Prosody London Neroli Nuance Image by Karl©
The history of Neroli can be traced back centuries to ancient times is still thriving in contemporary lifestyle and is treasured the world over as an invigorating ingredient that is a symbol of purity, fertility and beauty. Promoted by renowned fragrance houses and perfumers, bitter orange blossoms have been distilled to make neroli essential oil. Neroli has been favored by royalty and gentry alike and is said to have been a favorite of Marie Antoinette and Napoleon Bonaparte. Calm, soothing and uplifting, it was also strongly promoted by Liz Earle, an English guru of natural beauty and wellness.
Prosody London Neroli Nuance Still Life Image courtesy of Prosody London©
Prosody London Neroli Nuance is a perfume that is all about Orange Blossom. It is a luminescent tribute to Neroli working the citrus, floral and versatile nuances together in a seemingly effortless embrace. The presentation of Neroli Nuance hints at the colour field style of the artist Mark Rothko, the deep red orange bringing a searing spectral quality and depth.
Prosody London Neroli Nuance is a potent and elaborate take on Orange Blossom. The liquid, a luxurious hesperidium is a symphony of marmalade tones. It fuses perfectly with the titian coloured label and peachy logo of the brand encased in clear glass. This all natural and organic perfume keeps orange blossom as the centre of attention, but also holds many small surprises underneath the umbrella of the sexy and beautiful main protagonist.
Orange, Red and Yellow 1961 by Mark Rothko, Image by Wikipedia©
An ode to Mark Rothko’s style, particularly his 1961 work Orange, Red and Yellow. The pulsating oscillating energies of the painting link beautifully with Neroli Nuance. Initially, the entrance to the fragrance begins like the effervescent fizz of a Beroca tablet dropped into a morning mineral water. It has the photo-realism of mandarin, particularly the succulent and leathery rind, which fuses with aromatic rosemary. This clash of acidic versus calming tones brings one’s attention immediately to the multiform nature of this perfume.
Kershen Teo of Prosody courtesy of Kershen Teo.
After such a confident and bright beginning, you are directly to the heart of the fragrance. Here the scent seems to absorb the outward energies of notes and acts like a swirling vortex pulling you ever inward. Case in point, the jasmine sambac slowly unfurls its honeyed aspects, which meld enticingly with the central Neroli theme. Interestingly, as I discovered from perfumer Kershen Teo, Candlewood, also known as Araucaria oil (from New Caledonia) has been used and produces a soft sweet, creamy, balsamic, woody and somewhat floral ingredient. It acts as a perfect blender for the many other minor characters in this perfume drama.
Surprisingly to me, Neroli Nuance is very long lasting and it evolves over many hours. AsKershen Teo explained to me, “If you spritz it in the morning, you will still smell it when you go to bed. It unfolds over many hours, a Wagnerian ‘Ring’ without all the shouting.”
Scent diagram of Prosody London Neroli Nuance by Kershen Teo
Moreover, the clever use of benzoin not only increases the stability of the fragrance, but it also enhances the longevity and produces a soft, smooth vanillic touch. Here deep in the base is where Neroli Nuance truly shines. The combination of galbanum and benzoin is a comforting and a graceful warming experience. Spring and summer are the perfect seasons to enjoy this scent. The balmy and tranquil shades of Prosody London Neroli Nuance reflect youthful flourishing times. Just as the colour of the liquid and richness of the perfume pervade into one’s senses.
Like Rothko’s painting, Prosody London Neroli Nuance seems to absorb all the associated ingredients from the outside in keeping the focus heavily on the main ingredient, whilst the perception of the scent continually alters with the presence of the associated notes. Thus, the name reflects the perfume, it is a skillful rendition of the beauty of such a versatile and beloved ingredient.
Prosody London Neroli Nuance Eau de Parfum Organic: Top Notes: Neroli Mandarin, Rosemary; Heart Notes: Jasmine Sambac, Neroli, Candlewood; Base Notes: Orange Blossom Benzoin, Galbanum
Disclaimer: Bottle of Prosody Prosody London Neroli Nuance kindly provided by Prosody. My opinions are my own.
Karl Topham, Senior Contributor
Kershen Teo, The Art of Seeing Smells
Please read: Prosody London Oud Octavo Review by Karl Topham
Senior Editor Lauryn Beer has written about Jacinthe Jonquil, Mocha Muscari, Rose Rondeau and Pizzicato Bliss. Deputy Editor and Natural Perfume Editor Ida Meister has reviewed A Capella Ray.
Former Sr Contributor Samantha Scriven reviewed Lantern Reed
Prosody London Neroli Nuance image by Karl©
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