Quick answer: Mykonos x RRQ Empire is a fresh citrus extrait de parfum with lime and tropical fruits, ginger and coconut water, and a patchouli and white musk base. It is the most-reviewed Mykonos scent and works in every season.
Empire is the most reviewed perfume in the entire Mykonos collection, and it is not hard to see why. It is a bright, tropical citrus that smells like the first day of a holiday, but it has enough warmth underneath to be worn all year. You will also see it called Imperium; it is the same perfume. This review covers what is in the bottle, how it wears, and whether it is the right Mykonos for you.
Empire and Imperium: one perfume, two names
Empire is a collaboration between Mykonos and RRQ, and it is sold as Mykonos x RRQ Empire Extrait de Parfum. Some markets and retailers refer to it as Imperium. If you are searching for either name, you are looking for the same scent, and it is listed in our collaborations collection.
What Mykonos Empire smells like
Empire opens with lime, bergamot and mandarin over a juicy tropical-fruit accord. It is sharp, sunny and immediately likeable.
The heart is the signature: Sicilian orange and ginger with jasmine and coconut water. The coconut water is not creamy or sweet like a sun cream; it is watery and cool, and it gives Empire the "sea air on warm skin" feel people describe.
The base is patchouli, white musk and tonka bean. This is what keeps Empire from being just another beach citrus: the tonka adds a soft warmth, the patchouli a little depth, and the white musk keeps the whole thing clean.
Full note pyramid
- Top: lime, bergamot, mandarin orange, tropical fruits
- Heart: Sicilian orange, ginger, jasmine, coconut water
- Base: patchouli, white musk, tonka bean
Longevity and projection
Empire is an extrait de parfum with a Moderate rating on our intensity scale. The citrus is loudest in the first hour and softens into a clean, slightly warm musk. Because the base carries tonka and patchouli, it tends to outlast lighter citrus scents; the drydown is the part that lingers on clothing.
When to wear Empire
Unusually for a citrus, we list Empire for all four seasons, and for daily wear, evenings and sport. In summer it is exactly what you want on a hot day. In winter the tonka-and-musk base keeps it from feeling out of place, especially indoors. It is a good choice if you want one bottle that does not need swapping out when the weather turns.
It is less of a formal-meeting scent than Inception. The tropical note is playful, and it reads more "weekend" than "boardroom".
Who Empire is for
It sits in our For Him collection, but the mix of fruit, coconut water and white musk is easy for anyone to wear. It suits people who like fresh, uncomplicated scents and want something that gets compliments without being heavy.
Its inspiration line names Creed Virgin Island Water and Louis Vuitton Afternoon Swim, which gives you a good idea of the mood: tropical, aquatic, bright. Read what "inspired by" means for how to interpret that.
What reviewers say
At the time of writing, Empire has an average of 4.73 out of 5 from 108 verified reviews, the highest number of reviews of any perfume we sell. That is also why it is at the top of our list of the best Mykonos perfumes.
Empire compared with other Mykonos citrus scents
- Mykonos Inception is drier and more sophisticated, with black tea and guaiac wood. Better for work.
- Mykonos Sorrento is fizzier, with sparkling grapefruit and a powdery finish.
- Mykonos Nautilus is the richer aquatic-citrus option, with pear and a warm amber base. Our Nautilus guide covers it in depth.
For the full picture of the fresh end of the range, see fresh and aquatic fragrances compared.
Where to buy Mykonos x RRQ Empire in Europe
Mykonos x RRQ Empire is available from this authorized Mykonos retailer for Europe, in 50 ml and 100 ml, and ships across the EU. See where to buy Mykonos for our local stores and authorised retail partner.
Not sure which size to choose? Read 50 ml or 100 ml.
Frequently asked questions
Are Mykonos Empire and Imperium the same perfume?
Yes. Empire is the collaboration with RRQ, and it is also sold and searched for as Imperium.
Can I wear Empire in winter?
Yes. The tonka bean and patchouli base gives it enough warmth for cooler months, which is why we list it for all four seasons.
Is Empire good for the gym or sport?
It is one of the few scents we tag for sport. The clean citrus and white musk work well when you are moving around.
Which size should I buy?
Empire comes in 50 ml and 100 ml. If it is new to you, start with 50 ml; see 50 ml or 100 ml for the reasoning.