New Fragrance Review: Thierry Mugler Alien Eau Extraordinaire + Out of This World Draw

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Mugler Alien Extraordinare Goddess, photo by Floria Sigismondi

In 1992, fashion designer Thierry Mugler launched the now-iconic Angel, a perfume that polarized the fragrance world and started new trends in perfume. In 2005, Alien was introduced, and together generate sales figures which confirm their enduring popularity. This spring Alien Eau Extraordinaire is unveiled, revealing a brighter aspect to the otherworldly Alien EDP. Dominique Ropion and Laurent Bruyere composed the original, and M. Ropion has returned with Veronique Nyberg at his side to weave this scintillating and shimmering formulation. The original DNA of amber, flowers and wood are still there; only toned down and backlit with other notes, lending a tender luminous glow.

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Journey by Joseph Elorza

The original Alien is an olfactive landscape of gargantuan jasmine blooming amongst ancient gnarled trees on murky shores beneath a violet sun on a far-off world, and bottled in a dark amethyst crystalline flaçon. Eau Extraordinaire, packaged in a softer less angular bottle, is a light gold, heralding a more peaceful planet and translucent scent while maintaining the original’s mystique. Alien Eau Extraordinaire keeps with the times without sacrificing any originality or remotely resembling the scores of fresh floral scents littering today’s perfume counters.

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An opening of bergamot oil infused with a lush tea accord blends with Tunisian neroli, giving Alien Eau Extraordinaire a lift and lightness not found in the original. This radiates fresh intermingled with floral simply, yet does so in a very unique and enticing way. As the opening subsides, the incandescent woody floral heart emerges. Tiarë gardenia flowers replace Indian jasmine and rule the heart with their honey-kissed blossoms lending an aura of warmth and a hint of exotic. The cashmeran of the original remains, wrapping around the flowers in a creamy embrace. The finish of the signature white amber accord is still present, joined by comforting heliotrope, adding a hint of spiciness tinged with a powdery vanillic silkiness.

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Mugler Alien Extraordinare Goddess, photo by Floria Sigismondi

This retooling of an iconic scent may make this even more accessible to many, without giving up any of that original magic. If this perfume were couture fashion, the material would be more gauzy and ethereal with the hues softer; yet it is not merely a diluted or citrus-infused clone. Alien Eau Extraordinaire gives us another gentler option for sporting Alien. Even if you’re not a fan of the original, as I am, I invite you to give this a sniff and a wearing-it might just surprise you. Sillage: very good. Longevity: above average.

Notes: Tunisian neroli, Italian bergamot oil, tea accord, tiarë flower, cashmeran, white amber & heliotrope.

Disclosure: Review based on press sample sent to me by Thierry Mugler Parfums via Clarins USA.

John Reasinger, Senior Editor & Natural Perfume Editor

I am so impressed with this version, I want to share 5 ml. with one lucky US reader. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying you reside in the US, and you’re favorite version of Alien or your favorite Mugler perfume. Draw will end on April 8, 2014.

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 spilled perfume.

 

 

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25 comments

  • HeatherP says:

    I live in the US; I’m a huge fan of some of the summer flankers of Alien, as well as the leather variation, so I really want to give this one a try!

  • The Perfumed Veil says:

    Oh gosh, I love Mugler perfumes for their originality. No matter what you think of the actual smells, no one can mistake the distinctive style of this brand. I saw this recently at Ulta and was not sure how different it would be from the original Alien. If it turns out to be as magical as it seems, I will go back for that bottle. I have the Amber version and have tried the leather and the taste of fragrance for Alien and loved all of them (including the absolu.) Thanks for that image of the person staring at the mountains: it is mystical.
    Im in the US.

  • Sandi L says:

    The notes in this one delight me very much.. I tried and loved the Sunessence Summer. This one could be the top of the list for me as Neroli and Bergamot are two of my favorite combinations. Thanks for the opportunity. I am in the US.
    Great review John, and as always the art is fantastic 🙂

  • Lean S says:

    Hi! I am in the US. Thank you for your generosity! I enjoy the original Alien. Second to that, I have tried Alien Aqua Chic, which I really like as well.

  • Gillian says:

    I live in the US. My favorite version of alien is absolue, but I love the original too.

    Thank you so much for the giveaway.

  • taffyj says:

    I live in the U.S. My favorite is most likely the original Alien.
    Wonderfully descriptive review.

  • julesinrose says:

    In the US. I haven’t tired Alien yet, but I’d love to try this flanker. A toned down version might suit be better. I love Angel though I find it a bit loud for my own wearing, and applaud it (with a standing ovation) for how original it was then. Now? Angel smell alikes galore!

  • Nemo says:

    I love tea and bergamot, and my favorite version is Alien Liqueur though I also like the original 🙂 I am in the US. Thank you!

  • StaceyW says:

    My favorite Mugler scent used to be Alien until my taste in perfume developed over time and now I prefer Womanity. I’ve tried Alien Taste of Fragrance and found that an interesting flanker but too similar for me to the original. I would love to try this version. I am in the U.S. Thanks for the draw!

  • Masha says:

    My favorite version of Alien is the original, though I also love the Or d’Ambre, and I’d love to try this one! I’m in the US.

  • Fazal Cheema says:

    my favorite Muglers are Angel and Mugler Cologne and both have been imitated by so many ..I am lucky to have Angel Extrait in collection. I live in the US.

  • Anh H says:

    I live in the US, and my favorite version of Alien is Alien Essence Absolue! Thanks so much.

  • dbelt says:

    Alien is one of my top five perfumes–it’s like a modern day Poison for me. I started wearing it shortly after it was released and every time I smell it I’m immediately transported back to the heady days of being young and carefree. Every time I wear it I get compliments, and I love how the scent has stayed the same (at least to me) over the years when so many have changed. These days I’ve been wearing the Essence Absolue more as it feels like a more grown-up version for my more grown-up self (I recently got married), but the original Alien will always be number one for me. Oh, and yes–I’m a US resident.

  • Ginny M says:

    It took a long time for me to come around to it, but I like the original Angel, I think, best. I live in the U.S.