I’ve been anticipating the release of this new perfume all year—the day has finally arrived.

      My name is Grace, and I have a passion for discovering the finest perfumes. Each month, I compile a list of the hottest new fragrances hitting the market, and this month there’s one launch that has been on my mind constantly. As a beauty editor, I’m fortunate to learn about new releases ahead of time, and as soon as this particular email arrived in my inbox, I realized that fashion enthusiasts would be eager to try this scent. The fragrance I’m referring to? It’s none other than Merit Retrospect. You might be wondering: didn’t this perfume debut in 2024? While the brand introduced the first version late last year, it has become so beloved by fragrance aficionados (the brand claims a bottle sold every 30 seconds on launch day) that today, Merit is unveiling a brand-new 60ml bottle for those who can’t get enough of this understated luxury scent.

      Believe it or not, before this release, the only option was a smaller 30ml bottle of the Merit perfume. It’s one of my all-time favorite fragrances, and because I loved it so much, I've already had to buy it again. So, you can imagine my joy upon hearing that the brand was releasing this new size.

      Now, if you’re not familiar with the scent, here’s a bit of background. Merit spent nearly four years creating Retrospect, collaborating with the renowned French perfumer Fanny Bal, who has crafted fragrances for major brands like Givenchy, Chloé, and Yves Saint Laurent. I describe it as a quiet luxury scent because it has a soft, clean, warm aroma, while also possessing an expensive undertone that makes it feel like it should cost three times as much. Although it sits close to the skin, the 30% fragrance oil concentration ensures it still makes a strong impression.

      I’ve already finished a 30ml bottle, so I’m eager to get my hands on the new larger size of Merit Retrospect. The top notes of pear, bergamot, and aldehydes create a crisp, refreshing sensation, followed by a heart of jasmine and synthetic rose that unfolds into a delicate floral aroma. As for the base? It’s a captivating mix of musk, vanilla, and moss, resulting in a warm, slightly earthy, skin-like finish. A 30ml bottle retails for £79, while the 60ml bottle is priced at £118. In my view, this perfume smells far more luxurious than its price suggests, making it a worthy investment. Additionally, due to the 30% fragrance oil, a little goes a long way. I anticipate this new launch will be incredibly popular this Christmas. If you're considering giving a loved one their next signature scent, I highly recommend adding Merit’s Retrospect to your basket.

      Key notes: Bergamot, pear, ambrette, aldehydes, jasmine, rose, rosemary, violet, orris, vanilla, musk, moss.

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