Mandarin OrangeOpens with
Jasmine SambacHeart
MuskDries down to
Also asParfum · 2015 →
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Estée Lauder · Sold as feminine
Modern Muse
The quiet confidence of an office meeting where every word is measured and impactful, underpinned by a subtle floral-woody warmth.
Mandarin OrangeTopJasmine SambacHeart
Chinese JasmineHeart
LilyHeart
HoneysuckleHeart
Flower PetalsHeart+7Full bottle: Mid-range tier, typically $40–100. Links open each seller's own page. We may earn a commission; it never changes the order.
Modern MuseMid-range · $40–100
40%Similar accords, often for lessRenata · AjmalBudget tier, under $40 · shares 5 of its 9 notes8 matches →How it wears
From community votes · bars are each option's shareComposition & Character
Notes Pyramid
TopOpening
Main Accords
When to Wear
Who Wears It
The story behind the bottle.
Modern Muse by Estée Lauder was launched in 2013 as a bold statement from the iconic brand, marking its return to the top of the fragrance world. Created by perfumers Harry Fremont and Olivier Cresp, this Floral Woody Musk composition captures the essence of an independent and self-confident woman. The fragrance opens with mandarin orange and transitions into a heart of jasmine sambac, lily, honeysuckle, and tuberose, before settling into a base of musk, patchouli, amber, and vanilla. Harry Fremont's vision was to blend the sparkling femininity of jasmine with the strength of sleek woods, creating a duality that resonates through the composition.
Modern Muse blooms best when applied to pulse points. The top notes dissipate quickly, but the heart and base notes develop over time. For optimal longevity, layer it with the brand's skin care products for a seamless integration throughout the day.
Fig. 01 — Modern Muse, Estée Lauder
Where to buy.
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Harry Frémont
A Cannes childhood, a lifetime of iconic scentsHarry Frémont is a Master Perfumer born in Cannes, France, who trained at ISIPCA in Versailles before joining Firmenich, where he won the Société Technique des Parfumeurs de France award in both 1984 and 1985.
Co-created with Olivier Cresp
The Modern Muse line
7 fragrances, compared side by side
Designer Estée Lauder
More from the house · founded 1946 · United States
You Might Also Like
Chosen from what wearers say it smells like, what its fans also love, and its notes
Love it, not the price?
Matched by accords and notes. Sample first, then decide.
The originalModern MuseEstée Lauder · Mid-range · $40–100Ajmal · 2019RenataShares 5 of its 9 notesunder $40★ 3.78 (23)
With Estée Lauder Estee Extrait
Adds powdery, sweet and iris; shares lily and tuberose.
Suggested from accords and notes · not yet tried by wearers
What people
are saying.
Respected, if divisive: loved by 26%, disliked or hated by 20%.