Красная Москва (Red Moscow)

So I’m Gen Z. I like it a lot I was worried it was gonna be too old lady for me. It’s soft for sure and powdery but it’s sweet enough that it smells yummy and not too aged. I plan to layer this with other perfumes

Red Moscow by The New Dawn. I sample from a recent bottle. This famous Russian fragrance is a strongly carnation-spiced floral, with a slightly powdery vanilla base. Alas, there is just too much carnation, or cloves, here for my liking. Red Moscow's eugenol level seems to be set at an excessive level. It literally stings my nose. Perhaps, it might work better as a body spray, where its fragrance would disperse more widely and reach noses at a lower concentration. Though often compared, by itself, Red Moscow is not close at all to Guerlain's L'Heure Bleue which is much more powdered and also more complexly and dleicately spiced. Perhaps if Red Moscow were layered with a more purely and heavily powdered scent, some rough similarity could be achieved. I suspect a vintage bottle might be more similar. Also, comparing them together now, it seems that the original Vanderbilt does hold a vaguely intermediate position between Red Moscow and L'Heure Bleue, both in regard to powderiness and in the refinement of its carnation accord. There is also an imprecise similarity with several carnation-leading 'barbershop' men's colognes.

I have the 'scented body water' version of this in a 100ml plastic bottle. Part of me wishes I had just bought a vintage bottle of the eau de parfum instead, though, as I am now left wondering if the things that are keeping me from loving it are the fault of the body water format, or the fact that its recipe has likely been changed for modern times, and not the fragrance's original formula and concept. I do love the carnation, and how powdery and antiquated this scent is, but there is an offputting note in there somewhere. I think it may be the coriander. It's a nice little vintage spiced floral that is interrupted by a slight afterscent of something odd, astringent, savory. Sulphuric, even. It also probably was not the best idea to get this in a plastic bottle, as I unfortunately smell plastic, too. I really hope it ends up growing on me someday or smelling better later. I was really excited for this one. I haven't given up on it, though. I will give it time.

Russian history encased in a bottle. Krasnaya Moskva is a potent and rich scent. Get the most bang for your buck with this one.

It smells like a sunny autumnal day somewhere in the former USSR. There's something quite archaic to this scent. I like it a lot, but not enough to adore it.

My mother had this fragrance, and I naturally bought it too, and in different editions, there is even a bottle with the formula before 1971, when a significant replacement and simplification of the formula was made. If that vintage, where there was the most expensive jasmine, was preserved in its original quality, then this perfume is light, flaming, ballroom and festive grand style with the richest delightful disclosure. Perfume released after 1971 can be very tasty, but sweet-heavy due to changes in the top and middle parts, especially if it was a mass release with inexpensive ingredients. Releases of the 21st century can be very different in perception. If you did not like fresh perfume the first time, leave it to stand for several years. Cologne Red Moscow is very pleasant as a daytime, warming, autumn-winter. It seems to me a gourmet analogue of the "Red Riding Hood" candies from the "Red October" company. Again, there may be differences in aroma depending on the manufacturer. For example, in my area they once brought in the cologne "Red Moscow" from Ukrainian companies, it is a purely cheap barbershop product with a hint of Red Moscow, it is a barely discernible ghost there.

beautiful, intense and classic, reminds me of a winters day in a dimly lit bar - very romantic and sensual but still makes a perfect everyday fragrance if you're one to wear spicy fragrances. this was the first perfume that really stood out to me and i've been through about 4 bottles of it by now, has clearly stood the test of time.

The most amazing perfume ever! It smells like love and mother or grandmother but if you wear it with a Balenciaga dress from fall winter collection 2024 it would be also super amazing! Try it if you ever have the chance!

It's vintage, or some might say old-fashioned, and extremely affordable. I only have the bottle because I inherited it from my mother. Starts with citrus and warm spices, but then the carnation and vanilla emerges. It is a tad boozy imho, especially in the beginning, which is something I find common in these heritage perfumes. But not boozy like anything by Kilian; if you don't like Kilian's fragrances like I don't, it's not like that. Good example of a feminine chypre perfume. Moscou Rouge is Stetson Original's wife. It's warm and dry. Autumn and winter. PS: Personally I can't wear it because it's just not my style. The liquid darkens over time btw. It starts like what is pictured here, but my mother's bottle is an orange-amber colour now.

Has a nauseating opening. Though some say it needs to sit in your cupboard for some time to develop. On the drydown it is better, but hard to wash off. I’m having very conflicted feelings about this one, it seems like carnation and coriander are overpowering. I don’t like coriander, not even in food. Other than that, I think it has a potential to become a beautiful vintage scent. About the bottle and packaging: the newer, reformulated version has a red plastic cap that bleeds color everytime the perfume comes in contact with it, so store it upright.

I really wanted to like Red Moscow. However, when I received my bottle of what was labeled as 'parfum', my nose was assaulted with a violent chemical smell. I cannot place what it reminds me of, only that the opening notes of coriander, orange blossom and bergamot read as cumin and engine degreaser to my nose and is absolutely vile. I had to get rid of the bottle and the fragrance because it is SO STRONG. I would still give Red Moscow a try if I could find a vintage bottle. The notes in it are truly oriental, and I love oriental fragrances. I'm disappointed that the bottle I received was so terrible. Does anyone know if the vintage bottles smell any better than the new formulation?

The more I smell it the more it really reminds me so much of pre-reformulation spellbound by Estée Lauder. And maybe it’s just my memories of spellbound I don’t know.

Just bought the current formulation. Smells far far more expensive than it is. Politics aside, great fragrance at a great price. Perfect for a fan of classic scents.

I love this so much, it’s such a pity it’s impossible to get in my country. The perfume itself is rather cheap but shipping to my country costs like 3x the cost of the bottle. I managed to get a bottle about two years ago before Brexit customs affected shipping costs here and it is truly marvellous, even still after two years. This really is a sister of Chanel no5. I love the design of this bottle, I thought the fact it didn’t have spray would be annoying but it doesn’t bother me as much as I thought. This will always be a rather romantic scent to me. I wore it on my first date with my first boyfriend and while that relationship went horribly sour, I know the perfume and my love for it never will. It’s very soapy and aristocratic. I can imagine a Russian Empress wearing this in a palace full of flowers. I’d actually argue this is more aristocratic than Chanel no5! Some people may find it old fashioned but I’d say it’s timeless.

Interesting scent, nice to find something with carnation. The modern formulation has a synthetic vibe, screechy and volatile

I didn't like it at first, but six months later I absolutely love it.

Like a true vintage perfume, it comes out bitter and won't develop until the dry down. Sharpness and softness, like a fresh carnation boquet held next to a powdered face. I associate this with completing a ballet recital. There is a feeling of excitement but the powder base keeps things grounded. I am on the fence about the powder note - it is the only thing I don't 100% love and prevents me from overspraying or making it a daily wear. I live in the USA so the people around me have no associations from this. A unique choice for the unknowing!

If someone selling a vintage bottle in Canada let me know

Хороший аромат, если наносить грамотно. У меня небыло бабушки, или кого-то, кто использовал его, когда я была ребенком, так что я не имею ассоциаций с бабушками. Но всё-таки что-то он напоминает. Сладкий, немного мыльный. Очень стойкий, но я быстро привыкаю и перестаю его чувствовать.

It's fine, but it reminds me of Skin So Soft bath oil and old women, so it's not really something I can see myself wearing as I am in my early 20s. It is a very strong scent though, so if you decide to try it, be very careful when you apply it or you will be smelling it for days (especially if you accidentally spill some on your bed like I did).

The formulation I have smells like cheap commercial-grade floor degreaser. Not pleasant in the slightest. Also no evolution on skin whatsoever. For the price, you'd be better off getting a decant of an entry-level scent instead. Perhaps other formulations aren't as harsh; definitely do not blind-buy.

So strong and barely changes. One dab before bedtime and I woke up sick to my stomach the next morning. But :) They say it needs to sit in the cupboard for a few years before it’s ready to be worn. Thus, I’m waiting for this magical moment. While I wait, my cupboard is starting to smell like my grandma’s drawers back in the day. A very nostalgic smell. Brings back warm memories and the feeling of safety.

Smell like Thai Scented water use in Thai New Year ceremony(Songkran). A dilute version on this would prob be great and refreshing

It has a lovely scent of flowers, face powder, and elegance. Smells natural, powerful, and nuanced to my nose. Bright aldehydes with an oddly angular coriander accent slowly drop into a zesty, lemon-juicy orange flower. Overall, this is bright, acidic, and appealing. The tanginess fades gradually, presenting a spicy and flowery centre of carnation, ylang-ylang, jasmine, and delicate rose, infused not only with the vintage eugenol/clove character, but also with a warm cinnamon. A sweet tonka-vanillic accord is powdery and chalky in the base, with iris and unmistakably a heliotrope character. This is a nice and appealing perfume! Mesmerizing!

I bought a bottle for my grandmother because she used to tell me how beautiful it is. I can’t say I agreed with her but when she passed away I kept that bottle and I carry it with me since then. Every time I miss her I wear a drop of it, I look at the bottle and remember her happy eyes when I gifted it to her. It reminds me of Chanel 5, maybe it is a Russian dupe for it. It seems not well made though, as if someone was trying to recreate Chanel 5 but with the wrong ingredients. It’s ok when you put a drop on your wrist but I’m afraid to use more.

Absolutely terrible. Loud, cheap and synthetic. What I imagine the czarna wołga smells like.

OMG, for most of the Russians who were born in soviet era it smells like heavy sticky strong and opposite of anything sexy.... carnation and synthetic vanilla are really going for the kill.... absolutely unbearable to wear on my skin and to smell on others.... sorry

My Russian friend Sergey has gifted me with a full flacon of 1980's vintage RED MOSCOW extrait, mailed to me from Siberia. I didn't expect it to smell so natural, strong and nuanced. Bright aldehydes with a curiously angular coriander accent descend slowly into a citrusy, lemon-juicy orange blossom... bright, tangy and winsome. Gradually the tanginess subsides a bit, slowly revealing the spicy/floral heart of carnation, ylang-ylang, jasmine and subtle rose, inflected not only with the vintage eugenol/clove character, but with a warm cinnamon as well. In the base, a sweet tonka/vanillic accord is made powdery/chalky with iris, and undoubtedly a heliotrope quality, with its slight Play-Doh nuance, while recalling the innocent, frilly orange blossom of the head. There is also a most subtle methyl salicylate (sweet birch/wintergreen-like) enhancement, which confers an almost "vintage horehound candy" like quality to the floralcy. All-in-all, I'd say its nearest neighbor is not Guerlain L'HEURE BLEUE at all, or even APRÈS L'ONDÉE, but rather Coty L'ORIGAN. In fact, RED MOSCOW reminds me of what might happen if all the notes of L'ORIGAN were doubled in power and purity. The mood of RED MOSCOW is definitely the pre-WWI era of the "Gilded Age/TITANIC era", and thus it has much in common with other such constructions of the Art Nouveau era such as the Grossmith scents, SHEM-EL-NESSIM and HASU-NO-HANA. This is a lovely, winsome scent, and I can understand why it has been so memorable and moody for generations of Russians!

This is AMAZING! I mean, put it in a cool bottle with jewels on top, with a fancy French name / $600 price tag... and niche lovers will lose their minds! Vanillic, spicy, soapy carnation. So elegant and timeless. Unique, retro and long lasting. Hot and cold. I have a small bottle, parfum concentration. I only use a few tiny drops, and I can't stop sniffing myself. Don't overdo it!!!!!! If you put on too much it will kill you (and everyone around you), just kidding.... Projection and longevity are incredible. What a beauty!

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, As someone who likes hidden inexpensive gems I tend to visit stores and smell fragrances that stand on bottom shelves. I remember this one and not in a good way. It is very iconic in Russia, in fact a story says that the similar fragrance was used by a Russian empress back in the days. It might be true... However even though it is iconic as Chanel no5, a soviet equivalent of sorts it is not a great fragrance to wear. It is like a nuclear blast - it effects everyone and anything it comes in contact with. I do understand why people wear it or buy it - it works as a souvenir and sometimes is being used as a statement. It's thick like butter and you will need a sharp knife and lots of soap to get this one off. Floral Citrus nightmare. Only older ladies from Russia can endure it.