Neshama Perfume Souls on Fire Review (Simon Shaer) + The Flame of Love Giveaway

Souls on Fire by Neshama Perfume

J’s image of Neshama Perfume Souls on Fire.

I’ve been a fan of Simon Shaer’s Neshama Perfume work for a while now, back when he was still Rebel Perfume and Souls on Fire or Osmanthus Floral as it was known then came out in 2022. I picked up a bottle and was wowed. You can smell and feel the materials in here are of a stunning quality. They are deeply rich and complex with density and weight that only a heavily natural ingredient perfume has, yet he knows that a bit of the other helps those naturals shine. Souls on Fire was shortlisted as a Finalist for the Art and Olfaction Awards in 2023 and is definitely a house to watch. I’m very excited to be able to write about this perfume I love.

Simon Shaer of Neshama Perfume

Simon Shaer of Neshama Perfume at work courtesy of the brand.

Neshama Perfume Souls On Fire opens with a rich vintage boozy aroma, you can feel its civet base wink in the opening. Think of that magic electricity when you catch and hold the eye of someone your attracted to, that wild excitement is there. It purrs with the past like you have found a timeless piece of magic that drips with a vintage feel yet it’s bright osmanthus and fruits keep it feeling contemporary and fresh.  Souls on Fire is rather unique chypre in the way it’s composed with the osmanthus creating the fresh citrus like opening as well as the fruity floral and also a bit of the base to with a touch of indolics and soft sided like leather. The osmanthus was the first thing that struck me in Souls on Fire and it’s burned a place in my heart as one of the best osmanthus Perfume I’ve smelled, yes it’s up there with the magic of vintage Jean Patou 1000. But Neshama’s Souls on Fire osmanthus is a different beast, it is dripping with a deep complex richness, one that’s fleshy, the kind you’d like to gently sink your teeth into the shoulder of a lover with a playful bite.

Simon Shaer is a British perfumer

Simon Shaer of Neshama Perfume and Neshama Perfume Souls on Fire courtesy of the brand.

Perfumer Simon Shaer has used a spectacular Thai osmanthus from Robertet. It’s a juicy white floral that’s honeyed with a sweet yet balanced apricot giving Souls on Fire its delicious seductive feel of summer. He very cleverly offset this perfume with some green aromatic basil sketching out leaves, letting its creamy side melt into the osmanthus’s fruity facets, letting basil’s clove spice give Souls on Fire a subtle warmth. The kind that feels like heat radiating from your body after a day in the sun you feel from that special someone. Pink pepper adds a sparkle to this spiced heat, little flickers of a sunset catching on the water, as you look out into the glowing musky haze of the rich osmanthus floral. One that holds your attention through the entire wear. You can feel Simon’s love of materials and understanding of them as he cleverly uses others to accentuate the facets he wants to show. The spices conjure the sunset and bright rays of light while subtle darker elements are slowly being revealed like burning love blossoming. You get some  delicious textures too with Souls of Fire, its creamy rich florals are velvety smooth playing against that classic rough mossy spice chypre’s have but here is the spices with some tobacco that are giving this fuzzy rough texture that sitting low in the base.

Neshama Souls on Fire

Neshama Perfume Souls on Fire courtesy of the brand.

Dark Egyptian jasmine whispers of soft suede and expensive fine leathers while giving Souls on Fire a slight indolic kiss of desire. Again this animalic facet is returned to things dry down with a beautiful dose of civet. You quietly feel its abstract floral side from the opening if you know what your looking for, but its cleverly hidden like a love that’s revealed as the sun goes down and you get closer to the one you love. The pairing of the osmanthus and civet is magic! It just gives you this subtle animalic darkness that also emphasises the rather stunning floral aspects of the osmanthus. There’s a touch of dark resinous smoke that pushes the animalic base into a rich musky area yet that fresh floral flame keeps burning, growing darker in colour yet still maintains its fruity richness. The balance of the two is rather stunning. Civet has a rather floral feel at its edges especially in small doses, but when the dry down kicks in, it’s all about that sexy furry purr. Soft hints of basil add a subtle clean counterpoint with deeper stone fruity aromas picked up on from tobacco. Creamy balsams are weaved cleverly through Souls on Fire giving it a luxurious feel to wear.

Neshama Perfume

Neshama Perfume courtesy of the brand.

And it’s in this darker phase of the late dry down that the civet shines. Or rather its purrs are felt deeply. Souls on Fire starts to drip with civet sensuality. The civet is used rather deftly here, giving a stunning bodily warmth and intimate spice as if you’re nuzzling into the body of your lover. The osmanthus and jasmine form a plump smooth fleshiness which the civet licks and teases finding the memories of the day and the suns warmth as it gets in close to rub its animalic magic over them. There’s a gentle fruity sourness giving a delightful tang yet that osmanthus still keeps things feeling sweet and fresh. Souls of Fire reminds me of a more floral fruity Thai oud at various points, but Simon Shaer reveals his knowledge and love of classical perfume as he expands weaving a deeply rich unique chypre from these stunning materials. Souls on Fire keeps me coming back all day to smell myself, those floral pops are magic to smell and as the darker elements grow they just get more and more delicious to smell. It’s an extrait de parfum that stays feeling rich with a lovely sillage that haunts you like a love you can’t forget. Neshama Perfume Souls on Fire is a must smell for those who love osmanthus and also for this who love a great vintage style chypre. For me this has become my reference osmanthus perfume and has set my soul on fire since smelling it all those years ago. Highly recommended and also please check out his Jasmine and Tobacco if you are  looking for an effortlessly classy perfume to wear. Again this is one house to watch.

Notes: Thai Osmanthus Absolute, Egyptian Jasmine, Basil, Tobacco, Balsams, Civet.

Disclosure: Neshama Perfume Souls on Fire was sent to J for this review but he has also previously purchased and nearly drained a 15ml bottle; his thoughts and nose are his own.

J Wearescentient, Senior Editor, artist & olfactive writer.

Neshama Perfume Souls on Fire

J’s image of Neshama Perfume Souls on Fire.

Thanks to Neshama Perfume we have a 15 ml  bottle of Souls on Fire for one registered reader in the UK, EU or USA. Please be sure to register! To be eligible for the draw, please tell us where you live, what appeals to you about J’s review of Neshama Perfume Souls on Fire, and where you live. Draw closes 8/7/2025.

Follow us on Instagram:@cafleurebonofficial @neshamaperfume @wearescentient

This is our Privacy Policy

We announce our winners only on site and on our Facebook page – so Like ÇaFleureBon and use our RSS feed…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


32 comments

  • emorandeira says:

    I live in Spain in thE UE. What really attracks me from J”s REVIEW IS how I can imagine the scent Only reading It. I LOVE when he says that It has a boozy vintage soul and the Best osmanthus ever. As osmanthus lover now I need to try It. Commenting from Lugo, Spain, EU

  • What captivates me most about J’s review is how he describes the osmanthus as having that “fleshy, the kind you’d like to gently sink your teeth into” quality – that’s such vivid, sensual writing that makes me desperate to experience this fragrance myself. The way he compares it to vintage Jean Patou 1000 but describes it as a “different beast” with deeper complexity really appeals to me as someone who loves discovering how modern perfumers reinterpret classic ingredients. The description of the civet creating that “stunning bodily warmth and intimate spice” combined with the Thai osmanthus sounds absolutely intoxicating. As someone fascinated by vintage-style chypres with a contemporary twist, this sounds like it would be perfect for my collection. The fact that it was shortlisted for the Art and Olfaction Awards only confirms what J’s passionate review conveys – this is something truly special. Living in the EU

  • Floral, resinous, smoky, and animalic? This sounds good. I hope to see more fragrances embracing this vintage style going forward and I’d love to experience this one. I’m in the USA

  • Floral, resinous, smoky, and animalic? This sounds good. I hope to see more fragrances embracing this vintage style going forward and I’d love to experience this one. I’m in the USA

  • Such high praise for the osmanthus! Love the way J described the evolution of this scent (plus anything with a basil note gets extra points from me!)
    – USA

  • A lot of good imagery in J’s review to get across how magnetic this perfume is. I don’t have anything in my collection with osmanthus and I can’t say whether I’ve ever smelt anything with it. So this sound very interesting to me. USA

  • As a fan of vintage style perfumes, I really likes J’s review. Osmanthus combined with boozy notes.. Add the resinous and smokey aspects and this sounds intoxicating!!!

    USA

  • Ramses Perez says:

    This is a very interesting note breakdown and I can see why J gravitates a lot towards it. Nothing conventional here or previously explored, and that’s what gets you a nomination to the olfaction awards. Now, something new it’s not necessarily bad or smelling weird but it just pushes the boundaries a little, especially in a world where everything is vanillic, fruity or gourmand. Through my fragrance journey I learned to appreciate more classic smelling fragrances as they were not a love at first sniff for me and I think this can become something I wear over and over again. I’m located in the USA.

  • Oooh! Neshama. This brand has been on my to try list for a while – I’m currently only holding off on a discovery set as it doesn’t include the newest release yet and I’m a terrible completionist.
    Anyway. I’m happy to see that there’s a good balance in Shaer’s work between naturals and synthetics. I love the sound of this one’s “rich vintage boozy aroma” – just the thought of it makes my toes curl and my brain go “mmm”. It makes me think of QH (by Redolescent) in my own collection, though you describe this as “bright osmanthus and fruits keep it feeling contemporary and fresh”, so I imagine this maybe isn’t quite so dark. I am a sucker for osmanthus so would love to try this.
    There’s so much in this review that’s wonderfully evocative – I could quote so many appealing phrases here – but I’ll just pick out this favourite part: “deep complex richness, one that’s fleshy, the kind you’d like to gently sink your teeth into the shoulder of a lover with a playful bite”. Mmm.
    I’m in the UK.

  • I was captivated by J’s review; it was so sensual, romantic, and interesting. I haven’t been to that house yet, but I’m tempted to read that it has a vintage feel; strong, imposing, and sensual. Thank you for such a beautiful review. Greetings from the USA.

  • This sounds like the richest, most decadent chypre in existence. I love Osmanthus and Jasmine, so this will be a knock out. In maryland.

  • I love a vintage style perfume and osmanthus and this sounds like a really unusual osmanthus. I am in the UK

  • J’s review of Neshama Perfume Souls on Fire is captivating due to its vivid, sensual imagery, especially the description of the osmanthus as “fleshy” and the civet’s “sexy furry purr.” The blend of vintage boozy richness with fresh, fruity osmanthus and a modern chypre twist sounds intoxicating. I’m drawn to the evocative storytelling that makes the fragrance feel like a passionate, timeless love story. I live in Trzebnica, Poland, EU.

  • The bottle is stunning. The fact that this was a finalist in the art and olfaction award is the first thing got me interested in this fragrance. According to the writer Souls on Fire is a complex scent with fruity fresh notes with a little tang and i’m very interested in that combination. Of course i always enjoy learning about the inspiration and a summer day can go in many directions. I am in the USA

  • This sounds like the most opulent and indulgent chypre imaginable. With my love for Osmanthus and Jasmine, I know this will be an absolute standout. I am also drawn to vintage-inspired perfumes, and this take on osmanthus sounds truly distinctive. Greetings from the USA.

  • Wow, it is quite something when Jonathan drains a sample for review! I have never tried any Neshama (I think I need to). I am both fan of osmanthus and chypre and this does sound like I would enjoy it!
    Thank tou Neshama and CaFleureBon for this giveaway!
    I am in the Czech Republic.

  • Patricia R. says:

    I am attracted most by the thought of creamy rich florals, the rich quality, the light evoking feel and most of all that it is a chypre. I don’t even remeber when I’ve smelt chypre last in the shops, or whether it was a representative of that. It is very promising. I live in the EU.

  • Neshama Perfume Souls on Fire is a must smell for those who love osmanthus and also for this who love a great vintage style chypre. For me this has become my reference osmanthus perfume and has set my soul on fire since smelling it all those years ago. Highly recommended and also please check out his Jasmine and Tobacco if you are looking for an effortlessly classy perfume to wear. Again this is one house to watch.

    Notes: Thai Osmanthus Absolute, Egyptian Jasmine, Basil, Tobacco, Balsams, Civet. A beautiful description I am loving the notes of osmanthus, jasmine, civet and tobacco. I am really intrigued how the civet is deflty used with combination of Jasmine and osmanthus plumpness. Thanks a lot from the UK

  • For those who love vintage style perfume and osmanthus? Just tag me next time! You’re speaking my language here. All the notes sound absolutely lovely. And the way you describe it…. Sighhh. Definitely watching this house!
    I am in the U.S.

  • Souls on Fire sounds like a lovingly crafted and unique chypre. As J mentioned, the quality of the ingredients must shine through when creating a perfume in such a classic structure. The Thai osmanthus bring a honeyed floral apricot scent supported by the herbal bite of basil. Woven throughout is an animalic civet. Simply stunning. MD, USA.

  • J’s review of Neshama Perfume Souls on Fire says that the fragrance captures a radiant, summery evening, becoming a sensual, warm, and sophisticated scent. I’m very intrigue for try this perfume. From USA.

  • I’m always intrigued by fragrances using a high percentage of natural materials, especially when they’re supplemented strategically. A rich, boozy, civet chypre is perfect for cooler days, and the centerpiece osmanthus note in Neshama sounds wonderful, “juicy” and fruity. The counterpoint of green basil is also deft. Excellent review of a fragrance that sounds absolutely outstanding.

    I’m in the USA.

  • Eris.can.swatch.kaos says:

    This reviewer has me blushing while reading this. I’m thoroughly intrigued. This is not a fragrance I would normally be drawn to, but I absolutely need to try it out. I live in Oregon.

  • foreverscents says:

    J’s detailed and beautifully written review has made me want to learn more about Neshama Perfume. I love the fragrance of osmanthus. This note, combined with civet and jasmine, certainly sounds stunning. J brilliantly described the sensuality of Souls on Fire. I love extant there is a darkness to the fragrance, alongside the fruity richness. This certainly sounds like a haunting nod to vintage fragrances.
    I live in the USA.

  • What I like about this article is that Soul of Fire is a chypre with a vintage aura, like Maai by Bogue Profumo, which is a true masterpiece for me. So I really want to win this perfume. Shaer uses real civet and a very high-quality osmanthus from Robertet. I live in France, EU

  • Christos GX says:

    Very interesting scent. It seems to me like one perfect cozy scent, and i love how j makes all the notes come alive and makes you imagine the smell , just by some words. I live in Greece, EU.

  • This review makes me so curious to try an animalic osmanthus. Not elements that I would have ever thought to combine! I am in USA.

  • Best osmanthus rating up with Jean Patou 1000. I’ve never smelled Jean Patou, but I sure hear it mentioned often. This really sounds like magic in a bottle. I’d love to win this! Thanks for the chance. USA.

  • patrick_348 says:

    Souls on Fire piques my interest. I have used, and very much like, Jeffrey Dame’s Osmanthus soliflore, so I am curious to see how osmanthus mixes with civet, basil, and pink pepper. J’s review is certainly vivid. I live in North Carolina in the U.S.

  • Sorohan Adriana says:

    Jasmine and tabachera sondaje verry feminine I think I like this! I am from EU

  • The way J describes this scent is fascinating and makes me want to learn more about osmanthus. The different facets and twists and turns make me want to experience this for myself. M. Shaer’s talent at bringing in scents to highlight or draw out qualities in the main scents is fascinating, and just proves how complex the scents in our world are. What a lovely review and generous draw, from the US.

  • wallygator88 says:

    Beautiful work. This feels like a something out of Jean Claude Ellena’s playbook, with the use of different materials playing off each other. Love the use of jasmine and civet in theis fragrance.

    Cheers from WI, USA