Guerlain Myrrhe & Delires Review: A Discontinued Fragrance

Guerlain's Myrrhe & Delires is a fragrance that elicits a range of emotions, feelings, and ultimately memories. This mysterious perfume encapsulates an essence that feels both familiar and foreign, much like the faceless men of lore from shows like ""Game of Thrones,"" who slip seamlessly into myriad identities. Myrrhe & Delires, part of the luxurious L’Art et la Matière Collection, employs a similar duplicity, embodying various aromatic notes that, together, create a complex but often forgettable scent. As the fragrance finds itself discontinued, it's worth diving deeper into its many dimensions to truly appreciate its nuances. ## The Origins of Myrrhe & Delires ### The Creation and Concept Myrrhe & Delires, released in 2012, comes from the creative mind of Guerlain’s perfumer Thierry Wasser. This eau de parfum aims to accentuate the beauty of myrrh—a resin with historical significance that has been utilized since ancient times, often associated with spirituality and healing. Guerlain describes the fragrance as an homage to ""Majestic myrrh, smiling and luminous,"" attempting to present a multi-faceted interpretation of this exotic ingredient (though the reality might be more complex). ### A Journey Through L’Art et la Matière Part of the L’Art et la Matière Collection, Myrrhe & Delires prides itself on the careful art of blending unique raw materials. Each fragrance in this line seeks to showcase its main ingredient's beauty, enabling wearers to embark on a sensory journey. While some fragrances in this collection, like Tonka Imperiale and Cuir Beluga, have successfully captured their key notes, Myrrhe & Delires often seems to slip through the fingers, barely leaving a lasting impression. ## Scent Profile: The Many Faces of Myrrhe & Delires ### The Initial Encounter From the moment you spritz Myrrhe & Delires, it opens with a bright, fruity bouquet, offering top notes that include grapefruit, pink pepper, black pepper, and pear. The initial sweetness is light and refreshing, reminiscent of a warm afternoon, teasing the senses but never fully committing. However, while these notes are present, they feel more like background whispers than vibrant headlines. ### The Heart and Its Elusiveness As Myrrhe & Delires transitions into its heart, the scent becomes a blend of rose, iris, myrrh, and apricot. Here, the rose takes a prominent position, yet it remains a pale, diaphanous version of itself, lacking the richness often associated with floral bouquets. The iris contributes a subtle powderiness but remains muted, providing a clean backdrop rather than a standout element. Meanwhile, myrrh—the star of the show—remains elusive, often getting overshadowed by the sweetness of the other notes. The heart feels hazy, reinforcing the concept of being a fluid and transient experience. ### Deeper into the Base Notes In the base, more substantial elements emerge, including frankincense, licorice, and patchouli. This is where the fragrance makes its most profound statement, although it often feels like a mixed bag of sweet, acrid, and resinous qualities. The incense lends depth, yet the overwhelming sweet fruitiness often detracts from the complexity the composition aspires to achieve. The licorice note, particularly, fluctuates in intensity, with some wearers finding it pleasing while others deem it excessive. ## The Discontinuation of a Faceless Fragrance ### Industry Impact and Reaction Recently, the word surfaced that Myrrhe & Delires is being discontinued. According to noted fragrance bloggers, the news comes from Guerlain itself and instigated various reactions from the fragrance community. Discontinuations often create urgency amongst enthusiasts who sense they may miss out on what is perceived as a rare gem. However, for many, Myrrhe & Delires was never quite precious to begin with, and its lack of distinct identity makes it harder to mourn the loss genuinely. ### Reasons for Its Forgettable Nature Many factors contribute to why Myrrhe & Delires might struggle in a sea of other, more distinctive fragrances. The broad category of ""fruity orientals"" is crowded, making it challenging for any single release to carve out its niche. Additionally, comparisons to more accessible and cost-effective perfumes only add to the reasoning; for example, observers liken it to other mainstream fragrances that often blend rose and patchouli, creating a generic feel. ## The Value Proposition: Is It Worth It? ### Pricing and Market Availability A 75 ml bottle of Myrrhe & Delires carries a hefty price tag of $260. For this rate, consumers expect a scent that captures their interest and showcases uniqueness. However, many reviews label it as ""nice"" yet overwhelmingly forgettable. With reports of the fragrance disappearing from prominent online retailers, potential buyers are torn between the allure of limited availability and the realization that they may not be getting a truly remarkable product. ### Comparing Quality with Cost When sitting down to determine if Myrrhe & Delires is worth the splurge, one must ponder a few critical questions: Do you enjoy fragrances that lean heavily into gourmand profiles? Are you enamored with notes of licorice and florals? If the answer leans positively towards these tastes, this fragrance may be a fitting choice for your collection. However, if you're after something memorable and pronounced, other options are very likely to suit your desires more closely. ## Conclusion: A Fragrance Best Remembered as a Footnote Myrrhe & Delires can be viewed much like the faceless individuals of legend: evanescent, elusive, and ultimately forgettable. While it endeavors to create a nuanced scent experience through its many facets of myrrh, rose, and licorice, it falls short of leaving a lasting impression. As it faces discontinuation, one must appreciate it for its efforts while simultaneously recognizing that sometimes, the allure lies in the hunt rather than the capture itself.