Marfa

Notes & Nuances

Marfa by Maison Alhambra opens with a blast of orange blossom. It's slightly sharper and more candied than the Memo Paris original; the mandarin note is dialed up. The heart features tuberose supported by agave and ylang-ylang. Here, it’s approximately 95% similar. The agave lacks the distinct, slightly green succulent quality of the original. Alhambra’s version presents a smoother, less textured tuberose. The drydown is where the differences become more apparent. Sandalwood and vanilla are present, but the white musk feels a bit synthetic, creating a powdery rather than creamy effect. The original Marfa has a more refined, natural sandalwood that anchors the base.

Longevity & Projection

Longevity is moderate. I get about 5-6 hours on skin, with projection that extends to arms length for the first hour, settling closer to the skin thereafter. The original Marfa easily lasts 8+ hours with stronger projection, particularly in the initial phases.

To Buy or Not to Buy?

This is a respectable clone, achieving approximately 95% accuracy to the original, particularly in the opening and heart. The differences are most noticeable in the drydown, where a synthetic musk detracts slightly. If you enjoy the Marfa DNA but find the price prohibitive, Maison Alhambra's version is a decent alternative.