Frederic Malle Editions de Parfums is one of my favorite perfume houses, and their Musc Ravageur is one of my Top Five perfumes, so of course I felt compelled to buy the matching body products: the Huile à Tout Faire (body oil) and the Lait Parfumé (body milk). Perhaps it is because of the superb standards and quality of the other Editions de Parfums products I've encountered, but I must admit I am somewhat disappointed in the latter product.
It is not a bad product. It is powerfully scented, very true to the original animalic vanilla fragrance, and it lasts quite a long time, making it perfect for layering (although Musc Ravageur is so strong that layering is hardly neccesary) or wearing alone for a softer, subtler effect. But it does have a few significant flaws that make me hesitant to purchase it again.
First, the packaging is unappealing. The bottle boasts the usual sleek, elegant Malle minimalism as well as a convenient black atomizer pump, but the plastic casing is transparent and allows the color of the lotion itself to show. That is fine initially, when the lotion is white, but it morphs upon exposure to air to a rather drab and unpleasant tan that reminds me of band-aids and medical ointments — hardly something I would want to display on my dresser.
Second, although the scent of the perfume in the body milk is quite concentrated, it still allows the scent of the base itself — a clean, slightly soapy lotiony smell — to carry through. It's not enough to overpower the perfume scent, but it is apparent enough to be slightly distracting.
Third, and most disappointing, the milk's texture is disturbingly thin and runny, almost watery — not the thick, stiff quality lotion I expected.
Despite these flaws, I wouldn't say that the Lait Parfumé is a wholly unredeemable product. The scent is strong and concentrated and it really is perfect for layering, and despite being slightly runny, it is extremely emollient and is absorbed quickly. The quality is just slightly less than I would expect from the Editions de Parfum house and for a lotion that comes at this cost.
Musc Ravageur Lait Parfumé, as well as body milks in all of the Editions de Parfums scents except for Une Rose and Bigarade Concentrée, is available at editionsdeparfums and barneys at 55€ for 200 mL.
Wow, I'm surprised! Because I wrote off Musc Ravageur until I tried it in this form. Only as a lotion has it hooked me. I like that it's a thinner formula, since big goopy lotions kinda gross me out, and this absorbs so fast. I still find the actually fragrance spray to be too strong for me, but this is just enough to surround me in a warm, cozy come-hither cloud of dirty vanilla musk.
So sorry that you were disappointed in the lotion, A. But have you tried the soaps? They are divine!
My favorite soap is the Bigarrade, but NST and my dear friend, tearose, prefer the Vetiver Oriental (I think that's the name). They are expensive, but if you want to indulge yourself in creamy fragrant bubbles, these soaps may be worth a special treat.
Hugs!
Oh, the scent of the lotion is just perfect, I agree! But I think the consistency could be a lot better for its price, that's all. Thin is one thing, runny is another.
I smelled the soaps in the Paris shop and was sorely tempted to get them, but somehow resisted. They may be my next indulgence though!
That's the other thing: mine is not runny at all. Hmm.