Myrrh

Myrrh is an aromatic gum resin. It is produced by the myrrh tree. This tree comes from the arid regions of northeast Africa as well as the southern Arabian Peninsula. Myrrh represents a strong symbol of life. Indeed, it is said that the three wise men brought the infant Jesus gold, frankincense and myrrh as gifts of life. In antiquity, myrrh was used in embalming. Myrrh is now well known for its medicinal virtues. It has healing, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antioxidant properties.

Myrrh, a warm and balsamic note

Thanks to the warm and balsamic notes it gives off, myrrh is often used in base notes, in oriental perfumes. Myrrh, sweet and tenacious, thus remains on skin when the other fragrances have faded. Myrrh brings perfumes its warm, sweet, dark, sensual, even sexual aspect. If there is one perfumer who has honored myrrh, it is Serge Lutens. This lover of the Orient created La myrrhe, which is part of his Palais Royal collection. Myrrh, amber, musk, incense and spices make this fragrance a masterpiece of Oriental scents. Another perfumer has paid a fine tribute to myrrh: Giorgio Armani. With his fragrance Myrrhe impériale, the gum resin of antiquity earns a place of choice among fragrances. Myrrhe impériale is majestic and captivating. Lemon, spices, myrrh and incense evoke the atmosphere of Oriental palaces.

Can myrrh be paired with other fragrances?

Myrrh is a fascinating ingredient, both beautiful and strong. However, it carries heavy symbolism. What makes it an advantage is also a drawback. Indeed, apart from oriental perfumes, myrrh is evidently difficult to pair. It is nonetheless found blended with flowers, as in Guerlain’s fragrance Myrrhe et délire. Here the perfumer incorporated myrrh in the heart notes with rose and iris. In the top notes are grapefruit, pear, pink pepper berry and pepper. In the base are found incense, patchouli and licorice. The blend is stunning and yields a rare and atypical fragrance. Myrrh is found alongside the woody family in Annick Goutal’s fragrance Myrrhe ardente. Here, myrrh essence stands alone in the top note. It is paired, once again, with myrrh, benzoin and tonka bean in the base notes. The woody oriental blend is voluptuous, yet the fragrance remains a man ruled by myrrh, one that enchants all who wear it.

Coming straight from antiquity, myrrh carries a powerful symbol, having been one of the three gifts offered to the infant Jesus. Myrrh is very often used in oriental perfumes for its bewitching and captivating scent. Many perfumers have indeed honored it. However, few have attempted to blend myrrh with other fragrances. Are its symbolism and scent too powerful for other fragrances? Is myrrh too difficult to tame?