My Heroine

Whilst I love, love, love brionica1013's review - and can see why some might echo those feelings, I have to say I LOVE this scent. It is dirty - primarily a heavy, smoky, cigarette ash cut with a big sweet fruity front end. As it dries it has a touch of green somewhere, a pond water kinda vibe and the smoke fades rounding out and going leathery. I never get anything animalic or pissy and as it dries into a smoky wood, I get the tickle of something like an Orange juicy vibrancy, lurking - it improves all the way through the scents life. I guess you would wonder why you would want to wait so patiently for a perfume to develop - but for me this is like the girl in the bar who's got 25 earrings, a nose ring and her tongue pierced, all about the, first impression shock of putting people off only to reveal themselves as a lovely person once you give time and get close. It's also great to layer with things. The MAC Shadescents often get referenced with Tom Ford fragrances and whilst I don't think they directly try to mimic any, they do share a sensibility. Both are often big, lush, deep fragrances - and having worn this and Velvet Teddy I get that whole Tom Ford vibe you get from Black Orchid or Tobacco Vanille. They feel lovable for the wearer even if not always for those smelling from afar. I also adore the design aesthetic of the bottles - truly modern in their colourful minimalism. They would look right at home in a minimalist home - like they have come straight from a graphic designers desk with their spare, straight lines and the fact that they resemble tear sheets from a Pantone chart. In my estimation this one is a purple close to PMS 2607 :-) . Sadly this range is discontinued and prices are spiralling upwards - if you can get your nose on them I'd say these are well worth picking up if you come across bottles at a decent price.

Found this at a vintage perfume dealer — a friend of my brother — and he instantly went, “This is a hidden gem... and yeah, it’s discontinued.” Then he added, dead serious: “No one would believe this came from MAC Cosmetics.” Now, MAC? I’m thinking makeup counters, bright lights, teenagers testing lip gloss — not... this. The vintage perfume guy even joked they discontinued it because every 15-year-old girl who sprayed it either fainted, panicked, or sprinted to the nearest sink to scrub it off. Honestly, I wouldn’t rule it out. First spray? Absolute chaos. This doesn’t greet you — it attacks you. Like getting slapped across the face with a thick, oil-soaked leather glove straight off an oil rig. It’s dark, smoky, tarry leather, drenched in petrol, grease, and some borderline suspicious chemicals. Then, just when you think you’ve recovered — nope. A sharp, almost aggressive saffron kicks the door in and takes over, backed by that same dirty leather. The smoke splits off and does its own thing too — less cozy incense, more “something is definitely burning and you should probably leave.” The note says incense, but this smells like the ashes after the fire’s already out. Drydown? Slightly calmer... slightly. It’s still dark, bitter, and dry. The tobacco smells ancient — like it’s been sitting in a forgotten drawer since 1988. Patchouli throws some dirt on everything (in a good way), keeping it grounded. Sweetness? Basically missing in action. It’s weird, intense, and kind of brilliant. If a brand like MAC releases something like this, it should come with a warning label. Honestly, if this had a fancy niche label slapped on it, people would be paying triple and calling it “challenging,” “artistic,” and “boundary-pushing.” Too bad it’s discontinued — this thing is wild.

This fragrance is pure danger. I love it! Sprayed it on my right arm as I was purchasing MAC Velvet Teddy (bought it because I had tested it the day before) and at first I was worried that I'd get a headache from the pure strength. From sniffing the bottle you know right away this is a leather perfume. Ever since I tried Cuir Fetiche I knew I was obsessed with leather. Then I got Cuir de Lancôme (my favorite) and have been curious about Bandit, Cuir de Russie, and the Tauer perfumes (Lonestar Memories, etc). But they aren't that accessible for random sniffing where I live so they are on my to-do list. But My Heroine is just so perfectly exactly what I'd like them to smell like, and for a fraction of the price tag. I never got a headache, but kept sniffing my arm all day as the scent evolved on my skin. It was fruity, almost a vanilla ice cream with strawberry sauce by the end. Yum! This fragrance ain't for everyone, that is for sure. You have to have a certain appreciation for its complexity, a willingness to go along for the ride. You don't have to be edgy to wear this completely edgy scent. You just have to be daring enough in the depths of your soul not to tame the savage beast, but to become one. Truly addictive. Not at all unlike Dior Addict (similar smoke and vanilla...I'd say Addict is the halfway point between Velvet Teddy and My Heroine). Definitely my next purchase. Probably best for cool to cold weather! Fall can't get here fast enough... I hope it's never discontinued.

I've always advocated for wearing whatever you like despite what other people may think... BUT... Wearing My Heroine to work last night alienated 99% of my coworkers and I think I'll be apologizing for a good long while. Note: I work in a WAREHOUSE, a HUGE open space! I shudder to think the effect this fragrance would have in an office environment. Let me be clear. I absolutely LOVE and ADORE My Heroine but I've concluded that it's an "at home only" fragrance. The leather, the smoke, the incense... they're delicious, "in your face!" fantastically BOLD (and super long lasting) but... this is a personal fragrance. My Heroine is something to be enjoyed at home, in private, like those marvelous expensive chocolates that you really enjoy and really, REALLY don't want to share. Or maybe it's like Bandit... one of those "Leave me alone!" fragrances. You decide. Meanwhile, at home, I'm wearing and loving My Heroine.

Oh man this is really good. I think the main issue is that this has been promoted as a scent for lipsticks. Thats the main reason why its under the radar. But that can be a good thing. Its definitely a men's fragrance. Lot of incense and leather in the opening, very harsh but give it some time and you have an unique fragrance for a great price. In my opinion, would this be released by Tom Ford with a price of 200$ it would be a great success. What i love in collecting fragrances is when i find one that not many people know, has a great price and smells unique. That does not happen very often in times where Youtube and co tells you about everything. But this one is one of these. You have an very special taste in fragrances? Please!! go and try it because i can guarantee this will not be around for very long.

Despite all of the negative reviews on this page right now, I actually ADORE this scent. It is gorgeous and dark and warm and exotic and alluring, like a femme noir. Poetic fragrance, if you will. It's definitely strong. I get a lot of compliments while wearing it, and have been told 'You smell like incense! Mmmmm'. I've asked a few gentlemen what they think of it and it's been overwhelmingly positive on the male side; people have called out how it actually smells much like patchouli and is a very earthy, warm scent. Something in the smell of it also makes me feel almost sleepy. I mean that in the sense that this perfume smells like it's time to take a nap. Peaceful and warm I guess. I love it.

This is a formidable leather scent, more masculine than unisex. I disagree with the Tuscan Leather comparisons, it is way closer to Complex by Boadicea The Victorious. The leather is dark and edgy, not soft and buttery. In fact if we are speaking solely of the leather note in My Heroine, I believe that Gucci Guilty Absolute comes closest. Not overall, just as to the type of leather the fragrance exudes. I just got this today, so I cannot comment with authority on longevity, but projection and sillage are very good. If you love leather perfumes this definitely belongs in your collection. I've gotten three compliments already from my first wearing. Highly recommended.

I ordered a 2 ml sample of this out of curiosity, worried it would smell cheap, synthetic, and cloying. But after the first spray, I was completely blown away. This is such a beautiful smokey leather. Yes, it is sharp, but in the way that a new leather handbag almost smells synthetic out of the box. Since the leather and smoke are supported by a beautifully smooth warm amber and patchouli base, it works. And i agree with other reviewers who say it could've been 2-3x the price if it came from a niche house. However this is probably not a safe blind for everyone, but it is so satisfying for me as a leather and smoke scent lover. I ordered a full bottle already.

If you love dark fragrances (leather, tobacco, incense) you have to try this. This deserves to be on your shelf beside your Xerjoff, Tom Ford, PDM etc. This scent to me comes across like smooth cannabis and raw rhubarb rounded off with a touch of sweetness. Unusual scent that is sexy and certainly unexpected and addictive. It's synthetic and doesn't offer a lot of depth but wow, this is a keeper! Night time scent all the way! Edit: You may be pleased to know that Jérôme Epinette was the perfumer for this fragrance which has similarities to Amouage Overture. Also this scent came to market 3 years or more before Overture.

I get the hate for this one kinda - strong and rough open with a blast of smoky/ash that would turn most off. However, give it time to work it's magic because I never would have thought I'd like it. On me, it begins dark and leather wrapped smoky mysteriousness that then settles in and stays close to the skin as a sensual mixture of a white flower plus a dash of patchouli and pepper and at the end of it's time, the subtle smoke returns with a creamy woody note. I like this because it's just as a heroine needs to be; strong, unapologetic and just as it is and refuses to be anything but so take it or leave it.

This should be labelled unisex. I could imagine Herr Flick smelling like this on Hello Hello. MH is about LOTS of suede with a good dose of saffron. I get some incense or tobacco that reveal themselves more with time. The patch and labdanum are tucked way back. I wouldn't be surprised if it smelt like a TF fragrance considering both are owned by Estee Lauder. It does smell good quality as well. I do like it but suspect I will use it for layering more than anything. The longevity is good as is the sillage.

Really regret passing up on a super cheap bottle last year the seller was basically giving it to me for free but I kept rejecting it bc I spent like a billion dollars that same week. But this really is a cool scent that no one on earth would believe MAC created and for women too. Severe dark leather and smoke you will smell like a prince of hell disguised as human walking amongst people that cower from your dark beauty yet can’t help but follow your scorched trail

This is a rough one at first, in fact, it took 3 wearings for me to figure out if I liked it, and I do! It's a bit on the dirty, animalic, stanky side, but by the drydown I have grown to appreciate this very much. There is a little bit of a pot smell in the background but overall this frag is dark, smokey and mysterious. Not for everyone, but this is a well done fragrance with above average sillage and longevity.

At first sniff it smelled like cocaine. Like that wasabi/gasoline scent that some coke smells like (alledgedly....) I first put it on from a little perfume sample I'd had around forever before heading to work, and was SHOCKED... it eventually mellowed down to a yummy, black leather but also sweet and soft pleather vibe. A very fun ride... I would love to buy a full bottle but it's so hard to find now!

Leather incense combo for sure. Stunning,and yet def not for everyone. The most masculine Mac. I LOVE this scent. In fact...this one, Ruby Woo,Lady Danger and Creme D'Nude and Velvet Teddy are all underated gems IMO. The only one of this Shades line I don't care for is the watery aquatic-ish gourmound...Candy Yum-Yum. So glad to own these...back-up worthy...ect... !!!!

This is the leather perfume I have searched for...maybe forever! All leather and smoke, and the staying power is fantastic. It's not a chypre, which is where leather is usually found. No, there's a tobacco sweetness to My Heroine. I can imagine this layering beautifully with many perfumes in my collection. Perfect for fall. Love love love.

This is one of the most sexy, polarising leather tobacco fragrance I have ever smelled! Definitely a unisex fragrance but more masculine. This is more of a winter fragrance and it evokes sexy intimate thoughts and is a leather jacket type of scent. Not for everyone. Love it!!

This is a very animal leather kind of like the tannery smell. The real nasty leather curing process. I would say this is less about incense and more about cypriol, camphor and cypress. Dark, masculine and wonderful. Equal to any niche on the planet.

If Tom Ford blew up an atomic bomb in the perfume lab and out walked a big MAC baby, this is it. I am in love with this but a little goes a very long way. I can see overdosing on this. But, I think it is f-ing gorgeous. BOOM!

Morticia Addams in a bottle ;) Dark,addictive and sexy. Everything is so perfect in this fragrance. I've first tried it in England and it reminds me of mysterious places like Guildford. Spectacular!