In a bustling modern metropolis, like Amsterdam, one expects to discover many things. A beautiful natural perfume line may not be one of them, but perfumer Nina Judin has been slowly creating and producing a steadily growing line of completely natural fragrances that nourish the skin, delight the nose and lend an aromatherapy boost not found in most synthetic scents. This company’s scents were the result of wanting to smell gorgeous naturally without synthetic aroma chemicals, additives or even alcohol. All perfumes are in a base of clear unscented skin-nourishing jojoba oil and all ingredients, even musk, are botanical.

Many, familiar only with commercial perfumes, may find these to be somewhat lacking, as far as projection and duration, but each and every fragrance is derived from actual plant materials; thus having a unique complexity that may not speak as loudly, but it sure speaks more eloquently. All these are gentle enough to be used by vegans. Ms. Judin has also seen to it that all the notes not only blend wonderfully together, but has also chosen these based on their aromatherapy properties. Instead of just smelling great, you reap the benefits of the botanical energies in the raw materials.

Of Wolf and Man by Shinigami 1289

Wolf was the first scent that “called to me” from the line. Not only do I love the strong independent and cunning beast that is its namesake, but the fact that it is a cypress-centric woody aromatic already had my ears up and my nostrils twitching. This perfume may help the wearer hear their own “wild side” and take action and be open to adventures. Sharp and cold green juniper is softened with buttery leather and a faint campfire aroma. Many may find this opening off-putting, I find it alluring. Cypress, in all its glory, forms the core of this scent and radiates a strong balsamic and woody aura, yet remains soft and elegant. Anchored by spiced sandalwood and haunting ambrette musk, this is not so much the scent of an actual wolf…but is most definitely the aroma of a man who runs with them! Sillage: close. Longevity: slightly above average.  

Ever Sad Ill-Dying Love by luana

Nothing delights the writer in me like a good onomatopoeia that just happens to be a double entendre. “Sniff” is what we do, in order to smell something. It is also the sound made trying to prevent one’s nose running while weeping. SnifSnif is a fragrant pair (his/hers) that is meant to help heal a broken heart and banish feelings of sadness and pain. For Her begins with warm golden citrus and heady ylang ylang. Exotic, yet comfortable and smooth, this begins with a flourish of gentle flowered hugs and surrounds you like a cocoon of comfort. Rosewood, patchouli and benzoin help deepen the warmth and as it fades from sunny floral to woody, yet fresh, cleanness it holds you in a safe place. For Him takes bergamot then sweetens it. Geranium keeps this classically masculine and its natural spiciness is augmented with the addition of cinnamon. The superb patchouli-rich dry down, still slightly glowing from the cheerful citruses finishes cleanly, but carries hints of a winsome and melancholy musk. Sillage (both): above average. Longevity (both): good

Beech Mountain by Jeff Pittman

Another name that captured my attention, gypsy that I am, is Roam. It was created to help those a little timid about taking that first step to go on out and enjoy themselves and to trust in life and others. Though this perfume is created with only three (listed) notes, it actually does the same kind of olfactory magic that CARON Pour un Homme does, resulting in a deep and satisfying blend. Lavender is dominant here, but never truly overpowering. Grounded and centered with floral rosewood and warm red cedar, the woodier aspects of lavender surpass its more floral ones. Smelling less like soap and more like an herbal tonic, this maintains a classic feeling without being dated and is utterly unisex. The cedar that eventually emerges is pure heaven as it recalls majestic windswept forests and clean mountain air. All of these notes, and the sum of them, create a simple sublime scent that is as wide as all outdoors. Sillage: very good. Longevity: good

From the happy and sunny Amsterdam, with its clove-kissed orange and lovely pairing of lavender and jasmine, to the utterly happy and tropical Laura with fruity notes followed by a sensual jasmine and ylang ylang pairing on a base of vanilla, these are all winners. Another of my favorites was Wood, which combines playful jasmine with dry smoky vetiver and anchors it with sumptuous sandalwood. In the batch of samples I got there wasn’t one that I did not like or find intriguing. And, full bottles are 6 ml rollerballs that contain enough juice to use it twice daily for about six months. These are simply the perfect size to prevent any spoilage (to natural materials over time) and just right for pocket, purse or overnight bag. From plant to perfume, these are cruelty-free all natural and nourishing to both the body and soul. These really are perfume, as Nature intended.

Disclosure: Reviews based on rollerball of WOLF and samples sent to me by Nina’s Nature.  

Thanks to Nina’s Nature we have a reader’s choice draw for a sample set. This is an international draw. To be eligible visit the website at this link and leave a comment on which of the following you would like to win if you are drawn: Sample Set Group 1, Group 2, Group 3 or the Masculine Sample Set. The draw will end December 14, 2013.

We announce the winners only onsite and on our Facebook page, so Like CaFleureBon and use our RSS option…..or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

-John Reasinger, Senior Editor