Lipstick On Maison Margiela 2015

During my vacation, I also spent a few days with my parents. Whenever we have the chance, my mother and I take these opportunities to simply go on a shopping spree. So, we did this time as well. Of course, our path led us to "Douglas," as my mother urgently needed a new lipstick. It should be "something between pink (not too pink) and definitely not bright red." All clear? Not for me, at least. Well, lipsticks are just not my domain ;-)
Anyway, there was an older couple standing next to us, both around 60, very well-groomed and with an absolutely positive aura. The lady was also looking for a new lipstick (is it contagious?), and the saleswoman was eager to sell her a bright red one from Dior, claiming it would be a great contrast to her white hair. The lady didn't seem very satisfied, and her husband also appeared less than enthusiastic. And then he said a sentence that I probably won't forget anytime soon because it came straight from the heart: "Erika, please take a pink lipstick again, because that's how I got to know you, and that was the moment I knew you would be the woman of my life." Needless to say, she then chose a rose-colored lipstick (my mom did too, by the way).

What does this have to do with "Replica - Lipstick On" by Maison Martin Margiela? At first glance, nothing, but what ultimately connects them, I will reveal later.

"Replica - Lipstick On" by Maison Martin Margiela had been on my wishlist for a long time (the terms "Lipstick" and "Iris-Concrete" had done their job), before my curiosity could be satisfied through a sharing.

"Replica - Lipstick On" starts pleasantly and subtly vanilla (Heliotrope) fresh (Neroli), but one should not expect a freshness kick here. It is more of a hint of fresh and slightly citrusy vanilla. However, even in this early phase of the fragrance, the first but clear signs of iris and the infamous lipstick accord appear. I like it, that much is already clear.

The iris impression now increasingly intensifies, becoming more tangible without acting like a fragrance bulldozer. Fine vanilla wafts (bright and sensual) embrace the iris, which completely avoids any metallic or androgynous attitudes, and together they form a powdery scent veil of the highest class. Tonka bean and patchouli subtly blend into this mélange without making it sticky or overly sweet. I would describe this as a mature sweetness.
A slight (minimal!) "bitterness" that is permanently present from the heart note (which I don't know who or what contributes to) also prevents the fragrance from becoming too sweet and cloying.

From here on, "Replica - Lipstick On" does not change significantly (for me). The powdery lipstick accord lies softly on my skin and rekindles anew through body warmth.

"Replica - Lipstick On" is undoubtedly a powdery iris fragrance, yet it is not or only conditionally comparable to Dior's "Homme Intense" or "1889 - Moulin Rouge" by Histoires de Parfums, as "Replica - Lipstick On" presents itself much more restrained and introverted.
The most fitting comparison in terms of scent character would be Chanel's "Misia," only that "Replica - Lipstick On" proves to have significantly more staying power (for me). Therefore, I wouldn't simply dismiss it as just another powder fragrance, but rather grant it its own place in this segment.

"Replica - Lipstick On" is, in my view, a mature, timeless, and unpretentious fragrance that, despite its "sweetness" and powderiness, displays a charming seriousness. A fragrance that does not disguise but rather dresses, a fragrance that flatters its wearer, a fragrance that appears natural rather than forced, a fragrance that provides a sense of well-being.
The simple shape of the bottle, the rather sober label, and the color of the fragrance (not girlie pink, but a mature rose between pink and red) further emphasize these impressions.

"Replica - Lipstick On" is therefore, in my view, an absolute test recommendation for all (female and male) iris and lipstick accord fans who like it powdery, but not overly so.

And to return to my introduction, the riddle is now solved: "Replica - Lipstick On" feels mature, confident, and loving, just like the touching couple who were looking for a lipstick but seemed to have already found the most important thing in life.....