Top Notes 
Bergamot
Ginger
Heart Notes 
Vervain
Geranium
Nutmeg
Base Notes 
Cedar
Vetiver11/01/2024
PNewman
1 Review
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PNewman
Very helpful Review
18
Monsieur
After the "Bienaimé" brand went into a kind of hibernation in 1960, Cécilia Mergui brought it back to life in 2021 and has since breathed new life into several old creations. "Monsieur" is the brand's first new fragrance.
For me, the presentation of the brand evokes memories of a time-honored tradition of strong, handcrafted fragrances that will survive for many decades and find a loyal fan base. So I was immediately curious about this fragrance. In 2024, a decade of 20s characterized by sweet and heavy fragrances, with various new releases every day followed a few days later by the first dupes, this new release seems almost decelerating and reduced to the essentials. Simple fragrance pyramids simply attract me magically.
My first impression of the fragrance was my much-loved Eau Sauvage Eau de Toilette. Fresh lemon (bergamot in this case) with a fortunately tart twist, which only brings back small memories of Acqua Viva. What I don't find quite so great here, however, is the feeling of smelling lemon citrus, which many people confuse with various cleaning products. Unfortunately, I can see that here, although fortunately only subtly.
The scent of lemon (or bergamot, unfortunately I don't recognize any big differences between the two) remains in the air for a long time, slightly tart and somewhat "effervescent".
I would have liked a stronger hint of vetiver and cedar to add a subtle woody note. Instead, I only perceive a very subtle change in the course of the fragrance, which can always be described as "citrusy". I also had a different fragrance image in mind here. When I think of "Monsieur", I think of a gentleman in a fine suit with a book in a café - a fresh fragrance is appropriate here, but the lemon is almost a touch too authentic for me.
As a friend of simple and fresh fragrances, I am basically satisfied with the purchase, although 160€ + shipping from France already calls for a very big lemon friend. In the refill, by the way, it is then "only" 120€ + shipping.
The bottle is an absolute feast for the eyes. Very simple, totally elegant and vintage chic with the cap. It could sit on the passenger seat of a vintage car with brown leather seats. Unfortunately, I don't have one yet, so for once it will be in the bathroom and not in the wardrobe. Because I want to see this fragrance regularly, right next to Eau Sauvage.
The packaging and the small additions indicate a lot of love for the product. I don't really care about that with a perfume, because you wear the fragrance and not the packaging. But I would like to highlight it here and wish this old and new brand every success and a large fan base.
For me, the presentation of the brand evokes memories of a time-honored tradition of strong, handcrafted fragrances that will survive for many decades and find a loyal fan base. So I was immediately curious about this fragrance. In 2024, a decade of 20s characterized by sweet and heavy fragrances, with various new releases every day followed a few days later by the first dupes, this new release seems almost decelerating and reduced to the essentials. Simple fragrance pyramids simply attract me magically.
My first impression of the fragrance was my much-loved Eau Sauvage Eau de Toilette. Fresh lemon (bergamot in this case) with a fortunately tart twist, which only brings back small memories of Acqua Viva. What I don't find quite so great here, however, is the feeling of smelling lemon citrus, which many people confuse with various cleaning products. Unfortunately, I can see that here, although fortunately only subtly.
The scent of lemon (or bergamot, unfortunately I don't recognize any big differences between the two) remains in the air for a long time, slightly tart and somewhat "effervescent".
I would have liked a stronger hint of vetiver and cedar to add a subtle woody note. Instead, I only perceive a very subtle change in the course of the fragrance, which can always be described as "citrusy". I also had a different fragrance image in mind here. When I think of "Monsieur", I think of a gentleman in a fine suit with a book in a café - a fresh fragrance is appropriate here, but the lemon is almost a touch too authentic for me.
As a friend of simple and fresh fragrances, I am basically satisfied with the purchase, although 160€ + shipping from France already calls for a very big lemon friend. In the refill, by the way, it is then "only" 120€ + shipping.
The bottle is an absolute feast for the eyes. Very simple, totally elegant and vintage chic with the cap. It could sit on the passenger seat of a vintage car with brown leather seats. Unfortunately, I don't have one yet, so for once it will be in the bathroom and not in the wardrobe. Because I want to see this fragrance regularly, right next to Eau Sauvage.
The packaging and the small additions indicate a lot of love for the product. I don't really care about that with a perfume, because you wear the fragrance and not the packaging. But I would like to highlight it here and wish this old and new brand every success and a large fan base.
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