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    Master Perfumer

    Sandrine Malin

    Sandrine Malin grew up in the suburbs of Paris, where the scent of fresh laundry and blooming gardens sparked a lifelong curiosity about scent. After earning a DEUG in physical chemistry at Université Valrose, she entered ISIPCA and completed the Dior Parfumerie promotion in 1989. The rigorous training sharpened her analytical eye and taught her to translate memory into formula. She began her professional path at Robertet, where she refined her skill with natural absolutes and learned the discipline of large‑scale production. In 1994 she joined IFF’s Paris lab, quickly earning a reputation for precision and imagination. By 2005 she rose to senior perfumer, guiding projects for luxury houses and personal care brands alike. Her peers recognize her as an active member of the Société Internationale des Parfumeurs‑Créateurs, where she shares insights on sustainability and the evolving role of fashion in fragrance.

    Active since 19901 house1 creations
    See notable work
    SM
    Output
    1
    Fragrances composed
    Acclaim
    3.7
    Average rating
    across the catalogue
    Career
    1990
    First composition

    The signature

    How Sandrine composes

    Sandrine favors a structured palette built around bright citrus, white florals and nuanced spices. Orange blossom, neroli and petitgrain appear frequently, delivering a luminous opening that fades into heart notes of carnation, jasmine and subtle violet. She balances these with a base of soft woods, ambergris and fine musks, achieving depth without heaviness. In the lab she often begins with a single accord, then layers supporting notes one by one, testing each iteration on skin to gauge evolution. Her formulations reveal a preference for natural extracts paired with carefully selected synthetics that extend longevity while preserving purity.

    Philosophy

    What drives Sandrine

    Sandrine approaches each brief as a conversation between scent and style. She watches runway shows, notes the cut of a fabric, then asks which memory the moment awakens in her own mind. That memory becomes the backbone of the formula, whether she captures the crispness of a white shirt or the lingering warmth of a silk scarf. She believes a fragrance must respect its raw materials, allowing each note to speak before it blends. Sustainability guides her ingredient choices, and she favors transparent sourcing. Above all, she seeks to create scents that anchor a wearer’s personal story without demanding attention.

    The houses

    Maisons Sandrine composes for