Contre-Jour
“Contre-Jour by Frederic Malle is a fragrance for women and men”
The Quick Read
Respected, if divisive — a herbal, warm spicy composition with a sweet undertone. Voted best for spring and fall wear — and genuinely unisex.
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Launched in 2026 by Frederic Malle, Contre-Jour is a unisex eau de parfum composed by Annick Menardo. This fragrance explores the interplay of light and shadow through its streamlined structure: immortelle, rose, and sandalwood. Immortelle, with its radiant yellow aspect and slightly untamed character, forms the top note, while rose absolute and narcissus create a heart that is both spicy and floral. The base of smooth sandalwood rounds out the composition, offering warmth and depth.
Composition & Character
Notes Pyramid
Main Accords
When to Wear
Who Wears It
How It Wears
Application Tips
Contre-Jour's immortelle top note is bright but fleeting, so applying two sprays ensures that the spicy rose heart has time to emerge. The sandalwood base settles in gradually, making it ideal for a quiet evening at home rather than an all-day wear.
Annick Ménardo
Founding perfumer · 109 fragrances · French
Annick Ménardo is a French perfumer who has worked for the fragrance firm Firmenich since 1991.
Also created
Designer Frederic Malle
More from Frederic Malle
Edited by Scentsation Editorial
The story behind the bottle.
The hush of a sunlit room at dusk, where light filters through sheer curtains and casts long shadows on the floor.
Fig. 01 — Contre-Jour, Frederic Malle
Where to buy.
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