Myrrhe 55 Shanghai

In a word, grandiose—appropriately so since this is Le Labo’s densest formula (55). I found this scent hard to approach when I was introduced to it. It’s rather active at first spray and I used to not be able to know where to look—I mean where to smell. Perhaps my nose is not well-trained enough to decipher the head of this scent. I don’t necessarily mind this, however. There’s a distinct sweetness at the beginning, and I suppose throughout the wear, that reminds me of rock candy and lollipops. Did anyone else ever have those teddy bear-shaped grape-flavored medicinal lollipops as a kid when they were sick? That’s what this scent sometimes reminds me of. I thought this would be an interesting scent for summer especially since there’s an undeniable aura of glitter, shine, and glamour. Jewell tones come to mind when I wear this scent. I love the distinct solar feeling (think supernova). I think what I want from Myrrhe 55 in the summer is what Ylang 49 from the same house provides much better. All of this to say, I’ve incorporated Myrrhe 55 in my Fall/Winter routine and I am quite shocked at how much I prefer this scent on a cold day. At long last, I’ve picked up on the resinous myrrh. This scent bears an ecclesiastical tone because of the myrrh and oud. To curb the solemnity, the gummy-ness adds a ton of charm and quirk (and in this sense, I mean gummy not as in gum resin, but as in bubblegum instead). The patchouli feels very leathery in the dry-down. I love the strong Chypre-ity of this scent. Myrrhe 55 can easily wear you so I would generally hesitate to spray more than twice. I think two sprays is perfect for turning some heads and getting some compliments (and the compliments I’ve gotten are from those whose tastes I trust deeply). LL City Exclusives are certainly steep, yet, the complexity and intrigue of this scent (and of course the fabulous longevity and projection) make the price tag worth it in my opinion. If I were you, I would definitely spend some time with it in the sample size before you commit to a full bottle. I feel as though Le Labo seldom has scents that carry so much whimsy (I get similar charm from Ambrette 9 and Aldehyde 44). Myrrhe 55 makes me want to socialize, to flirt, to attend a rave. I think style-wise, I can equally see Disco-goers, 90s goths, off-kilter art professors, and glamorously botox’d LA personnel all embodying Myrrhe 55 perfectly. All around a funky scent!

Before I initiate writing this review, I want to say this to get it out of the way. I am a huge fan of Le Labo. The DNA of this brand suits my body chemistry perfectly. Every fragrance gives off a subtle hint of sweetness and aromatic complexity which I find very attractive. I believe because of this, almost every fragrance from this brand I enjoy more than the average person might. Myrrhe 55 is no exception. In fact, it is one of the best from the city exclusives line, that of course being my biased opinion. I must say, however, it smells almost exactly like Paragon from Initio. They are almost parallel. I find it intriguing, interesting and perplexing because the notes from top to bottom are completely different from Paragon, yet Myrrhe and Paragon smell like they were once very close friends. Traces of that bond still exist and can be picked up within their notes. Sometimes I will pick up a whiff of something very similar to Wood Sage and Sea Salt and be very pleased as well. All of these name drops are fragrances that either make me happy currently or have made me happy in the past. Aromatic and delicate in an almost ethereal experience. In that regard, it makes sense because Myrrhe has been used as a link between the physical and spiritual world for centuries. Particularly in funeral ceremonies etc. Myrrhe has a very calming effect that can aid in meditation, emotional bonding and other mental exercises used to bridge the ever-elusive gap between us and the spirits beyond. Paragon has this characteristic as well without the use of the myrrhe, so I believe it is the masterful blending ability from the perfumers themselves that create these effects and reveries. Do I think it's worth the money? That's hard to say. Paragon this year is $385. Myrrhe 55 is $515 for 3.4oz/100ml or $365 for a 1.7oz/50ml. You may think I'm crazy. Yes I do think it is worth it. However, like I said before, fragrance is personal. What I think is worth it may not be worth it to you. That's why it’s so important to try it on. Try it on your skin. Spraying it on paper is not enough because the fragrance needs to mix with the chemistry of your body. I purchased two samples of Myrrhe for $26. A different experience is realized every spray. It feels ancient and modern, ying and yang. Physical and spiritual. This fragrance is about the journey. Very fitting for the City Exclusives Collection. I believe it to be a success.

A heavy and heavenly patchouli, with a sweet musk and heady jasmine. A blend of spices and incense and woods with a slight licorice smell. I guess that is what myrrh is supposed to smell like? For it is described to me as ‘incense with a licorice twist’ and that is this fragrance summed up. Nevertheless, it is the sweet jasmine and patchouli that carries this in my opinion. In some ways it reminds me of ‘Lord of Misrule’ by LUSH. But that would be as a sweeter and more innocent cousin. ‘Myrrhe 55’ is stronger and more grown up. I really want to pick up on the ambergris, and my skin tend to turn a lot of scents very salty but in this composition, I can’t pick up on it at all. It is either really amped down, or blended seamlessly. I would guess the first one... I also find that this one changes a bit with the skin, or each wear maybe? Sometimes the fragrance has been very cold and very licorice dominated, almost to a very masculine extent. Other times it has been very sweet and more unisex, almost female leaning with a cozy musk. Often times it is the latter, and it is a sweet and spicy amber. I hate that I love this. And I say that whilst eyeing the price of this. A lot of the Le Labo fragrances I have tried have had a lack of both longevity and sillage, but with this one that is not the case at all! The longevity is actually nuclear, at least on my skin! And when would I wear this? Summer, winter, spring, autumn... All of them... Daytime, nighttime, any event... Maybe this is worth the splurge...

This scent is absolutely stunning. I really love it. Sweet, but not syrupy sweet. A slight edge of the patchouli. It's just... perfect. In my opinion, it's perfect. It smells *expensive.* Coincidentally, it absolutely is. But oh the smell... It's almost enough to make your brain leave your body and hit place order, even though it's insanely expensive. If I was independently wealthy, this would definitely be something I'd purchase and wear as much as I wanted. Since I'm not, I'll probably get a small bottle and wear it for special occasions only. Really, it might be meant for that anyway. Big fan! ETA: I had to come back and add that this has lasted on my body for 14 hours now. The dry down is the most delicious sweet smelling oud (? - I feel pretty confident it is oud, even though it's not mentioned in the notes), and it it still strong enough that my husband can smell it 12" from me. I have not grown anosmic to it at all, and I still enjoy it as much as I did when I first sprayed it. I'm in love. Take my money, Le Labo!

When Le Labo first conceptualized this fragrance, they likely considered a their blunders with Citron and Bigarade in terms of appeal. However, recognizing that they need to resonate as strongly, they returned to the drawing board. The result? A white floral masterpiece with fruity undertones, yet built around resins rather than fruit itself. This fragrance is a powerhouse in every sense. While I'm not usually drawn to jasmine scents, I'm absolutely captivated by this one. For me, it’s easily in my top three, if not the number one choice. I’ve always adored Gaiac, Vanille, and Benjoin, but this one will undoubtedly replace one of those. Yes, it comes with a hefty price tag, but that’s become the reality of the market these days—just look at Louis Vuitton. If you love the sweetness of Jolly Ranchers, the fizz of Coca-Cola, long-lasting natural scents, and that signature Le Labo dry down, Myrrhe 55 is the perfume for you. As a guy, I can confidently say I love it.