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yulyus – :
The more I wear this, the better I understand the riddle of the composition.
It is like being in the middle of a mysterious experience. This fragrance is a journey of discovery everytime I wear it.
What I discover is an evolution in beautifull fragrant elements combined, and together they work like magic on me. This is oe of the most beloved modern fragrances that I have explored.
I think that Mandragore would be worth a try for guys who would like a different spicy fragrance, that is not all too harsh, and a very fine alternative to some of the heavy oud fragrances of today.
veter611 – :
I tried the mens version. Very pleasant warm weather daytime citrusy scent with star anise. Dominant notes are: very strong bergamot which is too much imo, mint, ginger, star anise. There’s a similar scent called Eisenberg Eau Fraiche Homme which feels more fresh and better blended with more pronounced mint, star anise notes and well balanced bergamot. Performance is moderate overall.
oleniha2008 – :
Unique. And I really love it: ginger, anise, pepper with a little citrus. It has a dry spicy quality, all on a delicious green base. It has a very natural, niche vibe.
What I don’t like is the fleeting aspect, it’s a skin scent after a few minutes on me. I’m going to try the EDP version with the high hopes that this gets past my longevity issue.
IonillUtido – :
This is my second time trialing this one. Yes, sillage and longevity are not great. But it smells like the green fruit tingle and that’s making me smile so I’m still counting it as a win. No full bottle here, but I’m enjoying wearing it for the limited time I’ll spend with it.
PASCAL – :
Maybe because of its spicy herbal, exotic sillage it happens that whenever I smell Mandragore EdP I have a craving for Asia: Hong Kong, Shanghai or Jakarta…quite unusual sillage for my western European nose (and I’m a reluctant traveller), this slightly strange perfume gives a thrill…
lyubimov66 – :
This perfume really isn’t ‘me’ – it’s super spicy-aromatic, so when I got a sample I wasn’t expecting to adore it.
That being said, I liked it a lot more than I thought I would. That grassy-spicy-peppery smell is almost like cookery – if there was only a burnt woodsy note, it would be like something cooking on a campfire in a rainy forest.
I won’t be buying a bottle, since I enjoyed Songes so much more on my skin, but it’s certainly not a forgettable fragrance.
guschinserega – :
Reminds me a rainy and windy day, the smell of the air after raining.
I like the star anise playing with the sage and boxwood….quite a melanconic perfume, but unique. Sadly so soft.
DON4IK – :
I knew I had to try Mandragore when I saw it described as “a witchy kind of citrus”, and I knew I had to have a full bottle as soon as I confirmed that delightful description for myself. So I have to admit I’m not sure how much of my love for this one is fueled by that idea, but I don’t mind, because the fact remains that it really is very easy to go along with it. Very easy to imagine a happy, summery witch’s cottage whenever I smell this lovely concoction of herbs, mild spices and citruses. It’s bright at first and softer later on, but a mood lifter in any phase, a wonderful escape on those days when my own life seems dreary and far removed from that imaginary cottage.
Deroxhboqf – :
Very realistic mint and anise fragrance with a bergamot opening. Evoking a lush dark green forest. Of the other notes listed I only really get black pepper and a powdery iris – both more prominent as it dries.
This is my first Annick Goutal and I’m a fan of this herbal brew. My partner says he would wear it too, so certifiably unisex.
The greenes of the mint and the star anise give it a green vegatable fennel tone. As it dries the spice blend takes the lead with just a hint of sweetness. This balencing act between the cold mint and warm anise+spice is what makes this unique, mysterious and a little mystical.
By late drydown the mint has burned off, and the black pepper note reminds me of Cartier Declaration. All in all a very natural smelling spicy aromatic with a great name and concept behind it. Would give 5 stars if it was lasted longer.
⛤⛤⛤⛤
swi652JeomiWogkig – :
Lighter and more sparkly than expected, given the notes below the citrus.
torero80 – :
Tart, green herbal. Fresh, zesty citrus and herbals over a comforting powdery base. I can see the comparison to Bvlgari’s green tea fragrance – it does have a green tea vibe. What I can’t see is all the love this gets. I liked it well enough but it’s not earth-shattering. If you’re looking for a citrus fragrance with some oomph, one that won’t burst on the scene and then just as quickly slink away, this is a good one to get. Fresh, lively, and pleasant without being wearying.
xjhk – :
Heavens this is delightful. Curiously my first thought was of the sherbet dib dabs of my childhood.
I love the fresh bergamot opening. It is fresh yet sweet with no harshness. The anise is present but not very strong. I definitely get a minty freshness. The pepper and ginger are low key but add that necessary accent and carry through to the end. I can’t make out the boxwood or iris. This is a very well blended fragrance.
My bottle is the square frosted finish one for men. This is most definitely unisex. Its a delicious citrus/herbal delight. Very easy to wear.
My only gripe is that it doesn’t last long and retracts to a skin scent in no time at all. I will forgive it though because I love it so. I didn’t mean to rhythm lol
RavenStorm – :
Mandragore is a disappointingly thin citrus-woods concoction with a touch of herbal elements. There is a nice initial accord of bergamot with ginger, which is quickly joined by some green, woody aspects, and the show is over within an hour.
2/5 (negative)
kenwud – :
This is nice – kind of herbal and natural smelling – Lolita Lempicka done in the Annick Goutal style.
soundsart – :
Madrona, I totally agree! France in a bottle! I keep my little bottle in the fridge, because it makes a lovely cooling spritz, but sometimes I forget it’s not a refreshing drink and have to stop myself glugging straight from the bottle. Annick Goutal is (was, sadly) queen of natural smelling beauties.
chuvak26 – :
Sparkly unisex concoction somewhere between herbes-de-provence spice mix and citrus essential oil. Smells almost culinary. Let’s go to France.
IrrackEcorm – :
Thank, God for pre-batched perfume sample packs that force me to try something I’d never normally reach for.
Mandragore by name conjured for me an image of a dark witch’s brew of some sort. Interestingly enough, I got only bright, fresh, natural, and uplifting on my skin.
First blast came out as all citrus and settled quickly into citrus, a subtle pepper you find only when you breathe deeply, ginger, and herbs. I could not detect any flower notes although they are listed.
I would gift this to my quirky, off-beat friends who dislike “perfume.” Very cool choice of ingredients that works very well together.
Projection= minimal
Longevity= moves quickly to a skin scent on me
Wear= day, spring, office-friendly, easy-to-wear
buywowgoldtrm – :
This is the freshest perfume I ever smelled. It made me almost feel cold, no joke. On me I smelled mainly fresh anise and citrus, not too sour but neither sweet. It’s perfect for summer, it just doesn’t last long. Sillage was soft.
mnml – :
Goes on a bright, crisp citrus in the top but quickly becomes herbal. The sage is pungent. This is unisex but not a citrus on the drydown. It is a summer herbal mixer.
Snap – :
The perfect herbal summer refresher. It’s a minty aniseed garden scent that smells just like the mint fennel hanging basket I have, delicious!
adenuathe – :
I’ve got samples for Mandragore and Mandragore Pourpre, and I did some comparison test for these two perfumes.
In common: the two are both natural herbal fragrances (I think most of Annick Goutal’s works are like this), smalls like cool woodland or a fresh meadow. If you’re a lover of natural scents, give it a try. The longevity of both are moderate, they do not last more than 3 hours on me in summer days.
The difference: Both are good herbal scents with only slight difference, Pourpre is spicier and woodier, the original is fresher and has a more citrusy beginning. I personally prefer the original one. I think it’s good enough to enjoy both samples from them, and I won’t buy for the very high pricing.
emeleysantya – :
this starts off light and green with star anise, then it gets fairly peppery on me and there’s something a little odd and unrecognizable to me. maybe it’s boxwood? i don’t think i’ve ever tried that note in a scent before now. i am trying this on a hot day and it seems like a good summer scent-peppery citrus. the iris gets more intense as time goes on and by this point the pepper has died down and it’s mostly a citrus-iris scent. it reminds me of that vintage makeup scent mixed with citrusses, it’s soft and not overpowering and very refreshing. great warm weather scent! 🙂
GegegrotDed – :
I just got a tester of this and was expecting something deeper and more mysterious; on my skin it smells very zesty and citrus-y, a bit sharp, even. Hanging on to it for another attempt.
Assassino131 – :
Sharp, tart herbal opening. Invigorating and slightly medicinal; wakes you up! I can really smell the mint early on. As the top fizzes off it turns more green in a soapy, masculine way. Bright but with some body and warmth. Very dry and aromatic during the drydown. A really unusual fragrance and not what I’d associate with “perfume”; it’s like something you’d splash on your body after a long night out and you want to wake up ready for the day. It’s an update of old school citrus/herbal colognes, like 4711 or Florida Water, but it lasts quite a bit longer than either of those. Smells like my image of Greece; a white bright day, citrus groves mixed with aromatic herbs in the dry breeze. Cheerful, energetic, and a lot of fun.
AAA7 – :
I don’t think this is as green/fresh and summery as most reviews here seem to describe. To me this is warm orange pekoe tea stirred with a black licorice stick. This is orange first, anise second and ginger and pepper last. While (very) mildly spicy, it is light and transparent. Because of this, this is good for layering with a stronger, spicier scent (this pairs well with Tom Ford Noir and Tuscan Leather). When worn alone, I agree with everyone that the projection and longevity is on the weak side. But it is very natural smelling, and it gives off an expensive aura. On a masculine/feminine scale, this tips slightly more masculine to me. Bottom line, a very nice, high quality fragrance. I blind bought on eBay for a crazy cheap price and couldn’t be happier with it. Thumbs way way up.
Sweelcowkem – :
UGH.
Must be my skin because on me this smells like nothing so much as orange pez. It’s horrid.
almaz2011 – :
The opening smells like a mojito (lime and mint) + anise all muddled together. It’s incredibly fresh, invigorating and vivacious. But then the lime and mint quickly fade to give way to anise which seems to overpower everything else for a while and it becomes far too licorice-y for my taste.
I never liked licorice. In a bag of jelly beans I would always throw the licorice ones away. So to smell of something I hated for a day would be like punishment.
Thankfully (or not depending on if you like it) sillage and longevity are both low.
4/10
alexSTbfm1 – :
A beautiful scent from Annick Goutal, one of many. I love the mint in this with the anis, I like all of it. The only thing I don’t like is the longevity, I’m lucky to get an hour as a skin sent, so sad as it’s a keeper fragrance on smell alone.
kinoktin12 – :
Opening “pungent” due to pepper and immediately intrigued me .. after a while come into play the other notes and is something truly magical .. like a spell, opening initial pungent, evolves as magically if you are thrown on a forest, with a magic potion in his hands running through the woods … After a while it becomes a kind of perfume Amaro/Spicy with a light background of Iris and Sage .. really sublime! The mint gives freshness to the composition. I am very passionate about the fragrances of Annick Goutal, and this fragrance I like, I really like .. is also mysterious and slightly dusty. (Just like the plant), looking, light and woody, with a hint of magic ….. Unfortunately the sillage is very soft, and the average longevity (3-4-hour on me) .. but still it another masterpiece Goutal. I’d like to use it for the days of spring or summer …! I like, and I think that will become part of my collection!
Sillage: 5/10
Longevity: 6/10
Scent: 8.5/10
Overall: 8.5/10
siniy_8181 – :
Blind buy. Worth it! I like that mint sniff it has in it. It makes the whole scent fresh and clean but yet it’s more complex than that. A well rounded “keeper” scent for me. Happy for the purchase. I like ginger, mint, anis and everything else in this perfume and it comes together awesomely. I do feel it’s light and not strong but that is fine. I can smell it and I like it! So, it’s strong enough.
Deathknight010 – :
Steampunk fragrance! You might not get dressed like the one, but your attitude should be that kind of thing – of Helena Bonham Carter – half victorian witch, half guest from the future.
Also on me its a predominantly sage and anis scent, – dark mysterious, very very dry, dusty, like a totally burned by sun hay on the fields. And you waking up in a haystack with grass-blades in your hair.
It might be pure luck, but I don’t have difficulties with longevity of Mandragore whatsoever.
Big love for originality.
viktorkorleone – :
This is a pretty, fresh scent for about 10 minuets. Then it’s gone. Very light, clean, and citrusy. Perfect for summer. To increase staying power I tried to spray on while clothed! Didn’t even last on my clothes. This is really sad as it is so nice. I’m glad I tried it, but there won’t be a repeat buy.
Maybe the people at Annick Goutal could re-formulate it to give it better longevity?
Лиана57 – :
Daynierds, different strokes for different folk. It’s ok that you don’t quite get what others are ‘getting’ from this fragrance, and it’s ok to completely disagree. But. Please mind your language. Abbreviated swearing is STILL swearing. And, there’s no need to be rude… (I imagine you’d say it was a joke… But really?)
Check the tone of others who don’t like a fragrance… Compare.
Just saying.
Thanks.
gangsta777 – :
“Summer lovin’, have me a blast!”
So lovely, and an original take on the spiced citrus genre. I know absolutely nothing about mandrake, so I can’t comment on how well it has or hasn’t been interpreted here, but I do know I now want to find out more.
This opens with a bergamot blast, then very soon becomes pepper and sunshine. The anise is delicate and stays lingering in the background, which, as much as I love the note, is just as well here or it would overwhelm. The mint gives this such a refreshing kick.
This is a walk along the cliffs on a bright, clear day. The ocean is still below, there isn’t a cloud in the sky and you’re flying a kite.
Lovely. Really, really lovely.
hawker – :
Annick Goutal’s Mandragore reminds me of a scene in the 1980’s vampire film The Lost Boys, when the main characters’ grandpa says “….well that’s about as close to town as I like to get.”
My perfume shelf is filled mostly with deep, dark, resinous fragrances, and Mandragore, with it’s bright lemony/peppery opening that quickly fades to a soft minty, bergamot, is as close to a “summer scent” as I like to get.
It’s a lovely, (softly) zingy scent that calls to mind some sort of herbal shandy one might drink to refresh one’s self at the close of a balmy June afternoon. Unfortunately, much like the buzz from this weak cocktail, the scent lasts but a moment and is gone.
Discmal – :
Bergamot, mint and pepper, full on. The star anise pops in and out, and the ginger is a steady underlying note. Wow the pepper. I’m glad I love it, because on me it’s the star, with the citrus and mint there to harmonize and smooth out some of the bite. The flowers come out in time to round things out just a bit more, soft velvety notes. This is my kind of scent – spicy, woody, green bitter citrus and herbs. I think this one would be suitable for any time of day or year – it’s more about mood than climate. It does remind me a little of Roma, another favorite, as they’re both bergamot and mint based and spicy. To me, the difference is that Roma is a balsamic, mediterranean citrus, terra-cotta-baked earthy, spicy scent and this is a more cloaked, pungent herbal, oriental incense-powdery, darkly woody scent. I only wish it had the same amazing longevity as Roma, this seems to fade kind of fast on my skin.
Aivan78 – :
This opens with an accord much like a gin and tonic made with a great deal of fresh lime, and then rapidly translates to what can only be described as sprite and anise.
Next comes a little bit of cummin, and with that note this fragrance also leaves the unisex arena and becomes pretty much a male cologne to my nose.
Curiously I can’t detect any pepper at any stage of development, nor any ginger. Just an on-going, earthy, generic herbal/spice blend, a bit like an oldfashioned healthfood co-op.
Very unusual but not very appealing – to me at least.
Ryibka78 – :
First off, I have the so-called “masculine” bottle and while I don’t typically care about bottles one iota, it is beautiful! I also really like this fragrance. It opens up with a very tart, citrusy accord and smoothes out into more of a typical cologne olfactory stucture but instead of the more common lemon/orange citrus it has a sharper and more interesting (to me anyway) accord.Almost sour, in a good way. A great example that “fresh” scents can be more than shower clean.
3309157 – :
I have to agree with one review here that this is really unusual in a good way though… the opening is citrusy, then the star anise shows up after few minutes and then what I believe is the mandragore root stays, really similar to ginger smell as well.
I really enjoy this fragance, it is really fresh, clean and unusual.
petrovna-gallina – :
Mandragore is fresh and uplifting, but for my money Roma by Laura Biagiotti does this better, and for less.
PonsCigarettes – :
Definitely not a fan of this. It just smells like lemon and licorice on me. Not something I find at all pleasant
nassa – :
Mandragore is indeed a “fresh spicy” scent. It is quite citrusy, with a lemon fresh opening–tart and astringent–that dries down to a zesty green bergamot scent. I detect the ginger and mint faintly, and really don’t smell the anise (although I have a hard time smelling anise sometimes). I think it smells vaguely like the Aqua Allegoria Limon Verde by Guerlain–an obscure frag, but one I just tried, so the similarity is based on proximity in my mind. Limon Verde is lighter and more fresh, while the bergamot in Mandragore is deeper and richer; but the fresh citrus quality is similar.
Sillage is low, longevity at least 2 hours so far. Would be a nice summer scent for those wanting a refreshing splash of citrus.
0SKIF0 – :
Mandragore was inspired by the mandrake plant, one which is the source of folklore and legend. Mandrake root looks rather like a sage old man–twisted and knotty, similar to ginseng root. Mandrake is also a nightshade plant and reported to cause delirium and madness. It is also known as Satan’s apple.
Surrounding folklore considered, I had my expectations built for a fragrance with a mysterious story to tell.
And so… Mandragore opens with the archetypical cologne note of strong but cheerful bergamot accented with subtle ginger and black pepper–a little bit of a nose tickler. Mint and sage are not sharp nor overt, but rather balance the opening nicely. Anise also adds a touch of sweetness, but just a little, and adds barely a scant whisper of an unfulfilled promise of something that could have been truly enigmatic.
A kiss of powdery iris and a touch of musky labdanum barely hinting at an ancient healing resin, is then detectable in the drydown. Personally, I think though, that the culmination is way too subtle to warrant such a mysterious name in such a mythically colored bottle. Also, some retailers claim that mandrake powder is an ingredient used in this composition where others claim that mandrake is merely the inspiration and namesake.
I feel that all the ingredients are there for a potentially outstanding fragrance, but the execution is off the mark. I feel rather crestfallen because I believe that this could have truly been a delirium inducing fragrance had it been composed in different proportions.
seregasawin – :
Spicy, peppery bergamot. It’s interesting, but to me it smells like citrus blended with licorice. Also it also smells like there are so medical notes here. I am not a fan, although I love citrus perfumes.
djaxa3313 – :
I’ve tried Mandragore a few times now and I have to say it’s unique. A herbal, spicy fragrance that opens with citrus then becomes all about a heart of aniseed, mint and pepper. The mint is very menthol like and darkly medicinal in it’s feel. I can’t help but feel this fragrance is like something from a bygone era, almost a medieval potion mashed in a pestle and mortar by an apothecary. I love the smell of star anise and the combination with mint and sage just in essence but not something I’d consider wearing on my skin also the longevity of this juice is not up to scratch for the quality I’ve experienced from this house in the past.
An interesting fragrance this one, worth sniffing out.
ssnik74 – :
Annick Goutal fragrance’s are created with a unique aroma making them definitely attractive. Mandragore EDT has a AWESOME aroma which opens with bergamot and pepper. Star anise, mint and sage gives it a slightly sweet/herbal notes as well a definite citrus note. The base is made with floral notes of iris, labdanum and boxwood making it really enjoyable to wear during the summer months.
Longevity is moderate and Silage is also very good. The quality of this fragrance is PHENOMENAL for those men and women who want a frag that grabs your attention this fragrance will captivate those around you.
Overall thoughts,
This is my first frag from this French power house, I’m certainly going to try and acquire several others which I know I won’t be disappointed with. I have worn this frag at work several times and a couple of women fell in love with this fragrance and they ordered it on-line. Annick Goutal’s fragrance’s are created with LUXURIOUS aroma.
◆◆◆If you’ve never tried this fragrance, it’s not your garden variety of citrus summer scent.◆◆◆◆ If want a gorgeously fragrance, this fragrance falls in that category…..in a word STUPENDOUS !!
Rating this fragrance is a no brainer….a PERFECT 10
rizvan – :
I got this for my husband and he really loves it. Let me say, he has never enjoyed wearing scent and is very fussy about it on other people. I have been trying to coax him into the rich world of fragrance without success until now. Mandragore is the one, and he likes it so much that he has even suggested that I switch to something by Annick Goutal as the perfumes are so well made. Bravo, Maison Goutal!
He finds that Mandragore smells clear, natural, citrus, spicy and unusual, and I have to agree! I have taken to pinching it and spraying it on myself on a worryingly regular basis… To try and sort the issue, I have just ordered myself the Nuit Etoilée as a spring fragrance for me…
The sillage is average, and I find the lasting power pretty good – 6 hours. I am gradually getting used to the idea that people do not need to smell me coming, and nor is it polite to foist your perfume onto colleagues and strangers. I don’t like it when it happens to me: today when I was at the chemist’s, the lady at the next checkout had the most hideous and overpowering scent on – god knows what it was – but it made me wish for more Goutal-esque sillage.
Lots of people feel disappointed that Mandragore doesn’t have more warmth to it, and I think that is the fault of the mauve bottle that lead people to expect something more rounded and feminine. Goutal have switched to a clear bottle, which is a shame for me as I think the coloured bottles are gorgeous, but it might prevent this disappointment. It remains a lovely, fresh, spicy fragrance without ever becoming boring.
Memjg146intitytek – :
I think I was too taken by the name, which made me think I would be whisked away to an exotic, opulent location. Instead, I smell like a post-shower football player. This is much more masculine that I’d expected, and the pervasive citrus makes it smell far too clean for my tastes. There is a little spice to it, but it’s hard to find through the strong bergamot scent. Think lemon-ginger tea. The name and bottle do this scent a disservice, as they hint at a femininity that isn’t there.
Adahdiala – :
Fresh, spicy and full of citrus. Cute composition of herbs, citrus and pepper. Not the most feminine scent, but refreshing and interesting.
It very green and close to nature – makes me think of fields and forests.
uzb960speagoessenda – :
Mandragore by Annick Goutal is what I imagine India smells like. It is spicy and the anise, pepper and ginger make this fragrance very exotic. On my way to work all I could say to myself was, “I smell sooooo good. This is going to be on top of my list for sure. The Miami heat gives it more projection and makes it even MORE exotic.
tqj944Unlogrere – :
This smell amazing natural, fresh and interesting.
A very herbal scent with a touch of sweet (star anise) with spices.
If you like natural, fresh and light scents, you must test it.
I love it.
Longevity is around 5-7 hours and sillage moderate.
scent: 9/10
longevity: 6.5/10
sillage: 5.5/10
jlij2010 – :
When I first smelled the sample, I didn’t like it. Then once on my skin, it is quite calming and refreshing, like I just stepped out of the spa. Very natural. A bit of mint and herbs and orange zest. I also wish this lasted longer, though I do quite like it.
Edit: This morning I awoke after recovering from a migraine yesterday, wanting to still smell good, but not make the head worse. This fits the bill. So soothing and cool.
andru_74_19 – :
Utterly French. Opens with a lemon-minty yowl which quickly dries down to a real earthy bergamot fragrance, bergamot as in the herby leaves of Monarda Didyma, Oswego Tea with slice of lemon. This is the scent of my summer garden in the afternoon heat. It is a dry fragrance, hot stones, volatile herbs brushing against your ankles along the garden path. It is also a teeny bit witchy. Like a particular incense I was given by one of those artisans who create planetary incenses, though I can’t remember which one, I think it may have had something to do with the cat goddess, Bast. The scent of this has gusted at me from the opening door of every French perfumerie/pharmacie I have ever visited,so it must be terribly popular. Not sure if I could wear it upon my person n winter, but I would be more than happy to use it on cool summer evenings. A real nature girl winner.
gornaik – :
I’ve worn this a few times – including now and thought I’d wait before giving my review for it. At first, I really wasn’t sure about Mandragore…as it seemed harsh without any substance. But now that I’ve worn it a fair bit, I’ve settled on my opinion of it and feel confident enough to review.
First of all, I don’t generally pander or allow myself to be governed by what Season a perfume is made for. For instance, many people say Womanity should be worn in Winter – I disagree and consider it more of a Summer scent. I also view Black Orchid as an “all year” scent while most would say it works best in the Fall or cooler weather 🙂
When it comes to this one though? Summer only in my opinion. It’s FRESH, and by fresh I mean straight out of your herb garden and into your refrigerator fresh. Green, Spicy, Refreshing = Mandragore. The Bergamot is the star in this Annick Goutal creation…but it’s not alone. The Mint note is very prominent and compliments the Ginger absolutely perfectly. If any perfume could ‘cool you down’ – this would be it! The beautiful Sage, Star Anise and Iris are present, and definitely “there” – but they’re very much in the background compared with the other notes I’ve listed.
When I wear this, I think of nature – it’s complex and absolutely what I’d call sophisticated, but it’s also Earthy, REAL – natural. On a hot Summers day, Mandragore is what I will continue to reach for now that I’ve spent some time to get to know it and fall in love with it 🙂
Projection is good – nothing enormous but it’s noticed by others (usually in a good way I’ve found). The only thing letting this perfume down is it’s longevity, which is between 90 minutes and two hours on my skin. Now, if this perfume wasn’t as expensive as it is – that wouldn’t even be a negative point worth mentioning…but since this *does* carry that infamous Annick Goutal price tag, it’s worth noting and being aware of if you’re looking to buy.
Beautiful, unique scent for both women and men – one that is perfect on a hot, humid Summers day if you don’t fancy smelling like the “it”, safe perfume at the time. Just be aware it really doesn’t last long.
Dred0FF – :
I found at first spray it was ginger and spearmint with a hint of black pepper. It dries down to spearmint with an hint of anise. This is the my first fragrance that I could smell mint. ItI refreshing in the 100 degree heat. When I run out of my decant I will have to chase down a full bottle.
lysenko1009 – :
This review is based on Eau de Toilette concentration.
The initial blast of Mandragore contains a lot of bergamot, very refreshing and energetic. The citrus soon hides away as a supporting role and reveals a combination of anise, mint and ginger. It’s green, fresh, reviving, zesty and sparkling. I was overwhelmed by this phase as this combination of spices which is usually thick, actually delivers such an unusually translucent scent.
However, this phase doesn’t hold up very long and it soon was taken over by a spicy and earthy scent. The spices are still the same as above, but no longer freshly picked. They’re dried and their ultimate spiciness are sublimed. Interestingly the fragrance remains ethereal even at this stage.
Unfortunately, Mandragore turns bland and watery afterwards, and loses its vivacity and strength. It was soft at the beginning and now it stays extremely close to skin. It dies after about 4 or 5 hours on me, which is weak among those I tried from Annick Goutal.
Mandragore, in contrary to the prune bottle and the mysterious name, is actually green to my nose. I appreciate the aromatic and spicy stages towards the beginning very much. However, these interesting stages doesn’t last long (about 1 hour) and the fragrance itself either, which implies frequent reapplication to me. I’m curious if EDP would suit me better.
Nontheless, this should not hold you back from trying it. This green aromatic fragrance, lasting or not, has a very interesting twist that can hardly be described, but to be experienced by oneself.
fardead – :
I used a sample of this and found that it smelled very much like “B Scent” from Lush. I think I’ll just buy B Scent, since it’s much cheaper and has a better lasting power.
vasipyk – :
I am wondering whether I wrote a review of this before and it was deleted by many negative reviews or I never actually did so, which sounds strange given that I thought of it during many months, tried to see what to say about it and sold it to a (girl) friend eventually.
Now I’ve bought it again and the first one to be surprised was that friend of mine:”Why again? didn’t you sell it cause you didn’t use it?”
Ok, so? That first time Mandragore came to my desire once I planned my summer and thought I wanted a fresh scent that didn’t bring to mind popular sporty and lemon-centered scents. It then was logically an amazing choice since it’s delicious and sort of unisex (it leans towards feminine to me but without being obviously girly). It smells different without a doubt, airy and spicy. I still believe it is a wonderful choice for guys but I got rid of it at some point and if I don’t have a bad memory it was due to a mix