MAC has launched Asphalt Flower, a new* limited edition fragrance for women:
A deep dark, erotic fragrance that takes its place in our Trend F/W ’09 collection as the aromatic complement to this alt-fashion look. Features glossy violet and iris petals, vanilla and patchouli with top notes of violet, ylang-ylang; mid-notes of iris, heliotrope and a finale of olibanum, patchouli and M∙A∙C signature vanilla.
MAC Asphalt Flower is available in 6 ml for $20 and can be found now at Dillards. (via dillards)
Update: see a review of MAC Asphalt Flower.
* It may or may not be the same as the Asphalt Flower that was launched in 1999. That version of Asphalt Flower also featured violet, iris and vanilla, but the other listed notes were different.
I wonder if the name is meant to invoke an edgy, postmodern flower that grows in mean, urban streets. When I think of asphalt flower, it’s a violet or dandelion pushing hopefully through the sidewalk or street, delicate but tough as nails.
I would think, but admit I know nada about the makeup collection…perhaps it has other meanings.
I don’t know – I love MAC but can’t think of anything that would connect, other than the theme of the fall collection.
Ooh, sounds interesting, I like the packaging, and you can’t beat the price. It’s practically free!
Ha – I guess $20 for only 6ml isn’t actually that great, unless it’s a parfum.
I don’t know what the concentration is, they don’t say. And it looks like a rollerball but they don’t say that either.
Hmm… I’m not a big rollerball fan, but I’ll probably go over to Dillards and check it out anyway – I really like the sound of those notes.
Report back for those of us nowhere near a Dillard’s, please! I like the looks of the packaging too, though if it turns out to be a rollerball of perfume oil, that would pretty much kill it for me. It sort of looks like a permanent marker.
Boojum, would think all the MAC counters would have this…worth a shot, anyway.
i’m still hooked up MV2, even tho it’s quite pricey…
I thought it was less than $30?
yes, but it’s also only 20ml. i’m judging prices by the milliliter. that’s why i tend to buy the biggest version available, more bang for the buck.
MV2 costs $22.50 for 20ml. which would make it $112.5/100ml. that’s pricey imo.
I guess that’s so…but given that most brands charge less per ml in the larger bottles, it’s still pretty reasonably priced in my book!
You can get it at allcosmeticswholesale.com – they carry MAC stock pulls (other brands as well) for cheap and I get most of my MAC replacements there.
Ooohhh! This looks great! I still haven’t tried either of the MAC honey frags yet. *sigh* So I’m a bit behind on the MAC fragrances. I got a very sharp and snippy “no” when I asked a lady at my local Macy’s if they carried anything by MAC.
She was so put out it was actually really funny.
How silly! My local Macys has MAC, but I know not all do.
I’ll have to check this out. I hope it’s of the same high quality as Naked Honey. Luv that one!
The honey set was nicely done.
Maybe it’s just me, but I was disappointed to see there weren’t any real asphalt notes. Am I the only one who likes the idea of flowers and road tar?
Have you tried PG’s Psychotrope? I still need more time with that one, but my first impression was a single white flower planted in an old tire and watered with smoky tea. Not asphalt, exactly, but a similar vibe. And of course, big disclaimer…I tested it this summer and have since discovered that my nose was WAY off, so you may get absolutely nothing of the sort.
I haven’t tried that–who’s PG? I like that it’s called Psychotrope.
Parfumerie Generale. I liked it too…you know, me and Uncle Charlie.
Does it have a murderous accord? Ok, now I’m just being a dork. But on a sober note: I looked at the website and couldn’t find Psychotrope. Where did you find your sample of it?
TPC, I think…but I think luckyscent also carries it.
Yeah, but then you’re moving from MAC to CdG, you know?
I know, but a girl can dream, can’t she? I guess if I can’t even count on mass-marketed beauty brands to put out a black lipstick that’s actually black, then I shouldn’t be expecting a road tar accord.
Sure, dream away
Last year MAC had a lipmix that looked like black patent leather on the lips. It was only sold on the website and at PRO shops…by the time I found out I couldn’t get it at a MAC counter, they were sold out.
Apparently MAC’s launched a black lipstick this fall to go with their new line. I’m likely to pick it up since I love MAC lipsticks and have been waiting for a good one for quite a while. Lancome’s Piha Black was a black gloss, so while not the same, it was fun to layer over lipsticks and check out all the “new” colors.
I think Caron’s Violette Precieuse (not the recent re-launch but the original formulation prior to it) has a rather asphalt/violet/dirt thing going on. I haven’t ever tried it, but it was really intriguing from the descriptions I read. I love dirty flowers!
Yes, the original definitely did, and the new one doesn’t.
Well, asphalt+flowers doesn’t really appeal to *me*. I like the concept from an artistic standpoint, with its contrasts and hope, but I don’t actually want to smell of asphalt…
I used to wear Asphalt Flower when MAC carried their oils. I truly miss their oils and do not understand why they were cancelled. Perfume in oil form is the most sensuous and most long lasting not to mention environmentally conscious. All fragrances should have an oil or oil based version as well! I will have to see if this formulation smells similar enough.
I did not even know that was an oil! Well, this one might be too, who knows. But personally, sorry, I prefer my alcohol bases.
Me, too – I like being able to spritz and I usually don’t like the feel of oils. I’m always afraid that I’m going to ruin my clothes (believe me, it’s possible, I’m the worst klutz on the planet).
me three…though I have to wonder why more don’t follow CBIHP’s suit and try water-based. too difficult, maybe?
I think the problem with CBIHP’s method is that you can’t make it more concentrated. The new Mane technology, whatever it is, allows you to make a more concentrated scent in a water base, but Nautica has exclusive rights to it IIRC, at least for some time period.
But should add that I don’t know what I’m talking about, LOL…that’s just my vague understanding.
I’m wondering if this resembles Bulgari Black.
Also, does anyone know of a source for Mac’s Naked Honey?
I was told they are sold out entirely. It was a limited edition. If you want a sample I can help you, otherwise I’m useless.
As of a few weeks ago my local MAC store in Brooklyn still had it in stock. My suggestion would be to check ebay and call up individual Mac stores and counters in your area – you never know what they might have in the back.
If you live close to an Estee Lauder outlet store…check them often.
I too was hoping for an asphalt scent, but violet/iris/patchouli sounds delightfully rough and abrasive. I’ll make sure to check this one out at my Mac counter.
Hope they have it on my next mall trip!
The notes remind me a little of Herve Leger and Kenzo Flower mixed together… violet, heliotrope, vanilla… could be gorgeous.
Yeah, sounds like.
Miss Kitty and abrae-
Thank you both for your responses on Naked Honey. I will try the Brooklyn stores, and see what might turn up!
If you don’t find it, I am happy to send you some. I’ll also ask at the Nordstrom counter the next time I’m there–they said they weren’t getting any more in (and the MAC store online told me that they were sold out), but we all know they lie.
Oh no. I do hope there’s still some around. I didn’t get to try either Africanimal or Naked Honey and do love honey frags. Hmmm… Maybe I can do some calling around when full bottle funds are replenished. lol
It is a rollerball, very slender, and it’s okay, quite sweet of course but fine for the price if you like gourmand florals. I got a preview sniff of it. It went “meh” on me after about 10 minutes, not much lasting power.
I had gone in to see if there were any of the honey perfumes left – Africanimal sold out pretty fast, but I did get to try Naked Honey, which was great for about half an hour than turned completely floral on me. Guess I will stick with Miel De Bois.
Flora, thanks so much for the heads up!
Whew, sounds like I don’t need to go then. Not a big rollerball fan and don’t need anything else sweet.
the note sound kinda heavy, i wonder if the MAC store in Asia region has carried it already? But recently I’m really smitten with vanilla, i would like to find a perfume that’s floral vanilla…..any suggestion? and is this MAC a good floral vanilla as well?
please do share, i got stuck with revision these days….no chance to hop out and take a spritz!
Too many floral vanillas to even try to narrow it down…maybe try the Monday Mail?
https://nstperfume.com/the-monday-mail/
Or maybe someone else will chime in…
Isn’t Tocade a floral vanilla? or since it’s a rose vanilla, is the floral designation different?
I’d call Tocade floral vanilla – strongly rose, strongly vanilla. And I get lots of patchouli out of it, too, but then that’s a note that always whaps me upside the head; I always notice it.
Another pretty floral vanilla: Caron Aimez-Moi, violet-anise-vanilla. My teenage bookworm daughter (I’m so proud!) says it smells like old books, in a good way.
Oooh… I need to try that then – I love the smell of old books.
Is it just my impression or does this look like a nail clipper?
Ack! That’s probably because I’m showing it on its side.
Oh, dear–of course! Mea maxima culpa! Thank you.
Hmm, never smelled the first scent of this name. I will try it. Hopefully MAC will come up with their previous unusual perfumes, and stay away from the recent common ones. I loved that about them.
One can hope!
Tried this today, it’s pretty good: violet and musky, nice sillage. The glass rollerball looks cool. But $20 for 6ml… I dunno.
Is it an oil?
It wasn’t an oil as far as I noticed, but I just quickly rolled it on and rubbed my wrists together as I was on my way out the door so I could be wrong.
Thanks! If it isn’t a concentrated oil, that’s a pretty hefty price.