403 Myrrh Shadow by Bon Parfumeur: A Launch That Made Me Feel Things
Written by Angel Hoque
403 Myrrh Shadow is a 2025 release from Bon Parfumeur, offering a contemporary take on amber, enriched with intricately layered woods, vibrant spices, and enigmatic resins. The fragrance was born from the idea of blending dreams with modernity—a concept that guided its creation.
Photo credit: Angel Hoque / Instagram: @aroundtheunknown
I must say, this is not only my personal favorite from the brand but also the most masterfully crafted composition they’ve produced to date.
Created by perfumers Quentin Bisch and Amélia Jacquin, this fragrance brings a modern twist to classic amber through a collaborative effort. By weaving in a blend of aromatic herbs, fragrant spices, semi-sweet resins, and an elegant touch of earthy patchouli, they’ve given amber a fresh new edge. Though it features some deeper, moodier notes, the composition is surprisingly versatile—perfect for year-round wear, not just confined to fall and winter.
The opening bursts with grapefruit, bitter orange essence, and black currant bud absolute, delivering a lively, sunlit energy reminiscent of a late spring or summer afternoon, setting the stage for the fragrance’s brighter, more radiant heart.
Photo credit: Angel Hoque
The heart of the fragrance reveals an aromatic sophistication, where basil’s herbaceous charm blends seamlessly with a soft, powdery cinnamon that carries a dusty, warm allure. Beneath this, a subtle floral undertone dances with the woody intensity of timut pepper, while a fresh, green note of cypress adds a bright, invigorating touch.
The top notes occasionally resurface, amplifying the smooth blend of spices and herbs at the core—a part of the fragrance I could savor for hours. This beautifully crafted harmony of my favorite elements creates a bold, aromatic woody amber profile, making it a versatile scent that effortlessly suits both men and women.
The base is where Quentin Bisch’s signature truly shines, with the introduction of Akigalawood anchoring the fragrance in a refined, contemporary woody essence, complemented by vibrant patchouli.
The resins and myrrh create a dual effect—casting a subtle shadow over the bright, lively spices at the top while also laying a solid foundation for the vanilla and woods to weave their enchanting essences throughout the composition.
Photo credit: Angel Hoque
I typically don’t focus too much on the story behind a fragrance’s name, as I often find little connection between the narrative and the final scent. However, in this case, I can truly relate to the concept of 'Shadow,' as it’s beautifully embodied by the soft veil of myrrh, with the other prominent notes subtly breaking through, casting light from within.
This release has left me eager to explore more from their extrait line, and I sincerely hope the brand continues to maintain the high standard set by this stunning fragrance in their future launches.