Modern Muse

Modern Muse, inspired by Estée Lauder Modern Muse (2013)

Modern Muse is built on a deliberate contrast between flowers and woods. A nectar-sweet start of mandarin and honeysuckle gives way within minutes to jasmine sambac and Chinese jasmine, filled out by tuberose and a fresh lily. Beneath them, patchouli and amber wood add an earthy, slightly dark texture. Musk and Madagascar vanilla round off the drydown without turning it into a dessert.

About the original

Estée Lauder launched Modern Muse in September 2013, presenting it as the house's first major women's fragrance since Beyond Paradise in 2003. Launch coverage credits Harry Fremont with the composition. The brand describes it as a pairing of sparkling florals and earthy woods, and model Arizona Muse fronted the campaign. Later flankers such as Modern Muse Le Rouge and Modern Muse Nuit are different scents.

Our version

Ours is an independent eau de parfum made to evoke the same character. It is not Estée Lauder stock, not an official relaunch and not the original formula.

Who it suits

Anyone who enjoys rich white florals with some backbone should feel at home with it. Tuberose and patchouli give it real density, which may weigh on people used to airy, citrus-led scents.

Related scents

• Estée Lauder Modern Muse Le Rouge
• Estée Lauder Modern Muse Nuit
• Estee Lauder White Linen

Notes of the original fragrance, as published by the brand.

Top notes: Mandarin, Honeysuckle Nectar, Dewy Petals

Heart notes: Jasmine Sambac, China Jasmine Absolute, Tuberose, Lily

Base notes: Patchouli, Amber Wood, Musk, Madagascar Vanilla

Mandarin and honeysuckle make a nectar-like opening, with a dewy petal note that keeps it fresh rather than sugary.

Two jasmines lead the heart, joined by tuberose and lily, so the middle stage is lush and distinctly white-floral.

Patchouli, amber wood, musk and vanilla form the base and give the flowers a woody, slightly earthy frame.

Is this the original Modern Muse or Le Rouge?

The original Modern Muse eau de parfum from 2013. Modern Muse Le Rouge and Modern Muse Nuit are separate flankers, which we also make.

Does Modern Muse smell sweet?

There is some sweetness from honeysuckle and vanilla, but patchouli and amber wood keep it from tipping into a gourmand.

Inside the EU, delivery is free on orders of €49 or more. Below that it is a flat €4.99. Outside the EU, delivery is a flat €4.99 on every order. We send every order in 1 to 2 working days. It arrives in 3 to 7 days across the EU and in 7 to 14 days outside the EU. You have 14 days to return an unopened bottle.

Estee Lauder and Modern Muse are trademarks of their respective owners, and all rights remain with them. Parfumour is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Estee Lauder in any way, and no business relationship of any kind is implied. Our product is an original interpretation created to evoke a similar scent profile, and the trademark names are used purely for honest, descriptive comparison, so that you can quickly identify the style and fragrance family you are looking for. We make no claim to sell the original product, and we do not use the same ingredients or formula. Any similarity lies in the overall impression of the scent as interpreted by our own perfumers, not in the source materials.