Guerlain Mitsouko EDP

[Styyna]

Today I received my sample from Perfumed Court of Mitsouko EDP. I liked the first impression - a few drops had leaked into the package!

I've just applied it and, to be honest, my first impression - on me - is "old lady." Obviously I need to wear it for a while to see how it dries down. The primary components (which I forget so won't list) are common to other fragrances I enjoy so I'm optimistic that I will love this one after a short while as well.

Will report back later.

[makinalist]

Top Notes
Bergamot, Rose

Middle Notes
Jasmin, Spices, Peach

Base Notes
Oakmoss, Woody notes

Did you know it was launched by Guerlain in 1919?  And the original bottle was designed by Baccarat?

[Styyna]

Thanks for providing the list.

I'm going to try it again tomorrow when I am fresh from my shower. The first couple of hours I have to say that I was kind of "meh" about it. Then it began to grow on me. I have to say - it has lasting power. And the longer it lasted the more I liked it.

This was a unique experience with a scent for me.

[Poppyfields]

Mitsouko is one of those grand old fragrances that take you on a journey, changing as the hours go on.  Here are some of the quotes I found online last year during my 'perfume journey'.

Mitsouko (1919): Named after the heroine of the novel "La Bataille" by Claude Farrère, Mitsouko is said to herald the ending of World War I. Since it uses a similarly styled bottle as L'Heure Bleue, Mitsouko was likely to be composed as warm counterpart to the cool L'Heure Bleue. Mitsouko has the sweet smell of peach preserves and glazed danishes with a warmth reminiscent of glowing embers.

Created by Jacques Guerlain in 1919, Mitsouko can be a difficult love affair for someone unfamiliar with the chypre family, which are not as popular these days. It does not reveal its beauty all at once, nor does it allow one to treat it casually. It starts out aloof and cool, before revealing its intense and sensual side. Peach note is very true and quite gourmand, however the abstract nature of the composition never allows it to be instantly recognizable.

I think what really amazes me about this one is depending how close you are, you can get different distinct aspects of this complex potion. At a distance I can smell light powder (a note I normally detest but this one serves to comfort you and lure you in, almost deceptively). Move a little closer and I get more of the floral which is powerful yet delicate. Closer still and you get the spices. It's a perfume with a multifaceted personality depending on how far in you dare to go.

To sum it up, from afar it is regal but distant. Come in for a second look (or sniff) and you are drawn in to delicate fullness of the floral heart. Lastly, once you are allowed all the way in, the passion is reflected in the intensity of the soul. In this case spice with a warm sensual ambery base. Exotic, intoxicating, mesmerizing, but never overdone. The elements are torn between one another, at odds with each other, yet in perfect synchronicity.  Extraordinary.

I love their older ads for Mitsouko, too. No vulgarity, only poetry to express the soul of the scent.  I would say that Mitsouko is a dark kind of fragrance. I don't mean dark as "black and naughty". The darkness in Mitsouko is an echo of mystery of the woman, the depth of hidden things and at the same time it is the scent of freedom.
I see the wearer of Mitsouko as an independent free spirit that crosses the world and makes an impression on its face without being corrupted by the worldly things. I see some loneliness, knowing and spiritual strength.
The oakmoss base is simply touching and express all the beauty in Mitsouko.
All the notes are perfectly entwined together, a true masterpiece of blending. I will always have at least a few samples of Mitsouko with me to smell Beauty itself.

Very complex, bold, sensual, spicy with powdery nuances. You can't help but smell the melancholy tone of this scent. This is a masterpiece. Its creation blindingly beautiful. You will not smell such artistry as this in modern perfumes of today...NEVER. It makes newer perfumes look unfinished, naked, and threadbare. The serious perfumista yearns and sadly mourns for this era of perfumery to emerge once again.

I found that I needed to stick with a new fragrance for about a week to learn to understand and appreciate it.  Like symphonies and operas, these grand old dames perfumes need an educated taste to fully appreciate them.  The more you know, the more enjoyment you will get out of them.  Have fun!

[Styyna]

Thanks, Poppy! What inspiring and interesting thoughts you found (and shared). I seem to identify with so many of the comments.

Out of curiosity, did you keep a journal of your "perfume journey?" I think that sounds like fascinating reading if so.

I will try Mitsouko with renewed enthusiasm as soon as the floors in my home are clean!

[Poppyfields]

Yes.  I test out as an INTJ in the Briggs-Meyers - can you tell?  

I collected these descriptions in a Word Doc. before I tried each perfume to give me an idea what to expect, and what the advertised notes were that I should be noticing.  All I did was google the names.   I did not write down everything I was feeling, as after these descriptions by talented writers, I felt inadequate to top them.

I also have Word Doc.s describing different perfume notes, to help educate my nose in finding them.

The first perfume that led me along a journey was Habanita by Molinard that a lovely beauty here gifted me (CoalCracker, where are you?).   I was transfixed, sniffing my wrist ever few minutes, noting how It went from a sharp, smokey, bitter, greens opening to a peachy, tropical garden, sliding to a powdery honeyed softness.  It took a couple of hours to get to the soft, comforting, lingering finish; so surprising considering how it opened.

How can a little sample bottle of juice do that?!?!?!  No idea. But if you pay attention you can experience magic.  

[milla]

I did not like Mitsouko the first time I sniffed it. But then again I once met someone, who irritated me profoundly... and then fell for him,  hook, line & sinker.

[Styyna]

Milla - A powerful story in so few words. Lovely.

Poppy - Ah, Briggs-Myers - those days were a long time ago for me. I too came out INTJ thought the J could just as well have been an F.

Have you thought about writing your experiences thus far, including parts from your journals? I think it would be a fascinating read and you've done a great deal of the loving work. I feel I would probably learn more from your personal telling than from some expert drilling into me all the "right" information (usually the information their research supports or information from their unique perspective, depending upon their income source for their particular expertise).

You could write for a periodical publication, a blog, or, heck, you could create your own blog. It doesn't have to be like all the other blogs. Make it private and only allow people in who you want to read your experiences. It could be a one-time, like a story-blog or you could decide to build it over time and write more later.

Your description of Habanita was exquisite. I was already in sensory overload (perfume of day and meat cooking) when I readit. Suddenly, it was as if I was no longer sitting here. I was in some place that was solely occupied by me and the evolving scents. Powerful journey you took us on.

Thank you, as always, for sharing such wonderful thoughts and ideas with us.

[Styyna]

I just added Mitsouko to my Bucket Wish List. Love it after a second trial. Also Chanel Cuir de Russe. And I ran out of my beloved Chanel No. 19 so I had to add that too. (I think refills/replacements should be considered necessary and not Wish List but I'm being practical).

[makinalist]

Phew! You have excellent (read expensive) taste!  I have seen lots of glowing reviews for Cuir de Russie -- can you really smell the leather note in it?

[Styyna]

I don't sniff with notes in mind. I just sniff and decide if I love it or not. I love both of those scents.

I will, however, pay close attention to see if I can detect the leather the next time, just for you!

As for cost, I told DH I don't look at prices so he should. This is a bucket wish list after all. No expiration date but I do update it from time to time. Today I added a new computer desk I'd love to have. All tempered glass and black metal supports at awesome angles. I think it would add a modern note to the old-fashioned feel to my room. And I can run cords down the black supports to hide them.

[Poppyfields]

I adore Cuir de Russe; it will be my next fragrance purchase.  I thought I was going to buy it for my last anniversary but with hubby's input I came home with CoCo instead (which is spicy-er).

Listy, there is leather and then there is leather and then there is suede in perfume.     This is not motorcycle leather, nor saddle leather.  This is a luxury hand bags or fine kid gloves leather here in Cuir de Russe.

One of the quotes I found for it said to imagine your grandmothers satchel handbag, with the brass clasp clicking open, and pulling out the compact to powder your nose.  This image really resonated with me, because my mom had such a bag, and I loved the leather smell when I stuck my nose into it/by it.  I can hear the snap of the clasp, the weight of the brass hinges, the leather wrapped handle, the scent of mingled leather, powder and floral cosmetics.

Its refined and elegant.  It shall be mine. . .    . . . someday.

[Styyna]

I just bought a retro used black patent leather frame bag with a brass clasp! It has that smell and it isn't musty or old-lady at all. I love it.

 I am planning themed evenings out to dinner with friends and one of the themes is going to be patent leather. I have pointed-toe black patent pumps from ages ago and I thought the bag would be fun with them. No idea what I'll wear with it - probably black and cream with a red accent. Maybe I'll just tape a red flower on the bag. I guess I need the perfume to go with it, huh? 

Dinners won't start until after the first so I have time.

[makinalist]

This sounds like a wonderful scent to me.  We have successfully hijacked the Mitsouko thread, though.

Styyna - I would suggest tying a filmy red or red print scarf on your bag.  JMHO.

[Styyna]

This sounds like a wonderful scent to me.  We have successfully hijacked the Mitsouko thread, though.

It happens. I think that as long as we can return to the original topic and we don't lose valuable information in the OT portion it's not so terrible. Of course, the question about leather notes in Cuir de Russe is a valid one that could use its own topic I suppose. Next time.

Styyna - I would suggest tying a filmy red or red print scarf on your bag.  JMHO.

Perfect idea! Thank you.