Xerjoff Apollonia Review: The Lunar Fragrance You Need to Know
A sterile, beautiful, and otherworldly musk that commands attention through silence.
Let''s get straight to it. You''re searching for "Xerjoff Luna," and you''ve hit a wall. That''s because it doesn''t exist. But your search likely led you here for a reason. You''re looking for a fragrance from Xerjoff that captures a celestial, lunar, or otherworldly essence. The fragrance you are almost certainly seeking is Apollonia, a standout creation from the brand''s prestigious Shooting Stars collection.
Launched in 2019 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, Apollonia is Xerjoff''s olfactory interpretation of space. It''s not about fiery stars or cosmic explosions. It''s about the cold, silent, and breathtaking beauty of the moon. The brand aimed to capture the feeling of weightlessness and the stark, elegant landscape of another world. This isn''t a fragrance designed for mass appeal; it''s a piece of olfactory art.
Within the Xerjoff lineup, a brand known for powerful, often opulent and complex scents like Naxos or Alexandria II, Apollonia stands apart. It is a study in minimalism and restraint. Built around a core of the highest quality orris butter and clean white musk, it forgoes a complicated note pyramid for a focused, linear experience. This places it in a unique position: it''s a luxury niche fragrance for those who appreciate subtlety and precision over sheer volume.
In the fragrance community, Apollonia is both revered and debated. Connoisseurs praise it as a modern masterpiece, a benchmark for orris-based scents. They laud its quality, its unique sterile-yet-beautiful profile, and its sophisticated character. However, others find it too cold, too clinical, or too simple for its astronomical price tag. It is a polarizing scent that doesn''t scream for attention but rather creates an aura of immaculate, confident elegance. This review will give you the unvarnished facts to decide if this lunar-inspired scent belongs in your collection.
The Nose Behind the Scent
Sergio Momo, the founder and creative director of Xerjoff, is the visionary behind Apollonia. While Xerjoff often works with various master perfumers, the conceptual direction and commitment to using the highest quality raw materials is driven by Momo''s philosophy.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
A cool, bright, and sterile burst of abstract white florals. It feels clean and futuristic, avoiding any sweetness or typical floral characteristics. The impression is one of crisp, clean air.
The heart reveals an exceptionally high-quality orris butter. It is creamy, smooth, and intensely powdery, reminiscent of luxurious cosmetic products or fine suede. The coolness from the opening persists, balanced by the buttery texture.
The scent settles into a persistent, clean white musk. It''s not animalic or soapy, but rather a pure, second-skin musk that fuses with the lingering powdery orris, maintaining an aura of immaculate elegance for hours.
Performance Dashboard
Excellent. Lasts 8-10 hours on skin and can be detected on clothing for several days. A true parfum performance.
Moderate and polite. It creates a distinct personal bubble of about arm''s length for the first 1-2 hours before settling closer to the skin.
Noticeable but not overpowering. It leaves an elegant, clean, and powdery trail that is more likely to be discovered than announced.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Garners more comments on its uniqueness and cleanliness than typical ''sexy'' compliments. An ''if you know, you know'' scent that gets respect from those with a keen nose.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Unique and artistic ''lunar'' scent profile
- ✅ Unmistakable high quality of the orris butter and musk
- ✅ Superb longevity on skin and clothes
- ✅ The epitome of clean, professional sophistication
- ❌ Extremely high price point for a minimalist composition
- ❌ Can be perceived as too ''cold'' or ''clinical'' by some
- ❌ Intentionally moderate projection might disappoint those expecting more power for the price
Price & Value
“Worth the investment for connoisseurs of orris and minimalist perfumery. For others, it''s a significant luxury purchase that should be sampled first.”
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Unisex, ages 30+
- Minimalists and lovers of avant-garde style
- Professionals in creative fields (e.g., architecture, design)
- Individuals seeking a clean, sophisticated, and unique signature scent
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Those who prefer sweet, loud, or gourmand fragrances
- Younger consumers looking for a casual or clubbing scent
- Anyone seeking a ''beast mode'' fragrance with massive projection
The Family
It has no direct flankers (e.g., Intense, Eau de Parfum versions).
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
A more accessible, warmer, and less expensive take on a clean iris scent.
Shares the powdery orris-musk accord but with added green notes and a classic feel.
Evokes a similar cool, minimalist, and ethereal mood, though with a different note structure.
💡 Clone Alternatives
An ''inspired by'' version that aims to capture the core accord at a fraction of the price.
Offers a perfume oil interpretation that is noted by users for its similarity.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
Shares the hyper-clean, minimalist, ''laundry'' aesthetic.
Another high-end fragrance focused on a pristine, clean musk and white floral profile.
A pure, crystalline musk that appeals to a similar minimalist sensibility.
More from Xerjoff
🧪 Layering Ideas
- Molecule 01 to enhance its projection and add a subtle woody facet.
- A light citrus fragrance (e.g., Dior Homme Cologne) to brighten the opening.
- A soft sandalwood scent to add a touch of warmth to the drydown.
🏆 Final Verdict
Apollonia is not just a perfume; it''s a statement of minimalist luxury. It is for the individual who values artistry and subtlety over loud projection. It’s the scent of clean confidence, a futuristic and elegant masterpiece that feels both timeless and otherworldly. The quality is undeniable, from the creamy orris to the persistent musk.
You should buy it if you are seeking a truly unique signature scent that is professional, clean, and built on the highest quality ingredients available. It is an investment in an olfactory work of art that will set you apart from the crowd in the most sophisticated way possible.