Whether we really need any more nerolis in a recent almost oversaturation of the note is another question, but Quentin Bisch’s new take on the orange blossom branch for Van Cleef & Arpels is certainly bright, uplifting, and rather lovely : a mandarin-centred citrus with almost tea-like facets that is good for the spirits and for me just emanates happiness.
Rather than the glittering smorgasbord effect of the Tom Ford Neroli Portofino range or the greener and raspier more photorealistic renditions of the flower such as Annick Goutal or Sana Jardin’s Berber Blonde, this ‘bitter neroli’, part of Van Cleef’s enjoyable Collection Extraordinaire range, is actually anything but: it is rounded, forthright; fresh but full-bodied – a clean and fresh summer orange that is an immediate mood enhancer and perfect for the sunnier warmer weather. Me likey.
The Black Narcissus 
Looking forward to testing this. The only neroli I’ve smelled recently is the new Nicolai, Cap Néroli, which I quite enjoyed.
I haven’t tried that but I do like her stuff generally. What’s it like?
This is not very long lasting but very orangey – for me a plus point as I adore mandarin notes – so that might be a dealbreaker for those after a more petallic white floral, but I personally like the uplifting energy of this one.
Cap Neroli is a fresh citrus floral.
Collection Extraordinaire is a nice range, isn’t it? I have four of them, Gardenia Petale, California Reverie, Bois d’Iris and Orchidee Vanille. It helps that discounters often have them…
I love California Reverie and Orchidee Vanille! You are lucky such discounters exist. Here in Japan I would have to pay literally about 30,000 yen for a bottle of any of them. Otherwise I would as I find them easy and wearable.
Sounds like I would enjoy this one too!
Definitely uplifting. Not 100% convinced by the drydown. Worth a sniff though !