Jul et Mad Callisto Review (Luca Maffei) 2024 + A Transformative Giveaway

Jul et Mad Callisto

Jul et Mad Callisto by Olya Bar

Jul Et Mad holds a special place in my heart, as it was one of the first niche fragrance brands I fell in love with back in 2011. It also was at the cusp of an olfactory journey for founders Julien Blanchard and Madalina Stoïca-Blanchard, whose love story inspired the brand’s ethos. I’ll never forget the excitement and joy of smelling Stilettos On Lex for the first time. With each new launch, Jul Et Mad never fails to bring that same exhilarating anticipation.

Julien Blanchard and Madalina Stoïca-Blanchard

Madalina Stoica and Julien Blanchard Jul et Mad 

When I heard about the launch of Callisto, the newest addition to the Love Basics Collection, I knew I had to try it. Composed by multi award-winning perfumer Luca Maffei with the same plushness and luxury as the rest of the collection, Callisto has the perfect depth and complexity, pizzazz, playfulness, and character.

Callisto legend

Constellations via Unsplash

The name Callisto originates from ancient Greek mythology. Callisto, an Arcadian nymph whose name means “most beautiful,” was favored by the goddess Artemis and joined her band of virgin hunters. Zeus, cunning in his disguises, appeared to Callisto as Artemis and seduced her. In a rare depiction of women loving women, Ovid describes their intimate moment before Zeus transforms Callisto into a bear. Years later, Callisto’s son, Arcas, nearly kills her, unaware she is his mother. Zeus intervenes, transforming them both into constellations.

Luca Maffei perfumer

Luca Maffei courtesy of the perfumer

Jul Et Mad Callisto is as powerful, striking, and beautiful as its name suggests. The fragrance embodies duality, balancing clarity and obscurity, earth and space. It inspires introspection and self-awareness. This unique powdery-gourmand scent has a perfect unisex character. The sparkling pink pepper and heady neroli deepen crystal-clean aldehydes in the opening.

Jul Et Mad Callisto review

Jul et Mad Callisto by Olya Bar

It smells like a hot summer day in the lush garden when blossoms are heavy with pollen, dripping nectar onto the pillowy earth. The nutty, toasted tonka beans add a sweet, almost narcotic aroma. Powdery heliotrope and iris give off a skin-like softness reminiscent of brushing against a woman’s cheek. The dry down gains depth with the balminess of benzoin, as delicious as vanilla but boozier and more macerated. Patchouli adds the perfect edge, offsetting the sweet powdery heart and leaving a beautiful scent trail. I wore it during a heatwave while working in a cold, air-conditioned NYC room and then once again on a nature walk upstate, and it wore marvelously.

Jul et Mad Callisto is a fragrance as captivating as the legend it embodies. Unapologetically feminine and delicate, it’s a sophisticated and indulgent take on one of the most decadent ingredients, vanilla. It’s a fragrance that’s truly worth savoring.

Notes: Aldehydes, Neroli, Pink Pepper, Tonka Bean, Heliotrope, Iris; Vanilla, Benzoin, Patchouli, Musk.

–Olya Bar, Editor.

Disclaimer: Jul et Mad Callisto was kindly gifted to me by the brand but opinions and nose are always my own.

Jul et Mad Callisto is available at Indigo Perfumery in the USA and internationally at Jovoy.

Callisto by Jul et Mad
Olya Bar©

Thanks to the generosity of Madalina Stoïca-Blanchard we have a 50 ml bottle of Jul Et Mad Callisto for one registered reader in the EU, UK & US, you must register or your comment will not count. To be eligible please leave a comment with what appeals to you about Jul et Mad’s Callisto based on Olya’s review and where you live. Draw closes 8/16/2024, and will be announced two-three weeks later.

Jul et Mad Nea was an Art and Olfaction Finalist 2016 in the Independent Category, (also signed by Luca Maffei).

Please read: Stilettos On Lex, Amour de Palazzo, Terrasse a St. Germain (reviewed in 2012 by former Managing Editor Mark Behnke Editor of Colognoisseur). Enjoy the review  Of the Whites Collection, which includes Nea here by former editor TSF.  3 You Should be Wearing from Jul et Mad  by former contributor dana sandu

Jul et Mad Callisto is available internationally at Jovoy and at Indigo Perfumery in the USA .

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

 

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44 comments

  • Ramses Perez says:

    You had me at powdery gourmand and decadent vanilla, Olya. My favorite note and my favorite category of fragrances united to brighten my day. Interesting story about Zeus and how Callisto came to be, but I thought the direction of the fragrance would go on a darker, borderline vengeful direction based on the story but I’m glad it’s transformed into a gorgeous vanilla. I suppose this is more entangled to when Zeus transformed them into constellations, ascending them to an eternal state and the feeling one gets knowing when you look up in the sky, they’re there. Anywho, this sounds like a magnificent vanilla scent that can be worn anytime, in the dead or heat or a nicely air conditioned room. Cheers from the US.

  • David Furman says:

    This sounds airy, smooth, and sweet. With these lighter compositions my main concern is longevity. I think this one has more than it’s counterparts in this genre. Also it being more unisex makes it much more appealing being a man. I love iris in the mid and it turns most scents into head turners and last throughout its life. Would love to win, from Jacksonville, NC.

  • WillRhodes says:

    My goodness, Jul Et Mad Callisto sounds absolutely gorgeous. I can’t even begin to tell you my deep affection for aldehydes and I am so interested in this favorite note of mine being used with vanilla. Sounds so feline, delicate and just beautiful. I just love a powdery gourmand. And this line here, “embodies duality, balancing clarity and obscurity, earth and space. It inspires introspection and self-awareness.” Really spoke to me. Beautifully said.
    -In Chicago

  • Jeremi says:

    This fragrance is powerful, striking and beautiful. The name “Callisto” reflects its duality: a balance between clear and obscure, earth and space and that really appeals to me. I live in Trzebnica, Poland, EU.

  • olgAPOISON says:

    I looove this type of gourmand. Greek mytholohy is great inspiration. This perfume is the epitome of cool. From eu

  • LuRon says:

    I loved this article! I am so excited to try Callisto. I have been disappointed as of late due to so many fragrances disappointing on the dry down. I am anxious to wear it and look forward to its wearability.
    Thank you so much for the article.

  • Eris.can.swatch.kaos says:

    My first love of Callisto comes from not the mythology, but from Xena Warrior Princess. Iykyk. This I would gladly allow a dual for Callisto’s first place in my heart. The notes sound devine and exactly what I’m looking for. As a vanilla girly, this one would easily be unique in my modest collection. Thank you for the opportunity to win. I live in Oregon.

  • CK says:

    I enjoyed Olya’s review and learning about the myth the name Callisto comes from. Her description of the fragrance is very intriguing, and that she said it has a unisex character. I particularly like her description of the powdery iris and heliotrope giving off a skin like sensation and especially about the benzoin being a delicious boozier vanilla. I would very much like to try Jul et Mad’s new Callisto. Thanks for the generous draw, from CT USA.

  • Ozzyaziz says:

    It smells like a hot summer day in the lush garden when blossoms are heavy with pollen, dripping nectar onto the pillowy earth. The nutty, toasted tonka beans add a sweet, almost narcotic aroma. Powdery heliotrope and iris give off a skin-like softness reminiscent of brushing against a woman’s cheek. The dry down gains depth with the balminess of benzoin, as delicious as vanilla but boozier and more macerated. Patchouli adds the perfect edge, offsetting the sweet powdery heart and leaving a beautiful scent trail. I wore it during a heatwave while working in a cold, air-conditioned NYC room and then once again on a nature walk upstate, and it wore marvelously.

    Jul et Mad Callisto is a fragrance as captivating as the legend it embodies. Unapologetically feminine and delicate, it’s a sophisticated and indulgent take on one of the most decadent ingredients, vanilla. It’s a fragrance that’s truly worth savoring.

    Notes: Aldehydes, Neroli, Pink Pepper, Tonka Bean, Heliotrope, Iris; Vanilla, Benzoin, Patchouli, MUSK. A beautiful description by Olya I am really fascinated by the notes especially Patchouli and Vanilla this sounds amazing. Thanks a lot from the UK

  • Paeonnia says:

    Hot summer day in a lush gardn dripping with aromas is just a perfect description of how I (want to) feel at the moment and where I (want to) spend the currnt stage of this heatvawe. Jul et Mad Callisto seems just like the perfect summer perfume.
    I’m in eu

  • Amaziz89 says:

    The dry down gains depth with the balminess of benzoin, as delicious as vanilla but boozier and more macerated. Patchouli adds the perfect edge, offsetting the sweet powdery heart and leaving a beautiful scent trail. I wore it during a heatwave while working in a cold, air-conditioned NYC room and then once again on a nature walk upstate, and it wore marvelously.

    Jul et Mad Callisto is a fragrance as captivating as the legend it embodies. Unapologetically feminine and delicate, it’s a sophisticated and indulgent take on one of the most decadent ingredients, vanilla. It’s a fragrance that’s truly worth savoring.

    Notes: Aldehydes, Neroli, Pink Pepper, Tonka Bean, Heliotrope, Iris; Vanilla, Benzoin, Patchouli, Musk. The description of the dry down got me Benzoin, Vanilla and Patchouli. This is a house that I have got experience with and the perfumer Luca Maffei is also magnificent. Thanks a million from the UK

  • absurdnose says:

    It’s great to know that this is such a versatile multidimensional vanilla. I’ve been looking for something a long these lines and the notes here are just perfect. I DO love a heatwave friendly scent especially one with floral and gourmand leanings. It always reminds us that cooler temps are around the corner Thank you for the wonderful article. I live in the US ☺️

  • Nina says:

    Beautiful story about Callisto who’s name originates from ancient Greek mythology meaning most beautiful!

    What I love about it is that Callisto is as powerful, striking and beautiful as its name suggests, it embodies duality, balancing clarity and obscurity, earth and space, and inspires introspection and self-awareness.

    Also, it smells like a hot summer day in the lush garden when blossoms are heavy with pollen, dripping nectar onto the pillowy earth. How juicy that sounds!

    EU

  • zazazelle says:

    “With the same plushness and luxury as the rest of the collection, Callisto has the perfect depth and complexity, pizzazz, playfulness, and character”, I agree, there is always excitement to discover something new from this brand! This one sounds delicious but also exquis, probably close to classic canons of beauty. I am intetested how the darker base will play with aldehydes and neroli at the peak.
    I live in the EU and would like to participate in this draw, thank you!

  • pawelfavre says:

    I love every single Jul Et Mad release so far. And you definitely had me at powdery gourmand and decadent vanilla as well Olya. Always eager to try new fragrance featuring this note I live in Bydgoszcz, Poland and would love to participate in the draw!

  • flyingfox says:

    I have really into been powdery vanillas recently and would be happy to experience a take on the genre from one of my favorite houses 🙂
    Bests from Sweden

  • Sorohan Adriana says:

    I like to smell like a hot summer day in the lush garden, when the flowers are full of pollen, dripping nectar on the pillowy ground, so I want this perfume. I am from EU

  • Shibuichi2000 says:

    I own a few Luca Maffei creations and also, a few Jul et Mad scents – both are on my favourites list.
    Callisto sounds yummy, although I’m not picturing sweet it in my head (or should I say nose?)
    This mix of notes conjures what I love most and look for in a scent – aldehydes, pink pepper, neroli, iris, heliotrope.
    I’m in EU.

  • SonneSweet says:

    Olya’s review of Jul et Mad’s Callisto is incredibly evocative, painting a vivid picture of the fragrance’s complexity and allure. What appeals to me most is the unique blend of powdery-gourmand notes with a unisex character. The way Luca Maffei masterfully balances sparkling pink pepper and neroli with deep aldehydes, followed by the sweet, narcotic aroma of tonka beans and the skin-like softness of heliotrope and iris, sounds absolutely captivating. The idea of a fragrance that transitions beautifully from a hot summer day to a cool, air-conditioned room and even on a nature walk speaks to its versatility and sophistication. The connection to the myth of Callisto adds an extra layer of depth and intrigue, making it a truly transformative scent experience.

    I live in the EU

  • Annika says:

    Callisto sounds like a lovely unapologetically feminine fragrance. I love the heliotrope-iris combination and the base of vanilla, patchouli and musk provides a balanced scent trail. Sounds like it would be wearable year round. MD, USA.

  • mmerline says:

    Olya described the way nutty tonka, boozy benzoin, and patchouli work to support Callisto’s lush florals and it sounds like a particularly lovely base. This way of framing vanilla is elegant. The bottle catches the eye, too.

    I’m in the USA.

  • Arron_Q says:

    I love, love, love iris when combined with benzoin and vanilla, so this sounds right up my alley. I like the idea of the aldehydes as well, I imagine they give a nice clean bit of sparkle in the top. Best of luck to all. I live in NC, USA.

  • Citrus33 says:

    Based on Olya’s experience, Hul et Mad Callisto sounds very versatile and wearable, which I love. Fun read about Greek mythology and the concept behind the fragrance. Seeing a few unfamiliar notes though the ones that I do know sound beautifully applied and overall sounds very unique.
    From US.

  • Nathjo says:

    I love Luca Maffei’s work, the only Jul&mad perfume I’ve tried and loved is Secrets du paradis rouge. I have no problem wearing so-called feminine perfumes, I just wear what I like! I like the following sentence: “Unapologetically feminine and delicate, it’s a sophisticated and indulgent take on one of the most decadent ingredients, vanilla.” because I don’t like vanilla but I wonder if Luca Maffei has managed to create a gourmand but not cloying vanilla. I live in France, EU.

  • Shelley87 says:

    I love mythology. I named my daughter after the Norse goddess of love, Freya. I think making a fragrance inspired by Callisto sounds very interesting how all the notes play together to tell a story. It sounds like a truly one-of-a-kind perfume. I would love to sample this! I live in Louisville, Kentucky.

  • opalbear says:

    Oof it sounds almost like a vintage esque classic!! I find it interesting that it has no citrus and yet the crisp clean opening sounds amazing! I always love an orris and heliotrope immediately brings me back to the iconic Chypre florals that I love. What a gorgeous couple they are too! Jeez Louise!
    Thank you for your generous give away. I am in US.

  • Laurentiu says:

    The notes in this one give me a very nice and warm vibe. Vanilla, benzoin, patchouli, together with iris and heliotrope sounds like a comfy combination. Thanks!

  • Tveta says:

    This line did it for me: ‘It smells like a hot summer day in the lush garden when blossoms are heavy with pollen, dripping nectar onto the pillowy earth.’ To me, if that is the smell of it, then it is near perfection. I love summer and together with the smell of flowers, it seems like a special duet of the senses.
    Thank you and good luck to everyone!

  • roxhas1cat says:

    Luca’s creations always have my interest. I love that this is a powdery gourmand. A sophisticated vanilla sounds like a nice change from all the edible vanillas on the market these days. I like that it is described with having pizzaz. I was unaware this line is carried at Indigo….good to know. Thanks for the chance. USA.

  • mdellaroc says:

    It smells like a hot summer day in the lush garden when blossoms are heavy with pollen, dripping nectar onto the pillowy earth. – this is the type of floral scent that has made me a believer in florals. I dare say I love a lush garden. In maryland.

  • Teresa C says:

    Great history of the name sake, as well as lovely detailing of the scent-journey. The boozier vanillaesque benzoin is right up my alley. I tend away from powdery scents, but yet I have many iris scents that admittedly read powdery. This one sounds like a wonderful bed time comfort scent. I live in the US.

  • hthanass says:

    I am truly captivated by the inspiration behind Callisto, blending both the mythological and astronomical influences seamlessly. The duality of the fragrance, reflecting the balance between light and dark, and earth and space, is fascinating. The choice of notes, such as pink pepper and neroli for a fresh and vibrant opening, transitioning to the powdery heart with orris butter and heliotrope, and finally settling into the warm and comforting base of vanilla, benzoin, and musk, sounds like a journey in itself. Luca Maffei’s ability to create such a profound introspective voyage through scent is remarkable.

    From EU

  • hthanass says:

    I am truly captivated by the inspiration behind Callisto, blending both the mythological and astronomical influences seamlessly. The duality of the fragrance, reflecting the balance between light and dark, and earth and space, is fascinating. The choice of notes, such as pink pepper and neroli for a fresh and vibrant opening, transitioning to the powdery heart with orris butter and heliotrope, and finally settling into the warm and comforting base of vanilla, benzoin, and musk, sounds like a journey in itself. Luca Maffei’s ability to create such a profound introspective voyage through scent is remarkable.

    From EU

  • hthanass says:

    I am truly captivated by the inspiration behind Callisto, blending both the mythological and astronomical influences seamlessly. The duality of the fragrance, reflecting the balance between light and dark, and earth and space, is fascinating. The choice of notes, such as pink pepper and neroli for a fresh and vibrant opening, transitioning to the powdery heart with orris butter and heliotrope, and finally settling into the warm and comforting base of vanilla, benzoin, and musk, sounds like a journey in itself. Luca Maffei’s ability to create such a profound introspective voyage through scent is remarkable.

    From EU

  • Maryjean says:

    I love learning the meaning of its name. It definitely makes you understand the notes and how they balance out. Also glad to hear it was a first love for Olya. Thank you for this chance USA

  • marla says:

    In literature and art, the name Callisto has been used to depict beauty, grace, and allure and it definitely characterizes Jul Et Mad Callisto.
    From EU.

  • foreverscents says:

    I enjoyed reading about the Callisto myth. It is always fascinating to see how perfumers will interpret the components of a myth into fragrance. I love that the notes evoke earth and space, The aldehydes, pink pepper, neroli, tonka and benzoin sound like a spectacular blend. I want to explore all the Jul et Mad fragrances after reading Olya’s review.
    I live in the USA.

  • aurora_ru says:

    It is so inspiring to see such couples creating art and business together, I really like the brand. Love to see also the name of Luca Maffei here, I am happy how creative he is, bringing something new to the public.
    What took my attention is this chapter: “The fragrance embodies duality, balancing clarity and obscurity, earth and space. It inspires introspection and self-awareness. This unique powdery-gourmand scent has a perfect unisex character. The sparkling pink pepper and heady neroli deepen crystal-clean aldehydes in the opening.”
    Duality, self-awareness, unisex character – those words speak to me. Also I am getting into neroli scents lately, orange flowers bring me happy moments.
    I live in the EU, thank you for the draw!!

  • Surya says:

    I found Olya’s review of Jul et Mad’s Callisto truly captivating. The way she described the fragrance’s complexity and duality, balancing clarity and obscurity, really drew me in. The notes of aldehydes, neroli, and pink pepper combined with tonka bean and heliotrope sound intriguing and unique. Her vivid imagery of a lush garden on a hot summer day perfectly conveyed the scent’s essence. I live in Nashville, TN, USA, and would love the chance to experience Callisto firsthand. Thanks for this amazing opportunity!

  • melipone says:

    I’m excited to try Callisto as Jul et Mad is always an interesting brand and the inspiration for this one seems promising. Sweet powdery sounds great if well balanced! Greetings from Germany.

  • Lightbearer60 says:

    Oh my God this sounds so beautiful and elegant and Olya’s review of this masterpiece is so enlightening and alluring, so much that I feel as if I’m there in a garden on a hot summer day. Callisto means most beautiful and thats the perfect name for this fragrance. Every note in it and the art of it is just irresistible. The unique way they made the vanilla in this is just mouth watering. I know 100% if i got the distinct honor to smell this I would instantly fall in love and savor every single spritz of this olfactory artistic masterpiece. Thank you Olya for the insanely gorgeous review. Thank you Madalina for your generosity, and thank you Michelyn and everyone at Cafleurebon and everyone involved in this giveaway. Your hard work does not go unnoticed. Your website and the light you all shed are proof of that. If I won this it would be a great honor and I would treasure this fragrance more than you know. I hope everyone is having a great weekend! Thank you Cafleurebon!

  • Poma says:

    This part is what appeals to me the most about Jul et Mad’s Callisto based on Olya’s review; “The fragrance embodies duality, balancing clarity and obscurity, earth and space. It inspires introspection and self-awareness. Unapologetically feminine and delicate, it’s a sophisticated and indulgent take on one of the most decadent ingredients, vanilla. It’s a fragrance that’s truly worth savoring.”