In just three years, Merit Beauty has established itself as the go-to brand for a fresh clean-girl aesthetic. So when the Merit perfume, Retrospect, launched recently, we weren’t surprised to see it pick up an immediate devoted fan base.
Sticking to its principles of elevated, elegant minimalism, the brand ran with a soft, effortless skin scent. It’s been described as, personal, pheromonal and nostalgic, and with notes of bergamot, pear, ambrette, aldehydes, jasmine, rose, violet, vanilla, musk and moss, it’s a subtle shape-shifter, opening with a clean laundry blend of juicy petals and powder, before drying into a warm musk.
The bottle itself is a work of art (which, let’s be honest, further helps sway discerning beauty girls). The sculpted blue-grey teardrop glass decanter – complete with thumb hold for easy spritzing – and gold curved lid look gallery-worthy, plus the pocket-sized shape make it easy to carry with you.
Unsurprisingly, interest in the scent has peaked in the lead-up to Christmas, so we tasked the GLAMOUR team with spritzing it and reporting back on the scent, the longevity and whether it truly deserves the hype…
The product:
Robyn, GLAMOUR’s Social Media Manager
The Merit perfume was a stunning surprise. As someone who’s loyal to my signature scent, it’s rare for other fragrances to turn my head, but I think this one has. From first glance, the bottle is gorgeous — elegant, with soft edges that give grown up and sophisticated vibes. But it’s the fragrance that really shocked me. It’s floral, yet deep, with a zen-like calm that reminds me of a spa day. It’s a delicious balance of rich, oud-like notes that still feel light and girly. The combination is sophisticated but accessible, making it a perfect choice for anyone who enjoys a luxurious, airy scent. I rarely fall for new perfumes this much, but Merit has definitely earned a spot on my Christmas list. If you’re someone who enjoys soft, complex fragrances, this is a must-try.
