Bridgerton's Enchanted Masquerade Perfume: A Regency-Inspired Scent That Turns Heads
Dearest gentle readers, the return of Bridgerton to our screens has brought with it more than just Benedict's romantic escapades. It has ushered in an exquisite new fragrance collaboration between the fine fragrance house Floral Street and the Shondaland team at Netflix. The scent in question is Enchanted Masquerade, a limited edition eau de parfum that promises to capture the very essence of a magical, Regency-era evening.
A Perfume Expert's First Impressions
As a perfume expert who writes about fragrance almost daily, I was invited to a Bridgerton-themed evening where the new scent was unveiled. Men dressed in full Regency finery were on hand to spritz guests with Enchanted Masquerade. From the very first application, I suspected this perfume was destined to be a hit. The experience was immersive, and the fragrance itself proved utterly captivating.
Wearing it out afterwards, I received numerous compliments. Friends and acquaintances kept asking me what I was wearing, a sure sign of a fragrance's broad appeal and delightful character. The scent seems to have that rare, universally pleasing quality that makes it a conversation starter.
The Scent Profile: From Fruity Top Notes to a Warm, Sensual Base
Enchanted Masquerade opens with a vibrant, juicy burst of green hazelnut, succulent pear, zesty mandarin, and an enticing hint of pink pepper. This lively introduction is far from overpowering; instead, it elegantly makes way for the perfume's floral heart.
The core of the fragrance is a romantic bouquet of gardenia, delicate jasmine petals, and luxurious rose absolute sourced from Grasse, the perfume capital of the world. As someone who doesn't typically gravitate towards floral scents—often finding them too powdery—I was pleasantly surprised. This composition avoids any powdery dry-down, making it exceptionally approachable and wearable.
The fragrance settles into a warm, comforting, and deeply sensual base. A soothing trio of cedarwood, patchouli, and skin musks wraps you in an elegant, cocooning aura. The hazelnut note persists, adding a wonderful warmth and depth that prevents the scent from being merely pretty, giving it a sophisticated, multi-faceted character.
The Master Nose Behind the Fragrance: Jérôme Epinette
My excitement for this release multiplied tenfold when I discovered the perfumer behind it was none other than the acclaimed Jérôme Epinette. For those unacquainted with his work, Epinette is a French-born perfumer based in New York, responsible for a portfolio of modern classics.
His hits include the iconic Bal d'Afrique from Byredo, the self-titled fragrance from Rare Beauty, and popular Phlur scents like Tangerine Boy. On a personal note, he is the nose behind my beloved Sol de Janeiro scent, Cheirosa 71, as well as other cult favourites. Knowing his pedigree, my expectations were high, and Enchanted Masquerade did not disappoint.
Epinette was given early access to the new season of Bridgerton to inspire the scent. He aimed to capture "this season’s storyline and the idea of unmasking your true self." He describes the fragrance as designed to evoke "a magical evening full of unexpected joy and allure," where vibrant notes dance with romantic florals before settling into a comforting, elegant base.
Final Verdict: A Safe and Wearable Blind Buy
Having spent time with Enchanted Masquerade, I find it to be a remarkably safe blind buy for anyone intrigued by the Bridgerton collaboration or simply seeking a new, versatile signature scent. Priced at £78 for 50ml, it represents a significant but justifiable investment in a quality, limited-edition fragrance.
It masterfully ticks numerous boxes without veering too deeply into any single category. It is not too floral, too sweet, or overly sensual. Instead, it occupies a perfect middle ground—a warm, comforting, and subtly romantic fragrance with excellent longevity. The bottle itself is a delight, featuring a tiny, elegant mask detail that nods to its thematic origins.
This is a scent I can easily see myself reaching for repeatedly, perhaps while settling in to watch Benedict's season unfold. It possesses that enchanting, unforgettable presence Epinette intended, lingering like a pleasant whisper long after the night has ended. For those seeking a touch of Regency romance in a bottle, Enchanted Masquerade is a compelling and beautifully crafted choice.
