The Moon by Julien Rasquinet has been generating significant buzz within the fragrance community for the past few years. It's part of Frédéric Malle's desert gems collection, which certainly piqued my curiosity. While I'm generally wary of overly hyped perfumes, the consistent praise for this particular scent made me wonder if it might actually live up to the expectations. I've decided to proceed cautiously, though, and start with a small 2ml sample before making any commitments. I'm eager to see if it truly resonates with me or if it falls short of the considerable hype.

In the Middle East, the pace of life is marked by the moon. Veiled, unveiled: its clear halo signals the beginning and end of all festivities. The Arabic language also calls on the moon to speak of love. There's no sweeter, more subtle way to declare your love, to talk about the beauty of your beloved and to confess your eternal devotion. A sumptuous, warm and refined blend of rose, oud and incense, The Moon can still bring a surprise — a profusion of blackberry and redcurrant. The magic of these red berries, with their soft and colourful fragrances, evokes the fruity scents of hookahs and the sweetness of eastern nights.

Frédéric Malle's description is richly evocative, bordering on the excessive. It romanticises Middle Eastern culture and the moon's symbolism, while emphasising the luxurious and exotic aspects of the scent.