by Elie Saab
Elie Saab Elixir presents a mature, opulent iris-centric profile with a prominent sweet-balsamic base of benzoin, myrrh, and amberwood. The opening features bright citrus from mandarin orange and soft neroli, which quickly recedes under a dense, waxy iris core that feels both formal and decadent. Many note it evokes a floral disinfectant or medicinal quality—similar to antiseptic lotions or powdered iris—and some find this antiseptic touch off-putting. Others describe it as deeply sensual, with a rich, smoky, and balsamic drydown, likening it to mature, heavy floral-incense scents such as Love by Olivia, older Gucci Bloom, or Paco Rabanne Olympia. It strikes a balance between sweet and serious, with moderate sillage and a moderate longevity, making it most suitable for night wear and autumn season. The performance appears consistent but not explosive—while some find it surprisingly long-lasting, others note it begins to fade quickly.