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Please understand that this website is not affiliated with the Prince Matchabelli Company any way, it is only a reference page for collectors and those who have enjoyed the classic fragrances of days gone by.

The main objective of this website is to chronicle the history of the Prince Matchabelli fragrances and showcase the bottles and advertising used throughout the years.

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Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Luna Mystique by Prince Matchabelli c1990

"Luna Mystique" by Prince Matchabelli, launched in 1990, is a name that was carefully chosen to evoke a sense of enchantment and mystery, drawing inspiration from the moon as a potent symbol of femininity. The word "Luna" is derived from Latin, meaning "moon," while "Mystique" comes from French, signifying something mysterious or enigmatic. Together, "Luna Mystique" conjures images of the moonlit night, with its soft, glowing light casting a serene yet mysterious ambiance. It evokes emotions of wonder, introspection, and a deep connection to the feminine mystique associated with the moon.

In the context of perfume, "Luna Mystique" would be interpreted as a fragrance that embodies the essence of the night, with an aura of romance and intrigue. It suggests a scent that is both delicate and powerful, capturing the dual nature of the moon's influence—its gentle light and its ability to stir deep emotions. Women of the time period would likely have related to "Luna Mystique" as a perfume that resonated with their inner strength and femininity, offering them a way to express their mysterious, romantic side. The name itself would have appealed to those who sought to connect with the timeless and universal symbolism of the moon, making it a perfume that felt both personal and evocative.

The early 1990s was a time when the perfume industry was exploring more complex and sophisticated scent profiles, moving away from the heavy, opulent fragrances of the 1980s. The market saw a rise in perfumes that blended floral notes with oriental elements, creating fragrances that were both romantic and exotic. "Luna Mystique," with its classification as a romantic floral oriental, fit well within this trend, yet its lunar inspiration gave it a unique identity. While it aligned with the broader movement towards more nuanced and layered scents, it stood out by offering a fragrance that was deeply connected to a powerful and enduring symbol of femininity. This made "Luna Mystique" a distinctive choice for women who wanted to embrace their mysterious allure, while still being in step with the prevailing trends of the time.






Andie MacDowell, known for her role in the film Sex, Lies, and Videotape, was chosen to be the spokesperson and face of the advertising campaign for the fragrance. The decision to select MacDowell was strategic, aligning with the brand's desire to convey a particular image that resonated with its target audience. According to company spokesperson Trudy Jobe, MacDowell was chosen for her "earthy, natural look," a quality that embodied the essence of the fragrance and appealed to consumers seeking authenticity and understated elegance.

MacDowell's image, characterized by her natural beauty and grounded presence, perfectly complemented the brand's vision. In an era when many advertisements featured highly stylized, glamorous depictions of women, MacDowell's representation provided a refreshing contrast. Her selection as the face of the campaign underscored the brand's commitment to authenticity, suggesting that the fragrance was for women who valued a connection to nature and a sense of effortless beauty. By choosing MacDowell, the company reinforced its message that true allure comes from embracing one's natural self, a sentiment that resonated with the ethos of the time and with the women who would be drawn to the fragrance.

The perfume, inspired by the "moon as a powerful symbol of femininity," was launched in a manner befitting its celestial theme. To create a memorable and immersive experience, the Prince Matchabelli company took over the Hemisphere Club in the Time & Life Building and transformed it into a stage that resembled a lunar landscape. This imaginative setting brought the essence of the perfume to life, enveloping guests in an otherworldly atmosphere that echoed the mysterious allure and powerful symbolism of the moon.

The moon-themed launch party was more than just a typical fragrance unveiling; it was a carefully crafted experience designed to captivate and enchant attendees. The ambiance of the venue, with its lunar-inspired decor, transported guests to a realm that embodied the qualities the perfume sought to evoke—mystery, romance, and the timeless allure of femininity. By creating a moonlit landscape within one of New York City's iconic buildings, Prince Matchabelli not only highlighted the perfume's unique concept but also set a new standard for innovative and experiential marketing in the fragrance industry. The event was a fitting tribute to the moon's symbolic power and a perfect introduction to a scent designed to resonate deeply with women who embraced their inner strength and mystique.


Fragrance Composition:


So what does it smell like? It is classified as a romantic floral oriental fragrance for women.
  • Top notes: mandarin orange, bergamot, aldehydes, coriander, pink pepper
  • Middle notes: jasmine, orange blossom, tuberose, wild gardenia, rose, ylang ylang, cinnamon, clove
  • Base notes: musk, sandalwood, oakmoss, amber, vanilla, benzoin, myrrh, patchouli


Scent Profile:


As you first encounter Luna Mystique, the fragrance opens with a bright and invigorating burst of mandarin orange and bergamot. The mandarin brings a juicy, sweet-citrus scent that is immediately uplifting, while the bergamot adds a slightly tart, aromatic sharpness. These citrus notes are complemented by the presence of aldehydes, which introduce a sparkling, almost effervescent quality, giving the fragrance a luminous and airy start. 

The warmth of coriander subtly emerges, offering a spicy, slightly peppery edge that hints at the complexity to come. Pink pepper adds a delicate, rosy spiciness that tingles the senses, creating an intriguing and lively opening.

As the top notes gently fade, the heart of Luna Mystique reveals itself, enveloping you in a lush bouquet of florals. Jasmine takes center stage with its rich, heady, and almost intoxicating aroma, exuding a sense of opulence and femininity. Orange blossom adds a fresh, slightly sweet floral note, bringing a lightness that contrasts beautifully with the deeper florals. 

The creamy, exotic scent of tuberose weaves through the heart, adding a voluptuous, almost buttery quality that enhances the romantic allure of the fragrance. Wild gardenia contributes its signature creamy, white floral scent, which is lush yet slightly green, grounding the bouquet in natural elegance. Rose offers its timeless, soft, and velvety presence, imbuing the composition with a sense of classic romance. 

Ylang ylang, with its sweet, slightly fruity floral aroma, brings a hint of tropical warmth, adding another layer of sensuality. The warmth of cinnamon and clove deepens the heart of the fragrance, infusing it with a spicy, almost exotic richness that lingers and tempts, perfectly balancing the heady florals.

As the fragrance settles into its base, a warm and sensual blend begins to emerge, wrapping you in a comforting embrace. Musk introduces a soft, animalic warmth that is both alluring and slightly mysterious. Sandalwood adds a creamy, smooth woodiness, with a subtle sweetness that blends seamlessly with the musk. 

Oakmoss brings a touch of earthiness, a slightly damp, forest-like scent that adds depth and complexity. Amber infuses the base with a golden warmth, its sweet, resinous quality adding a rich, almost honeyed undertone. Vanilla adds its comforting, sweet, and creamy aroma, softening the edges of the fragrance and providing a delicious warmth. 

Benzoin further enhances this sweetness with its balsamic, slightly vanilla-like scent, adding a touch of richness. Myrrh introduces a deep, resinous, and slightly smoky quality, lending the fragrance an ancient, mystical aura. Finally, patchouli anchors the base with its earthy, woody, and slightly sweet scent, leaving a lingering trail that is both captivating and deeply sensual.

Together, these ingredients create Luna Mystique, a romantic floral oriental fragrance that unfolds like a journey through a moonlit garden, where the warmth of the earth meets the intoxicating scent of blooming flowers under the mystical glow of the night.


Product Line:


The Luna Mystique fragrance line by Prince Matchabelli was thoughtfully curated to offer a variety of options, allowing women to experience the scent in multiple forms and intensities. The line featured several sizes and types of Eau de Parfum, starting with the compact 0.25 oz Eau de Parfum miniature Splash and Spray, perfect for those who wanted a convenient, travel-sized option. These miniatures were ideal for sampling the fragrance or for carrying in a purse, offering a quick and easy way to refresh the scent throughout the day.

For those seeking a more substantial application, the line included the 0.50 oz Eau de Parfum Spray and the 1 oz Eau de Parfum Spray, both of which provided a longer-lasting experience with a more pronounced scent. The 2 oz Eau de Parfum options, available in both Spray and Splash forms, catered to women who preferred a more generous application, allowing the fragrance to envelop them in its full, romantic floral oriental essence.

Complementing the Eau de Parfum offerings, the Luna Mystique line also included a 0.4 oz Cologne Spray, a lighter and more refreshing alternative, perfect for daytime wear or for those who favored a subtler fragrance.

In addition to the perfumes, the line featured luxurious body care products that allowed women to layer the scent for a more immersive experience. The 2 oz and 6.75 oz Body Lotions were designed to moisturize the skin while leaving a delicate veil of the Luna Mystique fragrance, enhancing the overall scent experience. The Dusting Powders, available in 2 oz and 4 oz sizes, added a touch of elegance to the collection, providing a silky, fragrant finish to the skin, perfect for use after a bath or shower.

Overall, the Luna Mystique product line was designed to offer a versatile and indulgent way for women to incorporate the fragrance into their daily routine, whether through a light splash of Eau de Parfum, a hydrating body lotion, or the luxurious dusting powder.


Fate of the Fragrance:

Luna Mystique by Prince Matchabelli, once a beloved fragrance, was unfortunately discontinued around 1992, making it increasingly difficult to find. This scarcity has only added to its allure, as collectors and fragrance enthusiasts seek out remaining bottles to capture a piece of its romantic and mysterious essence. The fragrance, with its rich blend of floral and oriental notes, now stands as a rare gem from the early 1990s, evoking nostalgia for a time when its presence graced vanity tables and perfumed the air with its enchanting scent. For those lucky enough to come across a bottle today, Luna Mystique offers a unique and cherished connection to the past, a scent memory that lingers long after the last spray.

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