WHAT I SMELL: Neroli Nasimba opens with a warmed cardamom and petitgrain that feels as if it was dried in the grassland sun. In short time, a light sweetened neroli begins to make itself known. It’s very subtle as if it was brushed on top of the dried grass. The perfume buzzes with a light vibration of sun and wood. And after a bit, a light puttied labdanum and vetiver help to create a semi-soured covering over the wood. Very slowly, a sweetened note of orange blossom returns to lighten the perfume. It sits radiantly above the woody base although it remains somewhat elusive. And just when you think the perfume’s development has ended, the orange blossom blooms above a light leathered wood. Here the perfume remains with an ethereal mix of sun and earth. Neroli Nasimba is really lovely.
From the Maison Crivelli website:
4:30 am: tangerine awakening, orange savannah. Step by step: pink dust, acacia shadow, tawny wood. A distant roar. Slender stripes, spotted leather. Feline neroli.
The experience: a discovery of orange blossom during a walking safari
The surprising contrast: orange blossom essential oil (neroli) and a leather accord
Top notes are Pink Pepper, Cardamom and Mandarin Orange; middle notes are Neroli, Orange Blossom and Petitgrain; base notes are Saffiano Leather, Labdanum and Vetiver.
WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: African straw mask.
THREE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE NEROLI NASIMBA: calming, natural, semi-arid
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT NEROLI NASIMBA: CaFleureBon
BOTTOM LINE: Maison Crivelli has captured the essence of the savannah. It’s a peaceful perfume that feels modern, yet at the same time feels like it was created at of the vast edges of the earth where time stands still. Neroli Nasimba is a perfume that will create a sense of calm whenever you wear it which is perfect for slowing down our complicated lives.
- Bone Rating: 4 out of possible 5 bones
- Scent: Floral Leather
- Nose: Paul Guerlain
- Classification: Unisex
- Expense: Starting at $120 for 30 ml eau de parfum
Sample courtesy of Twisted Lily Fragrance Boutique and Apothecary.
WHAT I SMELL: Drunk Lovers opens with a bright lemon and bergamot that quickly melds with a brown sugared cognac. It’s really comforting, kind of sexy and very approachable. In short time, the perfume is warmed with this wonderful ambered wood with just a bit of sweetened vanilla to increase an already lightly boozy feel. After a bit more, a blanket of increased warmth is thrown over the elixir with a rotating mix of woods, spices and amber…and here it remains. This perfume is very easy on the nose and very engaging. Drunk Lovers doesn’t feel overly complicated, but it is so easy to fall in love with.
WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: A well-worn Irish wool sweater that holds the scent of familiar things that bring us comfort and make us happy.
WHAT I SMELL: More of Oud opens with a soft cashmere blanket of warmed and somewhat soured neroli and ever so slightly sweetened yuzu blossoms. It’s not citrus in a light and juicy vein, but is citrus that seems to be warmed in the heat of the middle eastern sun. The oud is there from the beginning, but it’s not heavy, nor does it draw all of your attention to itself. Instead, it provides a warm creaminess that rests under the flowers along with what seems to me to be patchouli although it’s not cited in the official notes. As the perfume settles, it shines with florals and white musk through a haze of oakmoss and oud along with a lightly worn leather. It’s really comforting and beautiful and it seems to radiate off the skin with a quiet intensity. There are no longevity issues here and a small spritz goes a long way. More of Oud doesn’t submit the wearer with lots of development twists and turns. Instead, it presents its beauty from first spray and envelopes you with its magic spell.
non-animalistic oud creation. As an extra bonus, the bottle and packaging are gorgeous and in addition to receiving the eau de parfum, an 8 ml bottle of More of Oud perfume oil is included. More of Oud is a dream of a perfume.
The Scented Hound 