A Hidden Gem in the Winter - Mur Mur Noir Surprised Me!
Hello everyone.
I'm not a huge fan of catalog perfumery, but there are some gems in there that deserve to be on the same shelves as luxury brands. One of my go-to perfumes is Mirage by Oriflame, and I'll definitely write a review about it when I get the chance – I was obsessed with it after it was discontinued, it's that good.
But let's get back to the star of this review. I received this bottle as a Secret Santa gift at work, but I have to say I was already eyeing it. I'd read some great reviews and wanted to try it out.
And that's how Mur Mur Noir by Faberlic ended up in my collection. Right off the bat, I want to say that I'm not a fan of the concept. The name and the bottle just don't fit the fragrance.
Key Details
Brand: Faberlic
Bottle Name: Mur Mur Noir
Concentration: edp (perfume water)
Volume: 50ml
Direction: gourmet
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Packaging and Bottle
The cardboard box is a bit flimsy. Unfortunately, it got damaged during shipping and ended up looking a bit worn out. But, as the saying goes, you don't judge a book by its cover.
The bottle itself is playful. It's rounded with a lid that has a hole and a cute little pom-pom attached to it. The bottle has a gradient finish that goes from light to dark, and it's matte. Unfortunately, the matte finish leaves behind some marks – and it's also pretty easy to see the liquid inside when you shake it.
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I'd say the bottle might appeal to girls, but it's not on the same level as the fragrance itself – like Carolina Herrera's Good Girl, where the bottle and the content are perfectly matched. Here, the bottle is a bit childish, but the content isn't.
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The pyramid and its reveal
Mur Mur Noir has a pyramid that's a dead giveaway it's a gourmand – almost all the ingredients except the 'heart' are 'edible'. I'm pretty skeptical of gourmands – not that I love smelling like food. In this direction, it's easy to go overboard, so I approach it with caution. For me, the benchmark of a 'good' gourmand is Angel by Mugler, but that's already a classic and a masterpiece with a history. And let's be real, it doesn't smell like chocolate cake.
When I sniff the bottle, I just get a sweet smell and can't pick out any notes beyond chocolate and a hint of licorice. When I apply it, it starts off more like cocoa powder, but real cocoa powder, not some cheap Nesquik. And then things get more interesting. I don't smell the 'heart' notes at all – all that mango, ilang-ilang, and jasmine just sail right by me, leaving not a crumb or a petal behind.
I tried for ages to figure out what this scent reminded me of, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it – it's like a zefir in chocolate or that specific smell you get in shops that sell handmade chocolates.
For me, this scent is in the same direction as Angel by Mugler, but not as loud – it's simpler and more understated. If Angel is a couture gown, then Mur Mur Noir is a high-street find, but that doesn't make it worse. It's in the same list of similarities for me as Black Opium Intense by YSL and SI Intense by Armani. But I do want to note that despite being a gourmand and sweet, it's less cloying than Love Potion by Oriflame, which just screams chocolate.
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How, who, where to wear it
I was surprised by the actual scent of Mur Mur Noir. I wouldn't have guessed it was a catalog fragrance just by the packaging. It's not the kind of scent I see on younger girls, it's a bit too serious for that. I got to know this fragrance last winter, and I've worn it twice: the first time was in April when it snowed, and again now, at the end of October, when we're expecting snow soon. I'd definitely recommend Mur Mur Noir for cold weather.
Aromatically, it's a day-to-day scent that doesn't require much fuss or glamour. It's a down-to-earth, no-nonsense fragrance that's perfect for everyday wear. I don't think I'd reach for it on special occasions or parties.
Longevity and Sillage
My experience with the fragrance has been a bit of a mixed bag. I wasn't exactly thrilled with the packaging, and I think that's actually helped the fragrance. It's held up pretty well on my skin, lasting about half a day on warmer skin, but I don't notice it by the evening. On clothing, especially sweaters, it lingers a bit longer.
On my warmer skin, it's a bit of a fleeting experience, and it quickly disappears into the base notes. I'd say there's no sillage to speak of, which is actually a good thing. The scent is warm and close to the skin, giving off a cozy, comforting aroma that's perfect for everyday wear. It's not the kind of scent that makes you feel like you're on a higher plane of existence or anything like that. Mur Mur Noir is more about everyday comfort and stability.
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Verdict
For a catalog fragrance (and the corresponding price point), Mur Mur Noir is definitely a good choice. I wouldn't say it's going to be anyone's favorite, but as a basic scent for the fall and winter seasons, it's definitely worth considering. It's a comfortable, non-irritating scent that's soft and gentle, like a warm hug.
Overall, I'm glad I got to try Mur Mur Noir, and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a simple, everyday fragrance for the colder months. It's not going to blow anyone away, but it's a solid choice for those who want something uncomplicated and easy to wear.
Would I repurchase it? Maybe, but only if I couldn't find anything else I liked better. As it stands, I'm happy to have it in my collection, but I wouldn't go out of my way to get it again.
Rating: 3.5/5
Price: around $20-$30 for 50ml
Recommendation: If you're looking for a simple, everyday fragrance for the colder months, Mur Mur Noir might be worth considering. Just don't expect it to be a showstopper or anything like that.