Givenchy Myrrhe Carmin Review: A Crimson Jewel Worth the Price?
An exhaustive breakdown of the L'Atelier de Givenchy masterpiece, from scent to value.
In the world of luxury fragrance, certain scents achieve a near-mythical status, especially after they disappear from store shelves. Givenchy's Myrrhe Carmin is one such fragrance. Launched in 2014 as a pillar of the ultra-exclusive L'Atelier de Givenchy collection, this scent was never meant for the masses. It was an olfactory statement piece, designed to bridge the gap between the house's audacious haute couture and the world of high perfumery. For consumers navigating the often-inflated luxury market, the key question remains: was it ever worth the price, and is it worth hunting down now?
The L'Atelier de Givenchy collection was a bold move, positioning the brand firmly in the private blend space occupied by Tom Ford, Dior, and Chanel. Each fragrance was inspired by a specific fabric or iconic runway look, translating texture and color into scent. Myrrhe Carmin drew its inspiration from a dramatic, carmine-red evening gown, aiming to capture the essence of opulent velvet, mystery, and sensual allure. It was designed not as a fleeting trend, but as a timeless artifact of olfactory art, targeting discerning collectors and those who view fragrance as a critical component of their personal identity.
The concept was clear: deliver uncompromising quality with a distinct point of view. Myrrhe Carmin achieves this by placing a notoriously difficult ingredient—myrrh—at its heart. Often associated with ancient rituals and medicinal balms, myrrh can be bitter and challenging. Here, it is polished and reimagined, blended with a jammy rose and creamy vanilla to create something both sacred and profane. The result is a scent that is simultaneously comforting and commanding, a duality that defines its unique character.
Within the fragrance community, Myrrhe Carmin is spoken of with reverence. It is widely considered one of the best, if not the best, from the entire L'Atelier line. Its discontinuation has only fueled its legend, turning bottles into collector's items that command steep prices on the secondary market. This review will cut through the hype and provide a factual analysis of the scent, its performance, and its value, giving you the information you need to decide if this crimson-hued legend belongs in your collection.
The Nose Behind the Scent
The perfumer for the L'Atelier de Givenchy collection was not officially disclosed. The creative direction was handled by the Givenchy maison, under Riccardo Tisci at the time of launch, to present a unified brand vision.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
A brief, sharp opening of spicy ginger and bergamot quickly gives way to the emergence of a medicinal, potent myrrh resin, setting a bold and serious tone.
The myrrh resin becomes the star, its smoky and bitter facets beautifully balanced by a deep, jammy Bulgarian rose. The scent is rich, opulent, and complex during this phase.
A long and luxurious drydown dominated by a high-quality vanilla absolute and creamy balsams. The myrrh and rose linger softly, creating a warm, sweet, and smoky skin scent that lasts for hours.
Performance Dashboard
Exceptional. Lasts 10-12+ hours on skin and can linger on clothes for several days.
Strong projection for the first 3-4 hours, creating a noticeable scent bubble without being overwhelming.
Leaves a prominent and alluring trail that hangs in the air. Its presence is felt long after the wearer has left.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Polarizing. Generates strong, passionate compliments from those who appreciate unique scents, but may be too intense for the general public.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Unique, high-quality myrrh and rose composition
- ✅ Outstanding longevity and performance
- ✅ Luxurious and elegant presentation
- ✅ Perfectly unisex and makes a bold statement
- ❌ Discontinued and very difficult to find
- ❌ Extremely high price on the secondary market
- ❌ Can be too heavy or overwhelming for some people
- ❌ Not versatile for everyday or office wear
Price & Value
“Worth the investment only for serious collectors and lovers of this specific scent profile due to its discontinuation and high market price.”
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Unisex, for individuals 30+
- Connoisseurs of oriental and resinous fragrances
- Confident personalities with a sophisticated or artistic style.
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Beginners in fragrance
- Fans of light, fresh, or aquatic scents
- Use in professional or enclosed office settings due to its potency.
The Family
Part of the same exclusive L'Atelier de Givenchy collection.
Part of the same exclusive L'Atelier de Givenchy collection.
Part of the same exclusive L'Atelier de Givenchy collection.
Part of the same exclusive L'Atelier de Givenchy collection.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares a prominent myrrh-vanilla accord, but is slightly sweeter.
A discontinued legend with a similar spicy, resinous, and opulent character.
A modern, drier, and woodier take on a myrrh-centric fragrance.
A high-end myrrh fragrance with a unique licorice twist and a brighter feel.
💡 Clone Alternatives
Offers a similar vintage, dense, spicy-balsamic feeling at a much lower price point, though not a direct clone.
A classic spicy oriental that features myrrh and captures a similar dramatic, opulent mood.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
Shares a dark, spicy rose and incense profile for those who enjoy opulent scents.
Features a rich, resinous patchouli and benzoin base with a similar luxurious feel.
For lovers of a sophisticated amber-rose combination with elegant projection.
More from Givenchy
🧪 Layering Ideas
- A simple vanilla fragrance (e.g., Nemat Vanilla Musk oil) to enhance the creamy base
- A dry cedarwood or Iso E Super scent (e.g., Molecule 01) to add a woody, airy dimension
- A subtle leather fragrance to add a dark, animalic edge
🏆 Final Verdict
Givenchy Myrrhe Carmin is a masterpiece of modern perfumery. It is a bold, uncompromising, and beautifully blended fragrance that showcases myrrh in all its complex glory. The interplay between the smoky resin, the jammy rose, and the creamy vanilla is nothing short of breathtaking. Its performance is exceptional, easily justifying its original luxury price tag.
The primary challenge today is its discontinued status and the resulting exorbitant secondary market prices. It is no longer a simple purchase but a calculated acquisition for serious collectors. It is not a blind buy under any circumstances. If you are a devoted fan of oriental, resinous fragrances and have the means, securing a bottle of Myrrhe Carmin is acquiring a piece of olfactory history. It is a fragrance that delivers on its promise of haute couture in a bottle: dramatic, unforgettable, and exquisitely crafted.