Ma Dame 2024

The Verdict

Jean Paul Gaultier brought back Ma Dame in 2024, fifteen years after the original's 2008 debut, and the fragrance community responded with a mixture of excitement and cautious comparison. The 2024 Eau de Toilette stays true to the original's playful, feminine spirit while adding a touch of freshness for contemporary tastes. At approximately 79 GBP for 100ml, it offers significantly better value than many of its competitors.

The central question among reviewers is whether the 2024 version fully captures the distinctive synthetic neon grenadine note that made the original memorable. Some Fragrantica reviewers report it comes very close to its predecessor, while others find it satisfactorily similar but note the absence of that specific grenadine character. Either way, the return of Ma Dame has been warmly received as a welcome correction of a long-mourned discontinuation.

What It Smells Like

Ma Dame 2024 opens with an explosive blast of orange, whose brightness and slight acidity immediately sets a playful, energetic tone. The original was known for a synthetic neon grenadine quality in its opening, and some reviewers detect this same character in the relaunch while others find it softer or absent.

The heart centers on rose, which arrives with a dual sweet-and-potent character that gives the fragrance its romantic backbone. The interplay between the citrus top and the rose heart creates Ma Dame's signature personality: bold enough to be distinctive, yet sweet enough to remain approachable. In the base, musk and cedar provide warmth and a subtle woody presence that grounds the brighter top notes without adding heaviness.

When to Wear It

Ma Dame 2024 is fundamentally a spring and summer fragrance. One reviewer described it as a spring and summer perfume that is long lasting and fresh, combining citrus, rose, and sweetness into a unique aroma. It works well for casual daytime activities, social outings, and weekend adventures.

The fragrance's playful, youthful character makes it better suited to relaxed occasions than formal ones. Think weekend brunches, garden parties, and afternoon shopping rather than black-tie events or corporate meetings.

Longevity & Projection

Fragrantica rates the longevity at 3.03 out of 5, which translates to moderate staying power. One reviewer specifically reported five hours of longevity with moderate sillage and adequate projection. This is respectable for an Eau de Toilette concentration, though it falls short of the all-day performance some wearers expect.

Projection is moderate, creating a noticeable but not overwhelming presence. The fragrance announces itself during the bright orange opening and then settles into a comfortable aura during the rose heart phase.

The Community Says

The Fragrantica community has welcomed Ma Dame back with enthusiasm tempered by comparison. Loyal fans of the original are thrilled to have access to the fragrance again, with some declaring the 2024 EDT identical to the old version. Others offer more nuanced assessments, liking the revival but noting subtle differences. One reviewer found it pleasant in spring but nothing special, while another praised its unique aroma and lasting freshness. The Fragrantica editorial team acknowledged the relaunch as retaining the character that captured attention while bringing Ma Dame into the present.

Who Should Buy This

Ma Dame 2024 is an obvious purchase for anyone who loved the original and mourned its discontinuation. Beyond that, it appeals to women who enjoy playful, citrus-forward fragrances with a romantic rose heart and do not mind a somewhat synthetic edge. The accessible price point makes it an easy entry into the Jean Paul Gaultier world.

Those who prefer strictly natural-smelling fragrances or who seek complexity and depth may find Ma Dame too straightforward. If you never connected with fruity-floral compositions, this version will not change your mind.

The Bottom Line

Jean Paul Gaultier Ma Dame 2024 is a successful revival that honors the playful, daring spirit of the 2008 original while making it available to a new generation of wearers. Its bright orange opening, romantic rose heart, and warm musky base create a distinctive personality at a competitive price. Whether it perfectly replicates the original's grenadine magic depends on who you ask, but as a standalone fragrance, it delivers genuine charm and character.