I did some perfume wardrobe re-organization last weekend and came upon an almost empty decant of this perfume. And before I use the last drops, I realized it would be the perfect time to talk about it.
“Figue Amère introduces a curious contrast of fleshy fruit and astringent salt, this sun-soaked fragrance captures bitter green figs and sea air. Top notes of bergamot and mandarin contrast with narcissus poeticus, rose, green violet leaves and angelica, which gently fade into a heady base of cedar, amber and seamoss.”
True to the description, the initial smell of this perfume opens with the smell of fig tree wafting on a salty sea breeze.
There are some milky undertones to the perfume, as it seems someone is picking those figs by the sea (the milky sap that figs produce). I find it strange that only now, when I decided to review this perfume after finishing my decant, is when I realized I can smell the floral undertones in it. I find the peeking narcissus and the lightly bitter feel of angelica to work greatly with the sweetness that one would associate with fig but which you would be hard-pressed to find here. Ok, this sounds strange now. 🙂
But I cannot describe it better at the moment.
There isn’t much development to the perfume, it settles down after a while and the initial breeze is no longer in the air but you can smell it on your skin. It smells like the sun is setting down and what you thought of as the sunny aspect of this perfume (the salty, warm breeze) disappears and the greenery surrounding you is allowed to breathe in the still warm summery air.
I always enjoyed wearing this perfume but until now I didn’t realize how good it actually is.
I’m slowly becoming a convert to Miller Harris perfumes (I admit to initially dismissing the line).
Tagged: figs, Figue Amere, Miller Harris, perfume, Perfume review
All I am - a redhead 
Fig is not really my note but thank you for your review. Is it similar to Ninfeo Mio by Annick Goutal? That seems to be the only fig that I tolerate now.
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Lucasai, I wouldn’t say it’s similar to Ninfeo Mio. From my memory of NM, it is more exuberant and has a minty note if I remember correctly? This one is more serious, for a lack of better word.
I like Ninfeo Mio but I prefer this one to it.
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OK, thanks for comparing. Seems Figue Amere might be too much for me.
And just call me Lucas, ok 🙂
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😀 Will do.
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Aha! Here we found something where you and I do not see eye to eye: in general, I love fig in perfumes but Ninfeo Mio is a single fig perfume so far I cannot stand 🙂
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Ahahahahaa! Good, it’s entertaining that we found first thing we don’t agree about
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Do you like eating figs?
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I don’t know? Figs don’t grow in Poland. I tried it once when I was in Croatia 2 years ago but I’m not sure if it was ripe – I didn’t like it.
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Once you become a famous perfumer and start traveling, you’ll eat great ripe figs – and maybe you’ll change your opinion on fig note in perfumes (though those aren’t fruits that we smell).
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Thanks, this sounds promising 😉
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This sounds interesting Ines, I might even have a sample somewhere, I know I used to have some from this brand. It’s a lovely description, so it does make me want to go and findit now 🙂
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Asali, I just realized I have no idea if you like the fig note in perfumes. 🙂
If you find the sample, let me know what you think of it.
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Beautiful review…I love fig notes in perfume! (and I enjoy eating fresh figs as well!!)
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Thanks Brie. 🙂
I like fig note but I don’t like eating fresh figs.
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I’ve just started my acquaintance with Miller Harris brand recently. So if I come across this one I’ll make sure to test it.
Are you going to get more of it?
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I believe so. Although I don’t want to buy a whole bottle, I’ll try and see if I can swap for it.
Since you like fig notes, I definitely think you should try this – it’s one of my favourites.
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Dearest RedHead
Serendipity of ESP… call it what you will, but this is the second temptation to a fig perfume that I’ve read today, just as I’d decided that I wanted to up the presence of this most fecund of fruit in my wardrobe!
Definitely one to try…
Yours ever
The Perfumed Dandy
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Dear Dandy,
I usually call it perfume synchronicity which is rather often at play in our fragrant world.
I do hope you will like once you try it (I find it difficult not to like fig perfumes, personally). 😉
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Dearest Ines
I’m with you on fig, yet so many people can’t abide the note.. funny old thing fragrance, ain’t it!?!
Yours ever
The Perfumed Dandy
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I count myself a fig scent aficionado, but this one has escaped my attention up to now. I must say from your review I think I would love it – the salty sea breeze aspect is very appealing. I like things like Sel de Vetiver and Fleur de Sel, so anything a bit like those but with figs sounds glorious!
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Vanessa, I would love for our tastes to find more common ground perfumes. 🙂 I think you might like this one too.
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