M. Micallef Mon Parfum Pearl (Geoffrey Nejman & Jean Claude Astier) – New Perfume Review + Incandescence Draw

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"…and there it lay, the great pearl, perfect as the moon.  It captured the light and refined it and gave it back in silver incandescence…" – John Steinbeck, The Pearl – 1947

M. Micallef's newest addition to the Mon Parfum series, Mon Parfum Pearl, is now available for sale and will be shown at Esxence 2018. I am smitten with this new fragrance and could swear that the perfume wears like a strand of fine, round luminous pearls.  As any lover of these organic gems will tell you, pearls become more beautiful when they are nestled against the skin. The heat of our bodies enhances the luster of the softly lucent orbs, and, like the gems themselves, M. Micallef Mon Parfum Pearl opens as it warms; creating a glow that seems to come from within.

Vogue Gioiello May 2013

Mon Parfum Pearl is the perfect complement to the three other fragrances in the Mon Parfum Series – Mon Parfum, Mon Parfum Cristal and Mon Parfum Gold. Like these previous offerings, Mon Parfum Pearl is housed in a uniquely shaped and decorated bottle, brought to us by designer Martine Micallef and perfumers Geoffrey Nejman and Jean Claude Astier. M. Micallef Mon Parfum Pearl initially manifests as a succulent breath of mandarin and berries, polished and rounded with the touch of velvety smooth rosebuds. After ten minutes a glowing warmth begins to take over the fragrance as the magic of Rose de Mai, the Centifolia Rose of Grasse, unfolds and is touched with the nacreous shimmer of powdery heliotrope and fresh, wet peony. 

Sarina by EmilySoto on deviantART

Like a strand of white, lustrous, gem-quality South Sea Pearls, M. Micallef Mon Parfum Pearl glows with radiant innocence and simplicity, while at the same time projecting a suggestion of power and sophistication.  I would like to add here that there is a distinctive difference in the progression of the scent depending on where it is applied. I found that in order to experience the full effect of the fragrant heart of Mon Parfum Pearl it is necessary to spritz on the skin, not just on clothing. The impression of youth, purity and the moonlit, milky qualities of M. Micallef Mon Parfum Pearl can best be appreciated as the perfume warms directly on the body.

Photo:Vitor Shalom ©

As the fragrance progresses, a cozy rice powder note adds a touch of gourmand to the lustrous, wet, pearlescent symmetry, creating a sense of dewdrops reflecting the light of the moon. Mon Parfum Pearl continues the dry down with this same soothing touch of rice powder, coupled with nuances of white flowers and musk, remaining present and obvious for at least six hours on skin and overnight on clothing.

Movie Poster for Desire

The character of Aristide Duval, the jeweler in the 1936 film "Desire" starring Marlene Dietrich, described pearls like this: "What symmetry!  What art!  They are the tears of mermaids."  For thousands of years pearls have been central to myths and legends, to trade and commerce.  We see pearls depicted by Johannes Vermeer in his Girl with a Pearl Earring and Woman with a Pearl Necklace.

Elizabeth Taylor adorned in pearls from the 1973 Movie Ash Wednesday

Pearls have adorned the gods, men and women, from Krishna to Cleopatra, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis to Elizabeth Taylor. Over the centuries kings and commoners have treasured the natural pearls from the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Paria near Venezuela. They have coveted akoya cultured pearls from Kobe, Japan and swooned over huge Tahitian and Australian South Sea pearls. China's Zhejiong province is known for the cultivation of affordable, luminous freshwater pearls. 

Gail’s necklaces of Akoya, Tahitian and Freshwater Pearls ©

In addition to my necklaces of akoyas, Tahitians and freshwaters, and my earrings from the South Seas, I now have the option of adorning my body with a new lustrous pearl, an olfactory gem created in Grasse, France M. Micallef Mon Parfum Pearl. Notes: Rosebud, mandarin, blackberries, heliotrope, Centifolia rose, peony, rice powder and white musk.

Disclaimer: Many thanks M. Micallef for my treasured bottle of Mon Parfum Pearl. My opinions are my own.

Gail Gross – Senior Editor

Art Direction: Michelyn Camen – Editor-in-Chief

 Gail’s photo of M. Micallef Mon Parfum Pearl and her strand of pearls©

Thanks to the generosity of M. Micallef we have one 100 ml bottle of M. Micallef Mon Parfum Pearl available to one registered reader anywhere in the world. (Be sure to register or your comment will not count.) To be eligible for the draw, please tell us where you live and what appeals to you about Gail's review.  You can also let us know if you have a favorite M. Micallef fragrance or, a cherished piece of pearl jewelry or a favored variety of pearl. Draw closes 3/30/2018

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

 

 

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44 comments

  • heartandsoul says:

    Gail’s review makes this scent sound romantic. However, I’m more interested in her jewelry collection…lol. I have a string of the most creamy, luminous pearls that belonged to my grandma. We were so close and I keep meaning to get them restrung, but I have a fear something will happen to them. US based. Thank you for the chance!

  • DespinaVnt says:

    I’m thoroughly charmed by this comparison of this perfume with the timeless quality and appeal of pearls, especially the pearls’ nuanced glow and reflections translated in olfactory terms.
    I cherish my late grandmother’s simple 1-row pearl necklace.
    Best from Paris, France,
    Despina xx

  • Pearls are so pretty. I love the luster and the symmetrical roundness of salt water pearls. More recently, I have fallen in love with the beautiful asymmetry of freshwater pearls. Mon Parfum Pearl, inspired by pearls and containing so many florals that I love, sounds like it was made for me. Pearls with a very subtle hint of pink are my favorites. Live in the USA.

  • Just Add Light says:

    Definitely find it interesting that the progression is so different on the skin that it was worth recognizing. Those kinds of scents always draw on the imagination. I also find the reference to the smell of rice powder quite intriguing and synchronistic, as I’m cooking rice right now and the damp aroma is filling the house! However, what really captures me is Gail’s image of moonlight reflecting off of dewdrops. I suppose if there ever was a description of the word “pearly”, that would certainly be it. Beautiful.

  • This new fragrance has me swooning for it. Gayle made it sound as lustrous as a pearl itself. I’m a big fan of the dark pearls. However, I don’t own any, as of yet. In the USA, good luck to all.

  • fazalcheema says:

    Mon Pearl incorporates several rose notes. It also has rice accord which is a coincidence because today I got L’eau d Hiver and I could not stop wondering it seems to have a rice accord hidden somewhere. My favorite Micallef is Sashka Black. I am in the US.

  • The cozy rice powder note sounds delightful, I am not a pearl owner myself but I appreciate the classic look of them on others. My favorite Micallef perfume would be Vanille Marine. I’d love to try this one! I’m in the U.S.

  • The description, the bottle, the notes sound adorable. Last year I made a pearl necklace for my wife for Christmas. It was a really nice experience!
    Thank you for the draw! I live in Europe

  • What a beautiful description of this fragrance. The glow, the luminosity and being better worn close to the skin seems like it would be a treasured scent. Gail’s pearls are absolutely glowing. My favorite from this line is Gaiac. I haven’t had the opportunity to smell very many though. A treasured pearl would be a brooch and matching earrings that belonged to my Grandmother. They were a gift from many G.I.’s when she was in Japan. Her son was severely injured in the Vietnam war and she had flown over and stayed for over a month. She helped the young soldiers with odd tasks because the nurses were busy. She scribed letters home for young men who had lost their arms. The guys pooled their money and somehow purchased this gift of pearls for her. The pearls are in my Mom’s possession now. I hadn’t thought of them in awhile. Thanks for the reminder! I live in the US.

  • Renee Lavigne says:

    I love the description and the bottle is beautiful, I can’t wait to smell this exotic sent.

  • NiceVULady says:

    I like the essence of pearls introduced as elements of the structure of the fragrance. A lovely review. I have a small pearl and diamond ring which has been passed down from my great grandmother to my grandmother to my mother and to me. I gave it to my daughter and she will give it to my granddaughter. Thanks for the draw. I’m in the USA

  • This unique glow of pearls with their amazing reflections in terms of high perfumery terms in Gail’s review and the rice powder with roses notes make M

  • This unique glow of pearls with their amazing reflections in terms of high perfumery terms in Gail’s review and the rice powder with roses notes make Mon perfume pearl a perfume that I would love to wear. Feminine and tender with notes that speak to a girl’s heart and nose.
    Favorite pearls to me are South seas pearls like Mikimoto
    I love my mother’s one strand of pearls necklace that I borrow from her on special occasions. Thank you for the draw. I live in EU.

  • Pearls are one of the things that as I child, I always wondered why my mother loved them so much. I didn’t get it. They seemed boring to me.
    Until I became an adult, and started to have taste…I realised that pearls go with EVERYTHING. They are so versatile.

    Now to imagine a fragrance that is as versatile and as lovely and milky as a pearl? That is too good. I would love to win!!

    I am in Melbourne Australia 🙂

  • A perfume that inspires the luster of pearls really captured my attention. I always look forward to reviews on Micalllef as the brand is exquisite. My favorite is Ananda Black. I have an antique pearl ring family heirloom
    The images were beautifully well
    I live in the US

  • Wonderful review! I really like pearls. I have a pearl ring. I have been get this ring from my mother, and she have been get that ring from her father, when she was a teenager. I very love that ring. I think it is a very good idea to make a perfume what inspired of pearls. I have never had a chance to try any of M. Micallef fragrance. Thank you for the chance. I live in Europe.

  • Chocolate Marzipan says:

    Fantastic review! this fragrance sounds divine and perfect for spring. I have sampled several M Micallef’s but have never owned a full bottle. Thank you for the chance to win one. I reside in the United States.

  • VerbenaLuvvr says:

    It is interesting that this interpretation of a pearl takes on citrus and rose (Rose de Mai, my fave!) elements, which would not immediately evoke pearls in my mind, so I am hopeful to get to experience for myself. Recently I tried Note Vanillee, and will be sampling others of this line as it gained my attention. I have a black pearl necklace that I purchased for my sister’s wedding that is my favorite pearl piece. I live in the US and thank you for this generous draw.

  • The fragrance notes are genius! It really suits what I would imagine a pearl fragrance to smell like! I especially love the rice powder note.

    My favorite pearl jewelry is a single drop pearl necklace that belonged to my mom when she was a very young woman. It was the first piece of jewelry my dad gave her when they were first dating.

    I live in the US.

  • Wonderful review, Gail!!! Thank you!
    This perfume sounds very nice, rich: as Gail said “mandarin and berries, polished and rounded with the touch of velvety smooth rosebuds”, than cozy rice powder.
    I like M.Micallef Ananda Chai.
    From Armenia

  • Loved the description of how the fragrance blooms on skin! I haven’t had a chance to try any scents from this line yet. My favorite pearls are a string of graduated ones with a tiny diamond clasp, belonging to my 98 year old grandmother. I used to love dressing up in them as a child! Writing from NC, USA.

  • Gail’s review of this perfume, comparing it quite favorably with her collection of precious pearls, sounds absolutely dreamy; in short, this sounds like the most perfect feminine scent. I have a lovely single pearl brooch passed down to me from my mother that I cherish….simple and classic. I am in the US.

  • Nancy Sternberg Goodman says:

    Oh wow!!!! The fragrance sounds amazing. I love that Gail’s review was as passionate about pearls as about the fragrance. Mon Parfum Pearl sounds amazing, between the florals (including heliotrope!) and rice powder. It’s my kind of scent!!! Thanks for the chance to win and for introducing this perfume to me! I’m in the US.

  • ElenaChiss says:

    Lovely pictures! Liked the part with Marlene Dietriech. Very poetic. Tear of mermaids! Also the bottle has something very special about it.

    I am from EU. Thanks for the draw!

  • I enjoyed Gail’s emphasis on the idea of soft luminescence and the analogy to how this blooms on the skin. Rose + peony + powder sounds like a delicate and elegant combination. The only pearl jewelry I have is an heirloom pearl necklace worn by my aunt on her wedding day (back in the 40s!). Its clasp is made of two matching gold roses. I have not had a chance to sample any M. Micallef fragrances in person 🙁 Thanks for the draw! I am in the US.

  • I think it’s quite a nice idea to have a perfume equivalent of pearls, it must be very delicate on the skin, as it is described. This would be perfect on a classy woman. Thanks for the draw, I live in Europe.

  • Thanks for this beautiful review and for the amazing draww. This bottle has something really special and intriguing. I live in the EU.

  • fleurdelys says:

    Wonderful review !
    A great perfume should shine on skin, where it warms up and develops as suggested by Gail. I love the fact that Mon Parfum Pearl has a simplicity and innocence and at the same time suggests power and sofistication.
    The only pearl jewelry I have is from my dear grandmother.
    My favorite M.Micallef is Mon Parfum. A gorgeous fragrance.
    Thank you for the draw and for an amazing article.
    I live in the EU.

  • i love the photos illustrating this! Pearls are so beautiful. Gayle’s review brings out the luminescence of these beautiful pearls and makes the fragrance sound very appealing. I especially like the idea of rice powder in the perfume. I think that could translate well with this perfume. Thanks for the review and the draw. My favorite Micallef perfume Rose Aoud. USA.

  • Sergio Teixeira says:

    Pearls and scents. White luxury and opulence. Loved the Gail’s take on a perfume that not only looks gorgeous but must smell amazing. Sadly I don’t know the house, so no favorite as of yet. Portugal.

  • MikasMinion says:

    My favorite M Micallef scent is Ylang in Gold, which is one of the smoothest and most elegant scents I’ve ever experienced. If this has anything like the amazingly distinctive texture of Ylang, I’m dying to try it. I love pearls and have a lovely white gold and pearl ring that was my Mom’s, it’s not my most worn piece but is my favorite.
    I’m in the US. Thank you for the draw.

  • To be honest i’m not into pearls , but Mon Parfum Pearl should be a great powdery-floral-fruity fragrance.Not familiar with other Mon Parfum fragrances , but my husband owns Avant Garde – to me it’s unisex especially the drydown , and i’m wearing it from time to time.
    Winchester VA

  • laureneboucher says:

    I live in New Hampshire. I love the vivid description of this perfume. The rosebud notes are particularly interesting to me as are the notes of rice powder. I don’t have a favorite M. Micallef perfume or a favorite variety of pearl – but I will always love the beautiful strand of pearls my husband bought me the first year we were dating.

  • I enjoyed this very nice review!!!
    Gail told about this perfume with rich a nd beautiful discriptiones.
    I can not say Ia m fan of Micaleff, but find some of her perfume very nice- for example Royale Vinatage even it similar to Aventus.
    This perfume sounds very feminine and beautiful.
    from Armenia

  • First of all, Gail, your collection of pearls is exquisite! Mine is far less impressive, still, I wouldn’t leave house on a summer evening without my pearls 🙂

    The one thing that stroke me while reading the review was this: “innocence and simplicity, while at the same time projecting a suggestion of power and sophistication”. I never thought of these gems like this but it’s the truth.

    Thank you for the draw. I live in Russia.

  • The warmth of the body creates a glow from within. How perfect. I’m a huge fan of MM to decide which is my favorite is like choosing a favorite child. I am in the US. Great review, Gail. And huge congratulations to you, Liza, Lauryn and CaFleureBon on being FFF finalists.

  • Rice powder is one of my deep fragrance loves, so when I saw “cozy rice powder note” it was my cue to add Mon Parfum Pearl to my sample list. I haven’t sampled many M. Micallef fragrances yet, but Black Sea has been my favorite so far. Thanks for the drawing. I’m in the US.

  • bumbuliuki says:

    Gail’s review is spot on ! Her pearl necklaces are beautiful.
    I imagine that Mon Parfum Pearl smells very smooth, delicate and exquisite.
    The bottle deserves special praise.
    My favorite M. Micallef fragrance from what I’ve tried is Emir.
    I live in the EU.
    Thank you for a great article.

  • I was impressed with Gail’s collection of pearls, I didn’t even know there were so many varieties. I enjoyed the description of this scent as it reminded me of a regal, sophisticated woman I used to know and admire. As of yet I’ve not had the opportunity to try any M. Micallef fragrances but would love to try this one; I live in the US. Thanks for the generous draw!

  • An enticing review indeed. I like the parallels drawn between the gem and the fragrance composition. I am particularly delited to find the rice powder note in the list as to me it instantly brings pearls in mind.
    I have never tried any Micallef so I can’t have an honest favorite… yet.
    I don’t own any pearl jewelery either.
    EU resident here

  • Sounds like another beautiful creation from M. Micallef. Gail describes the way the perfume develops so lovely, just like a beautiful strand of pearls. My mother had given me a beautiful vintage pearl necklace from Tiffany & Co. which was a favorite piece for sure. I love many of M Micallef’s perfumes. I’m in the US and thank you for the opportunity to win this.

  • WaltherP99 says:

    I do like heliotrope,rose,mandarin and blackberries so i’m pretty sure i’ll love this one.
    Own and love my personalized bottle of Delice and 100ml of Avant Garde.
    Love pearl studs.
    Virginia USA at least 95% of the time and London UK from time to time.

  • doveskylark says:

    What a luminous review from Gail, so much like a strand of cherished pearls. I always spray perfume on clothes, love that effect, I am always happy when the reviews feature a reference to an old movie, here “Desire” with Gary Cooper and the beyond luminous Marlene Dietrich.
    I live in the USA.