Reviews of Must de Cartier (1981)
by Cartier

To put it politely, this is a perfume that most people would probably consider to be for "a sophisticated woman." It is not girly, by any means. I'm so bad at naming notes, but when I tested this, I got a clear set of associations. The opening notes remind me much of Halston Couture, which I know has a sharp opening due to citrus. After about 4 to 5 hours, it smells very much like a Baskin Robbins that we used to visit every Sunday after Mass. I can't tell if it's because there maybe was a woman who wore Must de Cartier and worked in that particular establishment, or whether it's the vanilla that I'm smelling in the heart. Then after about 9 hours, it lays into this sultry scent that for all the world reminds me of the time I discovered my uncle's Ginger Lynn video, which he had left on the VCR during the time he briefly lived with us. That must be the 1980's musk, I guess.

I thought this was well made and a good scent if you like a heavier wood. It was a little too heavy for me. I didn't feel like it was very feminine and could not smell the vanilla for the Vetiver.

A beautifully made scent—extraordinarily well balanced and crafted. Not overtly feminine, but I think that element is definitely there. Just as with Must de Cartier Pour Homme, I find this one exquisitely crafted but lacking a special distinction. It needs a touch of uniqueness—a counterpoint—along the elegant flow.

I was comparing samples of Must de Cartier, Panthere de Cartier, Boucheron's Trouble, and Chopard's Casmir on different parts of my arms over a period of days. Panthere was the first to be eliminated as it seemed undistinguished against the others. Must de Cartier went next. I appreciate its civility and woody qualities, but was looking for a fragrance with more personality. It lasted well, but I won't be purchasing any. I'm a bit on the fence about Trouble, but am happy with a miniature of Casmir at this point.