Tubéreuse Merveilleuse (2021)

I never imagined I would use descriptives like "ethereal, diaphanous, cloud-like, gauzy, hazy, airy, etc" when describing a tuberose-centric fragrance. I have sampled and owned/own many tuberose fragrances. And I ADORE Matiere Premiere "French Flower," which is a thick, dense, heavy, heady tuberose-forward fragrance. Caron "Tubereuse Merveilleuse" is one of the most beautiful tuberose fragrances I've ever worn. It is all of the above descriptives and then some. The opening is light and inviting, as the mixed fruits and ginger notes add a fizzy brightness to the opening. The almond note adds a nutty quality to the middle phase. And the drydown is creamy and lactonic thanks to the vanilla and almond milk. But sadly, my issues are the perfume's lack of availability (of course). And the perfume's performance. And the perfume's PRICE-POINT! I poisitively adore the fragrance. But I have difficulty justifying the cost when the intensity and duration of the fragrance are so poor. But I do love it! Tubereuse Merveilleuse is unique, gorgeous and unlike every other tuberose fragrance I've tried.

I have tried countless tuberose perfumes, if it has tuberose in it, chances are I have worn it or at least sampled it. So when I say Caron Tubéreuse Merveilleuse is my new favourite, that is no small statement. This is tuberose done right, absolutely the best I’ve encountered! It is that perfect balance: creamy yet fresh, subtle and yet makes a statement. The opening is soft like fresh petals kissed by morning air, but then it melts into this velvety, subtly seductive heart that lingers beautifully on skin. It doesn't scream for attention, but it draws people in effortlessly. The longevity is not the best, but I enjoying respraying during the day :)) I can not get enough of it, and currently I don’t want to wear anything else!

Carambola? Where? I wanted to try this fragrance because of the carambola aka star fruit, but found none. However, what I did find was the second best tuberose soliflore after Tubereuse Criminelle. This is a very sweet tuberose, almost bubble-gum with vanilla and somehow I smell a hint of Granny Smith apple (maybe that's the star fruit?). Really, really lovely. Obviously, you'll hate it if you dislike tuberose. But for those who love it, it's a must-try. Also, I feel obliged to mention how utterly gorgeous Caron's 50 mls bottles are? For those who don't know, if you want the round bottle like on Fragrantica's picture, you need to buy 50mls, 100mls are cylinders. And this gorgeous pale green color? Wow.

I bought this on a whim because it was discounted 50%. It isn’t a loud statement perfume like many other tuberose perfumes. It’s airy, sweet, and elegant. Almost sparkly, and super feminine without being either girly or matronly. To me, it’s extraordinarily beautiful, perfectly balanced and all I want in a floral perfume. It’s also the only perfume that had ever made someone chase me down the street to ask what I was wearing so he could get it for his wife. And this was after 9 hours wear, so the longevity is pretty impressive despite the perfume not being heavy at all.

Opens with a zesty lemon and ginger and very quickly dries down to a powdery and creamy tubererose while retaining that lemon twist. It has that warm floral quality without being overly sweet. Reminds me of stepping outside on the first few days of spring still wrapped up in winter clothes and having a moment of surprise that the weather feels just a touch warmer and the sun is shining just a tad bit brighter. An innofencive perfume. Its not necessarily very original or bold but it feels comfortable and smells pleasant. Definitely for an older more sophisticated lady.