New Fragrance Review: M. Micallef Parfums Art Collection Puzzle No. 1 and Puzzle No. 2 + Forbidden Fruit Draw

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Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton as Adam and Eve in Jim Jarmusch’s Only Lovers Left Alive, 2013

There’s a reason the Tree of Knowledge in the Biblical Garden of Eden was a fruit tree.  The Book of Genesis depicts Adam and Eve, the world’s first pair of lovers, as innocent until they quenched their thirst with its ripe, juicy flesh. While the new limited edition  M. Micallef Art Collection fragrances Puzzle No. 1 and Puzzle No. 2 are said to be inspired by the games lovers play, they could just as easily be inspired by the idea of original sin.

m micallef puzzle1 perfume and puzzle 2 summer limited edition

Parfums M. Micallef Puzzle No. 1 and Puzzle No. 2

Besides Martine Micallef’s stunning flacon design, the only thing puzzling about these fragrances is how such sweet notes were crafted so sensually by Geoffrey Nejman and Jean Claude Astier. The list of notes for each fits the category fruity floral, but it’s as if the perfumers worked backwards in time to create the origins of that perfume species.

monajohannessonbyoscarfalkforelle

Mona Johannesson by Oscar Falk for Elle

Puzzle No. 1 is the more feminine of the collection, and can be said to symbolize Eve’s determination to taste the forbidden fruit. It opens with juicy notes of lemon, orange and peach that waft like petals in a breeze.  The heart of No. 1 is the womanly guile of osthmanthus, also known as sweet olive, a blossom with a scent reminiscent of apricot, contrasted with a strong backbone of orris and gilded with jasmine and vanilla. Base notes of tonka, gaiac, cedar and benzoin ground it without detracting from its airiness.

handcrushingberries

Puzzle No. 2 is more overtly sexy and brings to mind the carnal knowledge gained in exchange for expulsion from paradise. It opens with a strong grapefruit resting on a bed of green blackcurrant leaves, and at this stage could be considered cologne-like. Its gorgeous heart of cassis (supported by geranium, jasmine and vanilla) thrilled me; unlike other fragrances which feature the note, it is absolutely pure and true here without the slightest hint of pet odor. A deeper base made up of musk, vetiver, patchouli and cashmere wood weaves itself into the cassis to bring midnight to the garden of good and evil.

vogue espagne 2010 Edita Vilkeviciute

 Edita Vilkeviciute Vogue Espagne 2010

Although I am not often a fan of layering fragrances, I tried it with these two on several occasions and have to report that, like jigsaw puzzle pieces, they fit together perfectly. Longevity on both is excellent, and for me one spray of each projected sufficiently to be noticed by and complimented on by others, which delighted me.  This good girl has a sinful side too.

Disclaimer: Review based upon deluxe samples provided by M. Micallef for promotional purposes.

Nancy Knows, Sr. Editor and Beauty Editor

Thanks to the great generosity of  M. Micallef Parfums, we have a worldwide reader’s choice draw for a bottle of Puzzle No. 1 or Puzzle No. 2. To enter, please comment noting your favorite M. Micallef fragrance and indicate which of the two you would like to win. Like the M. Micallef page on Facebook if you want your comment to count twice. Draw ends June 21, 2014

parfums micallef boutique dubai

M.Micallef Boutique in Dubai

Editor's Note:  The married couple behind the brand, Martine Micallef and Geoffrey Nejman, are spending a great deal of time away from Cannes opening Parfums Micallef boutiques; 12 are scheduled to launch in Dubai. Puzzle 1 and 2 are currently not available in the USA, which is a shame. They are available at First-In-Fragrance.

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58 comments

  • Kim Morgan says:

    I’m not familiar with these fragrances, but Puzzle 1 sounds like it would suit me best. The review is a wonderful description of the best of both! US resident.

  • My fav Micallef is Jewel for her and Ylang gold.
    I would love to win Puzzle 1. It has the fruity note I love the most: peach. And I do like the Micallef FB page.

    Thank you! Wonderful draw.

  • These both sound absolutely beautiful, and those bottles WOW.. I liked Nancy’s idea of layering these two, just to see how they fit! I will admit I am a fan of Micallef Parfums, I own several and would have a tough time naming a favorite just as a mother would her children 😉 Pomelos and Black are two that don’t mind offending the others;) they are certainly at the top of my list. Great review and how exciting to be able to get one of these. Thank You M Micalef for your gracious generosity. I would choose No. 2 , and am in the US.

  • silvrolive says:

    I haven’t tried this particular line yet, so I would love to have puzzle No. 1. I am in the US. Thanks for the draw!

  • Ohhhh puzzle 1 has some of my favorite notes!i haven’t tried this line and would like a chance to try it. I live in the US —thanks for the draw! Tati

  • Elizabeth T. says:

    Ooh, sign me up for Puzzle No. 1! It sounds like it would be my favorite M. Micallef fragrance, really spectacular. Osmanthus and orris in one perfume sounds perfect. I’m in the USA, thank you as ever for the draw!

  • Both perfumes sound very tempting. I have not yet had a chance to try anything from Micallef. But I’d love to try these two. Of the two, I’d choose No 2 as I love the smell of cassis. Thanks for the draw. I’m in Canada.

  • I do not have a favorite M. Micallef fragrance, but I’d love to win Puzzle No.1. Osmanthus is always tempting! I am in the US, thank you.

  • Oh, Puzzle no 1 sounds delicious – osmanthus makes me weak in the knees. My favorite M. Micallef is Vanille Orient, such a delicious gourmand 🙂

  • Marcopietro says:

    My favorite Micallef’s fragrances is Avant Garde but I’ve got Le Seducteur and I also really love it.
    I would choose Puzzle No. 2.
    Thanks!

  • It’s hard to choose a favorite Micallef, but I’d have to go with Ameera. Thank you for such a generous draw! I would choose Puzzle 1 if I were to win!

  • Puzzle n.1 looks really lovely and sensual, I love osmanthus and benzoin but never tried a combination of the two.

    My favorite from Micallef is Watch. I am in EU. Thank you for the draw!

  • I have not tried any from M. Micallef, but there are a few creations that are on my test list. One of them would be Vanille Fleur for the combination of vanilla and peach.

    I would like to win Puzzle no. 1

    Thanks!

  • My favourite Micallef is Note Ambree but I also like Floral and Royal Muska. I am in the UK and would love to win Puzzle 1. Thank you

  • My favorite Micallef is Note Vanille, which, sadly, is impossible to find.

    Of the two puzzles, I believe Puzzle 2 would be my choice.
    Thank you for this fabulous draw!

  • Ifi Genial says:

    My favourite Micallef perfume is Mon Parfum Gold. I live in EU (Greece) and i would love to win Puzzle No.2
    I also liked the facebook page of Parfums M. Micallef.
    Thank you for this lovely review and draw as well.

  • I’m not yet familiar with Micallef so I’d really love to try these. Both No. 1 and 2 sound fascinating but I’m more drawn to No. 2.
    I live in the EU and liked their Facebook page as well 🙂

  • Fazal Cheema says:

    My favorite Micallef Fragrance is the discontinued Sashka Black though my last acquisition was Avant Garde..I am tempted towards Puzzle 2 which is the more masculine and has blackcurrant note…thanks for the generous draw. i am in the US.. i am a member of Micallef’s Facebook community.

  • Great reviews!
    My favorite M. Micallef fragrance is Vanille Orient.
    And I would like to win Puzzle no. 1
    I liked the facebook page)
    Thanks for the draw!

  • They sound interesting. I remember trying Vanille Orient and liking that.
    Of the two I’d lean more to Puzzle #2 because of the more substantial base.
    ty

  • These sound yummy! My favorite M. Micallef scent is Vanille Orient. I was lucky enough to sample of Ananda, which I love! I would have to choose Puzzle No. 1. I live in the US. Thank you for the great review and draw!

  • Donna Spiegel says:

    I would love to try Puzzle #2 as am always tempted to go the more sexy route. Love the FB page and the designs are beautiful. Sampled Gaiac and would really love to try others as they all found yummy! Thanks for the draw. I’m in the US

  • Puzzle number one sounds perfect! I really enjoy Autumne. I have liked the M. Micallef fb page. Thank you!

  • julesinrose says:

    I can’t say Emir is my favorite Micallef frag ’cause it’s the only one I’ve tried, but it’s gorgeous. I hear such good things about them! Liked them on FB. Am in the US, and I would choose Puzzle #2. It sounds intoxicating!!

  • I didn’t have the opportunity to smell any of the Micaleff perfumes, but reading the reviews I had to think they are fabulous.
    Both “puzzles” sound wonderful and have the notes I love, but, if is mandatory to chose one of them, let it be… Puzzle 1.
    Thank you for the great draw!
    I live in Romania, E.U.

  • I haven’t had the chance to test any Micallefs, but these both sound so tempting! I’m in the US, and am leaning toward Puzzle 2.

  • I have not had the pleasure of experiencing any of the Micallef fragrances. I’d welcome winning puzzle 2. US.

  • Jewel For Her is a favorite Micallef fragrance of mine. I adore it. I would love to try Puzzle No 1 if I was to win. It sounds delightful! A very generous draw Thank you. I am in the US.

  • As delicious as they sound I have not yet had a chance to try Micallef’s perfumes. Puzzle 1, with its sweet and juicy notes really appeals to me! I am in South Africa 🙂

  • I LOVE LOVE LOVE Emir by M. Michallef. It is quite a masterpiece. I would love to try (win..lol) Puzzle #2

  • FearsMice says:

    I haven’t tried anything from the brand yet, unfortunately. I’d choose Puzzle No. 1 for its apricot and iris notes. I’m in the US; thank you for the draw.

  • There is a lot from this house to try, and so far have bought Yellow Sea for my husband.
    It must be my turn next!
    I would love to try Puzzle No 1 and live in Australia.

  • leathermountain says:

    My favorite is Le Parfum Couture! I would go with Puzzle # 1. I’m in the US. Thank you!

  • I have never had the pleasure of trying Micallef’s perfumes. I wonder if they are represented here in Aotearoa? I would love to try Puzzle No 1 and live in New Zealand. many thanks for the International draw, that’s special!

  • I would choose Puzzle #1 for the benzoin. I live in the US, and my favorite M. Micallef fragrance is Black Sea. Thanks!

  • Ian's Girl says:

    My favorite among the Micallef range is Rose Extreme… absolutely breathtaking, and I see Puzzle No 1 has osmanthus in it as well, so that would be my choice.

    Thanks to Cafleurebon and M Micallef Parfums for this generous draw!

  • Really great reviews and I have been so curious about these but I can’t find a store in the USA that carries them.
    I own Mon Parfum and ylang so those would be my favorite M Micallefs so far.
    I would go with Puzzle 1 for the Osmanthus although 2 sounds great
    Thank you for this chance to win

  • I only have samples of M. Micallef, but of them I love Gaiac. It is currently on my (long) wishlist. I’m constrained by my student/musician budget so I’m a sucker for interesting, but wearable fragrances.

    I would love to win Puzzle 1. I’ve also liked M. Micallef’s facebook page.

    Thanks!

  • I like almost all the M.Micallef fragrances. I have Ylang in Gold and I love it, and the Les 4 Saisons: Printemps. I would like to win the Puzzle 1.
    Thanks for this amazing draw.

  • I know many of M. Micallef’s fragrances, but if I have to chose one, I love the juicy fig of Sous Le Figuier! Mouthwatering!
    Puzzle N 2 for me, please!
    Thank you for the draw! I am in the EU, and I like the FB page of the brand for a long time now.

  • I think No. 1 would suit me the best. My favorite Micallef is the Rose one. And also Rouge 2. I like the FB page and I am in the US.

  • julesinrose says:

    Forgot to mention that I’d already liked the FB page when I left my comment. Cheers!

  • My favorite Micallef is Rouge No. 2; I only ever tried Rouge No.1 and No.2 though. I am in the EU and would love to win Puzzle No. 1. Thanks for the draw!

  • Puzzle No. 2 would be my choice. I’m very interested about cassis supported by flowers and vanilla. I love their Jewel for him, loved Patchouli and I have nice memories of Royal Vintage for him. FB page liked a long time ago. I am in the EU, Croatia. Thank you.

  • My favorite M. Micallef fragrance is Emir.
    I would like to win the Puzzle 2.
    Thanks.

  • My favorite M Micallef is Gaiac. Just beautiful stuff. The presentation in the Art Collection is gorgeous. I think No. 1 will be more to my liking.

    Thanks for the draw. I am located in the US and already am a “liker” on facebook.

  • I’ve liked every M. Micallef perfume I’ve tried. My favorite at the moment is Pomelos. I’d choose Puzzle No. 1, although I hope to get the chance to try both eventually.

  • Laurentiu says:

    A fragrance that I like very much from M. Micallef is Royal Vintage. A perfect woody and smokey smell.

    I live in Eu and I would love to win Puzzle no.1

    Thank you for the draw!

  • Thank you. I am in the US and I like their page on facebook (Lean Sa). My favorite would have to be Ylang in Gold. I would love to try Puzzle no. 1, but it was a difficult choice to make.

  • Cynthia Richardson says:

    I have not yet tried an M. Micallef fragrance, but would like to try the bourbon vanilla and jasmine of Watch (love those bottles!) I would like to win Puzzle No. 1 and I do love to layer fragrances.
    I Like the M. Micallef page on Facebook

  • My favorite Micallef so far is Hiver. I really am interested in trying Puzzle No. 2. In the U.S., thanks!

  • I have only gotten to sample one, I really liked the interesting complexity and unique scents of Nasreen and the way it blends a floral (rose) Herbal (saffron) & Oud together. I assume this will have the same quality and am definately looking forward to trying this.
    Live in the US,
    Puzzle No 2 please.
    Thanks for the draw as always.
    Greg

  • My favorite Micallef scents are Emir and Aoud. I would love to try Puzzle No. 2. I live in the United States, and I’ve ‘liked’ the facebook page as well – thanks for the draw!