Lipstick Rose Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle 2000
3
Ralf Schwieger does a Kandinsky
One of the most abstract and fun perfumes from Edition de Parfums, a line often referred to as "cold" or "dull." Lipstick Rose is not a dull or cold perfume. It fills me with joy every time I smell it. For many reasons. For one, it does stay true to its name, accurately capturing that waxy-cosmetic texture that could relate to the make-up product. I remember being utterly fascinated the first time I tried it, never imagining that it could so vividly capture the "lipstick" accord. Then, it recalls scents that I can trace back to my grandmother, most likely her cosmetic products, therefore, it has a beautifully nostalgic impact and retro flair. Finally, it feels like a comical interpretation of a Rose perfume, like a bizarre caricature of the flower. Thoroughly fun and highly original. I believe it was the first of its genre back in 2000 when it was released. I feel Ralf Schwieger is such an underrated perfumer. I wish he signed more creations for Frederic Malle. His perfumes seem very clever, a bit peculiar, with a ubiquitous amount of laughter in them.
Lipstick Rose is first and foremost a rose perfume, with many twists and turns. If you don't like Rose perfumes, give this one a try. If you just want to try something fun, get a sample. Even though nowadays this DNA has been done to death, I still believe no one does it as well. The opening is bright and sparkling with fruity accords like pomelo and raspberry. There is a fizziness about it that makes me think of champagne. I love this introduction, and it is one of the reasons why I enjoy Lipstick Rose in the heat. It's such an invigorating kick that lasts for a good while. The mid is dominated by floral accords, where the Rose takes center stage. A pink and green, bright and fresh rose. The violet plays gently around it to imbue a slightly powdery feel and to complement the fruity accords, then later in the evolution, the iris comes to add this waxy and lipstick-like texture, which creates the overall impression of a cosmetic product. It reminds me of Dior Homme and the way the iris is used there to suggest a similar effect. The base is ambery-musky with vanilla that never cloys but wears as a Frederic Malle perfume should, elegant and poised. Therefore, I have no problem wearing it in the heat.
For many years, I enjoyed smelling this perfume but felt unsure about wearing it till I realized it is such an abstract piece of art that one cannot put a gender on it. How could you put a gender on a Picasso or a Kandinsky? I think men should look past the name and give this a try. If you have your looks down and know how to dress it up, it can make for a brilliant match.
IG:@memory.of.scents
Lipstick Rose is first and foremost a rose perfume, with many twists and turns. If you don't like Rose perfumes, give this one a try. If you just want to try something fun, get a sample. Even though nowadays this DNA has been done to death, I still believe no one does it as well. The opening is bright and sparkling with fruity accords like pomelo and raspberry. There is a fizziness about it that makes me think of champagne. I love this introduction, and it is one of the reasons why I enjoy Lipstick Rose in the heat. It's such an invigorating kick that lasts for a good while. The mid is dominated by floral accords, where the Rose takes center stage. A pink and green, bright and fresh rose. The violet plays gently around it to imbue a slightly powdery feel and to complement the fruity accords, then later in the evolution, the iris comes to add this waxy and lipstick-like texture, which creates the overall impression of a cosmetic product. It reminds me of Dior Homme and the way the iris is used there to suggest a similar effect. The base is ambery-musky with vanilla that never cloys but wears as a Frederic Malle perfume should, elegant and poised. Therefore, I have no problem wearing it in the heat.
For many years, I enjoyed smelling this perfume but felt unsure about wearing it till I realized it is such an abstract piece of art that one cannot put a gender on it. How could you put a gender on a Picasso or a Kandinsky? I think men should look past the name and give this a try. If you have your looks down and know how to dress it up, it can make for a brilliant match.
IG:@memory.of.scents