In the House is a feature on EauMG. I’m collecting my experiences from years of perfume sampling and putting together a quick brand overview. There are so many perfume lines out there that it can be overwhelming. My goal with this is to quickly introduce people to niche and indie lines that may be of interest to them.

Who’s in the house? Ramon Monegal Parfums

The History & Perfumer: Ramon Monegal Parfums is a Spanish perfume line lead by 4th generation Nose, Ramón Monegal. In the early 1970’s he trained at the House of Myrugia (makers of Maja). He has since trained in Geneva, Grasse and Paris. After 30 years working as a perfumer, Monegal founded his own brand in the 2000s. You can find more info on Ramon Monegal and the history of the perfumery on the brand’s website. 

My impressions of the brand: The first thing that obviously stood out to me when I tried this line was the packaging which “felt” luxurious. The scents range from floral to woodsy to leathery, but they all share the same DNA. You can tell that each one is by Ramon Monegal. The scents themselves aren’t overly complex or “trendy”. I think of them as like those basics in our closet like black slacks, white button up, black flats that seem “boring” in comparison to current trends but we usually find ourselves wearing these things the most.

Brand’s strengths: Simple yet sophisticated scents. Approachable and many work well in any environment or climate. See my “wardrobe basics” analogy above.

Another strength is the brand’s packaging. It feels luxurious. It’s based on an inkwell design. It seriously “feels” luxurious; it has “heft”. I’m such a sucker for a magnetic closure.

Brand’s weaknesses: When I mention perfumes in this price range, I realize that price can be a con. Some people may not like the “simplicity” of Ramon Monegal Perfumes since it’s not an avant garde/experimental brand.

I’m also finding that each of these contain, what I guess, is a blend of synthetic musks (or something) that you either love or hate. Whatever is in these doesn’t offend me but I do know many perfume lovers that are sensitive to this. It really seems like if one of these perfumes “bother” you, they will all bother you because they all share that DNA. I don’t know if it is musks, that’s an example, but there is something that really causes a love it/hate it response. This is one more reason why you shouldn’t blind-buy this (or any perfume for that matter).

I have not tried: All of them except for the exclusives – Dubai Next to Me, Pure Mariposa and Very Private for Bergdorf Goodman. These exclusives also come in different packaging.

My favorite/s from the line that I’ve tried: Mon Patchouly, Cuirelle and Impossible Iris. I would love to add Impossible Iris to my collection.

My least favorite from the line: Dry Wood. For some reason, I absolutely can’t stand this one. It’s like being stuck in a room with annoying, loud bros. I really do hate it. It’s loud, dry and woodsy. But, hey, that’s only one “eaupinion”.

Comparable brands in style: Frederic Malle Editions de Parfums, Dior La Collection Privée and CREED.

You may like some of the perfumes in this brand if you like: white musks, warm scents, delicate florals and scents for “daily” wear. It’s a brand that pairs well with suits and trench coats in my opinion 🙂

Does the brand offer samples or a discovery set? No. However, some retailers do sell samples. A limited edition trio with minis is currently available at select retailers.

Available products by this brand: EDP perfumes.

Price range: $185-$200 for 1.7 oz.

Where to buy – Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Luckyscent, Parfumerie Nasreen, Twisted Lily, Beautyhabit (select perfumes) and parfum1.com.

My 5 “Must-Try” Picks:

Impossible Iris – A good iris with white florals.

Entre Naranjos – A citrus that actually lasts on the skin.

Ambra di Luna – A warm amber.

Cuirelle – For those that like warm, amber-style scents.

Mon Cuir – Orange blossoms and leather.

You can follow the perfumer Ramón Monegal on Twitter or the brand on Twitter. The brand is also on Instagram featuring pretty pics of perfume bottles and sharply dressed men.

Want more In the House? 

aroma M

L’Artisan

Providence Perfume Co. 

Arquiste

Aftelier

*Logo from parfum1.com. Ramón Monegal portrait from ramonmonegal.com.  Kiss My Name and Next to Me from Fragrantica. Collection of bottles from ramonmonegal.com.