Maroussia (1992)
by Slava Zaitsev

Notes from fragrantica.com
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Top: aldehydes, bergamot, orange blossom, peach
Middle: heliotrope, jasmine, rose, lily of the valley, orchid, iris, tuberose, ylang ylang
Base: amber, benzoin, cedar, civet, musk, sandalwood, tonka bean, vanilla

Attractive looking bottle. Impressive set of notes. And a Russian origin to boot. Needless to say I found it intriguing enough to sample it on skin (2 spritzes on my forearm).

MAROUSSIA's opening is oddly familiar, a touch powdery with a fleeting peach-like note. Then it's gone too soon, chased away by a bouquet of florals. I could detect hints of rose and jasmine but for the most part, the florals are all pretty muddled up, the blend not as finely executed as say Patou's 1000. It is not heady unlike a typical Estee Lauder but more musky and sexy-dirty, and the warmth from amber is felt in the heart along with sweetness from vanilla and benzoin. Sillage is decent enough for me while longevity could definitely be better, the drydown leaving little trace after 4-5 hours. Yes there are far better quality ambery florals out there but given the affordable price, getting acquainted with this Russian lady has been a pleasure. Hmm, somehow that doesn't sound quite right, does it?