PearOpens with
OrrisHeart
MuskDries down to
Fanny BalThe nose · 68 fragrances · also made Wild Leather (2021)Portrait →Will you like it? Mark a few fragrances you own or love and we'll tell you.
Merit · Sold as feminine
Retrospect
The moment when an evening transitions from crisp to cozy, with the lingering scent of freshly baked pastries in a quiet neighborhood.
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RetrospectHow it wears
From community votes · bars are each option's shareComposition & Character
The story behind the bottle.
Fanny Bal's Retrospect, launched by Merit in 2024, is a Floral Fruity Gourmand fragrance that weaves together the freshness of pear and bergamot with the warmth of aldehydes and musk. The composition opens with a burst of pear and ambrette, creating an unexpected contrast between sweetness and earthiness. As it settles, jasmine, violet, and rose introduce a delicate floral bouquet that melds seamlessly into the powdery base notes of orris, moss, and vanilla. This scent is neither overly sweet nor too heavy, striking a balance that feels both nostalgic and modern.
Retrospect is best applied to pulse points and left to settle on skin for about 15 minutes before it fully integrates. The pear and bergamot top notes are fleeting but vibrant, making way for the rich gourmand base that blooms over time. This fragrance reads better close to skin than across a room, so layering lightly is key.
Fig. 01 — Retrospect, Merit
Where to buy.
Wear it for a week first
A decant costs a fraction of a bottle and tells you how it lasts on your skin.
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What people
are saying.
Respected, if divisive: loved by 41%, disliked or hated by 15%.