I did not like Marlou’s first two fragrances, 50ml d’Ambiguité and L’Animal Sauvage (both 2017), but was curious to smell their more recent work, of which Luckyscent kindly sent samples. I am, in principle, in favor of an outfit whose mission statement reads, “We work with notes described as animal.” Animalic notes provide the grip that makes a fragrance stick to a person, as opposed to floating in their general proximity. Though a welcome corrective to hygienic blandness, 50ml and l’Animal lacked intrinsic interest. However, as it happens, after smelling Grandiflora’s superb floral essays for a few days, smelling the new Marlous felt like putting on Edith Piaf after a week’s worth of Corelli. These four most recent ones are much more serious. They tell interesting stories beyond the brand’s initial retro “badger’s bum” vibe.
For paid subscribers: reviews of Corpalium, Poudrextase, Carnicure and Ambilux.
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