NEW FRAGRANCE REVIEW Aroma M Geisha Amber Rouge + “Not Simply Red ” Draw

No matter how diligent I am; no matter how careful I am, I just can’t try every single perfume I hear about. Like everything in life I feel that if it is our destiny to meet around a flacon one day it will happen. My latest meeting with delayed gratification is with perfumer Maria McElroy. Both EIC Michelyn Camen and Senior Editor Ida Meister have sung the praises of her Aroma M line of fragrance to me. Which was why when Ms. McElroy offered me the opportunity to review her first new fragrance in five years, Aroma M Geisha Amber Rouge, I jumped at the chance. I think Ms. McElroy realized my lack of experience and she strived to help me broaden my knowledge base as along with the sample of Geisha Amber Rouge she sent me the original Geisha Rouge and her new EDP formulation of Geisha Rouge. All three of these fragrances opened up a door into Ms. McElroy’s creative process a figurative Study in Scarlet.

The original Geisha Rouge feels the brightest of the three on my skin. I think it might just be in comparison to the other two because a fragrance made up of notes of clove, cinnamon, incense, anise, sandalwood, tonka, and vanilla should not feel this full of light but somehow it does. It is as crisp as a sunny winter day full of many of the scents of the season. The brand-new EDP version of Geisha Rouge has all of the same notes but Ms. McElroy adds a more diffusive alcohol base. This has the effect of transforming the original formation from winter’s day into winter’s night as the same ingredients in the same proportions have the warmth of a banked fire that spreads its warmth throughout the day. Just that simple change in carrier solvent changes the feel of Geisha Rouge’s nature in beautifully unexpected ways.

With my perfumed homework done it was time for me to assay the new Geisha Amber Rouge. Ms. McElroy could have again chosen to make the obvious change and just add amber to the existing Geisha Rouge; based on the simple change of alcohol in Geisha Rouge one could imagine that would have been good, too. Instead Ms. McElroy creates a sensual powerful  riff on Geisha Rouge which succeeds as much for its differences as its similarities. This one reminds me of a roaring bonfire.

Some of the same spices from Geisha Rouge in the presence of clove, cinnamon, and anise start Amber Geisha Rouge off in familiar territory. The changes are heralded by amber from Morocco which blows across the heart of this fragrance like a simoom full of fragrant dust. The base is a mix of incense and wood resins to give a rich depth to the end of this fragrance.

Geisha Amber Rouge has excellent longevity and above average sillage.

My figurative study of Ms. McElroy’s Rouge collection was a pleasure and each fragrance built upon the other until Geisha Amber Rouge finished with a powerful flourish.

Disclosure: This review was based on samples provided by Aroma M and Maria McElroy

Thanks to Ms. McElroy we have a sample vial of Geisha Amber Rouge to giveaway. To be eligible leave a comment naming your favorite red thing. Draw ends on December 10, 2011.

We announce the winners only on site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize will be just spilt perfume

Mark Behnke, Managing Editor

-Art Direction, EIC Michelyn Camen

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28 comments

  • Thanks for this review, Mark. I would love to try something from this line. Favorite red thing? The Northern Cardinal!

  • Interesting enough I had just heard a comment on Maria yesterday! Would love to sample her work. My favorite red thing is the Red Sand that surrounds us where I live., next favorite Red thing is Red Tourmaline. Wonderful review as always Mark and I always enjoy the art 🙂

  • Thanks for the review! I have not tried anything from Aroma M.

    My favorite red thing is the bright red stripe on the wing of the Red-winged Blackbird.

  • thanks for the review-read a lot about Aroma M. lately and would like to try.
    my favorite red thing is a childhood reccurent dream of a deep red laquered japanese box- always woke up smiling from this dream

  • My favorite red item it a Red Hot Candy or Hot Tamale Candy. Would love to be entered in the draw.

  • This sounds like such a great, warm scent for winter.

    My favorite red being is my red Australian Shepherd, who also helps keep me warm. My favorite red thing which I have no more were my metallic red shoes from years ago. Ruby slippers!

  • Great review, Mark! I have been curious about this line for quite some time. My favorite red thing is a hand knit scarf made for me by a co-worker who is afflicted with cancer (she intentionally knitted it red because she said the color “matches my Taurean personality” 🙂

    Thanks for the draw!

  • My favorite red thing is my lipstick!! Makes me feel warm and sensual combined with a lovely perfume!!Lovely artwork !!

  • Beautiful review! I love Geisha Rouge, so I can’t wait to try Amber Rouge as well.
    My favorite red thing is a red evening gown I have, it reminds me of many lovely occasions spent dancing through the night. 🙂

  • i enjoyed your review and it has certainly piqued my interest in the perfumes. My favourite red thing – a pair of gorgeous red and silver earrings my sister gave me years ago.

  • I found a pristine vintage Halston red leather bag at a garage sale a few yrs ago. It is a clean, classic shape & a rich lipstick color, and I love it.

  • donna s kopenhaver says:

    My Husband’s Heart is my Favorite Red Thing..his heart loves me unconditionally for 20yrs now♥..

  • My favourite red thing right now — I’m fickle! — is my dog’s new engine-red snowsuit. It’s punchy in the cold dark nights, and he looks so cute waddling around in it!

    Thanks for the draw. 🙂

  • Now I know I understand better the interview with MR…There was also a red dress 😉 I love that!

    I love red in any form and wear it in small ” quantities” often. Fav of all time: a per of red strappy sandals and a red scarf. No brand names but they are exquisite. Oh and I forgot my multi strings necklace : red red coral. Love it!

  • I have an obsession with red lipstick and wear it almost every day. I would love to try a sample. Thanks.

  • I have been wanting to try Aroma M fragrances for a long time. This one sounds great.

    My favorite red thing is a pair of comfortable and soft slippers my aunt gave me two years ago.

  • Yum! all those spices, plus amber, sound like they make a delicious scent!

    My fave red thing(s): cortland apples, the roses growing 5 min from my house (with one great big red bloom near the sidewalk), new (and only) red dress….

  • I love to indulge in raspberries and go window shopping for red shoes(I can’t wear them but I dig them…). In terms of aromas, Opium and Organza Indescence smell totally ‘red ‘ to me – spicy, provocative, stylish!

  • My fav red thing is my long haired red dachshund! She’s my love! I also have my eye on a scented red jade bracelet from Lisa Hoffman.

  • Hi Mark! Great review, I will have to dig out my Aroma M vials and take them out for another spin. Favorite red thing: a red coral necklace my mother gave to me many years ago. I believe that red Mediterranean coral is nearly extinct now, sadly.