Elixir des Merveilles (2006)
by Hermès

This started out as a bright blast of sweet orange, but it was a natural orange peel kind of scent, not chemical-y at all. As the day went on the orange was smoothed out with vanilla, and the sandalwood and cedar started to come out. It's a very warm, dense perfume that lasts all day. The woods make it more of a unisex fragrance- men or women could easily wear this.

I was walking out in the cold the day I tried this fragrance, and as I huddled into my scarf the perfume was very comforting! Definitely good for cold weather.

18th January, 2012.

The Hermés fragrance sales rep at Neiman Marcus tried desperately to steer me away from this fragrance as it's just too strong. I, however, like it.

On my skin, the pleasantly sweet and acidic orange dominates over the slight sweetness of its gourmand/woody notes that fight to stay in there.

Take Bond No. 9's Coney Island, replace the Margarita Mix note with Clinique Happy (for Men) and you get Elixir des Merveilles.

Another Jean Claude Ellena masterpiece.

VERY unisex.

29th November, 2011.

Elixir des Merveilles is an almost, almost, not-quite. How fun that Hermès, with its emphasis on luxury, taste and class distinction, the first step to which is clear identifiability to those who desire them, would make such a neither/nor fragrance. Orange peel, but not edible (almost gourmand.) Chewy, resinous woodiness (almost oriental.) A tonka basenote that takes the edge off the sweetness (not quite fougère.)

There is a density, a viscosity that suggests something highly caloric, but I think is more of an illusion of orange over a dense peru balsam, incense and a cedar-like sandlewood. (Assumedly Australian sandlewood. If so, a wonderful use of what has been consdered the poor cousin to the depleted mysore sandlewood.)

The risk is that Elixir might read as indistinct. The upshot is that it suggests an ambiguity that can be very alluring, and as most men tend to steer clear of ambiguity in fragrance, perhaps Elixir would make a great men's fragrance.

8th September, 2011.

At the risk of seeming to parrot others' reviews, Elixir de Merveilles is truly a unique fragrance, and should be at least sniffed. I normally can't wear citrus in the least bit--it immediately turns to floor cleaner upon hitting my skin. Needless to say when my fave SA (*waves to Jabel*) suggested I try this, I was leery.

My fears were for naught though, as the orange peel in EdM is less being hosed with orange juice but more taking a bite into a bittersweet chocolate-dipped orange confection. The orange is prominent and at first blast a little sweet, but it immediately scales back as the dark chocolate note melds with it. As the scent dries down the chocolate disappears and is replaced with salty caramel with a backdrop of bitter, dry woods. A dash of vanilla and tonka adds a hint of sweetness to what has become a nearly masculine fragrance. Intriguing.

All in all I find Elixir de Merveilles a bit mercurial, and borderline bipolar as it straddles the line between sweet-gourmand and austere-masculine. Being a stereotypical Gemini this is perfectly fine. I've received many compliments on EdM, and it will remain at the forefront of my scent rotation despite my heavy oriental leanings.

27th August, 2011.

My absolute favourite fragrance.
It is very difficult to describe for an untrained nose like mine but it's the salty sweetness that lingers. It's longevity is outstanding with the sea, soft orange petals and a whiff of fine soap morphing in to your skin. It brings memories back of all the places I would like to be.
It is unique, there is nothing like it.

9th August, 2011. (Last Edited: 28th August, 2011.)

Gorgeous fragrance, but maybe not for everyone. Gourmand and intoxicating, a little aloof and elegant but not especially feminine. Very special, as most Hermes fragrances are.

15th April, 2011.