Magnifique let down (Lancome: Magnifique, Eau de Parfum)

Member Name: lillamarta

Product:	Lancome: Magnifique, Eau de Parfum
Date:	20/02/09 (181 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Only if you like strong woody fragrances

Disadvantages: Unpredictable, harsh, overpowering

Launched: 2008
Group: Woody oriental

:: Introduction ::

Lancome is one of those luxury design houses who year after year have been producing extremely popular fragrances for men and women alike such as my Hypnose and Miracle or the lesser-known traveller's editions 'Tropiques' and 'Benghal'. Owning all four of the above fragrances, I'm always keen to get a sample and test their latest addition. In 2008 it was Magnifique Eau de Parfum.

:: The packaging ::

The packaging is a fiery red-coloured carton with brown - black stripe effects. The heavy glass bottle is tall and cylindrical with an oversized click top and thick bottom giving it an expensive, crafted look.

:: The fragrance ::

Top notes: saffron, caraway

bitter, dry, powdery, with only traces of sweetness, the deep saffron notes combined with spicy tones of Magnifique remind me of peppery citrus notres blended with woodiness and just a subtle sweetness of fruits. I detect a note similar to neroli (orange blossom), which are the twigs and leaves of the orange tree, though somewhat darker.

Middle notes: jasmine, rose

An hour or so later the scene changes but mostly in intensity than in composition. The saffron note is still dominant, but is now less fuzzy. Magnifique has become a sheer, more floral scent but it's still sharp and practically drowns all sweetness around it, apart from a slight powdery feel of fresh rose, a very unusual green rose note, floating on the top.

Thankfully 1 1/2 hours later the rose emerges as the winner with a sweeter tone that's finally lost its bitterness. Magnifique is less woody, somewhat mellow, with some powdery dark hints still going on. However, the overall impression was still a cold, formal blend I couldn't grow to like. Maybe the oils didn't take to my skin so for me, compared to many other fragrances, the fragrance had a sickeningly harsh heart which only subdued after 4 hours into a gentle rose, revealed only on close inspection.

Base notes: cypress wood (nagarmotha)

After a good half a day's wear Magnifique developed a certain soapiness, a mixture of sandalwood, patchouli and heavy violet petals with sour undertones. On the whole the arrogant middle phase turned into a musky and husky base, the dryness and sweetness finally finding its balance. A very, very long-lasting dry down of a dry, woody and lightly spiced rose aroma I could smell on my wrist the following day after an evening shower.

:: Conclusion ::

Funny how Lancome seem to have changed direction with this fragrance, a complete antidote to the more often than not sensual, sophisticated, sweet statement of scents we've grown to like. Magnifique would possibly fit in the floral woody category but it certainly is not floral enough for me. As the woody notes dominate, it's somehow masculine and too overpowering, drawn-out and sharp. I do not recommend if you're after the usual sweet and tender Lancome.

:: Additional Rating ::

Originality: 4 / 5
Composition: 2 / 5
Staying power: 5 / 5
Value for money: 3 / 5

:: Price / where to buy ::

Being a new release, the full price is expected either in shops or online, approx. £30 / 30ml Eau de Parfum up to £57 for 75ml Eau de Parfum.

Thanks for reading.

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Summary: A fragrance I do not understand