Merit 2024 Parfum

F ££ Favourite

Retrospect

by Fanny Bal

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Merit Retrospect is a Parfum launched in 2024, created by Fanny Bal. Retrospect opens with Bergamot, Ambrette, Pear, and Aldehydes, settles into a heart of Rose, Jasmine, Iris, and Violet, and dries down to a base of Musk, Oakmoss, and Vanilla. Merit's Retrospect carries a Favourite verdict, a floral-led wear.

This one's proper divisive, love it or hate it. Some reckon it's a classy, modern "your skin but better" scent with a juicy pear opening, while others detect pickles, rancid musk, or a dusty old makeup bag. Definitely one to try before you buy, it smells totally different depending on your skin chemistry.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Sophisticated
  • Classic
  • Clean
  • Subtle
  • Elegant
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Retrospect Parfum bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend

Top, heart and base are the brand's own listing, not a timing claim - the industry classifies a note by its character as much as by how fast it fades. Each curve here is modelled from that material's own volatility, so groups can overlap when a house lists long-lasting materials in its heart.

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Performance & Mood

Performance

Longevity
Moderate (4-6h)
Projection
Moderate
Intensity
Moderate

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Spring Fall Winter

Versatile across every season - no clear seasonal preference from wearers.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Office Casual Sport
Also Works:
Date Formal

Despite its 'Parfum' concentration, many users report it as a skin scent, making it suitable for office and casual wear. Its unique and sometimes polarising character means it might not suit every formal occasion, though some find it elegant enough. The fresh and clean aspects lend themselves well to casual and even light sport use.

Ingredients and allergens

We don't have this fragrance's ingredient list yet.

About

Retrospect opens with a bright, albeit sometimes synthetic, pear note alongside airy aldehydes, quickly ushering in a sophisticated floral heart. Orris, rose, and violet give a powdery, 'vintage lipstick' feel that's softened by a hint of clean jasmine and a touch of rosemary. The base settles into a comforting, musky embrace of oakmoss and creamy vanilla, creating a subtle yet distinctive trail.

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Compare & Pair

Layer

Wear two at once: the blends worth trying, how each one scores and where to spray See what layers well

Complement

Two people, two scents: what sits well beside it when you each wear your own See what pairs well

Where to buy

Prices for the United States ·

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Drawn from community reviews and editor-reviewed before publishing on . See our methodology and disclosure policy.