Like a Virgin
A watery, clear opening leads into freesia, peony and rose, then settles into musk and ambergris close to the skin.
Perfumer: Alberto Morillas
In 1984, a song born from lyricist Billy Steinberg finding love again after a painful breakup became Madonna's breakthrough, sung with a knowing edge. Alberto Morillas answers both sides: the innocence written into the song and the mischief Madonna brought to it.
The opening is clear and watery, aquatic notes with just a touch of mandarin brightness. Freesia, peony and rose then build a floral heart that grows fuller and more luminous while staying clean, the airy freesia and dewy peony keeping the rose from turning heavy.
Musk and ambergris form the base, holding the flowers at something close to skin temperature rather than wrapping them in sweetness. Set beside Unplugged, a cover of the same song by another perfumer, this is the quieter, closer reading of the same song.
