Memo Paris Madurai Review (Gaël Montero) 2022 + The Sleepless City Giveaway

 

MEMO PARIS MADURAI review

Memo Paris Madurai by Olya Bar©

Madurai is the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu in southern India: it is called “Thoonga Nagaram”, meaning “the city that never sleeps”. Here, in this bustling temple town with its colorful markets, jasmines which are coveted the world over are found in abundance. The name Madurai may have a double meaning – one which is derived from a 2nd C. BCE inscription which refers to the city as matiray, a walled city; the other, from Madhura (sweetness), the divine nectar which showered the city as it descended from the deity Shiva’s hair. Memo Paris Madurai is their latest fragrant release and Dubai-based Givaudan perfumer Gaël Montero’s fond memories of the sleepless city.

 

Parvati and Lord Shiva via istock

Madurai malli (as the jasmine is known) plays a key role in the city’s culture, history and economy dating back to at least 300 BC. It has been cultivated for hundreds of years and is worn/utilized in so many rituals that it has become deeply entrenched in Indian life. There exist over 300 varieties of jasmine, and the flower goes by a number of names, dependent upon the region from whence it comes: chameli, motia, jaati, mallige, juhi, mogra or ‘moonlight in the grove’. How vast the scope of this devotional blossom. The most erotic association might well be that of jasmine and deities: the comely fish-eyed goddess (in this instance, the descriptor is a compliment – referring to the slender, alluring shape of the goddess’ eyes) Meenakshi Amman (a manifestation of Parvati) is said to adorn herself with mallipoo (jasmine flowers) in preparation for congress with her consort, Lord Shiva.

Jasmine and Tumeric via Unsplash

In Memo Paris Madurai, two potent jasmines are incorporated – a richly indolic Egyptian jasmine and the greener, honeyed-tea floral freshness of jasmine sambac. Imagine the incremental headiness provided by a lush Indian tuberose; then augment this seductive aspect with an explosively ripe peach absolute which highlights the fruity facets of flowers. A brief touch of tonicity is contributed by zesty bergamot and herbal bittersweet, winey clary sage. The earthiness of turmeric is warm, woody and lightly spiced; pungent tagetes is sweetly herbal-with-a-bite and provides a powerfully fruity (some say green apple-like) tone. Sandalwood grounds Madurai, but in no way resembles the classic attar in which jasmine is wed to sandalwood via the distillation of the two. A suede accord serves to meld components into a softer effect during the drydown.

Memo Paris Madurai

Madurai (unsplash)

Memo Paris Madurai commences as an energetic perfume – bursting at the seams with color, light, riotous enthusiasm. It reads initially as a powerhouse, perhaps a bit too effusive for comfort’s sake. Over time, this perfume softens and assumes a gentler mien which is highly attractive. Memo Paris Madurai is a personality plus fragrance: bold, wantonly floral, and unabashed.

Notes: turmeric essence, sambac jasmine, absolute peach, Italian bergamot oil, clary sage oil, Indian tuberose absolute, Egyptian jasmine absolute, tagete oil from Madagascar, Australian sandalwood oil, suede accord.

Tester flacon kindly provided by Europerfumes – many thanks!  My nose is my own…

~ Ida Meister, Deputy and Natural Perfumery Editor

Art direction Olya Bar

MEMO Paris Madurai by Gael Montero

Memo Paris Madurai via the brand

Thanks to the generosity of Twisted Lily we are offering 75ml of Memo Paris Madurai tester to one registered reader in the U.S. You must register here for your comment to count. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what interested you about Ida’s review.  Do you have a favorite Memo Paris perfume? Draw closes 12/23/2022 and the winner will be announced within two weeks after.

Please read Clara Molloy of Memo Paris’ Creative Directors in Perfumery article for CaFleureBon here

Available at Twisted Lily

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47 comments

  • rachelng says:

    Ida!!! ❤️❤️❤️ This kind of lush opulent jasmine is Exactly what I am craving right now I’m the frigid temperatures!!! They predict a wind chill of negative 30 degrees Fahrenheit in my area at the end of the week, so nothing would please me more than a Really Huge Jasmine Fragrance!!! Everything about this fragrance sounds Amazing and exactly what is needed! ❤️ I think that Madurai will be my favorite Memo Fragrance. My current favorite is Flam. Thank you for the opportunity! USA ❤️❤️❤️

  • Arron_Q says:

    Ida’s description of the fragrance’s various personalities as it wears are what have me intrigued. The peach-laden opening, he excitement of the florals, and the softness within the dry down all sound fantastic. Thus far, the only fragrance I have tried from this house is African Leather, which I really love. Best of luck to everyone. Reading from North Carolina, USA.

  • FC says:

    I did not know Madurai is a city in India, Given the inspiration, it is only apt that Memo Paris Madurai incorporates jasmine, not one but two types, and also sandalwood, both notes I strongly identify with India. It looks like an interesting entry to jasmine-focused perfumes. I am in US.

  • Albert Nguyen says:

    I think it’s super cool how to some people, jasmine is just a flower whereas in certain cultures like that of the Madurai people, it is super prevalent. It’s amazing how this flower has been used since 300BC and is used in all sorts of rituals even today! My favorite Memo fragrance would have to be African Rose. I liked African Leather except for the leather/suede? notes and in African Rose it’s been replaced with a gorgeous rose.

  • opalbear says:

    Ooh my goodness I love a bold floral. And to add peach and turmeric is luscious.
    My favorite Memo Paris is Winter Palace. I would love to have this one! Thank you for the chance.
    In USA.

  • Maryjean says:

    Ida did a lovely job describing the notes. Paris Madurai sounds wonderful for Wintertime. I have samples Fragrances from Memo all beautiful. Thank you for this Chance USA

  • dLin says:

    The backstory on memo paris’ fragrence was a very enjoyable read, but what interested me the most was the peach note in Madurai. From TX USA

  • fragrantkarma says:

    This article absolutely delightful, love everything about it, Ida is the best for making most interesting and amazing reviews and this is my favorite part:”Memo Paris Madurai commences as an energetic perfume – bursting at the seams with color, light, riotous enthusiasm. It reads initially as a powerhouse, perhaps a bit too effusive for comfort’s sake. Over time, this perfume softens and assumes a gentler mien which is highly attractive. Memo Paris Madurai is a personality plus fragrance: bold, wantonly floral, and unabashed.”
    Thank you for opposite Cafleurebon, Memo Paris one of my favorite French brands, love my discovery set from Memo
    USA FL

  • BigMickyD says:

    “In Memo Paris Madurai, two potent jasmines are incorporated – a richly indolic Egyptian jasmine and the greener, honeyed-tea floral freshness of jasmine sambac. Imagine the incremental headiness provided by a lush Indian tuberose; then augment this seductive aspect with an explosively ripe peach absolute which highlights the fruity facets of flowers. A brief touch of tonicity is contributed by zesty bergamot and herbal bittersweet, winey clary sage. The earthiness of turmeric is warm, woody and lightly spiced; pungent tagetes is sweetly herbal-with-a-bite and provides a powerfully fruity (some say green apple-like) tone. Sandalwood grounds Madurai, but in no way resembles the classic attar in which jasmine is wed to sandalwood via the distillation of the two. A suede accord serves to meld components into a softer effect during the drydown.”

    This description by Ida makes Madurai sound mesmerizing, which I bet it is. Italian Leather is my current favourite from this house, but Madurai could very well take that spot. Thank you for this opportunity. Good luck everyone!

    I live in the EU but I have a friend in the U.S. that can accept the bottle for me. I hope this is possible.

  • Alexa94 says:

    “In Memo Paris Madurai, two potent jasmines are incorporated – a richly indolic Egyptian jasmine and the greener, honeyed-tea floral freshness of jasmine sambac.”

    My never-ending-craving for more Jasmine-centered fragrances relishes in the opportunity of winning a bottle of this. Ida’s review was fantastic and instantly piqued my interest. I wish to win a bottle of this.

    Sadly, I do not live in the USA. I do, however, have a good friend with residence there that could accept a bottle of this for me, and in turn send it to me. I sincerely hope this is possible. 🙂

  • LordKnut says:

    “Memo Paris Madurai commences as an energetic perfume – bursting at the seams with color, light, riotous enthusiasm. It reads initially as a powerhouse, perhaps a bit too effusive for comfort’s sake. Over time, this perfume softens and assumes a gentler mien which is highly attractive. Memo Paris Madurai is a personality plus fragrance: bold, wantonly floral, and unabashed.”

    Without reading further and looking at the notes, I was captivated. Very good job, Ida.

    I live in Sweden, EU. I have acquaintances in the U.S. that can accept the bottle for me, however. I hope this can be arranged.

  • Sngash says:

    Wow Ida, thank you for the detailed review. If Jasmine flowers were good enough to get Lord Shiva in the mood, they surely must be too good for us mere mortals 🙂 My current favorite from Memo Paris is Irish Leather which recently overtook my longtime favorite Italian Leather. From the sound of it, Madurai might take top spot. I’m in USA

  • rmsssss says:

    I love jasmine when it’s indolic and when it’s green and tea-like, and I love that Madurai has both! I would love to win a bottle. My favorite Memo perfume is Winter Palace. I’m in MN, USA.

  • Liza says:

    An awesome review Ida! Jasmine is my favorite floral note – I can’t remember a time where I haven’t been drawn to it. This seems like a nuanced and exciting take on jasmine through Gaël Montero’s memories of Madurai. I’m so eager to smell!

    (I’m a US based reader!)

  • INYA says:

    I enjoyed the inspiration behind Madurai and learning that there are over 300 varieties of jasmine. Thanks for another awesome review and draw. My favorite from Memo Paris is Inlé. Mich USA

  • Ken White says:

    Ida’s description has me curious on that jasmine aroma. This sounds like something to wear when mediating or to bed. I’ve sampled a few Memo scents and love the leathers. New Jersey, USA

  • Stella Dugas says:

    As usual, I love how Ida goes into the inspiration behind the perfume in such colorful detailed way. I’m very into jasmine right now and want to explore all kinds of jasmine and this seems to fit right in with the two types of jasmine. Also, I’m stuck in Midwest tundra and it would be a welcome escape. Finally, this would be my first Memo to try!

  • skye says:

    Lovely description of Madurai, Ida! The note list reads like a tour of India: turmeric, sambac jasmine and Indian tuberose absolute. I’m a sucker for a juicy peach opening and the use of tagete oil, sandalwood and a suede accord sounds like a soft, comforting dry-down. I’ve not tried too many Memo Paris fragrances but I did enjoy Marfa and African Leather. MD, USA.

  • WaltherP99 says:

    I’ve sampled Madurai by mistake, and thankfully I’m not getting the rich and indolic jasmine Ida gets :

    “In Memo Paris Madurai, two potent jasmines are incorporated – a richly indolic Egyptian jasmine and the greener, honeyed-tea floral freshness of jasmine sambac.”

    When I said I sampled Madurai by mistake, I mean to say I ordered samples of the new two Memo fragrances I thought I’d like, judging by the notes, Sherwood and Kotor .
    For whatever reason my whole order was a mess, and I received the other two new Memo fragrances Iberian Leather , and Madurai.
    I’m quite sensitive to jasmine, especially it it goes into carnal and indolic, almost animalic territory.
    I was expecting pungent indolic jasmine, but instead clean jasmine, some tuberose, a lot of jammy sweet peach , honey tobacco ,bergamot and suede leather. Madurai is way sweeter on me , than I expected, cleaner , and I didn’t know it Gaël Montero is also the perfumer behind Flam, but I find similarities between the two. Something in Madurai, the sage maybe also remindes me of Issara by Parfums Dusita.
    Memo do know how to make Inviting fragrances, and with Madurai they did well.
    I do own Granada , and i’m at the end of my second African Leather bottle , both Alienor Massenet creations
    All profiles I already follow , @waltherp99bg
    Thanks a lot
    USA

  • drjedi says:

    I read with much interest Ida’s review of Memo Paris Madurai, especially as I have been there. The description of use of jasmine in Madurai was quite interesting and informative. I have tried Memo Paris African Leather and I like it. In Madurai, I am curious about tagete, turmeric, and clary sage notes. Thanks for an informative review and a generous draw. Writing from the USA.

  • roxhas1cat says:

    I didn’t know there were so many varieties of jasmine. I’ve never been to India, but the colors of the saris and the festivals are amazing. Sounds like this fragrance captures that vibrancy. I guess that’s why Ida says personality plus. My favorites from this line are many….Sintra, Flam and Italian Leather (love that leaf note) . I’m on vacation now and wishing I’d brought a Memo fragrance along. Thanks for the chance. USA.

  • Cuttyj77 says:

    I have, unfortunately, only tried African Leather, but was looking at mutiple fragrances I want to try from Memo. I love African Leather, and my decant has had time to macerate for 2 years now, and is so good. I hope to try more from the house in 2023. This sounds very interesting with indolic Jasmine, and absolute peach with the suede accord. Thank you for the draw! In the US.

  • hippononamus says:

    The two types of jasmine married to a sandalwood without smelling attar like are really intriguing. I’m in the US.

  • sillage4ever says:

    Every single ingredient mentioned feels like a floral hug of spiced sunshine, goshdarn turmeric! Memo Paris is one of my darlings and my fav of the moment is Winter Palace.

    I’m in the US wishing you happy holidays!

  • Gig84 says:

    I’ve been to India twice, but never visited Madurai before. About the city with the same name , i never knew such unique place even existed. Thank you Ida for extra jasmine, and Hindu religion information
    The fragrance is sophisticated floral, with slightly sweet and inviting drydown.
    Ida is liking it a lot , I have a feeling I’ll enjoy it too.
    Don’t have Memo bottle yet, but four samples , Moon Fever, African Leather, Tiger’s Nest and Tamarindo . Out of the four, Tiger’s Nest and African Leather are my favorites
    Thanks for the draw
    USA

  • Fostername says:

    I am so excited to try out these two different kinds of jasmine — who knew there were so many variants (300!) with different scent profiles. Very cool! My favorite Memo fragrance is Sintra, which is one of the few orange blossom perfumes I like! I live in NY.

  • cnii says:

    I have not tried anything by Memo Paris before, but I would sure love to try Madurai! I adore jasmine, and pairing it with earthy turmeric sounds like such a good idea. Thanks for the great review!
    I’m in WV, USA

  • Uncle1979 says:

    Ida Meister take on Madurai made me think of India, and possibly visiting the country in late Spring , Madurai looks like a place i have see in person one day Of course as a Pastry Chef I can’t help it, it also made me think of making one of trendiest desserts for the whole 22′ , Jasmine Panna Cotta , this time with candied peach slices.
    I have not smelled Madurai since it’s brand new , but from the few Memo Paris fragrances I’ve sampled, I end up buying Memo Tiger’s Nest . I had to , it’s impressive one , and it works wonders .
    Appreciate the review, and the giveaway campaign
    USA

  • John Michael Jones says:

    Hello from Boston, Massachusetts! Great read as usual… very informative!
    Good luck to all & Merry Christmas!

  • Bubeto_GG says:

    “the city that never sleeps”

    Like NYC , but in a very different way 🙂 No joke this time , Madurai is bright, fresh and energetic, up to date floral fruity bouquet, some greenness, tartness , and sensual suede accord, it sounds so pleasing.
    Indian deities, and jasmine extra history lessons are always welcome.
    I should finally catch up with the whole Memo catalog , since African Leather is the only one I’ve smelled.
    Thank you for the opportunity
    USA

  • petergigov says:

    Madurai is cozy natural smelling fragrance with peach and bergamot opening, woody-floral elements heart , and warm base, all of highest quality.
    Madurai also well represents the character of all people from India, or with Indian heritage. Some wrongly believe they are all cold , that’s only partially true, because, they can be laid-back, gentle , and also overly passionate people.
    I was not aware the importance of jasmine for the locals , thanks Ida
    African Leather, cozy date time scent I’m well aware of, I had to buy it because of smelling good , its high compliment factor , and versatility. Same thing I’m expecting from Madurai
    Exciting giveaway, USA
    Regards

  • Vahagn says:

    So interesting article!
    Enjoyed information about Madurai and perfume description.
    Love jasmine in perfumery even if it with indolic notes.
    USA

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thank you for the wonderful review.

    I love all the elements of this fragrance. The beautiful jasmines which reminds me of the jasmines used at the temples as offerings, with the perfume wafting everywhere, the turmeric, the citruses and the allusion to the attars by the use of sandalwood to ground the scent.

    Fascinating profile.

    I do like Memo WInter Palace a lot.

    Cheers from WI, USA

  • Torax says:

    Oh boy, Memo Paris only makes gem,
    I remember the first Memo Paris I tried, it was African Leather. I was blown away by the smell and the quality the brand provides.
    I think Madurai is a fantastic floral fragrance with fruity accords. I think I would love to smell the italian bergamot oil because I love citrus in floral fragrances.
    My favorite Memo Paris fragrance yet is Marfa.
    USA here.

  • mmerline says:

    I’ve started to appreciate jasmine fragrances this year, but I still don’t have a sense of how different varieties vary. I was interested to read there are over 300 varieties of jasmine and some of the many regional names it takes in southern India. I’m intrigued by the way the flower is used in Memo Paris Madurai; in particular the combination with earthy tumeric. Thanks for the review, Ida.

    I’m in the midwest, USA. I haven’t tried any Memo Paris perfumes.

  • Michael Prince says:

    What interested me about Ida’s review of Memo Paris Madurai is learning that Madurai is the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu in southern India: it is called “Thoonga Nagaram”, meaning “the city that never sleeps”. Here, in this bustling temple town with its colorful markets, jasmines which are coveted the world over are found in abundance. The culture and history of Madurai is centered around Jasmine in which 2 versions are featured in Memo Paris Madurai. My favorite perfume from Memo Paris is African Leather. I am from the USA.

  • Diana D says:

    I really enjoy jasmine fragrances and love that there are 2 styles of jasmine used in this creation. Having sandalwood as the base just makes this sound incredibly comforting yet mysterious. I’ve never owned a Memo Paris scent before so I’d be thrilled to be able to have this be my first to add to my collection.
    I live in the U.S.
    Happy Holidays!

  • Regis Monkton says:

    Even though I very much prefer to wear fragrances marketed to men and/or unisex, I can still like some fragrances which are feminine leaning. I can like “Compliment” by Maison Violet and “Honour Woman” by Amouage and this fragrance seems like it might be similar to them. I haven’t tried anything yet from Memo Paris. I live in the U.S.A.

  • Christie says:

    Jasmine and sandalwood with a suede accord to blend it sounds lovely. Ida’s description makes me feel like this is a happy perfume. I think the addition of turmeric to Madurai makes it seem unique to me. Turmeric essence isn’t something I can’t say I’ve smelled in a fragrance before. I would like to try this. My favorite fragrance from Memo is Winter Palace.

    Thank you for the giveaway. In the USA.

  • IvanVelikov says:

    The ancient city of Madurai looks like it’s coming from George Lucas Star Wars movie, almost untouched by modern day hands.
    The fragrance draws me in , jasmine meets tuberose , and other floral surprises ,sandalwood , and juicy peach . It is ating the senses Indian nectar by MEMO .
    I have samples of Tamarindo, Argentina, African, Italian, Russian Leather, and Sintra. Tamarindo, Argentina and Sintra are my 3 favorites.
    Thank you Ida , and Europerfumes
    USA

  • sephrenia300 says:

    Great review Ida! What interested me about Ida’s review is learning that Madurai incorporates two different potent jasmine – a richly indolic Egyptian jasmine and the greener, honeyed-tea floral freshness of jasmine sambac. Jasmine is my absolute favorite note in all of perfumery and I love all the different facets of different varieties, particularly the indolic nature. My favorite Memo Paris perfume is Marfa. I live in the US.