A STAR IS THORN Perfume Review: A Star-Studded Scent?

FORVR MOOD has made a name for itself with bold, mood-evoking fragrances that feel both personal and cinematic. From the warm floral of I AM HER to the mysterious coolness of SHE WAS HERE, the brand knows how to tell a story through scent. Their latest addition? A scent called A STAR IS THORN — a name that suggests complexity, maybe even a little danger. But does it live up to the drama?

We got our hands on a bottle to test its longevity, projection, and overall vibe. In this review, we’ll break down the notes, the bottle design, and how it stacks up against other fan favorites like I AM HER and SHE WAS HERE. If you’re curious about whether this star-studded scent is a hit or a miss, keep reading.

First Impressions: Packaging and Presentation

The moment your package arrives, FORVR MOOD sets the tone. The box is sleek, matte, and minimalist — a signature of the brand. The bottle itself is a heavy, geometric flacon with a sturdy cap. No excessive labels or clutter. It feels like a statement piece for your vanity. The name A STAR IS THORN is embossed subtly on the front, hinting at the narrative inside.

While we didn’t receive press notes about the exact concept, the name suggests a star that pricks rather than shines — a metaphor for a love that leaves a mark. This fits right in with FORVR MOOD’s tendency to name scents after emotional states (e.g., Cuffing Season, JOMO). If you appreciate that kind of storytelling, the packaging already draws you in.

• Matte black box with embossed lettering
• Heavy glass bottle with a magnetic cap
• Clean, minimal aesthetic typical of FORVR MOOD

The Scent Profile: What Does A STAR IS THORN Smell Like?

We’re working with limited official notes, but from our wear test, A STAR IS THORN opens with a crisp, almost metallic citrus — think bergamot and a sharp green pear. That initial brightness quickly fades into a heart of white florals with an edge: jasmine and tuberose, but with a strange, peppery twist. The base is where things get interesting — a creamy sandalwood mixed with synthetic ambergris and a whisper of leather. It’s not a typical gourmand or a simple floral; it’s complex and slightly confrontational.

In comparison, I AM HER is a softer, more romantic rose-vanilla blend that feels like a warm hug. SHE WAS HERE, on the other hand, is cooler and more aloof, with lavender and cashmere. A STAR IS THORN sits somewhere in between — it has the warmth of I AM HER but the moody edge of SHE WAS HERE. It feels like a scent for evening wear, especially when you want to make an impression without shouting.

• Top: Bergamot, green pear, pink pepper
• Heart: Jasmine, tuberose, saffron
• Base: Sandalwood, ambergris, suede leather

Performance: Longevity and Projection

We tested A STAR IS THORN on skin and fabric over a full day. On skin, it lasted around 5–6 hours with moderate projection — close enough for others to notice but not overwhelming. On clothing, it lingered well into the next morning, especially on cotton and wool. The dry-down is pleasant, settling into a creamy, slightly smoky skin scent after the top notes fade.

If you’re looking for a fragrance that announces your arrival, I AM HER projects a bit more boldly, while SHE WAS HERE stays closer to the skin. A STAR IS THORN finds a middle ground. It’s perfect for date nights or dinners where you want your scent to be felt but not dominate the room.

• Longevity: 5–6 hours on skin, 8+ hours on clothes
• Projection: Moderate — arm’s length for the first hour
• Best for: Evening events, cooler weather

How It Compares to Other FORVR MOOD Favorites

FORVR MOOD fans often debate which scent is the “best.” I AM HER is the brand’s most popular — a warm, powdery rose that feels like a signature scent for many. SHE WAS HERE is a minimalist’s dream: clean lavender and cashmere wood. A STAR IS THORN doesn’t try to be either. It’s more daring, with that sharp opening and leathery base. It may not be as universally loved as I AM HER, but it has a cult appeal for those who like unconventional blends.

Another contender is Caking Up (though not a perfume, but a gourmand candle concept). If you prefer sweet, edible scents, stick with something like Caked Up. For a musky, skin-like experience, SHE WAS HERE wins. For a statement that’s both sexy and strange, A STAR IS THORN is worth trying.

• I AM HER: Best for romantic, day-to-night wear
• SHE WAS HERE: Best for minimalist, cozy vibes
• A STAR IS THORN: Best for evening drama and edge

Who Should Buy A STAR IS THORN?

This fragrance isn’t for everyone. If you prefer linear, safe scents (like a simple vanilla or clean cotton), skip this one. But if you enjoy perfumes that evolve and challenge your nose — think Byredo or Le Labo — A STAR IS THORN will excite you. It’s unisex leaning slightly masculine due to the leather and pepper, but anyone can pull it off if they love contrast.

We’d recommend it for people who want to add a dark, fizzy floral to their collection. It works especially well for fall and winter evenings. Pair it with a leather jacket or a velvet dress for full effect.

• Best for: Experienced fragrance lovers, unisex wearers
• Avoid if: You dislike sharp openings or leather notes
• Occasion: Evening events, cool-weather dates

A STAR IS THORN is a bold, somewhat polarizing addition to the FORVR MOOD lineup. It’s not a safe blind buy — its metallic opening and leathery base won’t please everyone — but for those who appreciate a scent that tells a thorny story, it’s a standout. If you’re curious about the brand’s more playful side, start with the I AM HER Perfume Set — it’s a crowd-pleaser that still captures the FORVR MOOD ethos. Explore the full collection to find your mood.