New Perfume Review: M. Micallef 20 Ans (20 Years) 2016 + Forbidden Fruit Draw

geoffrey-nejman-and-martine-micallef

Geoffrey Nejman and Martine Micallef Tax Free Week in Cannes 2016 photo via Instagram @azatyangevorg

Is it possible to distill 20 years of success into a single fragrance or to relive and repackage time in an exquisite, hand decorated bottle?  In celebration of their 20th anniversary M. Micallef has done just that.  With the release of the newest fragrance in their Collection Exclusifs line – 20 Ans – Creative Director and designer Martine Micallef, perfumers Geoffrey Nejman (her husband) and Jean-Claude Astier have poured two decades of experience, luscious gourmands, translucent florals and distinctive oudy beauties into yet another gorgeous flacon.  20 Ans, inspired by the past, explores a new future, a complex fragrant paradise of exoticism and elegance.

pomelos-fruit

Pomelos by Gail apped by MC

20 Ans opens  with a breath of my favorite citrus – the pomelo.  My first whiff immediately recalls the soft pink pith and the sweeter than grapefruit taste of the luscious pomelo flesh.  I love this fruit so much that I can devour an entire good-sized pomelo all by myself – in one sitting – and still want more. 20 Ans gives me just a little taste of this citrus before a seductive blend of mysterious fruits suffuses my skin with a fresh golden glow.  A discreet use of davana (Artemisia  pallens) adds further depth and color to the composition. 

laetitia-casa

Laetitia Casa for Vogue Paris Age of Innocence

Davana, as an essential oil, is not only popular as a perfume ingredient but also as a flavoring for bakery products and beverages. In traditional aromatherapy and Ayurvedic medicine davana is considered an anti-depressant and aphrodisiac. The oil is reported to relieve depression and stress, helping people recover from shock and trauma and promoting relaxation.  I have my own anecdotal evidence to prove this.  My husband’s first comment when I wore 20 Ans was that he found the perfume to be very relaxing – and he promptly gave me a passionate kiss!

forbidden-fruit-fashion

Forbbiden Fruit Pascal Flor apped Mc

In perfumery davana is used to soften the sharp edges and deepen the rose in rose geranium.  It sometimes manifests as a plum or grape tone or smells like sweet, fresh cut hay. Davana can also add depth to woody notes, impart a cognac or fermented character to various aromas and color a composition with a rich, rosy hue.  In 20 Ans, davana adds a full-bodied, honeyed dimension to the exoticism of the fruit and spice, heightening the already warm, lush effect of the orange flower, jasmine, vanilla and caramel. 

veroniek-gielkins-in-avant-garde-2011

Model Veroiek Gielkens “Forbidden Fruit” Avante Garde Magazine 2011

The fragrance is at once exhilarating and sultry, comfortable and exotic, with a sillage that is quite flirtatious while remaining polite.  The complex structure of 20 Ans dries down and finishes, after several hours, with Micallef’s signature, oudy accord that I love so much.      

cafleurebon-micallef-20-ans-perfume

Detail of  M Micallef 20 Ans bottle by Michelyn

The new 20 Ans by M. Micallef is relaxing, luxurious, sultry and full of understated sensuality, a fragrance that shimmers with a kaleidoscope of olfactory effects.This is a perfume reflecting light through the snakeskin patterned bottle, offering a tantalizing and seductive aroma that could easily be the scent of the original forbidden fruit.

Fragrance Notes:  Bergamot, nutmeg, exotic fruit, white rose, davana, orange flower, jasmine, geranium, patchouli, caramel, vanilla, precious wood, white musk

Disclosure: I received my bottle of 20 Ans from Parfums Micallef. (Many thanks for this beauty!) My opinions are my own.

Gail Gross — Sr. Contributor

Art Direction: Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief

parfums-m-micallef-perfumes-cafleurebon

Gail’s collection of M.Micallef Perfumes

Editor’s Note: It is no secret how much both Gail and I love M. Micallef’s fragrances, and on a personal note, I would like to take this opportunity to offer my best wishes to my friends-in-fragrance, Geoffrey Nejman and Martine Micallef. For our readers who are not as familiar with the brand despite the many reviews on ÇaFleureBon, the brand is difficult to find in the US but  sold in over 900 boutiques worldwide. I am always perplexed that M Micallef is not carried in high end luxury specialty stores. M. Micallef was the first niche perfumery to use oud in their compositions in 1996 and all the fragrances are composed in Grasse. It always surprises me that readers haven’t tried the House but you you can buy sample sets from their site for around $25If you live in the US and want to try 20 Ans it is available at luckyscent.com-MC

Thanks to the generosity of Parfums Micallef, we have a 100 ml bottle of 20 Ans for one registered reader worldwide (be sure to register or your comment will not count). To be eligible, please leave a comment with what appeals to you about 20 Ans based on Gail’s tempting review, where you live and if you have a favorite fragrance by M. Micallef. Join us in wishing Martine and Geoffrey twenty more years of success. Draw closes November 7, 2016.

We announce the winners only on site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS feed…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume

   

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62 comments

  • I have never smelled a Parfums Micallef creation before and this article really intrigued me! Thanks for the opportunity to win! I live in the EU

  • Amazing review! My favorite part is : “My husband’s first comment when I wore 20 Ans was that he found the perfume to be very relaxing – and he promptly gave me a passionate kiss!” Must try!
    I ‘ve never tried any M. Micallef perfumes.

    Happy 20th Anniversary!
    I live in Europe

  • I’ve never had a chance to try M. Micallef perfumes, but the description sounds heavenly and the flacon looks amazing. I am most intrigued about the davana note. I am in Europe. Thank you very much!

  • Iuno Feronia says:

    Thanks for this review. I love the creations of Madame Martine Micallef – my favourite is Osaito. A wondereful fragrance. 20 ans sound also very spiritual and sensual, I think I will love the davana adding a full-bodied, honeyed dimension to the exoticism of the fruit and spice.

    Bonne Anniversaire!!!

    I live in the EU, thanks for the generous draw.

  • understated sensuality? that description of the fragrance really popped up for me from the conclusion of the review.

    and, based on the notes, I can see how this fragrance could have a seductive appeal. I haven’t tried anything from the line. and I live in Romania (Europe).

  • The pomelo sounds like an interesting note and the photos are gorgeous. I can’t wait to smell this, thank you for the chance.
    I live in the EU and I have never tried anything from this perfume house.

    Best wishes to Martine and Geoffrey!

  • I am so intrigued to try this fragrance because of the great description: “tantalizing and seductive aroma that could easily be the scent of the original forbidden fruit. ” – seems like a wonderful perfume!
    My favorite Micallef is Aoud Gourmet

    I live in the USA. Thank you and Happy 20th Anniversary!

  • Gail’s review this has made me so hungry 🙂 I love the description and these pictures look fantastic.
    I live in Europe. Thank you for the generosity!
    (never tried any Micallef )

  • I need of course some anti-depressant and aphrodisiac mixture ! For a 20th Anniversary of the brand, it makes sense

    Helas I don’t know yet any perfume of the M. Micallef range (need to test some of them some day).

    Thanks so much for this new and quasi-daily draw (I live in Europe).

  • Sounds so intriguing… and I am excited about the nutmeg note, it always adds a lot of power and depth to the fragrance. I am a fan of many Micallef perfumes like Gaiac, Ananda, Vanille Marine. Thanks for the draw.

    (EU)

  • Wow, I didn’t know they’d been around 20 years! I’m curious about this grape note that surfaces once in while, I was just recently wondering why grape is so under-represented in the fragrance world! I live in Canada, thank you for the draw!!!

  • I have never tried anything from Martine Micallef and I am very eager to do it. They have wonderful bottles and I’d love to own one almost regardless of the fragrance inside (just kidding). I like this part of the review: “20 Ans gives me just a little taste of this citrus before a seductive blend of mysterious fruits suffuses my skin with a fresh golden glow. A discreet use of davana (Artemisia pallens) adds further depth and color to the composition” because I love romantic citrus fragrances. I live in Poland, EU.

  • Wonderful review. This perfume bottle is incredible beautiful. Unfortunately I have never had a chance to try any of M. Micallef fragrances.
    From the review 20 Ans sounds fabulous, I love the notes. I would very, very love to win this amazing perfume. Thank you for the chance. I live in Europe.
    I wish everything best for Martine and Geoffrey!

  • Antidepressant/aphrodisiac mixture is something I need! I like what Gail has written about the perfume being “relaxing, luxurious, sultry and full of understated sensuality”. I love Micallef creations for this not-so-obvious sensual aspect.

    My favorite fragrance is Ananda. I live in the EU, thank you for the generous giveaway!

  • What a lovely review. Sadly I don’t know what davana smells like but now I’m determined to track some down so I know. I’ve not had the good fortune to try any M. Micallef fragrances either. This perfume sounds so amazing, with the pomelo (also a favorite of mine) and orange blossom, and that gorgeous bottle. The review was a treat to read. Congratulations on 20 years, Martine and Geoffrey, and wishing you a successful 20 more! I live in the US – thanks for the great draw!

  • Lynn Silvaine says:

    What a collection you have Gail. I own Ananda, Ylang in Gold, Avant Garde and jewel for her. I love reading about how your wore this perfume and you felt calm but your husband gave you a passionate kiss. Congratulations to Martine Micallef and Geoffrey Nejman and thank you for your fabulous perfumes in those gorgeous bottles
    I live in Canada

  • The bottle is gorgeous! The pomelo, nutmeg and vanilla notes stand out the most to me, but I am intrigued by the davanna. Living in the pacific NW with the winter gloom closing in, I could use an antidepressant via fragrance! My favorite from M Micallef is Guaiac. Love, love love that one! I wish my 2 local shops carried this line, I’ve gone to Luckyscent for mine. Thanks for the draw. I live in the U.S.

  • Diana Devlin says:

    Happy 20th Anniversary!!!

    Wow, this perfume sounds so gorgeous. I love the dry down notes of caramel, patchouli and vanilla. It just sounds so delicious! I’ve never tried this line before. I am going to try to buy some samples/decants of several of their fragrances. After reading the notes of them on Luckyscent’s website, I am eager to learn more about this fragrance house.

    I live in the U.S.

  • The notes sound really nice and I love the snakeskin bottle! My experience with this brand tells me it is going to be a very rich and well-blended fragrance and I’d love to try it. Thank you for the draw, I live in Europe.

    Happy Anniversary!!!

  • You had me at Pomelo and Oudh. Sign me up!! I am always trying to find grapefruit focused perfumes, this would be lovely. I wonder about the Davana also. I have never heard of that before. Congratulations to Parfums Micallef!

  • fazalcheema says:

    From the notes 20 Ans seems quite an unexpected creation. The initial notes list gave me impression it is gourmand but I also see it has woody and musky notes. This name is quite appropriate as it reminds one Micallef is at least 20 years old. I first got Micallef perfume when few people knew about it. My favorite from the brand is Sashka Black. Here is to another 20 years and I hope they will celebrate 40 years with Ans 40 perfume. Thanks a lot for the generous draw. I am in the US.

  • The notes sound amazing, I also love the bottle, I has not idea they have been around for twenty years, my favorite Micalef is Note Vanille, I live in the U.S. Brooklyn NY

  • I was fascinated to read this review, because I adore pomelo note in fragrance. This sounds so intriguing that I must get a sample. My favorites Micallef are Royal Muska and Aoud Gourmet.
    Thanks for the draw! USA

    Happy 20th Anniversary!

  • concertslover says:

    Sounds like this relieves depression, anxiety and is an aphrodisiac…at least in theory, but feels like an every day essential anymore….its either win this or buy a hot tub lol…thanks for the draw. They all smell good that I have tried but I own none.
    USA

  • I’ve always wanted to try Micallef perfumes and this sounds so dreamy …pomelo and oud notes look like a great combo…Beautiful review, Gail.
    I live in EU.

  • mmmmadmichal says:

    M.Micallef is one of the most loved companies that I love.. My favorite is the original Aoud! So I am very happy to wish great Geoffrey Nejman and beautiful Martine Micallef another 20 years of great success. I would love to smell 20 ans, because I am quite familiar with perfumes from this cute duet I could kind of imagine 20 and when it was announce, but with tis review I know it all: exotic with sultry, oriental undertones, but with floral fruity opening heart. I actually don’t know any perfume with davana, so that’s catchy. I live in Poland
    . Cheers Xx

  • Congratulations Geoffrey Nejman and Martine Micallef!!!

    20Ans sounds interesting. Especially because I ‘ve not tried a pomelo note in perfumes and I’m a huge fan of Micallef creations. Thank you for the beautiful review and giveaway!

    I live in Europe.

  • I think that Micallef fragrances are very unique and I fell in love with the whole company straight away. My favorite fragrance is Gardenia.
    This was a lovely review and I am dying to try 20Ans!
    Thank you. (EU)

  • hugogrotius says:

    Joyeux anniversaire Martine and Geoffrey! I am your loyal customer for a couple of years, so I have been there to see you grow: I own and I love Akowa, Aoud, Gaiac, Emir, Mon Parfum Gold. I am looking forward to buy Osaïto.
    20 Ans sounds so thrilling as every one of your releases, I particularly look forward to a perfume, which is- as the review states- ” exhilarating and sultry, comfortable and exotic, with a sillage that is quite flirtatious while remaining polite. The complex structure of 20 Ans dries down and finishes, after several hours, with Micallef’s signature, oudy accord that I love so much”
    Bonne chance from loyal fan from Poland

  • Great review! I love the part about davana and it’s many uses. “The fragrance is at once exhilarating and sultry, comfortable and exotic, with a sillage that is quite flirtatious while remaining polite.” What a perfect description! I live in the US.

  • Dubaiscents says:

    Wow, I have always loved Davana in scents and this one sounds truly amazing! I have a number of Micallef scents that I love including Rouge No. 1, Royal Amber and Ylang in Gold. I would love to try this one. Happy 20th Anniversary! Hope there are many more! I live in the UAE.

  • I have never tried any fragrance from Davana, but Gail’s review and description makes this fragrance sound so sweet and delicious! I love the sweet notes of nutmeg, vanilla, exotic fruits and caramel. the citrus note calls to me because I love any fragrance with citrus or is citrus based. This sounds like the perect citrusy sweet fragrance that I would love to try! Happy 20th Anniversary and to 20 more years of success! I live in the USA

  • Miss Sunshine says:

    “… a fragrance that shimmers with a kaleidoscope of olfactory effects” this is a great description! The nutmeg and pomelo mix sounds like heaven.
    I live in Europe and never tried anything from this line.
    Congratulations Micallef!

  • Happy 20th Anniversary !

    Oh my God, totally want to try this fragrance based upon your awesome descriprion. I had no idea that davana is an anti-depressant and aphrodisiac. Thanks for the sharing!

    I’ve never tried Micallef perfumes. USA resident

  • 20 successful years in business is a thing to be proud of! Parfums M.Micallef is a great company, producing amazing sensual ang beautiful scents, such as my favorite Akowa and Aoud. Thank you Martine Micallef and Geoffrey Nejman for all this possitive vibes from your creations. Happy anniversary and here’s to another 20 years!
    I love the Design of the bottle- very creative. Basen on review and my personal experience with MMicallef perfume I know that this perfume is Special and wonderful. I look forward to ” a full-bodied, honeyed dimension to the exoticism of the fruit and spice, heightening the already warm, lush effect of the orange flower, jasmine, vanilla and Caramel”. Tasty and elegant!

  • I love the scent of the pomelo along with the davana. Sounds gorgeous and sensual. I have Shanaan which I really like, but had to find it outside the U.S. I live in the USA. Thanks for the draw.

  • This sounds like a good combination of exotic fruits and oud, I’d love to try.

    Haven’t had the chance to try any perfumes from this line. I live in the U.S.
    Thanks!

  • doveskylark says:

    I love fragrances that give a golden glow. I’d love to try this one on stressful days. I know that the exotic fruits would soothe. I’ve never tried anything from this line, but I have heard a lot about Emir.
    I live in the USA.

  • As always, the newest M Micallef sounds lovely. I’ve had trouble finding the line, but have heard such wonderful things about every fragrance. I’m not familiar with Davana, but Gail’s description sounds enticing. I can never resist sultry fragrances. I’d love to try this one. I live in Canada, thank you.

  • cinnamon tree says:

    Happy Anniversary!I have never tried Micallef perfumes and I am really excited about this one. I love pomelo notes! thank you for the draw, I live in Europe.

  • I like pomelos (and Pomelos), and while I’m not familiar with davana, a scent with both anti-depressant and aphrodisiac properties sounds pretty irresistible. I’m in the US, and M. Micallef is a house I love as well. My current favorite is, I think, Automne.

  • I love Micallef perfume house not only for the uniqueness and quality of their scents, but also I find the personal story of Martine and Geoffrey very touching heartwarming. I think their passion to each other is what makes their fragrances so beautiful.
    I love many of Micallef perfumes, especially Gaiac, Red Sea, Hiver and Automne and I cannot wait to try 20 Ans. I live in Europe.

  • Happy 20th!
    My favorite is Ylang in Gold, but I love nutmeg and grape notes in perfume and would be thrilled to try 20 Ans. I love everything about the description and am a fan of the line in general for the immaculate blending and velvety smoothness of the scents. They are always seamless and perfectly elegant and I’m pretty sure I need an aphrodisiac scent with that beautiful M. Micallef texture and refinement.
    I’m in the US. Thank you.

  • Happy anniversary! Pomelos make me happy too, and I’m not sure that I’ve smelled davana before, so I would love to try this. My favorite M. Micallef fragrance is Black Sea, and I’m in the US. Thanks!

  • I think the notes look gorgeous, especially the opening looks beautiful. I never tried any Micallef perfumes.
    Thank you so much for the chance! In the US.

    Happy Anniversary!!!

  • Miss Almond says:

    This fragrance sounds very different from my absolutely favorite Royal Muska, but I am sure that, as the anniversary perfume, it is great. Love the snakeskin pattern. Thanks for the draw, I live in the EU.

  • Congratulation on 20th Anniversary! I am a fan of Micallef fragrances. My favorite one is Ylang in Gold but I also love Gaiac and Akowa. I wish you many happy years of creative perfume making! I live in Europe.

  • What a tempting review. I am sure 20 Ans smells lovely. Happy Anniversary Dear Martine and Geoffrey! I am in the EU and I would love to try your newest fragrance!

  • I am also one of those who loves pomelo like this “I love this fruit so much that I can devour an entire good-sized pomelo all by myself.” I believe that this fragrance is relaxing and luxurious and I would like to try it. I ve never tried anything from M.Micallef. I am in EU. Thanks, Parfum Micallef, for this great prize!

  • I love Micallef fragrances since I first tried Les 4 Saisons Automne. It became my favorite perfume ever (some people say it is discontinued, I hope it’s not true?).
    I would love to smell 20 Ans and I am curious about the davana note which is new to me. Thank you for so nice anniversary draw! I live in the EU.

  • Hikmat Sher Afridi says:

    As always nice review again. Never heard before about Davana as a note in fragrances. My wife has migraine from the last 30 years. Maybe Davana has the healing power for headache. Never tried any of M. Micallef & would love to win the 20 Years bottle at least for my wife.
    Thanks to the generosity of Parfums Micallef & Cafleurebon for the opportunity to participate in the draw by giving my relative address in NY US.

  • If davana is really an antidepressant and aphrodisiac, then I wan it 😉 But, to be honest, my favorite note in 20 Ans is white rose. I love M. Micallef fragrances and bottles – I keep them even when empty, they are so beautiful!
    My favorite perfumes are Akowa and Red Sea. Thanks for the draw and Happy Anniversary! EU.

  • laureneboucher says:

    The notes sound lovely and also anything that is relaxing is appealing to me! I would love to try it. I live in the US.

  • ” The new 20 Ans by M. Micallef is relaxing, luxurious, sultry and full of understated sensuality, a fragrance that shimmers with a kaleidoscope of olfactory effects.This is a perfume reflecting light through the snakeskin patterned bottle, offering a tantalizing and seductive aroma that could easily be the scent of the original forbidden fruit.”

    Need i say more?
    This sounds like heaven to me and i would jump from joy if i win this amazing draw!

    I live in the Netherlands.

  • Great review and love the fact that it’s a complex perfume. That bottle is gorgeous!
    I haven’t tried any of their perfumes yet. I wish Martine and Geoffrey twenty more years of success! I live in Europe.

  • RaspberryJam says:

    Happy Anniversary!!!

    I never tried anything from this perfume house, but this one sounds gorgeous as a citrus fan. Thank you for the review and giveaway!
    I live in Europe.

  • I did a quick research on what perfumes have been created for Micallef brand and I regret I haven’t tried most of them… but, on the other hand, I will have lots of fun when discovering thei scents for myself. Among those few I have tried, Gaiac is my favorite. 20 Ans sounds very sensual and elegant, I think it may be similar to Ananda? I would love to try it.

    My best wishes and sincere congratulations for Martine and Geoffrey! Greetings from Norway.