Our take
What does Lady Emblem Elixir smell like?
A year after Lady Emblem, Montblanc released a denser version in 2016 called Lady Emblem Elixir. The gem-cut bottle turns rose gold. The house does not name the perfumer. The opening pairs lychee with mandarin, but black pepper sets the tone. It stings a little and keeps the fruit from turning into candy. The heart is the best part. Damask rose leans on a slightly earthy iris while orange blossom adds a brighter flash. From there it drops into dark patchouli, creamy sandalwood and a vanilla that takes up more room after two hours. On skin the iris, vanilla and patchouli trio recalls Lancôme’s La Vie est Belle. This one is less sweet and more floral, and the rose stays to the end. Strong start, calmer finish. It is a bolder take on the original Lady Emblem.
When to wear it
For dinner or a winter night out, sprayed on skin rather than clothes. Two sprays at most, since the first hour is loud.
It belongs to the Floral, Woody family. Lady Emblem Elixir is one of 19 creations by Montblanc in our encyclopedia.