After falling in love with the scrumptious amber-oud that is Memo Shams, I decided to try other scents from this niche French perfume house (which is not available in the U.S.). Moon Safari (which now called Moon Fever – probably sued by Virgin Records or something) sounded interesting, “the leather side of vetiver”. So, I gave it a whirl.
Moon Safari is a bitter citrus that is borderline metallic in its opening. It has some sweet tobacco citrus thing going on that is common in lots of mainstream designer masculines. It keeps this sweet tobacco thing into the heart but with a juicy orange blossom…that still manages to come off as “masculine” (like the orange blossoms used in John Varvatos fragrances). The dry-down is a sweet tonka with a smoky leather and vetiver. The base is nice but it’s not really exceptional.
Moon Safari drives me crazy because it reminds me of something else. It reminds me of a super popular mainstream masculine but I don’t know which one. I think it actually reminds me of all of them. And for some reason this makes me angry. Why offer something like this as an exclusive brand? It’s not a bad fragrance but it really does smell “designer” to me but it doesn’t come with a designer price tag.
Notes listed include bitter orange, grapefruit, lemon, tangerine, neroli, clary sage, verbena, leather, vetiver and tonka bean. Launched 2009. PERFUMER – Aliénor Massenet
Give Moon Safari a try if you like citrus/leather scents. Or if you like perfumes like John Varvatos Artisan Black, Gucci Guilty Intense, Acqua di Parma Colonia Intensa, Paco Rabanne 1 Milion and/or Vera Wang for Men. This scent is marketed as unisex but it reminds me of so many mainstream masculines that I think of it as more masculine. While wearing this, David has said, “Is that you that smelling so bro?” Yes, it is me. I’m the bro.
Projection and longevity is above average. Or maybe I think that just because I really didn’t enjoy wearing this one.
The 2.5 oz bottle retails for 140€ at Memo Fragrances.
Victoria’s Final EauPINION – Sweet “bro” fragrance with a sharp citrus opening. This fragrance is sooo not me. And I’m disappointed with its lack of originality. However, I haven’t given up on the brand. I’m aware that I just may have sampled a dud.
Want more reviews? Try…
Fragrantica – Member reviews
Parfumo – Member reviews
Now Smell This – More info on the scent.
Feeling your frustration Victoria! Thanks for the great article! 😀
It happens…oh, well. This is why I don’t want to ever buy anything “unsniffed”. I’ve been burnt on blind-buys.