Needle In A Haystack – Mirra by I Profumi Di Firenze
March 29th, 2007
Needle In A Haystack, a joint project by Perfume-Smellin’ Things and Aromascope, is back! A reminder – the project involves digging in our sample box completely blindfolded to procure a sample for review. Thank heavens I’ve had more luck this time around – the sample turned out to be not as obscure as the previous one.
Today we have Mirra by I Profumi di Firenze, an Italian artisan line inspired by original 16th century secret formulas commissioned by Caterina de Medici. As the name suggests, the scent is built around myrrh, in this case in its purest form from Harrar, Ethiopia. As a side note, besides being one of my absolutely favorite perfume ingredients, myrrh has also proven extremely useful for my health – every time I get the first symptoms of a bad cough, I take extract of myrrh several times a day (several drops mixed in a glass of water), and it does wonders. As a child, I used to get bad coughs quite often, and my mother tried all sorts of remedies most of which hardly did any good. Extract of myrrh is the first (and only so far) remedy that truly works. But enough playing doctor – we have a more pressing fragrant issue here. Let me just say I really like Mirra. It’s by no means complex, in fact rather linear but its tenacious, aromatic effect puts me in a state of serenity (hence, another health benefit!). Mirra is composed of myrrh, vanilla, incense, and woods. The usually sharp, resinous quality of myrrh is offset by plush vanilla, and that’s pretty much what Mirra is – balmy, sweet, and languid. I’d reach for it on days when I’m most prone to emotional outbreaks of various character as a way to calm down, appreciate life, and smell good.
Mirra is available at Beautyhabit.
P.S. In the drydown, Mirra reminds me quite a bit of Vaniglia by Santa Maria Novella.
Image source: creative work of Mrs Colombina, beautyhabit.com
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9 Comments
1. Marina | March 29th, 2007 at 9:43 pm
I had no idea myrrh has cough-healing qualities! How wonderful. A great note and a great substance all round then. I not a fan of iPdF as a line, but I like Mirra very much. If their scents weren’t so shamelessly overpriced here in the US, I would have definitely bought a bottle.
OK, I am already looking forward to the next Needle
2. Ina | March 29th, 2007 at 9:45 pm
Marina, myrrh has excellent healing qualities! It works for digestion as well. I could never be without it. As a warning, the stuff is *bitter*.
I’m not a fan of the line either, and, yes, they’re so overpriced here. Mirra is a nice exception.
3. newproducts | March 30th, 2007 at 12:30 am
I *so* wanted this one to work for me since I adore myrrh. Alas, Mirra was too sweet on me. It was a bit reminiscent of sweet soda on me, in fact. Ah, well. I have SL La Myrrhe to love.
4. Judith | March 30th, 2007 at 6:49 am
This gets dissed sometimes, but I really like it, too! Great comfort scent! And it’s nice to hear about its healing properties. I guess I am M’s opposite here; SL Myrrhe really doesn’t work on me.
5. Elle | March 30th, 2007 at 6:55 am
Am trying to remember if I ever even tried this. Don’t think I did. Really am not fond of this line, but this one sounds quite appealing. And I’ll definitely vouch for the benefits of myrrh for a bad cough.
6. Ina | March 30th, 2007 at 7:02 pm
Minsun, Mirra is indeed much sweeter than La Myrrhe (which I love as well).
7. Ina | March 30th, 2007 at 7:02 pm
Judith, I think it’s one of the best in the line. A lot of them smell cheap on me.
8. Ina | March 30th, 2007 at 7:05 pm
Elle, not fond of the line either. Mirra is a nice exception.
9. Tamara | March 30th, 2007 at 10:57 pm
I share your love of myrrh for its balancing benefits! I would love to play the needle in a haystack game with you two if you’d have me. Let me know when you’re drawing a sample next.