The story of Mauboussin
It began in 1827 with a small jewellery workshop opened in Paris by a man named Rocher. His successor Jean-Baptiste Noury trained his nephew Georges Mauboussin, who later gave the house its name. Between the wars Mauboussin became known for Art Deco pieces and coloured stones. The house then changed hands several times. In the early 2000s it took a frankly commercial turn and set out to make luxury more affordable. Perfume was part of the plan. The first one, simply called Mauboussin, came out in 2000. Christine Nagel composed it, years before she became Hermès's in-house perfumer. Others followed in the same warm, sweet vein, including Elixir pour Elle in 2013.
An olfactory signature
Mauboussin perfumes like ripe fruit and vanilla. The 2000 Mauboussin opens on juicy plum and slides into an amber and patchouli base. Elixir pour Elle goes further, with blackcurrant up top, rose and jasmine in the heart and a base of oud and vanilla. There is nothing minimalist here. These scents aim for comfort and presence. Their modest price makes them a good entry point into gourmand orientals, provided you like sweetness.
Which Mauboussin perfume to choose?
The 2000 Mauboussin is still the most accomplished, for fans of fruity orientals. Pour Elle is lighter and better for daily wear. Elixir pour Elle, with its oud base, belongs to winter evenings. Two sprays are enough because it projects. Rose pour Elle is the most floral of the set, a good choice if sugar wears you out. On warm skin all of them grow louder, so skip them in a closed office. If you like Elixir pour Elle, try Lancôme La Nuit Trésor, which sits in the same register at a higher price.