Must de Cartier Cartier 1981 Parfum

I have 25ml bootle of 2001.

The opening… its not for everyone. Powerful, spicy with old vibes.
I personally don't like the first hour.
In my home, the ladies dont like the smell.
But the drydown is amazing. Green, floral, and still a little bit spicy.
In my skin, its a beast.
24h later, i can smell perfectly, and the sillage still intense.

Its a masterpiece.

Must is a deep love of mine since I was a small girl and I could smell it around on elegant grown up ladies. It is quite unique having several shades in itself, green gabanum, bitter fruits, a dense flower bouquet heart, addictive leather, and a sweet warm base blend of amber, tonka and vanilla. The perfume version is just absolutely perfect but the standard edt is great for day wear. A must try for vintage lovers. Perfectly unisex.

It is wonderful. Just wonderful. I do get the comparison to Obsession. Of course these two fragrances don't smell totally alike, but I see them being in the same vicinity, almost like distant cousins, with noticeable familiarity. Must is not so loud, sweet and smoky, but there is a vibe to it that is very similar to Obsession, in a classier, more settled and refined way. And yes, it does smell oriental on me. I think it is a matter of how it reacts with your skin, nothing bitter here for me, but the most heavenly balsamic smoky sweetness. I think if you like one, you will like the other. Must is stunning. Definitely a scent that will stay in my collection.

This review is for the original 1981 red glass rectangular bottle with the gold top as shown. The narcissus is robust in this which I truly adore. Think of the narcissus in Ostara, very similar. And then of course you have a very warm [unlisted] Tonka Bean. Built around those two forward notes is lovely spiced notes and wavering animalic ones. I’m sure there is a drop of civet in these vintage blends. And a variety of florals, sweet yet refreshingly green due to the galbanum. And of course a sweet vanilla and smoky vetiver, pulling at each other yet balancing themselves. Nothing like these bold and beautiful 80s concoctions!

This is a floral incense that smells like nothing else and lasts forever. Even though I’m reminded of older women from my childhood, this is very much a unisex scent. I don’t get any of the rose notes they say are present, so don’t expect that, and I definitely would not recommend blind buying this like I did. Fortunately, it worked out.