Le Parfum

This perfume had single-handedly kickstarted my obsession with perfumes, or, more precisely, my futile attempts to replace it with something similar. Now, thanks to some blissful accident, after many years, I’ve found it — it and its little (less impressive) brother Zeste&Musk. My current bottle is a tester and it’s been places. Chipped, cracked, without packaging and generally almost 20 years old now. The peppery-nutmegy-pencil-shavings-like opening is almost gone, it only gives off a slight oily trace of a scent, but the floral-fruity-musky heart&base are as beautiful as ever. I definitely sense more plum and peach (and they are sweeter than I remember) and also lilies. Gorgeous, gorgeous lilies, not pungent nor indolic but prominent, mixing with other white florals without a distinctive floral dna (I really can’t pinpoint if it’s rose, jasmin, tiare, linden blossom or gardenia — more on the linden blossom side). And the musks here — to die for. I do smell some ‘heated iron’ or a ‘freshly ironed cotton shirt’ note which gives the perfume its whiff of clean air. And to think of it — the ‘secret combination of 5 different types of musks’ must’ve included some significant amount of Iso-E-super and/or Ambroxan/Cetalox (so check out Molecule 01 and JHAG Not A Perfume just in case). The longevity is still great especially on clothes and hair. The GOAT of the perfumes to my opinion. Upd. After testing most of the options people find similar to this DNA, to me the closest one now is Dior’s Forever And Ever (the floral-musky part, lacks pepper in the opening though). The second best place I’d give to Genyum’ Painter (the peppery-nutmegy part + iso-E and musks) and ELDO’ Like This (the floral-musky base, but not the opening).

Yes, it is discontinued. I bought it first time on the ferry between Greek islands for €25. Blind buy as it was cheap and I left my perfumes at home. I never regret about it. I love slightly masculine perfumes, as: A) they are really special on women and attract attention B) they are "cleaner" C) I work in office and they are more relevant. Fine, about Le Parfum - it's one of the typical "Italian" aroma: well balanced pyramid, never overwhelming, quality ingredients. It is peppery-crispy flowery-musk. It is not very long lasting. After my 1st bottle I bought 2 more 90 ml. Testers. Those were about $50 each. If you have a chance to buy a tester, don't hesitate - it has a cute bottle stand, which is convenient and cute. I got a lot of compliments from men. What a shame Max Mara discontinued their perfume line. I think all their perfumes were great and they would be very successful now. Please Max Mara get your perfumes back or make new perfumes. You were so great in this.

This is a feminine, tender and soft scent. It is also special and noticeable. I am using it since last spring. I don't find anything masculine in it despite the idea that nutmeg isa component only for male fragrances. This special, spicy note gives a style to the whole fragrance. I can also describe it as being alluring. For me it is suitable for the normal weather, for spring, autumn and winter, and I don't use it much during the hot, summer days.

This is one of my all-time favorite fragrances because it's so unusual and it wears so softly on my skin, despite what the notes might suggest. I get a lot of nutmeg, pepper, and rose...fresh and light, not in a heavy way. Later, it dries down to a delicate woody-rose scent, with a trace of the pepper persisting. I find it perfect for the office and love it in both winter and summer. It stays close to my skin and lasts forever.

I miss this gorgeous perfume... I hope they bring it back someday. Sophisticated, beautifully balanced, extremely long lasting (at least on me). Fresh but in a spicy, exciting way, sensual yet cold. Not a boring scent by any means, at the same time very wearable, youthful and elegant. Since Paradise by Oriflame has also been discontinued there is sadly nothing available right now that is similar to Le Parfum...