I've Never Received More "You Smell Amazing" Compliments Than When I Started Wearing This New Perfume

Merit beauty products are a firm favourite amongst editors, so you can imagine our joy at discovering the brand has just launched a brand-new perfume, Retrospect.

While I refer to the brand when stocking up on makeup and skincare products—you can truly find the best Merit beauty products at the bottom of my makeup kit—I've also found myself on the brand for its recent fragrance as well. I was instantly enamoured after receiving a bottle and genuinely consider it to be one of the best perfumes ever.

I was sent a bottle when it landed on the brand's website last month in October 2024, and it's since gone on to become one of the most popular perfumes of the year. You can read my full review on it below, but let me just say this for now—I'm thinking about making it my forever scent and go-to present for my loved ones during every holiday If you need more convincing, read my review on it below.

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Merit Retrospect Perfume Review

It's not often that a new perfume captures the attention of multiple beauty editors. With so many scents out there, a new launch can sometimes feel somewhat underwhelming. That said, there were so many excited whisperings throughout the industry as of late, as many of us geared up for one of the best new perfumes. After wearing it for a few months, I can confirm that it's totally worth the hype.

If you're not sure what perfume I'm on about, let me introduce you. I'm sure you've all heard of cult makeup brand Merit. This brand has become a beauty editor staple thanks to the quick, easy, natural-looking formulas and sleek minimal packaging. From the viral Flush Balm to that makeup collaboration with fashion brand, Tove, it's definitely the brand to know about this season. Now, it's also behind one of the best clean-smelling perfumes, too.

Who What Wear UK's junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay, wearing the Merit Retrospect perfume.

So, you can imagine my excitement when I heard that Merit was launching its first-ever fragrance. This perfume is just as stylish as you would expect, and it's giving me all of the cool and expensive vibes that I'm always trying to channel. If you're looking for a new signature scent, then I highly recommend that you keep on scrolling.

What Does Merit Retrospect Smell Like?

It's the question on everyone's lips, but what does this perfume actually smell like? This scent, which was created by leading perfumer Fanny Bal (the nose behind multiple fragrances from the likes of Frederic Malle, Givenchy, and YSL), takes a layered approach, hitting different scent profiles from woody to fresh and even floral.

On the first spritz, you are welcomed by juicy pear and fresh bergamot, before rich jasmine and rose take centre stage. Notes of moss give an earthy feel, while vanilla and musk add a warm, sensual edge.

If I had to describe it in three words, I'd say it's clean, soft, and luxurious. It's more of a skin-like scent, with a delicate opening that dries down to a musky, heady base. I like to think of it as the fragrance alternative to my favourite cashmere sweater. Yes, it smells expensive, but it also has this underlying, comforting sweetness to it that makes me want to wear it again and again.

How Long-Lasting Is Merit Retrospect?

Another question that I've been asked a lot is whether this perfume lasts. Interestingly enough, the concentrated formula is made up of almost 30% fragrance oil and features less alcohol content, which allows the scent to linger on the skin a lot longer than your typical perfume.

That being said, because it does have a softer, more delicate scent, I have found myself topping it up slightly throughout the day. You don't need to do this, but if you like your perfume to have a little more impact, I recommend keeping this in your handbag for the occasional spritz here and there.

Is Merit Retrospect Worth It?

All in all, I get why this fragrance has been getting so much hype. I knew that it would be good, but the brand has exceeded all expectations with this launch. Not only is the bottle itself a work of art, but the scent is a wonderful example of how delicate, skin-like scents can make just as much of an impact as punchier options on the market. If you're looking for a new or underrated perfume, I highly recommend giving this a go.

How Much Is the Merit Retrospect Perfume in the UK?

In the UK, the Merit Retrospect perfume will cost £79 for the full size and £30 for the travel size. As the perfume lingers on the skin and softly diffuses over the day, I firmly believe that this under £100 can be stretched a long time and last you multiple seasons. Best of all, it isn't tied to a specific time of year, meaning it's suited to summer as harmoniously as it is to winter.

When Did the Merit Retrospect Perfume come out?

The Merit Retrospect perfume was released late in 2024. I was one of the first people to test and wear the perfume, meaning that I also had the privilege to review the fragrance before anyone else had their hands on it. (Yes, now everyone in my inner circle wears the scent thanks to my recommendation.)

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