MERIT Beauty Retrospect L’Extrait de Parfum Review

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It has taken we a while to get around to reviewing the MERIT Beauty Retrospect L’Extrait de Parfum but I am really glad I now have. Here is everything you need to know.

My Review

It’s always an intriguing moment when a beauty brand steps into the world of fragrance, particularly one with MERIT’s minimalist, elevated aesthetic. Their debut scent, Retrospect L’Extrait de Parfum, is not only a thoughtful extension of the brand but I think a beautifully articulated statement of who they are.

From the very first spritz, Retrospect got my attention. The opening is a crisp, pear with aldehydes but isn’t overly fruity which I appreciate. Instead, it feels refined and atmospheric with a clean and airy vibe that evokes vintage glamour.

As the scent evolves on the skin, it softens into a smooth, musky iris and orris blend. I’m a big fan of those violet types of notes. This is where Retrospect begins to feel nostalgic in a real Margiela Lipstick On kind of way. There’s something comfortingly familiar here with the suggestion of a powder compact, a traditional face cream or old school lipstick. It’s a bit like a hug.

Though the drydown is floral and musky, it’s never heavy or cloying. Violet and rose make it feel grown up, while rosemary adds a green, almost herbal brightness that keeps it feeling modern.

There are clear echoes of skin scents like Glossier You but I think MERIT Beauty Retrospect distinguishes itself with a more layered, structured composition. It’s less minimalist and has more depth. Still probably what many would call a skin scent with perhaps more texture and dimension.

In terms of performance, it wears closer to the skin but lasts far longer than I expected it to. I think it will open up more on warmer days and I think that’s when the compliments will come. I spritzed it at a shoot and everyone had a sniff. It got very positive feedback.

Visually, the packaging is as considered as the fragrance itself. The navy box is elegant, the bottle has weight and presence, and while the cap can be a little awkward, it still feels luxurious and appropriate for what’s inside.

Final thoughts:

Retrospect is a compelling and quietly confident fragrance. It doesn’t rely on volume or sweetness to make its mark and instead, it draws you in with its composure and its subtle sensuality. It feels like a lovely memory. It’s warm, feminine, familiar yet still modern. For lovers of iris, powdery musks, and fragrances that sit close to the skin, this is a worthy addition to the collection.