Star by Mauboussin

What a gem this perfume is! The three phases are distinct, and it’s absolutely not linear. The fruity opening sparkles, but my favourite part is the evolution and dry-down. I’m not usually a sweet person, and this is ideal: there is sweetness, but no bubblegum or dessert vibes; instead, it’s a sophisticated, spiced vanilla. It lasts over 8 hours on skin without being intrusive. 10/10, one of my best purchases.

Mauboussin Star has a strong presence without being overpowering. It lasts well throughout the day with a moderate trail that is noticeable yet not overwhelming; perfect for events where you want to stand out. Ideal for fresh climates or effortless elegant evenings. Sophisticated but easy to wear. It’s already my favourite spiced vanilla.

Luxurious presentation, attractive and in tune with the scent, although the cap is a bit tricky to remove. The opening is very sweet and fruity; I detect fig and pineapple perfectly, accompanied by an undeclared spicy note (some say pepper, I sense oud) that lingers in the dry-down. Then the pineapple recedes and coconut and vanilla settle in, with tonka bean and praline joining the mix. Very sweet but not cloying; it projects well on skin. I sprayed it in the room and it lasted a while, giving me confidence in its intensity. A real gem for this winter.

Exquisite. When the perfume oxidises on the skin, only the coconut and vanilla remain, creating a rich, soft sweetness; I feel it lasts quite a while and I can detect the pineapple at the start. Simply wonderful.

Lovely perfume, vanilla-forward, then pepper, spices and woods emerge… it doesn’t project much, but it’s noticeable when you’re close. It feels like a Lush turmeric latte, which is said to be a dupe for a replica… I’m not sure if it is, but it’s worth it. Distinct from typical gourmand scents, it feels like those elegant divas from years ago (the perfume isn’t vintage, but it has that missing spicy line). It might last 2 to 3 hours, but it’s very good for personal use. I’ll wear it in autumn-winter, because in March in Chile the heat isn’t conducive to wearing it much, but it’s worth it: it’s not expensive and very enjoyable.

A lovely fragrance, vanilla-forward, then pepper and spices with woods emerge. It doesn’t project much, but it is noticeable when you are very close. It reminds me of the Turmeric Latte from Lush, which is said to be a dupe for Replica… I’m not sure if that’s the case, but it is worth it. Very distinct from typical gourmand scents and evokes those elegant divas of the past (note: the perfume isn’t vintage, but these spicier notes are much needed). Perhaps it lasts two to three hours, but it’s excellent for personal use. I will wear it in autumn and winter as I am in Chile in March and the heat makes it hard to appreciate, but it is worth it; it’s not expensive and very enjoyable.

This proposal lives up to its name, ‘a star’. I dare say it’s been one of my best purchases of 2023. The bottle is beautiful; I haven’t seen such a unique packaging in the current perfume scene. It has three very marked phases and a lovely evolution. In the opening, there’s more than just fig and pineapple; I also detect pepper (similar to Mademoiselle Twist from this house), followed by coconut. The most beautiful part is the dry-down: the tonka bean shines with a prominent Virginia cedar and light hints of tobacco (it’s subtle, but I sense it). I’d summarise it as a fruity aroma with tonka bean, vanilla and tobacco. I met it in winter, but I think it can be worn in other seasons. Although it’s for women, men can wear it too; it’s a unisex proposal.