Merit beauty products are a firm favourite amongst editors, so you can imagine our joy at discovering the brand has just launched. While I'm stocking up on the makeup and skincare products I've come to rely on from Merit, I'm also very tempted to invest in a fresh bottle of its brand-new perfume, Retrospect. I was sent a bottle when it launched last month, and while you can read my full review on it below, let me just say this for now—I'm thinking about buying it as a Christmas gift for a friend, too. If you need more convincing, read my review on it below.
Key notes: Bergamot, pear, ambrette, aldehydes, jasmine, rose, rosemary, violet, orris, vanilla, musk and moss
Pros: More affordable than most luxury perfumes, chic packaging, smells expensive, and perfect for every day
Cons: Have to top up throughout the day for lasting impact
Customer review: In true Merit fashion, the packaging of this perfume is stunning. As for the scent, it smells sophisticated, classy, and clean. It’s not overwhelming, and I notice that I like the scent even more as it wears throughout the day. The notes are perfect for autumn/winter especially—a lovely everyday perfume!
Merit Retrospect Perfume Review
It's not often that a fragrance launch captures the attention of multiple beauty editors. With so many perfume brands out there, a new launch can sometimes feel somewhat underwhelming. That said, there have been excited whisperings throughout the industry as of late as many of us have been gearing up for one of the biggest fragrance launches of the year. I was lucky enough to get my hands on this launch a few weeks ago, and I can confirm that it's totally worth the hype.
If you're not sure what perfume I'm on about, let me introduce you. I'm sure you've all heard of cult makeup brand Merit. This brand has become a beauty editor staple thanks to the quick, easy, natural-looking formulas and clean, minimal packaging. From the viral Flush Balm to that makeup collaboration with fashion brand, Tove, it's definitely the brand to know about this season.
So, you can imagine my excitement when I heard that Merit was launching its first-ever fragrance. This perfume is just as stylish as you would expect, and it's giving me all of the cool, clean, expensive-looking vibes that I'm trying to channel this autumn. If you're looking for a new signature scent, then I highly recommend that you keep on scrolling.
What Does Merit Retrospect Smell Like?
It's the question on everyone's lips, but what does this perfume actually smell like? This scent, which was created by leading perfumer Fanny Bal (the nose behind multiple fragrances from the likes of Frederic Malle, Givenchy, and YSL), takes a layered approach, hitting different scent profiles from woody to fresh and even floral.
On the first spritz, you are welcomed by juicy pear and fresh bergamot, before rich jasmine and rose take center stage. Notes of moss give an earthy feel, while vanilla and musk add a warm, sensual edge.
If I had to describe it in three words, I'd say it's clean, soft, and luxurious. It's more of a skin-like scent, with a delicate opening that dries down to a musky, heady base. I like to think of it as the fragrance alternative to my favorite cashmere sweater. Yes, it smells expensive, but it also has this underlying, comforting sweetness to it that makes me want to wear it again and again.
How Long-Lasting Is Merit Retrospect?
Another question that I've been asked a lot is whether this perfume lasts. Interestingly enough, the concentrated formula is made up of almost 30% fragrance oil and features less alcohol content, which allows the scent to linger on the skin a lot longer than your typical perfume.
That being said, because it does have a softer, more delicate scent, I have found myself topping it up slightly throughout the day. You don't need to do this, but if you like your perfume to have a little more impact, I recommend keeping this in your handbag for the occasional spritz here and there.
Is Merit Retrospect Worth It?
All in all, I get why this fragrance has been getting so much hype. I knew that it would be good, but the brand has exceeded all expectations with this launch. Not only is the bottle itself a work of art, but the scent is a wonderful example of how delicate, skin-like scents can make just as much of an impact as punchier options on the market. If you're looking for a new perfume this autumn and winter, I highly recommend giving this a go.
Shop Merit Retrospect
Key notes: Bergamot, pear, ambrette, aldehydes, jasmine, rose, rosemary, violet, orris, vanilla, musk and moss
Get your hands on this popular scent before it sells out.
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This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
