Modern Muse by Estée Lauder | Fragrance Review

There is nothing more welcoming than a pleasant scent – be it of freshly brewed coffee, recently cut grass, newly laundered towels or a beautiful, fragrant perfume. I have quite an extensive collection of fragrances. This is partly because a) I get bored of too much of the same thing and b) because I love that perfume can be worn to enhance your mood or character. I tend to go for mysterious, opulent fragrances for a night out  (like the new D&G Pour Femme or Versace Crystal Noir), sweet fragrances for when I’m feeling playful (like Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy), and softer fragrances when I feel a bit more feminine and sophisticated (like YSL Parisienne or Gucci Flora’s Garden Collection Glamorous Magnolia). With the myriad of fragrances entering the market, it takes a special fragrance to impress me. That has recently been done by the sublime Modern Muse by Estée Lauder.

Modern Muse presents a new concept in fragrance, revealing layers of strength and softness in an appealing creative tension. It is the first fragrance to “break” the base, middle and top note principle by making use of two scent accords. Its innovative “dual impression” structure invites you to connect with the fragrance through two contrasting aspects: the Sparkling Jasmine Accord includes exotic Mandarin, Honeysuckle Nectar, Jasmine Sambac China Absolute, Tuberose Fleur and fresh Lily. The Sleek Woods Accord is made up of a blend of two Patchouli essences wrapped in creamy Madagascar Vanilla, Amber Wood and soft Musk.

Modern Muse is my go-to fragrance for every day wear. I love the light and dark duality that comes through the fragrance – sometimes you get a hint of soft and feminine jasmine, and other times sensual musky vanilla.

Karyn Khoury (Estée Lauder’s Senior Vice-President of Corporate Fragrance Development) advised us at the launch that only the finest, highest quality ingredients were selected for Modern Muse, as she wants the luxury element to be felt by every woman every time she wears the fragrance.

Rating: 5/5 (Besides the fact that I love Modern Muse, I get a compliment every time I wear it!)
Product: 5/5
Packaging: 5/5 (I love the navy bow on the bottle – inspired by the iconic bow of Estée Lauder’s first fragrance, Youth Dew. I also like the fact that it doesn’t have a lid.)
Quality: 5/5
Price: Not available currently
Would I buy again?: Yes
Where to buy: Any Estée Lauder counter from 3 October 2013