M17
Mahogany's M17 combines the warmth of oriental vanilla with a heavy dose of star anise and licorice. Designed for women and launched in 2014, this perfume blends bright citrus top notes with a cozy base of amber, vanilla, and cedar. It provides an approachable entry into spicy, sweet scents, making it a great companion for chilly autumn evenings.
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Performance Metrics
36 VOTESOpen Performance Breakdown 1 TAKE
Expect four to six hours of wear with moderate sillage that projects arm's length for the first hour. It performs best in cool autumn and winter climates.
Notes Pyramid
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M17 combines sweet star anise and licorice with a powdery vanilla base. Bright tangerine and lemon fade quickly into a floral heart of gardenia and jasmine, ending on a warm blend of amber, cedar, and sandalwood.
Main Accords
9 MAPPEDThe soft spicy and anis accords dominate the heart, giving the fragrance a sweet, medicinal warmth. A powdery, sweet vanilla base develops on skin, keeping the dry-down smooth, cozy, and slightly woody.
Community Data
67 TOTAL VOTESCOMMUNITY SENTIMENT
OWNERSHIP STATS
GENDER APPEAL
REVIEW SENTIMENT
When to Wear
TAP TO VOTETIME OF DAY · TAP TO VOTE
OCCASIONS · TAP TO VOTE
It looks easiest to wear in fall and winter. The vote picture leans most toward night.
Pros & Cons
Quick take before you sampleWHY PEOPLE MAY LIKE IT
Affordable price point for everyday casual wear
Unique licorice and star anise scent profile
Cozy and comforting for autumn and winter
Soft, powdery dry-down that sits close to skin
Easy to wear in relaxed, informal settings
Not overly sweet or cloying in cool weather
Bright Lemon note introduces a pleasant, refreshing clean aspect at first spray
Sandalwood in the base creates a smooth and creamy texture as the scent settles
Warm Amber base notes add a cozy, resinous depth that anchors the sweetness
Soft spicy nuances make it highly suitable for intimate evening wear
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
Synthetic and cheap-smelling citrus opening notes
Moderate longevity requires reapplication after five hours
Polarizing licorice note may offend some noses
Floral elements get lost behind the heavy spices
Citrus freshness disappears almost immediately after spraying
Lacks the complexity of premium niche fragrances
Bright Lemon opening is extremely short-lived and transitions rapidly
Amber base notes can feel slightly heavy and dense on warmer spring days
White floral elements like Jasmine are suppressed by the dominant spice accords
Woody notes of Cedar and Sandalwood lack the intensity expected in a deep woody blend
Fragranxe Review
EDITORIAL“Mahogany M17: A Cozy, Budget-Friendly Licorice Comfort”
M17 opens with a brief flash of tangerine and lemon. The citrus is thin and watery, disappearing almost immediately after spraying. It serves as a quick prelude to the main event rather than a dominant player. Within minutes, the fragrance shifts, revealing a warm, thick heart of star anise and licorice. These notes dominate the character of the scent, offering a sweet, slightly medicinal spice that feels warm and comforting.
As the scent settles on skin, the initial sharpness of the anise mellows. The floral notes of gardenia and jasmine appear, though they act mostly as a soft background cushion rather than standing out on their own. They prevent the licorice from becoming too harsh or dry. A powdery texture develops, giving the fragrance a soft, fluffy feel that sits comfortably on the skin.
The dry-down brings out a rich base of vanilla and amber. The cedar and sandalwood add a dry, woody structure that stops the sweetness from becoming cloying. The vanilla is simple and sweet, blending with the amber to create a warm skin scent. The woody notes remain subtle, providing just enough support to keep the vanilla grounded.
Performance is moderate, lasting around five hours before fading. The projection is strongest in the first hour, reaching about arm's length, before settling close to the body. This moderate behavior makes it easy to wear in casual settings, especially during chilly autumn afternoons or cozy winter evenings. It does not have the strength to cut through extreme cold, but it performs beautifully in cool, crisp air.
This perfume suits someone who wants an easy, everyday sweet scent that is a bit different from the standard berry-vanilla designer options. The licorice and star anise give it a unique personality without making it difficult to wear. It is a casual, approachable scent that fits a soft sweater and a relaxed day.
At its price point, M17 is a solid option for sweet-spicy lovers. It does not have the complexity of high-end niche fragrances, and the citrus opening is synthetic, but the warm dry-down is incredibly satisfying. If you enjoy anise notes, this is a very safe addition to your cool-weather rotation.
FAQs
What does M17 by Mahogany smell like initially?+
The fragrance opens with a brief splash of tangerine and lemon. This citrus brightness lasts only a few minutes before the heavy notes of licorice and star anise take over, giving the scent its main sweet, spicy character.
How long does M17 last on the skin?+
You can expect moderate longevity of around four to five hours on skin. The vanilla and cedar base notes linger slightly longer on clothing, making it a reliable choice for a short afternoon outing.
Is the sillage of M17 very strong?+
This scent projects moderately, extending about arm's length during the first hour of wear. It then settles closer to the skin, creating a soft, powdery bubble that will not overwhelm people sitting next to you.
Which season is best for wearing M17?+
The warm profile of amber, vanilla, and star anise makes this fragrance perfect for autumn and winter. The cool air helps balance the sweetness, whereas hot summer days might make the licorice feel too heavy.
Is M17 suitable for everyday office wear?+
Yes, it works well in casual office environments if applied lightly. The soft spicy and powdery accords feel cozy, but the dominant licorice note means you should avoid spraying too much before stepping into small meeting rooms.
Does M17 lean more masculine or feminine?+
While marketed for women, the heavy anis and woody base notes of cedar and sandalwood give it a unisex appeal. Anyone who enjoys dark, sweet, spicy fragrances can comfortably wear this scent.
Can I use M17 as a signature scent?+
It serves well as a signature scent for the cooler months, especially if you love unique sweet profiles. However, its distinct star anise note might feel too specific for a year-round, all-weather signature.
How does the dry-down of M17 behave?+
During the dry-down, the sharp licorice softens into a creamy blend of vanilla, amber, and light cedar. The scent becomes much warmer, losing its initial spicy punch and turning into a comforting skin scent.
Is M17 a good option for blind buying?+
It is a risky blind buy unless you already know you love licorice and star anise notes. If you dislike sweet, medicinal, or soft spicy profiles, you should sample this one first.
How does M17 perform in hot humid weather?+
In hot and humid weather, the vanilla and amber can become overly sticky and sweet. The fragrance performs much better in dry, cool climates where the woodier elements can cut through the sweetness.
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Dupes & Alternatives
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A budget alternative to Diesel Loverdose or a softer, less green take on Lolita Lempicka.
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