Christmas in the bottle: Elixir des Merveilles Hermès

The first time I got the opportunity to try this perfume was in Zagreb, about three years ago. I was immediately blown away and told to myself that one day I just have to own it. It instantly reminded me of Christmas – a giant pine tree in the middle of the room and sweet orange slices drying on the old school radiator, waiting to become a part of holiday decoration. I read about it a lot on Frarantica, but was not entirely sure what to expect. I mean Oriental Fougere, what does that mean?

Harmony of oriental components (warm woody and spicy notes) is refreshed with aromatic lavender, rosemary, coumarin, and oakmoss (Fragrantica.com)

Sounds different, right? And sure it is.

I finally bought it a few months later on a crazy hot day in one of the busiest shopping streets of Vienna. It is some kind of travel souvenir, but also a very special resident of my fragrant drawer who never disappoints and makes an impression each time I wear it.

At first, I get a lot of fresh and spicy bitter oranges, mixed with men’s cologne. Later it turns into a woody and slightly sweet composition, but with the bitterness of the oranges still somewhere in the background. It is very masculine on me I wish that the drydown would be more rounded and softer. Anyway, I found it unique enough to own and I don’t regret buying it. It gives an impression of strength and confidence and this is something I can never get enough of.

My boyfriend still remembers the price of this perfume and sometimes teases me about it. He calls it by numbers and not by name.

Longevity is crazy. One spray and I’m good for the day. I would not call it office and warm weather suitable by any means. Believe me, I tried it. You know, sometimes we miss our wintery beast during summer and make a mistake or two.

I simply adore this shade of orange but hate that packaging. At least they could design a proper bottle cap. I lifted it many times just by this silly cap because it’s my habit when taking out my fragrances from the drawer and it fell from my hands in a second. One day I’ll drop on the floor.

Here are the notes listed on Fragrntica:

Siam resin, orange peel, amber, caramel, Peru balsam, cedar, patchouli, oak, incense, sandalwood, tonka bean, vanilla sugar.