Thinking about new scents can be a lot of fun, and there's a particular kind of quiet excitement when a brand known for other things decides to make a fragrance, you know? It’s a bit like finding a new favorite spot in a familiar city, or maybe discovering a hidden track on an album you thought you knew inside and out. This brand, Merit Beauty, which many people already like for its approach to makeup, has now brought out a scent that people are really talking about, and it's called Retrospect Extrait de Parfum.
From the very first moment some folks got to try it, even before it was widely available to everyone, there was a sense that this wasn't just a quick idea, but something that had been thought about for quite a while. It came out in 2021, and people who follow beauty trends saw it as a pretty big deal. This new scent, it turns out, was something the company had been planning for a good three years before it actually arrived, which makes it less of a sudden decision and more of a careful unfolding, you could say.
The company behind this scent, Merit Beauty, has always aimed to be a bit different, offering things that are kind to your body, your skin, and the whole planet, too. Their original collection of makeup was all about a simple, thoughtful way to feel good. So, when they started thinking about a perfume, it had to fit with that same idea. It’s a pretty interesting move for a company that started with makeup, and it definitely adds another layer to what they offer, is that right?
Table of Contents
- How Did Merit Beauty Begin Its Fragrance Adventure?
- The Mind Behind Merit Perfume - Katherine Power
- The Artist of Scent - Fanny Bal and the Merit Perfume
- What Makes Merit Retrospect Perfume Special?
- A Modern Scent with a Nod to the Past - Merit Perfume
- Where Can You Find Merit Perfume?
- Does Merit Perfume Last All Day?
- The Value of a Merit Perfume Investment
How Did Merit Beauty Begin Its Fragrance Adventure?
The story of Merit Beauty's first scent, Retrospect Extrait de Parfum, is quite interesting, actually. The company first made its appearance in January of 2021 with a collection of minimalist makeup items. Just about six months after that initial showing, the folks who guide the brand decided it was time to think about a fragrance. It wasn't, as some might have guessed, a very straightforward business decision in the traditional sense, or so they said. Yet, it was something they felt drawn to do, a natural next step for a brand that valued a certain kind of beauty.
The initial idea for this particular scent had been in the works for a good while, maybe even three years before it was finally ready to be shared with the public. This means it wasn't just a sudden thought or a quick dash into a new product area, but rather a long-term plan that slowly came together. The work involved in making the actual scent, the liquid that goes into the bottle, took much longer than simply deciding to make one. It’s a process that needs a lot of time and careful attention to get just right, you see.
This careful approach is pretty typical for Merit Beauty. They aim to be an answer to the feeling that the beauty world can sometimes be too much, too busy, or too full of things that aren't really needed. They focus on products that are kind to your body, your skin, and the planet around us. So, when they set out to create a perfume, it had to fit with this core idea of being clean and simple, yet still offering something special. It's a way of making sure everything they offer feels consistent and true to their beginnings, in a way.
The Mind Behind Merit Perfume - Katherine Power
The person who started Merit, the cosmetics company that brought us the new Merit perfume, is an American entrepreneur named Katherine Power. She’s the one who had the vision for a brand that would be different, focusing on a more thoughtful and less overwhelming approach to beauty. Her company first came into being in 2021, and it quickly found a place with people looking for products that felt good and did good, too. She's pretty much the driving force behind the whole idea of Merit, you know?
Katherine Power is known for creating successful businesses that resonate with people, and Merit Beauty is certainly no different. She’s got a knack for seeing what people want and then putting together a brand that meets those desires in a simple, honest way. When it came to thinking about a perfume, it had to fit into this larger picture of what Merit stands for. It wasn't just about making a scent, but about making *the right* scent for the brand she had built, that's for sure.
Her work involves guiding the overall direction of the company, making sure that every product, including the Retrospect perfume, feels like a natural part of the Merit family. She’s the one who decided to bring in a talented perfumer to help make the scent a reality, showing her commitment to getting it just right. It’s a big job, overseeing everything from the initial idea to the finished product that people hold in their hands, but she seems to do it with a clear sense of purpose.
| Name | Katherine Power |
| Role | Founder of Merit Beauty |
| Company Founded | Merit Beauty (2021) |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Entrepreneurship in beauty and media |
The Artist of Scent - Fanny Bal and the Merit Perfume
When it came time to actually create the scent for Merit Beauty's first perfume, Katherine Power looked to a very skilled person: French perfumer Fanny Bal. Tapping someone with her level of experience shows that Merit was serious about making something truly special, something that would stand out. Fanny Bal is the one who took the ideas and feelings Merit wanted to express and turned them into the actual scent that people can wear, which is pretty amazing, if you think about it.
Fanny Bal's job was to take the brand's vision and translate it into a fragrance that would feel both modern and a little bit familiar, too. She's the one who carefully chose the different scent elements that make up Retrospect Extrait de Parfum. The fragrance features notes of pear, which gives it a fresh, slightly sweet beginning, and then it moves into deeper, comforting notes of vanilla and musks. These elements are what give the Merit perfume its unique character, you know, making it memorable.
The process of making a perfume is a bit like composing music, but with smells instead of sounds. It takes a lot of skill and patience to mix different ingredients until they create a harmonious whole. Fanny Bal’s expertise was key in bringing Merit's first scent to life, ensuring it had the right balance and a feeling that matched the brand's overall quiet and thoughtful approach. It’s a testament to her craft that the scent feels so well-put-together and inviting, just a little bit different.
What Makes Merit Retrospect Perfume Special?
Merit's first scent, Retrospect Extrait de Parfum, is described by the brand itself as a "modern fragrance, shaped by the past." This idea of looking back while moving forward is a big part of what makes it special. The name "Retrospect" itself gives a nod to this nostalgic feeling, suggesting a look back at things that are familiar and comforting. Yet, the bottle it comes in is quite sleek and simple, with a very current design, which creates an interesting mix of old and new, really.
This perfume is meant to be a kind of love letter to classic perfumes, those timeless scents that have been around for ages and continue to be loved. But it doesn't just copy them. Instead, it takes that vintage inspiration and blends it with tastes and preferences that are more in line with today's world. So, you get something that feels both familiar and fresh at the same time. It’s a way of honoring the past while still being completely relevant for right now, you know?
The scent itself, as we talked about, has elements like pear, vanilla, and musks. Pear often brings a light, crisp sweetness, while vanilla can add a warm, comforting, and slightly creamy quality. Musks are often used to give a scent a soft, lingering base, making it feel cozy and close to the skin. This combination means the Merit perfume offers a gentle yet lasting presence, something that feels good to wear without being too overpowering, which is pretty nice.
A Modern Scent with a Nod to the Past - Merit Perfume
The idea of a "modern fragrance, shaped by the past" is something that truly sets this Merit perfume apart. It’s not just a clever phrase; it actually describes the experience of wearing it. You might get a feeling of something familiar, like a scent you remember from a long time ago, but then it quickly shifts to something that feels completely current and fresh. This play between memory and the present moment is what gives it a unique character, in a way.
The way the scent is put together, with its mix of brighter top notes and deeper, softer base notes, helps create this feeling. The initial burst of something like pear might feel new and crisp, but as the scent settles on your skin, the vanilla and musks come through, offering a warmth and comfort that can feel quite timeless. It’s like a quiet conversation between different eras, all happening on your skin, you could say.
The packaging, too, speaks to this idea. The clean, simple bottle design is very much of the moment, reflecting a minimalist aesthetic that many people appreciate today. But the name "Retrospect" itself, with its hint of looking back, ties it to something older, something with a bit of history. This thoughtful pairing of name and appearance with the scent inside makes the whole experience of the Merit perfume feel very complete and considered, too it's almost a little story in a bottle.
Where Can You Find Merit Perfume?
If you're looking to get your hands on Merit Retrospect Extrait de Parfum, there are a few places you can check. The most direct way is often through Merit's own website. When it first came out, for instance, InStyle readers had a special chance to buy it a day before it was officially available to everyone else. This kind of early access can be a fun perk for those who follow beauty news closely, you know?
Beyond the brand's own online store, you can also find Merit clean beauty products, including the perfume, at other retail partners. Sephora is one of the main places where you can shop for Retrospect L’Extrait de Parfum by Merit. These larger beauty retailers make it easy for people to discover the scent, as they often have it available both online and in their physical stores. It gives you options, which is always nice.
The brand also makes it easy to find where their products are sold near you. They usually have a section on their website where you can search for retail partners in your area. This is helpful if you prefer to go into a store and experience the scent for yourself before making a purchase. Being able to try it on your skin is often the best way to know if a perfume is right for you, honestly.
The price for this particular Merit perfume is around $92. It's good to know this before you go looking for it, so you have an idea of what to expect. Given its popularity and the way it's been talked about, it’s not uncommon for it to sell out, especially right after it becomes widely available. So, if you’re interested, keeping an eye on availability might be a good idea, as a matter of fact.
Does Merit Perfume Last All Day?
A question that many people ask about any perfume, and the Merit perfume is no exception, is whether it lasts. Does the scent stay with you throughout the day, or does it fade away quickly? This is a pretty common concern for anyone thinking about buying a new fragrance, because you want your scent to be noticeable for a good amount of time after you put it on, right?
Interestingly enough, the Retrospect Extrait de Parfum is made with a concentrated blend of ingredients. This kind of blend typically means the scent is designed to have a longer presence on the skin compared to lighter formulations. Perfumes that are more concentrated tend to hold their aroma for a longer period, allowing you to enjoy the scent for many hours without needing to reapply it constantly. It's a key factor for many people when choosing a scent, you know.
While individual experiences can vary a little bit depending on things like your skin type and how much you apply, the fact that it's an "Extrait de Parfum" generally suggests a higher percentage of fragrant oils. This higher concentration is usually what gives a perfume its staying power. So, for the Merit perfume, the way it’s put together aims to give you a scent that lingers, making it a good choice for someone who wants their fragrance to last from morning until evening, perhaps even longer.
The Value of a Merit Perfume Investment
Considering the price point and the concentrated nature of the Merit perfume, many people might think about what kind of value it offers. At $92, it’s a considered purchase, and knowing that the scent is designed to last can add to its perceived worth. If a perfume stays with you for many hours, you might use less of it over time, making the bottle last longer, which is pretty good.
The fact that it’s a scent that combines vintage inspiration with modern tastes also means it might have a broader appeal. It’s not just for one kind of person or one specific occasion. A scent that feels both classic and current can be worn in many different settings, making it a versatile addition to anyone's collection. This versatility can add to its overall value, allowing you to get more use out of it, essentially.
For those who appreciate the clean beauty approach that Merit Beauty takes, the perfume also fits into that philosophy. It's part of a brand that focuses on products that are safe for your body, your skin, and the planet. This commitment to thoughtful ingredients and a less-is-more approach can be a significant draw for many consumers. So, the value of the Merit perfume goes beyond just its smell; it also connects to the brand's larger mission and what it stands for, you know?
