MARC JACOBS
PERFECT ABSOLUTE
2025
caramelized fig
jasmine absolute
amber
‘Precious. Bold. Extraordinary. Embrace the new Perfect Marc Jacobs Absolute, a celebration of empowerment, positive affirmation and believing in yourself. Rooted in the universal belief that you are perfect as you are, this fragrance embodies the transformative power of self-affirmation. Make a precious and bold statement of self-love. Perfect Absolute features a caramelised fig accord, luscious blooming jasmine absolu blend and a rich amber accord. Make a precious and bold statement of self-love. This elevated fragrance radiates warmth and uninhibited confidence. A luxurious, concentrated take on our original Eau de Parfum, Perfect Absolute is a long-lasting, vegan fragrance that represents the most concentrated product of the Perfect Marc Jacobs lineup.’ – ThePerfumeShop
To get it out of the way; I never properly tested a Marc Jacbos Perfect, so I can’t make a comparison to the other versions. Based on what I’ve read, it seems that this Absolu is quite different.
This was an interesting wear, but definitely not one that I love. The opening has a lot of fruitiness. Fig is a theme here, but it doesn’t have the usual fig scent; it’s much more tropical and sweet. I really missed the sort of cleaner, green fig scent. Instead, I was reminded of kiwi, but overripe, bordering on cloying.
It doesn’t make it easier that the whole experience is rather loud and vibrant. This is not a sophisticated, subtle or mature leaning scent. In a way, I was reminded of Carolina Herrera La Bomba, which came out at the same time; both seem to bring back a 90’s/early 00’s kitschy, bold, outspoken style.
To me, it definitely gets too sweet and when the fruitier top notes start to fade, it becomes a spicy, sweet, surprisingly darker base. I was reminded of a harsher YSL Tuxedo a little bit by the end of the wear. The sweetness from start to finish is also generic, non-descript sweet-designer-perfume-cloud, rather than actually smelling of the listed caramel for example. In general, this is a very perfume-y perfume… while the notes and details may be less common, it has an undeniable ‘Sephora isle’ air to it all.
Overall, Perfect Absolute is not for me. I can see why some people would enjoy it, but ultimately, it wears like a rather loud, artificial, sweet messy scent, that’s barely saved by an unconventional take on fig.
