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rao2009 – :
Male review… if that matters to you: This is a STRONG love.
On other planets maybe this smells like Tuscan Leather, but not on Earth. Honestly folks, most fragrances that have a leather note don’t smell anything like TL, and I for one am grateful for that!
To my nose it’s mainly an incense infused, tar-petrol leather, and a slightly sweet, smokey (pipe-ish) tobacco. I get a separate (mostly clean) Patchouli coming on later. While I don’t pick up Labdanum or Saffron alone I know from experience the smokey, leathery, slight-sweet, tarry and tobacco feels they can contribute when added to a leather-tobacco fragrance. My Heroine leans masculine to me (I mean about-to-fall-over masculine leaning!), even though it’s marketed to women.
Many women seem to hate it on women (themselves or others). Maybe that’s why the reviews/ratings are so bad? Most women who then gifted it to their men (or intentionally bought it for them) love to smell it on the men. Guys love it too but so few know about it. I understand. Even as a man without guidelines for myself or others I have too many closed-minded male friends, so how do I tell them (that 2-years ago) I discovered this fantastic women’s perfume at the lipstick counter at a MAC store and they really need to try it!?!
Those who know me know I’m not a fan of sweet. Lucky me as there is much less sweet here than Tuscan Leather, and even less than Ombre Leather 16 & 18. There’s just enough to make the tobacco & leather pleasant. If Estee Lauder slapped a Tom Ford label on this instead of making it a lipstick’s accessory afterthought at the MAC counter My Heroine would be $250 for 50ml.
After a very brief strong open blast of… to be frank, EVERYTHING at once, it settles and the leather, then tobacco become separately noticeable. As I said above it’s a tar-petrol leather with the pipe-ish tobacco, so even when some sweetening comes in it’s not as sweet as some of my other favorite tobacco leathers like JV Dark Rebel (sweeter throughout) or vintage MK Michael (first half is sweeter). The feel is pleasant even to picky ol’ me and lasts through the end at which time My Heroine is sweeter than the vintage MK Michael only because Michael has lost all sweetness on my skin. The leather is much more pronounced in My Heroine than Dark Rebel’s leather or Michael’s suede.
I can pick out Patchouli noticeably after an hour and it’s a nice patch. It’s not 60’s, and My Heroine is sans that thick, fake, sweet stuff they pass off as amber these days that’s typically used to cover bad patchouli. It’s almost as good as Zegna’s note in Javanese Patchouli if you know it.
A noticeable incense brings it all to my nose (and to others) for 12-hours, likely more but I seldom go longer without showering so I can’t say for sure. I won’t even guess at skin scent time. Once I had a lady tell me that I “better watch how much of that you use because it’s very strong”. I had only used 2-sprays… 9-hours ago! Depending on how cold the weather (and this is a cool to cold weather scent ONLY) I’d recommend 2-3 sprays max. And spray skin only as I’d hate to have to try getting this off clothes when it survives a scrubbing shower.
pypetetaelody – :
Oh dear God, this stuff is AWFUL! Got a free sample with some mascara I purchased. I mistakenly put it on. It reminds me of this (now discontinued) perfume my grandma Della used to wear. Literally makes my boyfriend gag. Possible uses include, a western bar or rodeo, Bingo night at the Elks Lodge, or the Leather and Lace event at your local mountain biker bar. Taking it up with me to repel bears next time I go camping. It smells like the aftermath a murderess’s bad first date, where she took off her rubber soled boots and leather jacket, along with the rest of the blood-soaked clothes, threw them in a firepit with the flowers he brought her and burnt the evidence.
taurus1985 – :
Cigarettes, a leather jacket, and burning rubber. Mmmmmmmm maybe this is what Tig from Sons of Anarchy smells like. I have a thing for Tiggy.
I picture a female like Nancy Spungen wearing this. I’m not sure it works as perfume because I don’t really want to smell like this. Bvlgari Black works better. But I’m happy with my $20 blind buy off eBay for the 50 ml. I can see this being my mood some day, I do have punk leather stuff and kickass boots. 😉
Very very smoky leather.
yaponka4 – :
Leather incense combo for sure. Stunning,and yet def not for everyone. The most masculine Mac. I LOVE this scent.
In fact…this one, Ruby Woo,Lady Danger and Creme D’Nude and Velvet Teddy are all underated gems IMO. The only one of this Shades line I don’t care for is the watery aquatic-ish gourmound…Candy Yum-Yum.
So glad to own these…back-up worthy…ect… !!!!
dtw.maximus – :
I get sweetened diesel. I couldn’t wash my skin off quite fast enough. The lingering aroma after scrubbing it down isn’t too bad, but full strength made me feel like I was sitting in the pits section at the diesel drag races, where there was an overwhelming mingling of diesel exhaust with the spectators’ fragrances. Not a sexy feeling for me.
karkasny – :
You are correct Mashka,a MAC rep let me know it’s being discontinued as soon as they are sold out so it’s best to come in. So now I got back up bottles of My Heroine & Ruby Woo, for 40% off each it’s a no brainer
This is a good scent, it works quite well during the Canadian fall/winter season. I don’t understand the hate for this fragrance.
maxmyd164 – :
From a male perspective – I am surprised I just discovered this gem.Just purchased this one is on big sale at Macy’s. Amazing leather and incense combination. Not sweet like DK Black Cashmere or Mugler AMan Leather which I love. Projection and longevity are amazing. Starts to fade on my skin only after 6 hours. 5/5 Bravo MAC! P.S. Usually when Macy’s puts fragrances 40-50% off , very likely they will be discontinued. I have learned my lessons. Better to buy the second one for later.
djsaw – :
Call me crazy but I like this! In some strange weird way. Yes, it’s motor oil and yes, everybody around me in the plane (after testing it in duty free) looked at me like I’m some hippie biker, but I still like it.
It’s totally unisex and unique. After two days I was still getting strong smell from my shirt. And it was pleasant. Hmmm, I wish if it could be softer at the beginning. This way I would use it only at home or as a base for other perfumes. Too strong and too weird.
aidafaza – :
IM TRYING REALLY HARD TO APPRECIATE…. KEROSENE??
valentin84 – :
Well this isn’t as bad as velvet teddy. I really don’t care for tobacco scents
tt9 – :
I hate it. It smells like old motor oil on me. I washed my hands and I can still smell it. So can my boyfriend sitting 2 feet away.
Laert12 – :
@heaven in a bottle review …. its heroine , not heroin . lol
dimathepro – :
This has satisfied my craving for leather. I like the reviews for this very funny. On me the leather smells very pronounced but soft with a hint of floral and incense very very nice. I think the key to this one is not to be tempted to over spray it is a strong one so overkill is possible. Very happy with it and it was such a bargain as well!
ivurt – :
MAC My Heroine, is ligit like Heroine to my noise (not that I know what thats like) but I can now serially imagine, esp after coming in contact with this frag.
Mmmmhmmhmm! I was not expecting this. At first second it was like a punch to my sinus. I was kinda confused because ive never smelt anything like this before, i thought to myself “is this smell even allowed” because it almost smelt too dangerous to be a fragrance! My nose kept wanting a sniff. I then realised the name of the fragrance “My Heroine” and i was like HELLO! Thats when I knew right there that this was something daring and edgy for me and I kinda liked how bad this made me feel hehehe at this point i thought ok i better calm down and give my “sniff dog” ways a rest.
So I took my little tester card home and placed it in my art diary. 2 days later I open the book and daaaaaamn! Oooh my life I wanna drool. Just within those few seconds of opening my book, this scent had heightened my senses so bad that i was transported to some wild imaginary dark, mysterious, sexy and exotic places within the speed of light. I have never been transported so fast. But thats what I love about a fragrance, is that its the only thing possible, that i know of, that can do that for me. And I love it. And im addicted to the heights of it. I absolutely bloody love this frag and I so desperately “not want” but “need” it. Like a Heroine addict NOTE not that I know what thats like ok! Thats how friggin goooood this is. Of course there are negatives (not from me, not EVER) about this frag, but this is my own personal honest experience nothing more or less.
Just a few words that come to mind when I get a wiff of My Heroine from within my art diary..
Hell & Heaven – Danger – Exotic – Mysteriously Dark & Sexy – Badass – Seductress – Seductive – Addiction – Sexual – Tempting – Dark – Daring – Hypnotic – Spice – Naughty
Now thats a bunch of great tags!
This frag is like the perfect way to say eff all u common & generic perfume wearers, cos u guys are a bunch a losers, and will never be on my level. Omg u see, this frag is even bringing out a bit of a daring attitude 😉
I couldnt wear this everyday though and thats due to its badass ways hehe for me its like the frag will choose the time and day hehe I love it.
I rate it a 6 out of 5 haah! Hey thanks for reading guys, and if my review was able to move your imagination/senses, or not, then my job here is done lol
MAC, dont EVER stop MY HEROINE ok, ill cry forever!
Yours truly
Ann
wol4ik75 – :
This is a formidable leather scent, more masculine than unisex. I disagree with the Tuscan Leather comparisons, it is way closer to Complex by Boadicea The Victorious. The leather is dark and edgy, not soft and buttery. In fact if we are speaking solely of the leather note in My Heroine, I believe that Gucci Guilty Absolute comes closest. Not overall, just as to the type of leather the fragrance exudes.
I just got this today, so I cannot comment with authority on longevity, but projection and sillage are very good.
If you love leather perfumes this definitely belongs in your collection. I’ve gotten three compliments already from my first wearing. Highly recommended.
dikovskii – :
This is the leather perfume I have searched for…maybe forever! All leather and smoke, and the staying power is fantastic. It’s not a chypre, which is where leather is usually found. No, there’s a tobacco sweetness to My Heroine. I can imagine this layering beautifully with many perfumes in my collection. Perfect for fall. Love love love.
oops-26 – :
I get the hate for this one kinda – strong and rough open with a blast of smoky/ash that would turn most off. However, give it time to work it’s magic because I never would have thought I’d like it.
On me, it begins dark and leather wrapped smoky mysteriousness that then settles in and stays close to the skin as a sensual mixture of a white flower plus a dash of patchouli and pepper and at the end of it’s time, the subtle smoke returns with a creamy woody note.
I like this because it’s just as a heroine needs to be; strong, unapologetic and just as it is and refuses to be anything but so take it or leave it.
zasokomsigat – :
Very unisex, I can’t say that this is a bad scent, just that it is not to my personal taste. On me it starts strongly as burning wood which slowly morphs into hot asphalt and burning tires with an undertone of cigarette smoke.
I really couldn’t sense leather in any shape or form, which is what I was hoping for. Awful on me, I suspect it could happily be worn by many guys, and perhaps by a 20-something woman in the biker/punk/goth set wanting to smell street-cred worthy!
Скаббард – :
In the bottle it was intriguing enough that despite all of the bad reactions on here I figured I’d take the gamble and give it a go. I wanted to like it as because I believe in encouraging creativity in formulations… but on me, at least, this one just smells like exceedingly acrid asphalt fumes cut with burning rubber. Couldn’t detect any other smell and certainly not leather though 19 (had) and Isadora has leather and both work well on me. Not this one though! The drydown stayed the same. Giving this one a hard, H A R D pass! Mercifully, there wasn’t much sillage! lol
freedom2212 – :
Remember that it’s ok that a perfume reminds you of another one, no it does not smell exactly like TL, but it does remind me of it for sure. It smells like the inside smokers purse. For a mall fragrance it’s pretty darn good and I can’t see your average MAC shopper digging this
Embeweedo – :
I gotta smell this, the notes sound divine! Seems pretty expensive though.
sadigor21 – :
I did not like this, smelled like my niece after she smoked cigarettes and a joint. Seriously!
oevorlon – :
This fragrance is pure danger. I love it! Sprayed it on my right arm as I was purchasing MAC Velvet Teddy (bought it because I had tested it the day before) and at first I was worried that I’d get a headache from the pure strength. From sniffing the bottle you know right away this is a leather perfume. Ever since I tried Cuir Fetiche I knew I was obsessed with leather. Then I got Cuir de Lancôme (my favorite) and have been curious about Bandit, Cuir de Russie, and the Tauer perfumes (Lonestar Memories, etc). But they aren’t that accessible for random sniffing where I live so they are on my to-do list. But My Heroine is just so perfectly exactly what I’d like them to smell like, and for a fraction of the price tag. I never got a headache, but kept sniffing my arm all day as the scent evolved on my skin. It was fruity, almost a vanilla ice cream with strawberry sauce by the end. Yum! This fragrance ain’t for everyone, that is for sure. You have to have a certain appreciation for its complexity, a willingness to go along for the ride. You don’t have to be edgy to wear this completely edgy scent. You just have to be daring enough in the depths of your soul not to tame the savage beast, but to become one. Truly addictive. Not at all unlike Dior Addict (similar smoke and vanilla…I’d say Addict is the halfway point between Velvet Teddy and My Heroine). Definitely my next purchase. Probably best for cool to cold weather! Fall can’t get here fast enough… I hope it’s never discontinued.
MigSiliPino – :
Oh man this is really good. I think the main issue is that this has been promoted as a scent for lipsticks. Thats the main reason why its under the radar. But that can be a good thing. Its definitely a men’s fragrance. Lot of incense and leather in the opening, very harsh but give it some time and you have an unique fragrance for a great price. In my opinion, would this be released by Tom Ford with a price of 200$ it would be a great success. What i love in collecting fragrances is when i find one that not many people know, has a great price and smells unique. That does not happen very often in times where Youtube and co tells you about everything. But this one is one of these. You have an very special taste in fragrances? Please!! go and try it because i can guarantee this will not be around for very long.
karpenkomihail – :
This should be labelled unisex. I could imagine Herr Flick smelling like this on Hello Hello.
MH is about LOTS of suede with a good dose of saffron. I get some incense or tobacco that reveal themselves more with time. The patch and labdanum are tucked way back. I wouldn’t be surprised if it smelt like a TF fragrance considering both are owned by Estee Lauder. It does smell good quality as well.
I do like it but suspect I will use it for layering more than anything. The longevity is good as is the sillage.
covalchuckmaks – :
It really smells like something that was left in a fire. Very smoky, sharp, deep. It makes my lungs sting. Not pleasant in any way shape or form – I can’t imagine being around someone wearing this scent! Please don’t do it if you work around others!
vdp696Negeltzex – :
At first, I hated this fragrance. It reminded me of cigarettes and grape cough syrup… revolting! However, I received a sample and thought I would give it a second chance.
On me, My Heroine is a very smoky and spicy patchouli. Like hot ash from acrid herbs. Very witchy! I despise labdanum and it’s lurking in the background is gag-inducing. I don’t get the saffron but know that it’s there (if that makes sense). The tobacco is present but is leaning more cigarette than pipe. People say this smells leathery. This does not have that literal raw-hide suede scent. Maybe perfume leather scent is different from an actual leather scent, but I read this component as a warm spice with a cold, artificial car seat scent.
My Heroine has been removed from my Dislike list, but I can’t say I like it either. I no longer find it noxious, after viewing the notes and wearing it. Reminiscent of Tom Ford fragrances, it has some good things going for it. I very badly want to enjoy this one, as it is dark and unconventional. MAC, after all, paired it with their edgy purple lipstick. But it remains unappealing to me on some level and it is my least favorite from the shadescents line (6th place out of 6 fragrances).
sergei305 – :
it smells nothing but incense to me. I like it very much, but is to be used in very small amounts.
jazo – :
If you enjoy the smell of fire damage, this fragrance is for you. I am literally seething, I have scrubbed my arm and I still can’t get it off. The first time a fragrance has ever made me angry…they need to put a warning on this with a coupon for ServPro Seriously, it’s that bad.
Pumpon – :
Woah. I get…campfire. Burning balsamic wood. Iif you’ve ever been near a wood smoker where someone is curing food with fragrant wood, it’s like that. The sort of an unbalanced, dare I say, mess, you would get with some niche houses. It’s true. If you want a balsamic, strong and weird supposed-to-smell-like-leather-but-doesn’t scent, that’s where you go. Or, MAC, apparently.
LUCKY Rzh – :
things this smells like:
someone put out a cigarette on Don Draper’s leather couch
McGyver’s leather jacket after using plastic explosives
my uncle’s cologne in his Lincoln Town Car
wood paneled VA hall with leather stools at the bar
Velvet Teddy is similar to TF Tobacco Vanille.
Is this supposed to be TF Tuscan Leather?
Спец102 – :
Very meaty, like a pepperoni stick. Very smoky, like a burning stick of pepperoni. A pepperoni incense stick, if you will. Not safe, very challenging, and extremely tenacious. Lovers of niche may approve.
stasisaev – :
I have a very weak stomach. Since I was little, a short car ride has been enough to turn me into a vomit comet. And when I was little, we would visit my grandparents and uncle often. And my uncle would chain smoke in a living room filled with large leather furniture. The smell of leather and smoke reminds me of sitting in that room, nauseated from the car ride, with the nausea further fueled by the smoke, leather, and rich foods my grandparents would serve. MAC’s My Heroine takes me right back into that room. It’s pure leather and smoke. I detect nothing else. The saffron likely amplifies the leather, which is STRONG. But there is no incense – just vicious smoke. I love leather and I love incense, but I don’t love them like this.
I have worn this twice now. I have subjected myself to reliving these memories (good but physically revolting) twice, trying to enjoy this fragrance, but I can’t. I can certainly see its appeal (you cannot accuse it of being generic, that’s for sure) and if I didn’t have these memories, perhaps I would enjoy it more. Perhaps if it wasn’t as strong (silage so high you feel like you’ve swallowed a face full of fume each time you spray and longevity straight through infinity) I would enjoy it more. Perhaps if I combined it with other fragrances I would enjoy it more. But I can’t keep trying. This is just not for me. For lovers of sharp-ish smoke and in-your-face LEATHER, this will be a treat. Sadly, not for me. And even more sadly, I have a full bottle of this smoke-filled room. If anyone would like to make a trade in Toronto, please send me a message.
Lasts forever and projects like a beast.
alexey_bilevich – :
I’m addicted to this. Dry, smoky & animalic on my skin. It will be my next purchase.
47jwzzwj74 – :
the most unique of the lot sillage is killer very very smoky is good , very special the kind of juice that wears you and not the other way around
serdvijevsky – :
This is if you took the Raspberry out of Tuscan Leather and just replaced it with more smoke and incense. I think it would be a great unisex fragrance but probably shouldn’t be just marketed to women. If Tom Ford put this in a bottle they would be selling it for 200+
voin005 – :
Despite all of the negative reviews on this page right now, I actually ADORE this scent. It is gorgeous and dark and warm and exotic and alluring, like a femme noir. Poetic fragrance, if you will. It’s definitely strong. I get a lot of compliments while wearing it, and have been told ‘You smell like incense! Mmmmm’. I’ve asked a few gentlemen what they think of it and it’s been overwhelmingly positive on the male side; people have called out how it actually smells much like patchouli and is a very earthy, warm scent.
Something in the smell of it also makes me feel almost sleepy. I mean that in the sense that this perfume smells like it’s time to take a nap. Peaceful and warm I guess.
I love it.
igor- – :
I popped off the top and sprayed it once into the air. It has something menacing, just evil, inside its contents. Angels cried and demons bared their teeth as this cursed perfume attempted to steal the air from my lungs as I gasped for air. This is not incense from a holy temple! This was the smoke of the devil’s tobacco pipe lit by all the suffering of the damned.
My friend wrinkled her nose and demanded, “What on EARTH did you just spray?!”
Hellboy21 – :
Yes, it’s a screechy tobacco-leather combo. But, I sprayed it on my wrist today at Macy’s, and for some reason, I keep sniffing myself. It’s definitely alluring, but I don’t think I’d buy a bottle, because it does smell slightly like a semi-full ashtray! And it’s fairly linear; I’ve been waiting hours for it to mellow and change, but no: still screechy! Oh well!
vereDEB – :
Eau de “Two women in gaudy jewelry outside of a casino bingo, chainsmoking Newports, comparing photos of their grandkids and angel food cake recipes”.
No matter what avant-garde spin MAC thinks they put on this scent, there is the undeniable stench of burning Newports in this fragrance. I know it will be somebody’s cup of tea out there!
Heteunedy – :
This is so chemical burnt smelling. …horrible!
andrjim – :
This is a dark scent. Smells if myrrh, some saffron. I don’t see this being feminine. I definitely see men being attracted to this so I say unisex leaning toward the masculine side. Reminds me of L’agent Provocateur but not as strong. Strong projection for 4 to 6 hours, cuts thru cold air so be cautious in warmer weather.
vintyara – :
This is so bad on me. I actually choked a little bit in the store. It felt like I stuck my face over a burning tire. I love smoky scents and I love leather but this is not a nice one to me. Maybe if I gave it a chance it would smell better in the dry down but why put myself through that?
kurka – :
Oh lovely! No smoke for me either thank god!! Gorgeous leather, rich saffron and sweet incense.. Really really nice.
shackal – :
finally got to smell it! no ashtray, no smoke. just a lightly incense-y, green, dry suede leather. smells REMARKABLY similar to ombre leather and oud saphir , and when i sprayed it the SA remarked how it much it smelt like tuscan leather. the greenness here comes from the galbanum and oak moss instead of the ozonic violet leaves of ombre, but the effect is similar. the incense is also greenish, smelling more like burnt tea than church incense. i only smell saffron at the very top, it disappears really quickly. projects for 5 hours or so before disappearing on the skin. don’t be put off by the EDP label, its a lot lighter than you’d think; similar to the CDG incense series in terms of longevity and feel.
the price tag is the best thing about the fragrance, but overall it’s a cool, very niche smell for a ‘designer’ market at a good price; that said this isn’t anything niche heads haven’t smelled before. i’m gonna pick up a bottle in a year or so when it gets scrapped or dc’d or something and it’ll be even cheaper, that said it’ll be a scent that people will clammer to get their hands on in the near future when its production run finishes.
edit: i don’t smell smoke but i wore it again today and my brother and mom started coughing, LOL
dizel220v – :
This is one of the worst things I have ever smelled from a bottle. It smells like a plastic ashtray, that is burning and giving off fumes. Revolting.
sciebrime – :
Once I had the not so bright idea of smoking a cigar in my car. The ashes got everywhere and the smell did not leave for a year. This perfume reminds me of that experience, except in a fancy new car with leather seats. Frankly, I like the smell of cigars/cigarettes and ashtrays. A lot of people don’t, and if you don’t I have my doubts that you’ll like this at all. Even with liking this kind of smell in the environment, I’m not too keen on wearing it in such a straightforward fashion. On the drydown the saffron reveals itself more and the smoke/ashtray becomes less, which is nice. It gets warmer and spicier. I think I’d rather purchase a perfume that smelled like the drydown to begin with.
doctor75 – :
the amount of beauty bloggers not giving this the time of day simply because of how “strong” or “masculine” it is are making me incredibly interested to try this. the note breakdown is so vague, i wonder what else i’ll spell aside from the listed notes. if this goes well, i’ll be looking forward to an affordable leather incense! i’ll update this with a proper review the second i can get into a MAC store and get my nose on this.
mac press-promo breakdown: angelica, incense, leather, oakmoss, labdanum
untonrets – :
This is a rough one at first, in fact, it took 3 wearings for me to figure out if I liked it, and I do! It’s a bit on the dirty, animalic, stanky side, but by the drydown I have grown to appreciate this very much. There is a little bit of a pot smell in the background but overall this frag is dark, smokey and mysterious. Not for everyone, but this is a well done fragrance with above average sillage and longevity.
Igoroshka94 – :
~official description~ My Heroine ~ a woody leather with saffron, incense, smoke and cordovan leather.