Merit Expands into Fragrance with ‘Retrospect’

• Merit’s new fragrance Retrospect blends vintage craftsmanship with modern trends.

• Retrospect took over two years and 200 rounds of development to create.

• As a highly concentrated extrait de parfum, Retrospect contains nearly 30% fragrance oil.

Slated for release on October 22, 2024, Retrospect represents Merit's most ambitious project yet, blending elements of vintage craftsmanship with modern sensibilities. This move into fragrance comes less than four years after Merit’s inception, reflecting its growing influence and willingness to push boundaries within the beauty industry.

A Meticulous Development Process

The creation of Retrospect was no quick endeavor. Merit took over two years and conducted more than 200 rounds of development to perfect the formula. This helped ensure that the fragrance lived up to the brand’s high standards.

Partnering with acclaimed Paris-based perfumer Fanny Bal, Merit sought to create a scent that defied the typical one-note fragrances saturating the market. Instead, they aimed to offer a fragrance that evolves throughout the day.

Fanny Bal, whose expertise spans both classic and contemporary fragrance design, collaborated closely with Merit’s team to craft Retrospect. Together, they sought to balance nostalgic olfactory elements with modern fragrance trends.

Notes that Evolve Throughout the Day

Unlike many fragrances that remain static after application, Retrospect has been formulated to evolve throughout the day.

The top notes, which include bergamot, pear, and aldehydes, offer a light, fresh introduction when first applied. As the scent develops, it moves into a heart of jasmine, synthetic rose, rosemary, violet, and orris. As the day wears on, Retrospect settles into a base of vanilla, musk, and moss. These base notes create a warm, second-skin finish that lingers subtly.

The progression from light to rich mirrors the modern woman’s day—starting fresh and energetic in the morning, moving to a more traditional floral profile by midday, and finishing with a comforting, sensual depth as evening approaches.

This fragrance is designed to seamlessly transition with its wearer, making it versatile for different occasions and moods throughout the day.

Concentrated for Long-Lasting Wear

One of the key features that sets Retrospect apart from other fragrances on the market is its concentration.

Retrospect is classified as an extrait de parfum, which means it contains a significantly higher concentration of fragrance oils compared to standard perfumes. At nearly 30% fragrance oil, Retrospect offers double the concentration found in many mainstream perfumes. This high concentration ensures that the scent lasts all day with just one application, One spray eliminates the need for frequent touch-ups!

This feature is especially important for Merit’s target audience—individuals who lead busy lives and appreciate the convenience of long-lasting products. T

A Reflection of the Past and Present

The name Retrospect reflects Merit’s approach to blending the past with the present. While the fragrance draws inspiration from the centuries-old art of perfumery, it is also deeply rooted in modern trends and sensibilities.

Merit intentionally avoided creating a fragrance that fit neatly into one category. Instead, Retrospect mediates between vintage and contemporary.

Merit’s decision to launch a fragrance named Retrospect shows the brand’s appreciation for the craftsmanship behind perfume-making, as well as its recognition of how personal experiences shape our individual perspectives on scent. 

Expanding Merit's Portfolio

For Merit, launching Retrospect is a bold move into a new territory. While the brand is best known for its minimalist beauty products, including makeup and skincare, expanding into fragrance represents a significant evolution of its product line.

Merit has already disrupted the beauty industry by creating high-quality, easy-to-use products that stand out in a market often saturated with complexity and excess. The brand’s success is rooted in its ability to focus on the essentials while maintaining luxury standards, and Retrospect continues that philosophy within a new category.

Merit’s rapid growth over the past four years has been driven by its dedication to crafting products that align with the needs of its target audience—individuals seeking high-performance beauty solutions that fit seamlessly into their busy lives. 

Availability and Pricing

Retrospect will be available for purchase on Merit’s official website and at Sephora locations across North America starting October 22, 2024. The fragrance will retail for $92 USD, $125 CAD, and £79 GBP, positioning it as a luxury product within an accessible price range.

As Retrospect makes its debut, it is believed to become a staple for those who appreciate long-lasting fragrances that evolve throughout the day.