Thierry Mugler 'Angel' Eau De Toilette NEW - Fragrance Review

In all of the years I have spent being a perfumista, I don’t think I’ve ever ‘met’ a more polarizing fragrance than Thierry Mugler Angel. People either love it or hate it, there are no two ways about it. It is one of those perfumes that’s bound to get a strong reaction of either kind, but love or hate, you cannot deny Angel’s iconic status. It is one of those landmark fragrances that make history and have an endless army of wannabes following. The perfume shelves in stores all over the world have been filled with fragrances that try to replicate the way Angel smells and it is not going to stop any time soon. It is bold. It is strong. It is a statement fragrance, instantly recognizable. Once you smell Angel, you’ll always be able to tell when someone is wearing it. It is unique and surely not everyone can wear or like it.

Angel EDT

The original Angel EDP was launched in 1992 and to this day it remains a constant best seller. During the course of the last 20 years, Thierry Mugler has been boosting Angel’s perennial nature by launching numerous variations on the scent’s formulation and the famous 'star' bottle, thus introducing the fragrance to the newer generations. 

So where do I fall on this love/hate scale? If we talk about the original version (Eau de Parfum = EDP), I like Angel, so that would mean I gravitate toward the love end of the scale. But some of the newer formulations of the scent are more to my taste and I love them (as opposed to only liking the original EDP), and among them is the brand new Angel Eau De Toilette (EDT) version that has just been launched. That’s right, almost 20 years later, Mugler finally releases an EDT version of the scent.

Much of the original Angel’s controversial and polarizing status comes from the hefty dose of patchouli in the base notes. Some people will tell you it downright stinks. Others absolutely love the woody, earthy, 'dirty' smell of patchouli. I will say upfront that this has always been my main issue with the original Angel too. I can’t really wear bold patchouli notes and this very factor stopped me from going that extra mile on the scale, taking the step from like to love. I did wear Angel EDP years ago, but it wasn’t a fragrance I would reach for every day or want to repurchase again and again. After finishing my bottle, I sort of admired it from a distance, enjoying it more on others - who could pull it off better - than on myself. So yeah, I do like smelling Angel EDP on other people. And now, thanks to the newer versions, I enjoy smelling Angel on myself too.

The new Angel EDT is an updated - more modern if you want - take on the original. It is lighter, softer, smoother, more wearable. It is not just a less intense version of the original EDP; it smells different too, to the point where, if you’ve never been a fan of the original, you might still enjoy this one, as in many aspects, it is its own scent and thanks to that, Angel is now easier to wear.

The patchouli notes are cleaner and considerably toned down. Yes, of course patchouli is still there, as it is such a defining note for Angel, but let me put it this way: thou shalt have no fear, the spitting fire dragon has been tamed. You are now left with a cutesy friendly dragon that you can take home and pet. The crispy/spicy opening features updated notes of bergamot and pink pepper, followed by the red berries. There is a slightly minty undertone to the whole thing and it counteracts nicely with the sweetness. The vanilla/honey/chocolate vibe is still there (YUM!), but the caramel has now been replaced by the praline note. Angel EDT is not as thick and heavy as the original EDP version, but the lasting power is still very good. I really liked the new Angel EDT from the very first time I tested it, but I usually try a scent about 3 times (on different days) before I commit to buying it, just to make sure I really love it. I went out and picked up a bottle of Angel EDT a couple of days ago.

Here is the full list of notes for Angel EDT: bergamot, pink pepper, praline, red berries, patchouli, cedar wood, vanilla and white musk. It comes in a refillable pretty bottle (the pictures online don't do justice), available in 40 ml and 80 ml. I don't have my camera with me as I'm posting this review, but I'll try to take some pics later on.

Actress Eva Mendes is the new face of Thierry Mugler's Angel and she will be featured in the ads for both versions of the fragrance (EDP and EDT). You can find Angel EDT in the stores now or you can get it online at Escentual.com (not affiliated).

This review is based on a bottle that I purchased myself.