Memo Paris, a niche fragrance house, was founded in 2007 by poet Clara Molloy and her husband, John Molloy. The philosophy behind the brand is “the journey is the destination,” a motto reflected in its fragrance creations, which are inspired by travel and memories. Accordingly, each scent is dubbed a memory journey.
1. African Leather EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Memo Paris |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Leather |
| Notes | Top: Cardamom, Geranium and Pink Pepper Middle: Patchouli, Cinnamon, and Rose Base: Leather, Oud, and Amber |
| Release year | 2015 |
| Perfumer | Alienor Massenet |
African Leather is a truly unique leather scent. The leather note feels like an intimate, well-worn leather garment you’ve had for a very long time. It is long-lasting and a heavy compliment getter. The cardamom adds a spicy element at the opening, while a touch of geranium adds an elegant, floral factor. Overall, the scent is one-of-a-kind and incredibly calming.
2. Madurai EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Memo Paris |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Floral |
| Notes | The fragrance features Jasmine Sambac, Indian Jasmine, Egyptian Jasmine, Peach, Indian Tuberose, Marigold, Turmeric, Clary Sage, Australian Sandalwood, Suede, and Sicilian Bergamot |
| Release year | 2022 |
| Perfumer | Gaël Montero |
Madurai is uplifting and bright right from the opening, lacking any harsh sharpness. It’s a summer fragrance that will make you fall in love at first sniff. As it dries down, it becomes slightly warmer and a lot richer. For that reason, I highly recommend it for summer nights rather than days out. If you have a fancy event this summer and don’t want to compromise on your fragrance, look no further.
3. Sherwood EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Memo Paris |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Floral Woody |
| Notes | Top: Carrot Seeds, Black Currant, and Pink Pepper Middle: Orange Blossom, Damask Rose, and Spices Base: Sandalwood, Cashmeran, and Oak |
| Release year | 2022 |
| Perfumer | Juliette Karagueuzoglou |
Sherwood is a soft, creamy sandalwood fragrance. Rather than being harsh, the woody notes come off as fluffy and even powdery, a quality that makes the fragrance incredibly easy to wear, which I love. It also smells deeply comforting, reminiscent of a cosy home or a fairy’s hut in a magical forest. Absolutely fantastical.
4. Jannat EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Memo Paris |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Floral |
| Notes | The fragrance features Neroli, Petitgrain, Bergamot, Amalfi Lemon, Frangipani, Mandarin Orange, Musk, Clary Sage, Liatris, and Tonka Bean. |
| Release year | 2008 |
| Perfumer | Alienor Massenet |
Jannat is a floral citrus fragrance and an amazing scent for summer. The citrus notes are distinct and clear in the composition, while the florals feel like they’re just there for support rather than taking centre stage. Because of this, its classification as a floral confuses me a bit. But that’s beside the point. This is a solid everyday fragrance for office wear and running errands when the weather gets warmer.
5. Marfa EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Memo Paris |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Floral Woody Musk |
| Notes | Top: Peach and Mandarin Middle: Tuberose, Ylang Ylang, and Orange Blossom Base: Vanilla Bean, Musk, Sandalwood, Tonka Bean, and Cedarwood |
| Release year | 2016 |
| Perfumer | Alienor Massenet |
According to the brand, “Marfa captures the magnetic charm of a sun-drenched American landscape, where desert and sky merge, with a memorable, captivating tuberose scent—powerful and irresistible.” I wouldn’t know if that’s true, since I haven’t been to the Americas, but I do enjoy this fragrance a lot. I just wish that its fruity, peachy nuances were a little more prominent.
6. Sintra EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Memo Paris |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Amber Floral |
| Notes | Top: Petitgrain, Red Fruits, and Bergamot Middle: Orange, Cinnamon, and Rose Base: Caramel, Vanilla, and Musk |
| Release year | 2020 |
| Perfumer | Philippe Paparella-Paris |
A fragrance as fun and colourful as the place it’s named after, Sintra is a work of art. I can almost see the bright colours of orange and red when I smell this scent. The sweetness here is impeccable as well. The caramel and vanilla give an almost gourmand-like quality to the aroma, especially when blended with the red fruits. Try this perfume, and you might just fall in love.
7. Moroccan Leather EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Memo Paris |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Leather |
| Notes | Top: Ginger and Mandarin Middle: Ylang Ylang, Iris Butter, and Orange Base: Leather, Galbanum, Vetiver, Styrax, Tonka Bean, and Ambergris |
| Release year | 2018 |
| Perfumer | Alienor Massenet |
It only felt appropriate to round out this list of Memo Paris fragrances with a leather scent. Moroccan Leather is my second-favourite leather from the brand; it is a beautifully deep, green, and woody fragrance. For the sake of honesty, you could probably find something very similar for a lower price in the Arab fragrance market. But if you want a long-lasting perfume of amazing quality, and you are particular about subtle nuances, it is absolutely worth the splurge.
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