Hermès Eau des Merveilles Limited Edition 2013: A Glimmer of Stardust and Wonder

The first spritz is like a burst of effervescent sunshine, a dazzling blend of juicy orange and crisp lemon, brightened by the almost fizzy, resinous sparkle of elemi. It’s invigorating, yet immediately warm, hinting at something deeper beneath the citrusy veil. There''s a subtle, almost mineralic quality that sets it apart from typical fresh openings.

As the initial luminosity settles, the heart of Eau des Merveilles unfurls with a captivating warmth. The star of the show, ambergris, emerges with its unique salty, marine, and subtly animalic aroma, lending a skin-like intimacy. Pink pepper adds a delicate, spicy zing, while a whisper of violet provides a touch of powdery elegance, preventing the amber from becoming too heavy. This phase is where the ''sparkling amber'' truly comes alive, shimmering with an inner glow.

The drydown is a masterpiece of woody depth and earthy sophistication. Fir resin brings a cool, forest-like freshness, intertwining with the robust, grounding presence of cedar and the classic, green chypre touch of oakmoss. Vetiver adds a dry, rooty elegance, creating a lasting impression of natural warmth and refined sensuality. It becomes a second skin, comforting and utterly unique, a woody-amber embrace that lingers beautifully for hours.

An immediate burst of sparkling, juicy orange and bright lemon, lifted by the balsamic, slightly peppery warmth of elemi resin. It feels effervescent, like sunlight catching on sea spray, vibrant and utterly unique from the very first spritz.

The initial zest gracefully recedes, allowing the unique, radiant ambergris to emerge, imparting a subtle, sophisticated saltiness and a skin-like warmth that feels both ancient and modern. Pink pepper adds a lively, piquant sparkle, while a whisper of violet adds a delicate, ethereal touch. The woody heart begins to beat, grounding the luminosity.

A deep, comforting embrace of warm fir resin and robust cedar, grounded by the earthy richness of oakmoss and vetiver. The signature ambergris persists, intertwining with the woods to create a dry, mineralic warmth that feels incredibly natural and endlessly captivating, like walking through an enchanted forest by the sea at dusk.

The initial burst is a deeper, more candied orange, entwined almost immediately with the warm, slightly salty embrace of ambergris and the resinous touch of elemi. Less sparkling than the EDT, it's a confident, inviting start.

As it settles, the ambergris truly sings, becoming the heart of the fragrance. It's a rich, warm, almost mineral saltiness, beautifully balanced by a subtle pink pepper spice and a whisper of violet. The woods begin to emerge, giving it structure and depth.

The drydown is a long, luxurious affair. A profound, warm ambergris persists, grounded by the earthy richness of fir resin, cedar, and oakmoss. Vetiver adds a sophisticated, slightly smoky finish. It feels like a second skin, warm and utterly captivating, lasting for hours upon hours.

A syrupy, almost candied orange zest immediately envelops you, sweeter and more decadent than the EDT's brighter opening. The lemon is present, but softened by a rich caramel undertone, like a spun sugar fantasy.

The heart blossoms into a warm, resinous embrace. The ambergris from the EDT is here, but it feels deeper, more profound, intertwined with the intoxicating sweetness of benzoin and a touch of earthy patchouli. It's a sophisticated, almost gourmand warmth.

The base is a luxurious, lingering whisper. The oakmoss and vetiver are still present, grounding the sweetness, but the vanilla and white musk add a creamy, enveloping softness that is far more opulent and enduring than the EDT's drier finish. It settles into a comforting, sweet woody skin scent.

A luminous burst of sweet, candied orange zest, softened by a whisper of lemon, immediately feels richer and more enveloping than its EDT counterpart. It's less of a bright, fleeting sparkle and more of a warm, inviting glow.

The heart unfurls with a decadent, resinous amber, a deep, golden pool that feels almost tangible. The pepper from the EDT is largely absent, replaced by the smooth, balsamic embrace of benzoin and the rich, leathery depth of labdanum. It's a comforting, almost syrupy sweetness that coats the skin.

The drydown is a profound, woody embrace. The fir and cedar are more pronounced, grounding the amber with a sophisticated, forest-like earthiness. A subtle, lingering sweetness from the vanilla intertwines with the oakmoss, creating a scent that feels like a warm hug on a crisp autumn evening, clinging to you with a gentle tenacity.

A bracing, invigorating splash of sea spray mingled with sharp, zesty lemon and a whisper of peppery spice. It's the feeling of stepping onto a sun-drenched coast, the air alive with possibility.

The heart unfurls like a deep blue ocean current, where the crispness of cedarwood and earthy patchouli meet a subtle, salty marine accord. It's the sophisticated elegance of a well-worn leather jacket on a breezy afternoon.

The base settles into a warm, comforting embrace of smooth oakwood and a hint of ambered musk, reminiscent of driftwood smoothed by the tides. A lingering whisper of the sea, grounding and serene.