I have had the sample "From Mirjam with Love" for over two months. Aliana's comment, especially the mention of "Shalimar," caught my attention. Aliana was generous enough to send me a sample. I hope she won't regret it after my comment.
In the meantime, I have tested the fragrance four times, in different conditions and at different temperatures. You see, Mirjam and I have really tried hard.
First test. The weather: cool and dry. One spray on the wrist - Iris. Pure iris scent. Where are the promised citrus notes? Cool iris, the composition reminds me of "Iris Prima." Not a bad fragrance, but a bit simplistic.
While the iris is still trying to be a great iris, vanilla joins in. I know this one, right? Now it gets interesting; have I just discovered "Vanille d'Iris" for a small price? Quickly, a spray of "Vanille d'Iris" on the other arm. A parallel test! The tension rises - but not for long: where is Mirjam? Is she no longer trying? Yes, there she is, barely noticeable: while the drop of "Vanille d'Iris" unfolds brilliantly and scents the whole living room, Mirjam has already reached the base. And unfortunately, it is a typical budget fragrance base: vanillic, somewhat artificial, and a bit stale.
Second and third tests. The weather: cool and humid. I try a bit more fragrance. The result: more vanilla and still a bit of citrus at the beginning. Otherwise, the same old game; still no spices, and even now, Mirjam leaves me after not even two hours. It's not my nose; no one in the family can still perceive the fragrance after two hours.
Fourth test. The weather: warm and humid. Again, Mirjam is trying to be a good fragrance. Today, she chooses "Eau de Cashmere" as a model. Unfortunately, she only manages the initial mustiness of "Eau de Cashmere," but not its fine floral notes. However, she stubbornly holds on to what she has achieved. It is clearly the iris that presents itself mustily. Vanilla is also present - and to my surprise, today a cream-toffee note appears, which I also recognize. "Cristallo di Rocca"? Why do I always think of other fragrances when testing "From Mirjam with Love"?
Although the fragrance lasts a bit longer in this weather, compliments are not to be expected: the sillage is virtually nonexistent.
Four tests, the same result. No sillage, poor longevity, thin base. No, Mirjam is not bad. She lacks good role models. But as it is with role models - they remain unattainable. And it’s not enough for independence. So I stick to my judgment: she has tried hard.
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Now please don't say the usual: perception is different (and that's a good thing). The differences in perception create the conditions for a comment. Parfumo users with a similar fragrance perception (you know who I mean) will find something to take from my comment. The Parfumos with an opposing perception (they also know who I mean) will calmly order a bottle after this comment. Many others will confirm what they already knew: one should always test first. And those who completely disagree with my comment? They also have an option. You know what I mean ;)
Shalimar would have caught my attention too. But somehow, Mirjam doesn't seem to fully convince me. Apparently, it's also not available anymore. By the way: Thank you so much for visiting Chance Eau Tendre... I was really happy to see you!
We didn't really click either. I kept wondering where the spices were. Only the thought of Eau de Shalimar kept me in good spirits. After testing it, I read the comments here, and yes, our scent descriptions are so different.
I found it very, very artificial. That's why I didn't like it. I can't see any similarity to Shalimar (and I'm not a fan of Shalimar for different reasons). I've often wondered why From M. With L. is so popular here. So your comment reassures me a bit, even though I can't fully share your perception. I didn't like it either.
I find the references to the fragrances that Mirjam reminds you of particularly helpful, because those who know them get a much clearer idea of the scent being discussed here. It can't always be true love, :-).
I have to admit, I really liked Mirjam at first. Unfortunately, the love didn't last, but it wasn't due to the longevity. ;-) I guess I was missing something... he had to move out again. And it wasn't a blind buy!
:) Hihi, why should I regret it? No, no, everything is just fine :) I really like it, and that's that. I didn't create this fragrance, and it doesn't hurt me if someone doesn't like it. Sure, there are similarities - it's not like they reinvented warm water :) Almost every fragrance reminds you of another, which is why there's the option "scent twin." As my son said when he was little: "Don't you want it? Better, more for me!" :) :)
I'll save my comment because I wouldn't describe it as nicely as you did - unfortunately, it's just not for me... Hats off to you for engaging with it so much. For me, it's too sweet and too watery. To each their own - I would have liked to disagree with you, but instead, I bought it way too impulsively again ;)
I think we're talking past each other. The comment was solely about the scent and my perception of it. If I liked it, I would definitely appreciate the friendly price. However, I don't find this scent very successful. So, the question of price is irrelevant for me.
Well, I can't and don't want to spend a lot on expensive perfumes... 100 ml for 20.00 euros - I don't mind reapplying after 2 or 3 hours ;-) And as I mentioned in my blog, this is the only scent that has gotten a few words out of my husband. I thought it was great after the first test, and I still think it's fantastic. My husband praises it, and my son doesn't complain... everything's perfect here ;-)
Guys, no one got snappy here, right? I shared my perspective, some see it differently and expressed their opinions. That's how it should be, right? I'm not justifying myself, I just explained my "guideline." Everything is fine!
I think your comment is great and I can totally relate. EVERYONE experiences scents differently. Okay, some might feel the same... Just because someone has a different perception of a fragrance doesn’t mean you have to be dismissive or snarky! Oh dear, what am I writing... my nose does its own thing sometimes too *g* I find Mirjam to be softly iris-vanilla dominant. It could be a "Light" from HP. Great comment!
Someone writes an honest comment and then has to justify themselves... That's why I don't like to leave comments; I leave that to those who do it well (I enjoy reading many of them)... well, I haven't tested it yet, and maybe I never will.
Now I'm going to play innocent: "Vanille d'Iris" has 8.6 points, "From Mirjam with Love" has 8.7 points. So they're quite comparable :)
Of course, that's nonsense. I know what you mean, Josie, and I agree with you on that.
By the way, 5 points doesn't mean "bad," but "average," which I think is what this scent is. I based my rating on the other fragrances I've reviewed.
A 5 is already a very poor rating here, and in my opinion, this fragrance doesn't deserve that! One should also consider the price/performance ratio; you can't expect as much from a €30 fragrance as you would from a €200 one! ;-)
By the way: Thank you so much for visiting Chance Eau Tendre... I was really happy to see you!
For me, a test is unnecessary. Thanks!
Of course, that's nonsense. I know what you mean, Josie, and I agree with you on that.
By the way, 5 points doesn't mean "bad," but "average," which I think is what this scent is. I based my rating on the other fragrances I've reviewed.