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...

I was lucky to buy a bottle on ebay auction. I also have Oriflame Paradise. Yes, its true, Oriflame Paradise is the very close version of it, but much much simpler version. The difference is like if Max Mara Le Parfum is as silky cashmere and Oriflame Paradise is a thick wool. Max Mara is much more delicate and seductive.

ادکلن زنانه با بوی ناز و خوش بو با کلاس مخصوص خانمهای جوان و با وقار و موئدب Cute, sweet feminine fragrance with the scent of cologne for young women with class and dignity and Mvydb

I love this! Yes, maybe it's not extraordinary, but it gives me a nice and, I think, special and intelligent aura. I can wear it anytime, never frustrates me.

How I miss this perfume! It was just perfect! Please Max Mara bring this one back

This is the umpteenth time I have tried this perfume sample, just to check if 'it' will happen again...it has the most bizarre effect & I'm pretty sure it's not down to the weather or my personal chemistry. After a quick zesty-fruit flutter you have a strange feeling of breathing in really cold, still air on a hot day - like when you put your lips to a glass of frosty, fruity iced tea & inhale deeply over the ice cubes. I can only describe it as a cool, spicy 'white' heat (perhaps the pink pepper?). You don't have to wait long before the bouquet of exotic white flowers open & a lovely nutty warmth begins to take hold - this bit is beautiful, but dissipates far too quickly leaving just a whisper of musky sweetness before bowing out on a rather stale note. IMHO, it's not a masculine scent. It is feminine, floral, clean & soft but nothing special. The only reason I will remember it is because of that white heat start - a most unusual trick to play on one's nose!

I like the smell and it's surprising because I usually don't like fresh scents. But what makes me want to wear the perfume from time to time is the nutmeg - a great one and it can be distinguished easily. The start is peppery - very peppery - I like pepper in perfumes. I also like the moment when the rose comes into play and, as I don't like roses in scents, this one is an exception. Do you remember the song "Sweet Harmony"? The male singer and young women sitting nude around him? So is the smell, it's nude and transparent. My husband said I leave a trace behind me when I wear the perfume. Staying power is also very good. What I notice the most is nutmeg, musk, pepper and rose, a bit of freesia, gardenia but I don't see any plum.

Silent temptation in the bottle. Just a hint. Just a glance. Just... and it means so much. I imagine a woman dressed just in man's shirt and enjoying the first sunbeams in the morning. The room is light, there is a bouquet of white flowers on the glass table. And a sensual, electric sexuality lingers in the air. He is still asleep but he feels her scent in his dreams. He knows what she wants... First it's citrusy (I can compare it with Versace Versense), but they are not listed. Then it's nutty (warm, delicious filling) and then it turns into an elegant sandalwood. I really appreciate the scent of linden blossoms. It makes me remember a warm, scented breeze touching me like a caress. Beautiful!

I got a couple sample vials of this today, and I think it's a really nice perfume. On me it started out very light and nutmeg-y. However, after it had time to sit on my skin, the smell seemed to get stronger and muskier, though still very clean. I love the way it radiates as I wear it, and I plan to wear this perfume at the office.

For me, it’s a clean scent of plain jeans and a white shirt. I love it, and I still have it. To me, it’s mostly nutmeg and white/pink pepper, even though it is not listed. I just wish this perfume had better longevity and projection because the fragrance itself is perfect for my taste.

Le Parfum is like wearing a pashmina scarf; cozy, elegant and slightly mysterious. The pink pepper and nutmeg make it spicy enough to separate it from ordinary soft and powdery scents but not too much to become loud or masculine. I've enjoyed wearing it. The bottle is gorgeous!

Nothing masculine in this fragrance! It smells so feminine and even warm. Actually it reminds me of my mother every time i feel the scent. She usually wears Omnia Christalline so it may be becauuse the two perfumes have something in common like the Musk for example.

i had this perfume for test. it smells really nice and clean. besides jasmine and fresia you can smell black pepper as a base note. it's a good choice for the ones who are looking for a daily scent which makes a difference!

Opens with a peculiar spiciness, yet fades into a soft, musky floral scent. Clean, reminding me of fresh laundry. Very elegant and original. Softly feminine. The packaging is extraordinary.

Unique. Fresh pepper on the opening then turns flowery musky, with a bit spicy in the background. Vintage. Soft & warm like afternoon tea time. Good longevity.

It's not a loud perfume, you can wear it in summer and it will never give you a headache. Spicy nutmeg on the top and some soft flowers, very feminine.