Perfume Houses ~ M

Color cosmetics brand established in 1985. Fragrances include MV1, MV2, MV3, Hue: Turquatic, Hue: Greenify, Hue: Pinkaura, Violetrix, DejaRose and C-Squeeze. The fragrances are reasonably priced (under $25).

It is hard to tell when MAC has discontinued a fragrance as they remove fragrances from their website when they are out of stock, but might reintroduce them later. To see the current lineup, check the website.

Recent releases include Tarnished Love & Emeraldaire (2006), Air of Style (2007).

Where to buy: at MAC boutiques, macys, nordstrom department stores.

Website: MAC

Maître Parfumeur et Gantier was established in Paris in 1988 by Jean Laporte, the founder and former owner of L'Artisan Parfumeur. For his new perfume house, LaPorte was inspired by the French tradition of master glove-makers, who became perfumers by necessity to supply the perfumed gloves that were all the rage in 17th century Paris: "I wanted to do something different and my concept is tied to the past. I was seduced by the tradition of the parfumeur-gantiers, who were located mostly in Paris and served the king and, later, the emperor." (Women's Wear Daily, 9/6/1991) Jean Paul Millet Lage, who apprenticed with Laporte, is the current house nose.

See reviews for Sanguine Muskissime (1988), Route du Vetiver (1988) and Bahiana (2005).

Recent releases include Bois de Turquie (2008).

Where to buy: at aedes, beautycafe, beautyhabit, luckyscent in the US. In Canada, at theperfumeshoppe.

Website: Maître Parfumeur et Gantier

Small perfume house established in 2006 by Jennifer Auspitz. The line debuted with 3 fragrances: Embrace The Day, After Hours and Hidden Cove. Secret Meadow launched in 2007.

Where to buy: at lacremebeauty, beautycafe.

Website: Majenty

Hawaiian line of fragrances, home fragrances, bath & body items. See review for Plumeria Room Spray.

Where to buy: beautyhabit, your-cosmetics.

Website: Malie Kauai

New York-based apothecary line established in 2004 by Matthew Malin and Andrew Goetz, both formerly of Kiehls.

Fragrances include Synthesized Musk, Lime Tonic, Synthesized Lotus Root and Rum Tonic.

See reviews for Peppermint Shampoo & Cilantro Conditioner, Rum Hand Wash.

Where to buy: through the website, kitson or shopmiomia in the US; hqhair in the UK

Website: Malin + Goetz

Italian leather goods & accessories company established in 1997 by design team Paolo Trento and Piero Mannato. Fragrances were introduced in 2004 with Mandarina Duck for women, followed by Mandarina Duck Man in 2006.

Recent releases include Mandarina Duck Rouge Intense (2007), Cute Pink (2007).

Website: Mandarina Duck

Spanish fashion retailer; fragrances are created under arrangements with Puig. Scents include Mango Adorably (2004) and Mango Delirium (2006).

Where to buy: at Mango boutiques; at escentual in the UK.

Website: Mango

French textiles company founded by fabric designer Manuel Canovas in 1963, and purchased by British firm Colefax & Fowler in the late 1990s. The firm currently produces bedding, swimwear, accessories, fashion and home fragrance items.

Personal fragrances were introduced in 2007 with Les Fantaisies Parfumees, including Pink Riviera, Anse Turquoise, L'ile Bleue, Ballade Verte, Route Mandarine.

Where to buy: in the US, at Bergdorf Goodman, or through the website (see below).

Website: Manuel Canovas

American fashion designer whose first collection under his own label appeared in 1986. Fragrances were introduced in 2001 with Marc Jacobs for women, followed by Marc Jacobs for men in 2002. Other fragrances include Blush (2004). Fragrances are produced under arrangements with Coty.

In 2006, Marc Jacobs introduced the first Splash Collection (Summer Splash: Rain, Grass & Cotton). These are limited edition, light Eaux de Toilette in 300 ml splash bottles, with an optional atomizer included. He followed with Autumn Splash: Ivy, Violet & Amber (2006), Cucumber Splash & Orange Splash (2007, Rain re-released at the same time), Splash Sorbet: Pear, Basil & Grapefruit (2008).

Other recent releases include Blush Intense (2006), I Love Marc (limited edition, 2007), Marc Jacobs Daisy (2007).

Where to buy: at major department stores and online discounters.

Website: Marc Jacobs

American pop singer. Fragrances were introduced in 2007 with M by Mariah Carey, followed by a collector version, M Gold by Mariah Carey in 2008.

Fragrances are produced under arrangements with Elizabeth Arden.

Where to buy: at department stores and online discounters.

Website: Mariah Carey

Chicago-based cosmetics, skincare and fragrance company founded by former dancer and model Marilyn Miglin. Best known for their Pheromone fragrance (1978), other scents in the line include Mystic, Goddess and Destiny.

Recent releases include Seven Sacred Oils (2006).

Website: Marilyn Miglin

Mark was established in 2003 as Avon's direct sales label for younger consumers.

Recent releases under the Mark label include Sassy Mark (2007), Instant Vacation Greek Isles (2007), Jewel (2007), Instant Vacation Caribbean, Pure Mark (2008).

Where to buy: from Mark consultants or the website (see below).

Website: Mark

The beauty line of fraternal twins Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who achieved stardom after a long-running role on the sitcom Full House, followed by the book and video series The Adventures of Mary-Kate and Ashley.

Fragrances were introduced in 2003 with Mary-Kate and Ashley One & Mary-Kate and Ashley Two, produced under arrangements with Coty.

Subsequent fragrances include L.A. Style (2005, aka coast to coast LA), N.Y. Chic (2005, aka coast to coast NY), London Beat, Tokyo Fusion, South Beach Chic & Hamptons Style (2007).

Where to buy: Drugstores, discount stores, Claires.

Website: Mary-Kate and Ashley

Direct sales of cosmetics, skincare and fragrance; company founded in 1963 by Mary Kay Ash. Recent releases include Affection (2006), Bella Belara (2007).

Where to buy: from Mary Kay consultants; see website.

Website: Mary Kay

Japanese fashion designer who introduced his line in Paris in 1992. Fragrances include mat; (2000), mat; Le Parfum (2003), mat; Le Rouge (2003) and mat; Le Vert (2003). Fragrances are created under arrangements with Panouge (see).

See review for mat; Very Male (2005). Other recent releases include mat; M (2005), mat; Yellow (2005) and Mintea (2006), M; Men (2006), mat; Cherry (2007), Masaki Masaki (2007).

Where to buy: sephora.

Website: there is a section for Masaki Matsushima at the Panouge site.

British fashion designer who launched his own label in 1996. His first foray into fragrance was Incense, a much-loved limited edition (now discontinued) created by Miller Harris (see below). His first mainstream offering was Matthew Williamson (2005).

2007 introductions include The Matthew Williamson Collection (Incense, Lotus, Jasmin Sambac & Warm Sand) and Matthew Williamson Sheer.

Where to buy: at department stores and online fragrance discounters.

Website: Matthew Williamson

French high-end jeweller founded in 1827. Fragrance launches include Mauboussin (2000), Histoire d'Eau (Topaze, 2000), Histoire d'Eau Amethyste (2003) and Mauboussin Homme (2003).

Recent fragrance launches include M Moi (2007), Emotion Divine (2007).

Website: Mauboussin

Italian fashion house established by Achille Maramotti (d. 2005) in 1951. The first fragrance, Max Mara, launched in 2004.

Recent releases include Max Mara Silk Touch (2007), Max Mara Le Parfum (2008).

Where to buy: at department stores and online fragrance discounters.

Milan-based Italian perfumery chain founded in 1967 by Augusto Mazzolari. In 1993, Mazzolari introduced a house brand with three perfumes named after Mr. Mazzolari's children (Carolina, Alessandro & Marina), and other scents followed.

See reviews for Patchouli and Alessandro.

Where to buy: in the US, at luckyscent; in Germany try first-in-fragrance.

Website: Mazzolari

See Clementine Perfume.

Italian niche line established in 2007 by beauty company/distributor Eurocosmesi, a division of Burani Holdings.

The Italian Olfactive Landscapes series includes 22 Settembre 2007, ore 8 Vaporetto per il Lido, Venezia (2007) and 6 Marzo 2008, ore 11 - Piazza Duomo, Ortigia, Siracusa – Sicilia (2008).

Niche line established in 2007 with four fragrances under the name Les Echappées: Lalibela, Siwa, Sundance and Inlé.

Where to buy: at Harvey Nichols in the UK, at the Memo boutique in Paris.

Website: Memo

Custom perfume line that launched in 2006. You can read a description of Memoire Liquide's initial offerings here, or a review of the custom perfume process at the Memoire Liquide counter at Henri Bendel.

Where to buy: Studio at Fred Segal in Santa Monica or Henri Bendel in New York City.

Website: Memoire Liquide

Japanese cosmetics company founded in 1959. Fragrances include L'Eau de Ryokuei (2003) and L'Eau de Kasaneka (2004).

Recent releases include Menard For Men (2008).

Where to buy: at beautyhabit or luckyscent in the US; in France, try sephora.fr.

Website: Menard

Netherlands-based clothing and design chain founded in 1980 and now owned by Liz Claiborne. An eponymous fragrance launched in 1996; subsequent releases include Mexx Diversity (2002), Waterlove Woman and Waterlove Man (2004), Ice Touch Man (2005).

Recent releases include Ice Touch (2006), Amsterdam Spring Edition (2007), Fly High (2007), XX by Mexx (2008).

Website: Mexx

Niche line established by Danielle Igbanugo and Ashleigh Moss, the founders of Cameo Beauty Lounge in Minneapolis. There are two fragrances, Siren & Gypsy.

Where to buy: at luckyscent.

Website: Mi Angelic (Cameo Beauty Lounge)

See Parfums M Micallef.

American fashion designer who launched his own line in 1981. Michael (sometimes listed as Michael Kors) was introduced in 2000, followed by Michael for Men in 2001. Other fragrances include Kors (2003) and Island (2005).

Recent fragrance introductions include Island Fiji (2006), Island Hawaii (2007), Island Capri (2007), Very Michael Kors (2007).

Fragrances are produced under licensing arrangements with Estee Lauder.

Where to buy: department stores and online fragrance discounters.

Website: Michael Kors

Los Angeles-based niche line which debuted in 2006 with three fragrances for men: Monk, Djin and il Giardino.

Recent releases include Yvette, Stephanie & Genvieve (2007). In late 2007, Michael Storer repackaged and relaunched all six fragrances.

Website: Michael Storer

Niche house of Canadian Michel Germain, a former electrical engineer who launched his first fragrance, Sexual for women, in 1994. There are three versions of Sexual (Sexual Femme, Sexual Classique and Sexual for men) and two of Deauville (for women & for men).

Recent releases include Sexual Secret (2007), Sexual Fresh Pour Homme (2007).

Where to buy: at hamptonct and selected Bloomingdales stores.

Website: Michel Germain

Parisian design house established in 1985. Fragrances include no. 1 Parfum Trouve, no. 2 Spiritus/Land, no 3 Green, green, green and green (2006), and Close Your Eyes And... aka Bois de Gaiac et Poire (2006).

Where to buy: at fourseasonsproducts and your-cosmetics, or at selected Barneys stores.

Website: Miller et Bertaux

Miller Harris was founded in the UK in 2000 by Lyn Harris, who named the line after her father’s middle and last names. Ms. Harris studied perfumery in Paris and Grasse. There are two ranges: the Classic range, available at all Miller Harris retailers, and the Nouvelle Edition line, which is exclusive to the Miller Harris boutiques (including the one in Saks NY).

See reviews for Fig Amere, Jasmin Vert, and Terre d'Iris.

Recent releases include Coeur d’Été (2006, limited edition), L'Air de Rien (2006), Fleurs de Sel (2007), Le Petit Grain (2008).

Lyn Harris also creates fragrances for other brands, see Solange Azagury-Partridge Stoned and Cosmic, and Mungo & Maud Petite Amande for dogs.

Where to buy: online in the US at fourseasons, beautyhabit, luckyscent, at the Miller Harris boutique in Saks in NY, or at musthave in the UK, or at Miller Harris boutiques in London.

Website: Miller Harris

Niche line. Miriam Mirani launched Aqaba, a fragrance inspired by "the legendary love of King Solomon for the Queen of Sheba", in 1998. She followed with Aqaba Spring, a lighter version of the original Aqaba, then a trio, Jewels of Aqaba (2005).

Where to buy: in the US at luckyscent, in Canada at theperfumeshoppe.

Website: Miriam Mirani - Aqaba

Italian fashion house best known for their knitwear designs. Three fragrances were introduced starting in the 1980s under arrangements with Max Factor; those are all now discontinued.

Their first fragrance under new arrangements with Estee Lauder, Missoni, was launched in 2006. It was followed by Acqua in 2007.

Recent releases include Missoni Colori Collection (2008).

Where to buy: at department stores and online fragrance discounters.

Website: Missoni

Italian jeanswear and fashion line. The first fragrance, Miss Sixty, launched in 2005, and was followed by Miss Sixty Elixir (2006). Recent releases include Miss Sixty Flower Power (2007), Miss Sixty Rock Muse (2007), Miss Sixty Summer Collection 2008 (2008).

Fragrances are created under licensing arrangements with Coty.

Website: Miss Sixty

California-based line of soaps and fragrance products established by Matthew Tilker in 1994. As of early 2008, there were five Eaux de Parfum: Lychee Rose, Grapefruit Red Currant, Verbena Flower, Wild Blackberry and Balinese Vanilla.

Recent releases include South Seas (2008).

Where to buy: online at anthropologie, hamptonct.

Website: Mistral

Japanese perfumer who studied in Tokyo and Paris, and now teaches perfumery in Japan. See review for Sakura.

Where to buy: at luckyscent in the US, hqhair in the UK.

Website: Miya Shinma

Molinard was established in Grasse in 1849, and is best known for the iconic Habanita (1924). The company is still family-owned, and popular lines in modern times include the Autour de La Vanille collection.

In 2005, Molinard launched the Molinard 1849 collection, re-issues of seven of their classics: Habanita, Gardenia, Verveine de Molinard (1948), Iles d' Or (1929), Un Air de Molinard, M de Molinard, and Nirmala (1955) in liquid and in perfume solid form. These can be found at aedes, beautyhabit and selected Barneys department stores. In 2008, Molinard created Histoire de Chypre as an exclusive for Aedes.

Recent releases include Fleur de Chocolat (2008).

See review for Tendre Friandise (2003).

Where to buy: in the US, check hamptonct.

Website: Molinard

UK-based skin & bath care company established in 1971 by Caroline & Harvey Collis. There are over 20 boutiques in the UK; the first free-standing stores in the US opened in 2004. The line is also carried by specialty and department stores.

Molton Brown makes a plethora of scented bath & body products, and home fragrance items. See review for Naran Ji Air room spray.

There are currently 2 Eaux de Toilette for Men: Cool and Black Pepper.

Recent releases include Intoxicating Davana Blossom (2007).

Where to buy: bathandbodyworks, beautyhabit, eluxury, Molton Brown boutiques or department stores.

Website: Molton Brown

Mona di Orio worked in Edmond Roudnitska's factory in the south of France, then launched her own line in 2006 with Lux, Carnation and Nuit Noire.

Recent fragrances include Oiro (2007), Amyitis (2008).

Where to buy: at aedes in the US, in Canada at theperfumeshoppe, in London at lessenteurs, or in Germany at first-in-fragrance.

Website: Mona di Orio

Paris-based niche perfumery of Pierre Montale. There are two lines: an oudh line based on the precious oudh (or agar) wood frequently used in Middle Eastern fragrances, and a regular perfume line.

See reviews of Aoud Roses Petals, Intense Tiare, Patchouli Leaves, Vanille Absolu, Blue Amber, Black Aoud, White Aoud, Jasmin Full, Fruits of the Musk.

Where to buy: at aedes, fourseasons, luckyscent or parfumsraffy in the US, in Canada at theperfumeshoppe, in Germany at first-in-fragrance.

Website: Montale

French fashion house of designer Claude Montana, established in 1979. Montana was known first for his designs in leather, later for his big-shouldered designs for women. He was the couture designer for Lanvin for several years in the early 1990s.

Fragrances were introduced in 1986 with Parfum de Peau; subsequent launches include Parfum d'Elle (1990), Just Me (1997).

Recent launches include the Mood trio (2006), Parfum de Femme (2007).

Website: Montana

German line of watches, pens & accessories, established in 1906. Fragrances were introduced in 2001 with Presence for men. Subsequent releases include Presence d'Une Femme and Femme Individuelle.

Recent releases include Starwalker (2005), Femme de Montblanc (2006), Femme Individuelle Soul & Senses (2007).

Fragrances are produced under arrangements with Proctor & Gamble.

Where to buy: Montblanc boutiques and online fragrance discounters.

Website: Montblanc

New York based fragrance company. Scents include Ambra di Venezia for women and Paratus for men.

Where to buy: online at aedes or at Takashimaya in NYC.

Website: Montgomery Taylor

California-based independent perfume house of Tristan Brando. Two fragrances, Monyette Paris and Coquette Tropique.

See also review for Monyette Paris Cashmere Body Mist.

Where to buy: b-glowing, beautyhabit, lacremebeauty, luckyscent, your-cosmetics.

Website: Monyette Paris

See Parfums Morgan.

New York-based fashion house established by Liliana and Carlos Casabal in 1982. Fragrances include Morgane Le Fay Classic and Morgane Le Fay Blue.

Where to buy: luckyscent.

Website: Morgane Le Fay

Fashion house established by Franco Moschino (d. 1994) in 1983, and currently under the design leadership of Rosella Jardini.

The first fragrance, Moschino, appeared in 1987; subsequent releases include Cheap and Chic (1995), L'Eau Cheap and Chic (2001), Couture! (2004) and I Love Love (2005).

Recent releases include Moschino Friends Men (2005), Moschino Funny! (2007), Cheap and Chic Hippy Fizz (2008).

Where to buy: department stores and online fragrance discounters.

Website: Moschino

See Claus Porto.

Fragrances for the Mustang car line, produced by Estee Lauder's Aramis division in collaboration with Ford Motor Cars and the Sarantis Group.

Fragrances were introduced in 2007 with Mustang for men, followed by Mustang Blue in 2008.