Frederic the Moon by Frederic Malle: Notes, Longevity and Review

Frederic the Moon by Frederic Malle, officially The Moon, smells like ripe red berries and Turkish rose sinking into smoky oud and supple leather. Launched in 2019 and composed by Julien Rasquinet, it is an Eau de Parfum that fuses Western fruitiness with the depth of Arabian oud perfumery. The result is opulent, mysterious, and unmistakably nocturnal.

What Does Frederic the Moon Smell Like?

The opening is a rush of raspberry, litchi, and strawberry touched with saffron: sweet, vivid, and almost fizzy. Blackberry deepens the fruit as Turkish rose and violet enter, giving the heart a plush floral richness. Frankincense adds a resinous, slightly smoky lift that bridges the bright top and the dark base. Then the oud arrives, smooth rather than barnyard, wrapped in leather, amber, and sandalwood with whispers of patchouli and cypriol. The drydown is where it truly shines: dark, velvety, and long lasting, with the fruit now a memory glowing through the resins.

Notes, Concentration, and Performance

The Moon is an Eau de Parfum with excellent performance. The fruity opening projects strongly, and the oud leather base can be felt on skin and clothing for many hours.

• Top: Raspberry, litchi, saffron
• Heart: Turkish rose, frankincense, red berries
• Base: Agarwood (oud), leather, amber

Longevity typically reaches ten hours or more, with a rich sillage that suits evening wear.

Best For

This is a cold weather and evening fragrance: winter nights, formal events, and moments when a dramatic scent feels right. It appeals to oud lovers who also enjoy fruit and rose, and to anyone curious about oud without the harshness some ouds carry. If you prefer the house's fresher side, Angeliques Sous la Pluie by Frederic Malle is a green, rain-like contrast, while Vetiver Extraordinaire by Frederic Malle offers a completely different kind of woody refinement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the oud in The Moon animalic?
No. The agarwood here is smooth and blended with rose, leather, and amber, so it reads as dark and velvety rather than barnyard.

Does The Moon lean too sweet?
The berry opening is sweet, but saffron, frankincense, and oud give it spice and smoke, balancing the sugar with depth.

What is the wear time like?
Very long. Most wearers get ten plus hours, and the base clings to fabrics overnight.

Is The Moon made for men or women?
Yes to both. The house markets it for everyone, and the rose oud structure works beautifully on any skin.

Experience Frederic the Moon with more Frederic Malle icons at DNA Perfumo.