Eau Des Merveilles Elixir by Hermes Perfume Review

Now, I’m getting into writing up a lot of the women’s fragrance reviews of the sample scents that I’ve collected over the previous months. Today, is an entry from Hermes: Elixir des Merveilles, which is from the Merveilles line of perfumes, and was released in 2006. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is this eau de parfum worth a purchase?

What does Elixir des Meveilles Smell Like?

Notes Include: patchouli, orange, amber, oak, resin, basalm, cedar, incense, and caramel

Click here to try: Eau Des Merveilles Elixir By Hermes For Women, Eau De Parfum Spray, 1.7-Ounce Bottle

My Full Wear Review

The opening of Merveilles Elixir is a blend of orange and patchouli, to my nose. In fact, it reminds me a lot of the men’s cologne, Black XS from the start. Both are citrus and patchouli, though, the Paco Rabanne fragrance utilizes lemon instead of orange. There is also more spice at the start of Elixir, than Black XS, but it doesn’t retain that same spiciness throughout.

For me, the first 20 minutes or so is more heavily weighted towards patchouli, than the other notes in the composition. Ultimately, this comparison fades and this Hermes perfume takes on a different character.

As it dries down, Merveilles Elixir takes on a warm amber quality, and the result is quite resinous when combined with the other notes. It is a sweet, candied orange (with a pinch of caramel), sitting on top of a oak wood base, and covered in basalm/amber.

During this period, the perfume takes on a smokier quality, instead of that spiciness that it originally started with. That oak wood with the balsalm is really prevalent and does add some interesting depth to the perfume as a whole.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Elixir des Merveilles is more of a moderate fragrance. It’s noticeable and performs well, but it’s not going to overwhelm a room. The longevity is also very good and it’ll have no problem lasting all day.

During testing it seemed to fall in the 7.5-9 hour range. That’s really good, but not the best of the best. But for most purposes, Elixir should do just fine.

Elixir is one for the cooler months of the year. I actually think that it feels more like an autumn scent than winter. It’s good for casual or office wear.

It’s attractive, but not traditionally sexy and I don’t think it’s unique aroma really fits in a night club type of atmosphere. You could wear it on a date or something like that and it would probably be well-liked, just not a complete stunner.

Overall Impressions of Eau des Merveilles Elixir

Overall, is Hermes’ Elixir des Merveilles, worth a purchase? I’d say yes, although, it might not be universally beloved. It has a unique, niche, and almost unisex vibe to it. It’s good, but some might not care for the warm resinous aroma it creates around the wearer.

It does share plenty of similarities with the others in this line, but has enough character to stand on its own merit. For an autumn or winter wear, it should be one that’s easy to spray on and enjoy for the day.

I actually prefer L’Ambre Merveilles to this one, which has a sweeter disposition with more use of the orange and caramel combo. That being said, this is a very nice perfume with great staying power, and can become a part of a fragrance rotation.

If you want a sweeter perfume, other entries from this line like L’Ambre will be a better bet. This one can get dry, resinous, and somewhat spicy. Depending on your personal taste, that can be a reason to buy or avoid completely.

Best Men's Colognes

Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with different fragrances, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, I have written hundreds of reviews and other pages about perfumes and colognes.