Majestic Green

IMPORTANT: if you buy this or any of Zara refillable bottles please adjust them tight to avoid leakage. Do this and there will be no problem! This one was a surprise, I was expecting something more green instead here we go with the sweet "coconut" feel again! The only greenness here is given by cardamom. I like the scent, I like all the collection and I think it's worth it, especially for the price (although the prices of those were also incremented from 22,95€ to 25,95€ in only two weeks from their launch). To describe it in few words I would say this is a spicy warm vanilla with a lactonic nuance and a solid woody creamy dry down. It's a round and comforting smell that makes me think of Autumn, a memory came back to me, made me remember of an old prestigious library in Bologna, where I used to read esoteric books, and the many spiced latte I drank in a bar near the place! Now, to go more in depth: in the opening we have a tad bit of aromatic and citrusy notes that quickly give space to black pepper; this black pepper is quite gentle and very well blended with vanilla and cardamom, which adds a touch of mentholated spicy freshness that you can smell all the way through to the heart of the perfume. The pepper doesn't overpower the others components, the two spices are equally important and the effect is elegant and unisex. In this mid stage vanilla makes his entry and you can really feel the fresh spices being hugged by it. It is not a overly sweet vanilla...although, at a certain point (when we are close to the start of the dry down), the vanilla starts to take fruity/coconutty connotations. It does not feel cheap (in that vanillina/body spray kinda of way) and the sweetness is moderate. I think the "coconutty" facet may be merit of the sandalwood....waiting to come out of the shadows. Infact, that is just what happens next in the dry down: the nutty spicy vanilla blends now quite organically in to true sandalwood and cedar. Another creamy woody dimension is added to the smell. There is a mild lactonic aspect to it, while the cedar is creamy yet a little dry at the same time. It doesn't seam to me that one wood prevails over the other (like happens in the dry down of Zara Evening Safari Drive), they go hand in hand here and, as I was saying before about the spice, the result is quite equilibrated and well adjusted. The spicyness never goes away but in the dry down there is a little twist about it since the spices leave their "freshness" behind for a very warm new identity. The spices you smell at this stage are so warm. The final closing, that part of the dry down that is just skin scent, lasts a while and it is ambery, warm and balsamic. Infact a little of that balsam smokiness is felt in all the mid stage, to be precise. This last part of the dry down has a sweet, powdery and balsamic feel to it (like a mix of flowers, heliotropin and benzoin); I can't understand if it is benzoin or opoponax that I smell, very beautiful... but it really is the fading stage. Another good one from Zara, unisex, last at least 5 hours, with dry down lingering much more. For the price you can not go wrong with it! My favorites from the collection still remain Magnificent Black and Regal White. EDIT: that "coconut", nutty impression is given by cardamom mixed with sandalwood (so not a fruity vanilla per se); those two togheter, specially in Zara perfumes, always give a "coconut" feel to the fragrances, at least that is how my nose reads it! As for comparisons, the spiciness of the dry down recalls a bit the mid stage of Zara Warm Black. I heard some reviewer compare it to Santal 33 and similar it's not an apt comparison, probably they made that thought based just on reading the notes, since they are two worlds apart, this is so much warm and vanillic. That final part of dry down, the balsamic accord, is similar to aspects of Chopard Casmir, Morris Batik or Tesori d'Oriente Mirra.

Majestic Green is part of four perfumes in the ZARA Fragrance Series N° 01 collection, a select line signed by leading master perfumers. And that’s what amazed me most at the first test, for its aroma is so unsettling compared to its name, everything but green. I would have expected a herbaceous slap in the face, full of leaves, bushes, and saps, but no. Fabrice Pellegrin gives us a disturbing dark vanilla served on a woody carpet wrapped in a super dose of spice and citrus. It is not particularly complex, yet its structures offer some delightful contrasts and exciting transitions. Majestic Green has an output mainly composed of bright citrus and mild spices. The first notes that expand in the air and reach my nostrils are the intense ones of black pepper with a tinge of waxy lemon, both the zest and juice. It almost looks like I’m slicing a ripe lemon sprinkled with freshly ground pepper. It’s creamy, buttery, and slightly sweet with intense tart lemon flavour—like a curd, a creamy lemon version of jam. If I smell it close, too close, my nose itches, and I feel like sneezing. But I can’t help but smell it. In the background, there is a balsamic and mentholated tone, that of green cardamom, so fresh, submissive, and not impertinent. The lemony facet blends perfectly with the spicy cardamom, and the cardamom’s aromatic aspect provides freshness to the whole composition. Once the initial spicy shimmer fades, the smokiness deepens considerably. The cedar adds a dryness without exacerbating the chip look, but the smokiness prevails. The composition maintains a delicate balance between sweetness and smokiness, with neither dominating. Frankincense is not explicitly mentioned; however, a pleasant-smelling incense lingers after some time and gives a hint of smoke. I want the incense note to be more pronounced. Slow, slow, now the vanilla extract slowly comes to life and emerges from the base. Until now, the vanilla was barely silent and didn’t show itself until the dry-down, which is gorgeous. It is a sweet and creamy bourbon vanilla, but spicy and not like that used in sweets and puddings. Hence, Mr. Pellegrin added super creamy sandalwood to the sweet, powdery vanilla as if that weren’t enough. At this point, the perfume took a completely different direction. The sharp tartness and initial spiciness have given way to an amber, powdery, enveloping sweetness. It has a slightly smoky and almost syrupy taste. The scent is subtle and sweet but not overly sweet. The creamy look of the woods mixes impeccably with vanilla, resulting in an exquisite suede feel. It’s satisfyingly vanillic and wealthy while still feeling light as a feather. The only drawback of Majestic Green is its longevity. I get about half a day on my skin and a little more on clothes. It is a fragrance suitable for the in-between seasons, assuming you live where four seasons occur. It is a little weak for winter but delicate for summer evenings and nights, where enormous potency with a fiery scent trail is irrelevant. Majestic Green was, and still is, an outstanding discovery. I'm basing my opinion on a bottle I have owned since March 2023.

UPDATE: Yes this is completely a Xerjoff Italica dupe. I tested it against Italica yesterday and there is 90-95% similarity. I actually like Majestic Green better though! Italica is just a little too sweet where it is almost nausea-inducing (cloyingly sweet). MG has cut that with some freshness which uplifts the fragrance. So basically everything I didn't enjoy about Italica has been changed to make this a 10/10 fragrance. And it doesn't smell like a "Zara" perfume. It's not like it doesn't smell as good, in terms of quality. It is niche quality. It's honestly a steal! And right now it's on sale - seriously go snatch it up if you want a better version of Italica... I wore it yesterday and the scent bubble is addictive. Also, just want to mention that I see people comparing this to Lira (not Italica) and I have to say they're wrong. I also have a sample of Lira and while Italica & Lira do have sooooome similarities to eachother - they are not the same at all. And MG most definitely is closer to Italica. I know it doesn't list almond or milk, but it must be the cardamom that is giving that vibe.

This is gorgeous. On first spray it’s such an intense, spicy lemon zest, somehow? I mean an almost foody, intensely literal experience of scraping through lemon rind, when you get the little dollops of lemon juice stuck on your skin, and maybe you’re standing next to an open spice cabinet. I love lemon, so this is definitely not a deal breaker for me! It was a pleasant surprise actually. Dries down to a beautiful earthy vanilla, warm and gritty cardamom, and a little bit of sweet sandalwood. Lasts much longer than anything else I’ve ever tried from Zara as well - I get whiffs of the spicy vanilla like eight hours after application. A wonderful and surprising choice if you’re into a dark, not overly sweet vanilla - and if you like a slightly tangy lemonpeel smell, even though I can’t find anything about a lemon note in this I swear it’s in there!

The opening notes of this perfume are divine , peppery with a smooth herbal undertone of cardamom and vanilla that are right there present too. The cedar comes through later on, mixed with the sandalwood which gives off a lovely creamy scent-bubble . It’s not a loud nor very projecting perfume , but very nice nonetheless Edit: 08/02/2024 : This is quite a strong perfume , especially the peppery opening, in the beginning. When I go out and take the tram, after having sprayed this on me before leaving the house, people are sneezing from the peppery opening note of this divine creation . It's longer lasting then in the beginning, I suppose the maceration is the cause and/or the colder temperatures I'm wearing it in now. 15/11/25: it’s still one of my favorites that Zara brought out in the last years . It really shines in colder/ wetter weather

This smells niche. Quality is great, especially for the price. And it is VERY similar to Xerjoff Italica. At first Majestic Green gives a blast of spices in the opening, but after about 5-10 minutes, the cardamom takes over (with some vanilla/sandalwood) and is smelling like an Italian pastry. I would say 85% similar to Xerjoff Italica as a whole. If just basing on the dry down period I would say closer to 90-95% similar. I will be stunned if nobody else picks this up. Overall it is a unisex fragrance, just as much as Italica lol... I imagine it will be great during cooler months, around the holidays. Lovely fragrance. Great value. Very happy I picked this up. Definitely won't be getting a full bottle of Italica because it would be very redundant in my collection.

This is actually amazing in the heat. I live in Jakarta, Indonesia where practically the weather is either raining or not raining. When the rain comes and the temperature slightly went down to 27 C or lower, i always sprayed this. The smell of the vanilla gives comfortable feeling, not sweet but like mixed with some woods and coconut. Delicious to smell and the lasting power is almost 8hrs, which is great in tropical weather standard, where most heavier scent will just be gone in 1hr. The wafts i’m getting is a soft one but very presence, and not offensive. This, Sunrise on the Red Sand Dunes, Leather Jardin, and Elegantly Tokyo easily are the best perfumes ever released by Zara. Love them better even compared to many designer releases in the last 3 years.

I am incredibly impressed with the longevity of Majestic Green. It accompanied me throughout my day, maintaining its enchanting allure without ever becoming overwhelming. The sillage was perfect, leaving a subtle trail of elegance that garnered compliments from those around me. Majestic Green by Zara has managed to create a fragrance that goes beyond merely smelling pleasant. It embodies a unique and magical ability to evoke a sense of familiarity, comfort, and relaxation. I find myself drawn to it whenever I need a moment of tranquility or a reminder of the beauty of nature.

I don't know if this one is a clone or an original creation but it's a banger for sure! Smells much better than most of the newest designer releases. It's easy to wear without being boring. In the opening i definitely smell some citrus, lemon zest and juice. Lots of cardamom too. In the dry down it's all about the sandalwood and the vanilla. Really pleasing and easy to like. Definitely unisex. Medium performances. Great versatility. I'm really happy I've bought a bottle. Imperial Purple and Regal White are amazing too. Hopefully this collection will not be discontinued soon.

Testing Eau Duelle EDT on one arm and Majestic Green on the other, both by Fabrice Pellegrin: ED opens resinous and it’s vanilla is sheer, almost-boozy (not gourmand). MG opens with an aromatic spiciness and the vanilla is drier, held up by inky note and cardamom that keep it from being too sweet. ED develops and dries down to an almost vanilla-extract quality (still not gourmand) and MG is slightly sweeter, a comforting almond-vanilla. Both are soft skin scents on me by the sixth hour. They’re not the same-I have and love both.

Hidden gem in the recently released scents by Zara. While most became aware of this line because of the Angel's share and Imagination dupes, this scent is the real deal. A vanilla that is present during the whole lifespan of the scent but that lets the pepper take the center stage during the opening, however while it dries down the pepper takes a back seat and the vanilla is the protagonist vanilla. It's a beautiful and creamy vanilla which i can't get enough of, lovely lovely scent and a great signature scent imo.

(reviewing again after 1 year) thought, 'hmm interesting' and I put it away, as the top note cardamom was too off-putting. Discovered it again this fall as a grounding layer for the excessive dates & booziness of Khamrah--makes it wearable. Great cold masculine vanilla. The drydown is fantastic. Still has the worst atomizer in the world. [edit, may 2025] Every time I come back to this, it gets better and better. Reminder to self to get the oddball Zara flankers and let them sit for a year.

So Zara launched a new vanilla collection, stunning bottles. I'm already in love with 2 scents, Starlight Vanilla and Hypnotic Vanilla, they smell - to my nose, similar to Kayali Vanilla 28 and Scandal Le Parfum. One of the other vanillas, perhaps Supreme or Vibration leans green, and it reminded me immediately of this scent If you're looking for an alternative to Majestic Green, check these ones.

I've tried 3 months ago in Zara. Loved it Finally bought a bottle and now I'm trying to convince myself this is unisex, although I feel it leans masculine, I don't want to gift it to my husband 😭 I'm gonna wear it, to my nose this is sexy and sophisticated, the vanilla and the spices are so good, very 'French' Edit: there's got to be almond in here, I swear this feels slightly gourmand

This is incredible and well worth picking up if you see it. A hidden unisex gem hidden in the Zara perfume for 'men' section. Its a spicy, peppery vanilla with a freshness that reminds me of young coconut. This is multi faceted and through the day I get whiffs of black pepper and then waves of a coconut sunscreen. 9/10. Would be a 10 if it lasted longer.

Bloody hell this is good! Bought this whole range from Zara on sale for 50% of the price and I would say it’s under priced even as full price. This is absolutely delicious smell. I can’t quite pin point it, it’s like grassy vanilla scent, somewhat woody and herbal. Absolute treat from Zara. I’m very impressed by this range.

My #2 perfume. The best fragrance created by Fabrice Pellegrin for Zara. The perfect combination of black vanilla, cardamom and sandalwood. Absolutely unique. It's a sweet, winter scent, of course, but it can also be used in the cool evenings of summer, and is compatible with all four seasons. My score is 9.68/10

The greeness disappears after few minutes, leaves you with cozy creamy sandalwood with vanilla and cinnamon. Very sensual scent, a bit too sensual for my taste. I don’t find resemblance with Eau Duelle which is vanilla dominated, this one is indeed sandalwood bomb. Reminds me of Casmir by Chopard.

Bloody gorgeous. Moderate sillage, long lasting (about 10 hours on my dry skin), excellent value, absolutely unisex (NB I am 60, so consider Opium, Tabu, Obsession, Youth Dew feminine - so be aware). I can't suggest similarities to anything in my collection. Just buy it.

This is a creamy almond-vanilla scent with a lactonic feel to it. Majestic Green is basically Prada Luna Rossa Black (50% similarity especially in the first hour) without that rubber note, amazing scent by Zara! It's perfect for layering by the way. 8,5/10