Today I share with you one of my favorite iris perfumes – Parfums DelRae Mythique.
Mythique opens with a fruity ivy with close to the ground violets. It’s metallic and green. Note to self – all perfumes inspired by prostitutes/mistresses smell metallic. I pick up on the faintest floral indoles. What I really get is iris. A demure, cool iris with absolutely no powderiness. The dry-down is this wonderful buttery iris with a vegetal musky ambrette. Mythique is slow to warm up. But, when she does, she’s a warm, cozy ambrette with woods. She wraps you in her robe.
What I like about Mythique is its coolness and dewiness. It’s not powdery. I like a powdery iris but I usually find myself drawn to this icebox irises. And not only is Mythique an icebox iris, but she dries down to another note that I adore, ambrette. I love wearing this one. I don’t expect for you to love it as much as I do as it seems almost bespoke to my tastes.
Notes listed include mandarin, Italian bergmot, ivy, peony, jasmine, Florentine orris butter, sandalwood, patchouli, and ambrette musk. PERFUMER – Yann Vasnier
Give Mythique a try if you are looking for a cool iris. Or if you like perfumes like Dior Bois d’argent, Serge Lutens Bas de Soie, Maria Candida Gentile Burlesque, Malle Dans Tes Bras and/or Chanel Les Exclusifs 28 La Pausa. I find Mythqiue just as charming in warm weather as I do cool. I find it charming all of the time.
Projection and longevity are average.
The 1.7 oz bottle retails for $135 at Beautyhabit. Samples are also available for purchase.
Victoria’s Final EauPINION – Icy iris with a warm ambrette base. It’s one of my favorite irises and I’m delighted to have it in my collection.
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Fragrantica – Member reviews
This is one of my favorites too….and for the same reasons. I love iris and I especially LOVE ambrette musk (that comes from the seeds, doesn’t it?). I’m a big fan of No. 18 for the ambrette as well (in fact I’m wearing it as I write this….). What are some other ambrette fragrances that you like/love?
Iris is what got me into perfume. I couldn’t get over its beauty and versatility.
yeah, ambrette are the seeds from an Indian hibiscus. I hear you can eat them but I haven’t had a chance to try that!
One of my favorite ambrettes is a cheapy you can find on discount sites – Lacoste Pour Femme. It’s just a nice pretty ambrette musk that reminds me of Annick Goutal Musc Nomade (which I also love). I also like Providence Perfume Hindu Honeysuckle because it brings out the warmth of ambrette. And Costume National Scent. oh, and Narcisco Rodriguez For Her EDT (or at least I think it’s the EDT).
Thanks for the recommendations! I have most of those, but now I’m off to discount sites for some Lacoste….
Yes, iris is a BIG player in my collection too. Have you experienced FERRE? It’s my little discovery last year….similar to Iris Poudre, but fruitier.
Haven’t tried Ferre but I’m listening. Is it the one for women or men?
I will bring a bottle up for you to sample when I come to Seattle in September – which means we will have to meet…..don’t worry though – I’m definitely NOT “the only straight guy in the bar” waiting to stalk you (heehee – loved that line from one of your reviews…)
Sounds good.
The “straight guy” is an ongoing joke with friends. Take me to a lesbian bar, they find me. Take me to a gay club, they find me. Take me to a some boring straight concert and “the gays” will find me.
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