Top Notes 
Fruits
Aldehydes
Bergamot
Coriander
Galbanum
Tarragon
Heart Notes 
Geranium
Lily of the valley
Jasmine
Rose
Base Notes 
Musk
Tonka bean
Amber
Sandalwood
Vanilla
Cedar
01/21/2012
Apicius
224 Reviews
Apicius
Very helpful Review
8
A Spritz of Marble!
Today, I am wearing Minotaure by Paloma Picasso. I wore it a lot back in the early 1990's when it was released: it was – and still is! - an oriental men's fragrance of a special kind. This special kind of oriental has to do with the world of ancient Greece and Rome. This very dry combination of sandalwood with powdery musk, vanilla and tonka bean gives me the impression of marble from Carrara – being processed by slaves in an ancient manufacture. If marble dust had a scent, it would very likely be like Minotaure!
Minotaure is not the only “marble scent”. Shortly after its release, Laura Biagiotti came out with “Roma Uomo”, and Nikos with “Sculpture Homme”. They all have this dry dustiness, and they all refer to the ancient world with their names. So, I think, maybe I am not the only one who gets these pictures. You can also describe the overall impression as dry and earthy – or better: like sand. Minotaure is an autumn scent, and also the musty smell of fallen leaves may remind you of it. As the name indicates, Minotaure is not a too artificial or elegant perfume – it is a white bull! I'd say that this earthy fragrance might mostly appeal to men who by themselves feel grounded and down-to-earth. Minotaure was the Terre d'Hermès of the 1990's.
I remember their original ad campaign: When you bought it, they also gave you an unglazed perfumed red clay fragment that you could put in your drawer. The rough texture of this ancient looking shard fit perfectly with the character of Minotaure.
When Minotaure was released, it was a powerhouse fragrance. A few spritzes of it went a long way. After my leftover Minotaure had finally got rotten, I wondered if I should buy it again. Of course, it was reformulated – but its basic character is not lost. The bull just has been reduced of some of its strength – so it is actually easier to wear. But the “marble” appeal has not changed. I'd say, Minotaure was modernized with consideration.
My review at the German Parfumo site tells a different story. That type of Minotaure that I had come across about two years ago was horrible – also tamed down, but with a very questionable twist towards Le Mâle plagiarism. I cannot confirm this is the case with the Minotaure I bought a few days ago, so maybe another reformulation has corrected some errors. After all, you cannot really be sure what you are getting – even if you think you know it from the past. Minotaure is a try before you buy fragrance.
Minotaure will not become an every day scent for me – but with its dusty and sand-like appeal it is something that one likes to wear to get grounded again, preferably on wet and cold autumn and winter days.
Minotaure is not the only “marble scent”. Shortly after its release, Laura Biagiotti came out with “Roma Uomo”, and Nikos with “Sculpture Homme”. They all have this dry dustiness, and they all refer to the ancient world with their names. So, I think, maybe I am not the only one who gets these pictures. You can also describe the overall impression as dry and earthy – or better: like sand. Minotaure is an autumn scent, and also the musty smell of fallen leaves may remind you of it. As the name indicates, Minotaure is not a too artificial or elegant perfume – it is a white bull! I'd say that this earthy fragrance might mostly appeal to men who by themselves feel grounded and down-to-earth. Minotaure was the Terre d'Hermès of the 1990's.
I remember their original ad campaign: When you bought it, they also gave you an unglazed perfumed red clay fragment that you could put in your drawer. The rough texture of this ancient looking shard fit perfectly with the character of Minotaure.
When Minotaure was released, it was a powerhouse fragrance. A few spritzes of it went a long way. After my leftover Minotaure had finally got rotten, I wondered if I should buy it again. Of course, it was reformulated – but its basic character is not lost. The bull just has been reduced of some of its strength – so it is actually easier to wear. But the “marble” appeal has not changed. I'd say, Minotaure was modernized with consideration.
My review at the German Parfumo site tells a different story. That type of Minotaure that I had come across about two years ago was horrible – also tamed down, but with a very questionable twist towards Le Mâle plagiarism. I cannot confirm this is the case with the Minotaure I bought a few days ago, so maybe another reformulation has corrected some errors. After all, you cannot really be sure what you are getting – even if you think you know it from the past. Minotaure is a try before you buy fragrance.
Minotaure will not become an every day scent for me – but with its dusty and sand-like appeal it is something that one likes to wear to get grounded again, preferably on wet and cold autumn and winter days.
3 Comments
ChicoRoch1
Elysium
Jazzy76
