I’m always crushing on something scented or other. My nose knows no limits. Candy Crush is where I showcase the beautifully scented things I’m crushing on right now so you can hopefully develop a crush too.

It’s been over 25 years since MUGLER launched ANGEL, their divisive flagship perfume. Since then the signature ANGEL accord of patchouli and vanilla has been copied thousands of times over, birthing the likes of Coco Mademoiselle (CHANEL) and Flowerbomb (Viktor & Rolf) amongst many others. MUGLER too, have spent their time reimagining ANGEL, offering up a host of flankers, swirling their flagship scent into gourmand treats ranging from the boozy to the fruity, and all that’s in between.

In 2011, MUGLER launched an Eau de Toilette version of ANGEL (created by Perfumer Amandine Marie) that was lighter and more diluted (but not fresher) than the original. I’m not sure how well this version resonated but I suppose it didn’t feel different enough to really justify its existence. Perhaps MUGLER felt the same because for 2019 they have launched an entirely new ANGEL EDT created by Perfumer Louise Turner. New juice, new bottle, same old ANGEL.

When I first reviewed ANGEL many moons ago, I likened it to a burly builder called Steve who enjoyed dabbling in drag at the weekends. Steve is a butch, hairy guy with a feminine side and he perfectly captures the androgynous nature of ANGEL – a fragrance that straddles the gender lines without fear. With this new Eau de Toilette version, Steve heads to the beauty salon for a full wax and a bejewelled manicure.

Where 2011’s ANGEL EDT sought to simply dilute the EDP with a cool minty feel, this new version plays up the fruity notes of the original extending ANGEL’s dewberry accord with juicy, sorbet-like notes of mandarin and apple. The result is something decidedly less airy and entirely more cocktail-esque, with tart berries and fresh flowers perfectly matching the baby pink colour of this new ANGEL’s juice. The dry down is much tamer and driven by woods, and white musks, and whilst one can detect the ANGEL DNA (that patchouli-vanilla beauty) the fragrances are more like cousins than sisters.

So what do I think of this new Eau de Toilette incarnation of my beloved ANGEL? I think it’s lovely and I feel that the fruitier, more blush pink impression in this version is exactly what an ANGEL EDT should be. Of course, it will never replace the original ANGEL for me, but that’s not the point, this is an ANGEL for those that like the idea of the fragrance, but perhaps not the reality. For me, the berry-sorbet vibe is reminiscent of Eau Sucrée (an earlier summer flanker that I adore) so I don’t feel like I need this version, but I’m totally on board with an ANGEL that is more jovial, vibrant and fruit.

Finally, I cannot sign this off without talking about the bottle. This version of the signature ANGEL star appears as if it is carved from a block of ice allowing it to stand up for the first time ever. It’s a real “aha” moment of a bottle which makes one think why they didn’t do it sooner! Oh, and also, the glass is the standard ANGEL baby blue but the juice is a very soft pink, which makes for a beautiful contrast.

So yes, beautiful aesthetic execution and a decent juice. Do try if you like ANGEL (and even if you don’t).

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Availability

The new ANGEL Eau de Toilette is available in 30ml (£45) and 50ml (£59) sizes.

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Disclaimer

Images are my own. Sample sent by MUGLER for consideration. I was not paid for this article, nor did MUGLER have any say in the content.