How many times have you skipped testing a fragrance simply because of a rating on Fragrantica or Parfumo? Be honest—do you only consider a scent if it scores above 4.0 out of 5 stars? It’s easy to let reviews influence your decisions, especially when they come with amusing or polarizing comments. But how often do they stop you from giving a fragrance the chance it deserves?

Let’s admit it: we all use some form of “theoretical screening” before sampling perfumes. When I first started exploring the Superz collection a few months ago, I naturally gravitated toward the hyped fragrances—Morocco, Soho, Memories Gold, and Khamazat Smesh. These scents have been endlessly praised and, for the most part, they live up to the hype. While Smesh didn’t resonate with me personally, the others are undeniably fantastic.

But the real thrill begins after the big names. That’s when you start digging through lesser-known options, reading reviews, and hunting for clues about hidden gems. It’s where the magic of discovery lies.

In my research, I stumbled across Lake Balaton. What intrigued me most was the contradictory information available about it. On Parfumo, it had a mediocre 6.9 out of 10 rating—hardly a standout. Yet on Fragrantica, it scored a much stronger 4.26/5, roughly an 8.5/10. And the reviews? All over the place.

First Impressions

Faced with such mixed feedback, I did what many of us might do: I moved on to other Superz fragrances. Yet, every morning, Lake Balaton kept catching my eye.

Superz bottles are simple—square-shaped and functional, not exactly luxurious. But the image on the front of Lake Balaton? That was different. It felt like an invitation to dive into the unknown. The picture reminded me of sunsets by the water, calm and reflective yet with darker undertones hinting at hidden depths.

Eventually, curiosity won. I picked up the bottle, smelled the atomizer, and was greeted with a sweet, citrusy, honeyed amber. The scent was thick and noticeable—not overpowering, but undeniably present. I couldn’t resist—I sprayed 7 or 8 times to experience its full development.

The Scent Journey

Lake Balaton opens with a bold burst of grapefruit, balanced almost immediately by the sweetness of amber. It’s a fragrance that grabs attention right from the start. As the hours pass, the amber takes center stage while the grapefruit softens into the background, still lingering faintly.

The scent doesn’t evolve dramatically—it’s relatively linear—but it works. Its consistency makes it feel reliable, like a favorite sweater on a chilly day. It projects well for the first few hours before settling into a more intimate scent bubble. Overall, it lasted 8-9 hours on my skin—a solid performance.

I tested it in various settings—the office, the gym, and outdoors—and it excelled in all three. The thick, sweet grapefruit opening is an attention-grabber, but the amber base gives it a rich warmth that feels comforting and approachable.

Comparisons and Versatility

To me, Lake Balaton has a vibe similar to YSL Tuxedo, but with a thicker, denser profile. While it’s not trying to be a dupe, there’s a shared DNA of sophistication and likability. This fragrance feels versatile enough for almost any occasion, making it a standout in the Superz lineup.

Ratings Breakdown

Here’s how I’d rate it:

• Projection: 8/10
• Sillage: 8/10
• Longevity: 8/10
• Complexity: 7/10
• Versatility: 10/10
• Uniqueness: 8/10
• Likability by Others: 9/10
• Personal Preference: 9.5/10

Overall Rating: 8.45/10

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the fence about trying Lake Balaton, don’t let reviews dictate your decision entirely. Sometimes, the most surprising experiences come from the bottles we almost overlook. Lake Balaton isn’t just a fragrance—it’s an invitation to explore, to dive deeper, and to rediscover the joy of trusting your instincts.

So, next time you see a bottle sitting quietly at the back of your collection, give it a chance. It might just become your new favorite.