its job quietly and well. The ginger-apricot combination has genuine appeal, and its watercolor-like character gives it an airiness that heavier fruity florals lack. While it may not be distinctive enough to inspire a search on the secondary market, those who encounter it will find a reliable, versatile everyday companion.