LES NOMBRES D' OR ROSE ETOILE DE HOLLAND

Mona d' Orio

Type: Amber, Floral, Spicy

Notes: Calabria Bergamot, White Peach, Heliotrope, Bulgarian and Turkish Rose, Geranium from Egypt, Clove, Patchouli, Atlas and Virginia Cedar, Vanilla, Benzoin, Amber, Baume de Perou.

" Launched as a salute to Mona d' Orio's life and work as a perfumer, Rose Etoile de Holland is the culmination of Mona's study of a special rose that climbed the walls of Maison Sainte Blanche in Cabris, France. Rose Etoile de Holland is no ordinary rose: powdery, spicy with a round, lush white peach note lifted by aldehydes and sprinkled with clove. 
   Heart notes of warm cedar, earthy patchouliwh and a sly leather note adds to the scintillating heart while a hint of powdery heliotrope conspire to create an innocent, yet joyously carnal scent.
   This parfum manages to evoke a rose at once regal, joyous and sensual, its progression from top notes to base notes gathering depth and beauty as it progresses." 

I can think of nothing to add to this description already provided by the parfum house. This eau de parfum
is nice for special occasions.

May be found at Parfumerie Nasreen.

$230.00
3.3 oz./ 100 ml.

LES NOMBRES D' OR TUBEREUSE

Mona D' Orio

Type: Floral

Notes: Pink Peppercorn, Bergamot, Tuberose Absolute from India (Twilight Tuberose), Benzoin, Casmeran, Heliotrope

Twilight Tuberose from India is fresher, greener and less heady than the tuberose usually used in parfums. 

Les Nombres D' Or Tubereuse, mists on the skin, green, fresh and a little peppery. I always love the slight peppery nasal punch from Pink Peppercorns. The green and fresh are coming from the Bergamot, and Twilight Tuberose. As this very feminine eau de parfum drifts along to the next phase, it becomes a little creamy from the Benzoin and Casmeran notes. As it moves on to the full fragrance, there is the addition of Heliotrope and there is now a milky, nutty note. All of these are swirling around an ever constant now perfected tuberose of absolute perfection. Finally a tame Tuberose, still strong but, less heady and "friendlier". If you love Tuberose, you will absolutely adore Les Nombres d' Or Tubereuse!

May be purchased through Parfumerie Nasreen.

$230.00
3.3 oz./100 ml.

LES NOMBRES D' OR VETYVER

Mona d' Orio

Type: fresh, green, woody, spicy

Top Notes: Madagascar Blue Ginger, Argentinian Grapefruit, Virginia Cedar, Clary Sage Absolute

Heart Notes: Vetyver, Bourbon Vetyver

Base Notes: Tonka Bean, Labdanum, Ginger, Nutmeg

"Fresh dry, peppery hesperidic and even minty vetyver marries the best Bourbon Vetyver with notes that bring out is herbaceous fresh qualities" 

This eau de parfum is perfect for warmer weather. It starts out with fresh root scent from the Blue Ginger, citrusy notes from the Grapefruit from Argentina soon joined by the Virginian Cedarwood and minty glint from the Clary Sage Absolute. Fresh and refreshing and a bit juicy but not edible juicy. Enter the heart and it finds the earthy, slightly balmy, green, herbal freshness that was promised in the Parfum House description above as the addition of Vetyver and Bourbon Vetyver warm up to the composition. As the eau de parfum moves into its base there is a spicy side but, not too spicy. Here is where Tonka Bean, Labdanum, Ginger and Nutmeg ground this fragrance so that it cannot flit away quickly. Very, very nice. Mona d' Orio as usual was every bit the artist in this lovely Eau de Parfum.

This one is another very easy to wear fragrance for women or men. Great warm weather or any weather eau de parfum with uplifting qualities. 

May find this at Parfumerie Nasreen.

$230.00

3.3 oz./100 ml.

LES NOMBRES D' OR AMBRE

Mona D' Orio

Type: Vanilla, Amber, Powdery, Balsam

Top Notes: Ambergris, Atlas Cedar

Heart Notes: Madagascar Vanilla Absolute, Ylang-ylang

Base Notes: Tolu, Benzoin


What a delightful surprise! The notes above speak harmoniously together in Les Nombres d' Or Ambre!
The sweet woody balsam notes of the smoky ambergris and the Atlas Cedar, combined with resinouly sweet Madagascar Vanilla Absolute is just wondrous. But, look out! I never expected this. In the heart rests the surprise of soapy, powdery Ylang-ylang. As the base warms up on the skin, Tolu with its strong notes of vanilla and cinnamon and Benzoin complete this composition.

Les Nombres d' Or Ambre is a very easy going Eau de Parfum. Wear it everywhere, anytime, all the time. It is easily a Signature Parfum.

$230.00
3.3 oz./ 100 ml.

May be purchased at or through Parfumerie Nasreen.

LES NOMBRES D'OR CUIR

Mona d'Orio

Spicy/Woody/Leather

Notes: Cardamom, Absinthe, Leather, Cade, Resinoid, Opopanax, Castoreum

Cuir is French for Leather.

This eau de parfum has a smoky, spicy cardamom start which is lovely. Moments later curls of Absinthe intertwines with the spicy start making it quite lovely. Minutes in, opopanax, leather and resinoids make their notes known and the roughness of the spicy smoke smooths and settles down into a balmy leathery dream. Just to give more life to the leather, castoreum warms up for the finished creation to be complete with an animalic leather note that brings it to life. This eau de parfum is a wonderful slightly spicy, leather. If you are looking for a leather that is not sharp but doesn't wreak of a barn yard, Les Nombres d' Or Cuir may be just what you've been searching for. To my nose, this is a very fine leather. 

May find it at Parfumerie Nasreen

$230.00 

3.3 oz./ 100 ml.  

House of Sillage

The House of Sillage

I have taken the following from the website of this superb fragrance house. It was written by the founder Nicole Mather:  

"I grew to admire the brilliance of scent, and how it can transport you to another place, another time. With this in mind, I have created a line of luxurious and sophisticated fragrances, gathering wisdom from people who have devoted their lives to this particular kind of beauty, collecting rare components from exotic locales.  A synthesis of artistry and craft, tradition and innovation. 

At the House of Sillage, we have poured our hearts into the art of fragrance. Our creations, in both scent and presentation offer timeless elegance, designed for the most discriminating clientele."

The noses behind the parfum line are Francis Camoil and Mark Buxton. 

I have for the last seven entries reviewed all of the current parfums extraits from the House of Sillage. Six from the Signature Collection which are also in the Limited Edition collection along with the addition of Holiday. (Cherry Garden, Nouez Moi, Tiara, Benevolence, Emerald Reign, Love is in the Air, and Limited Edition only Holiday) The Limited Edition Bottles are Beautiful and decorated with Swarovski crystals on the most ornate tops. The Signature Collection bottles are also very pretty and to me resemble cupcakes! Who wouldn't want at least one of these for their very own. 

For me there was not a parfum from this house where I turned up my nose saying, no. Each one was different and intriguing, a pure pleasure to try on my skin. All were very long lasting and completely wearable without the fear of offending anyone I may come into contact with. 

At this point I wonder. If I had to choose favorites, which ones would I choose. I can't make up my mind on three but I can give you four: Emerald Reign, Benevolence, Cherry Garden and Holiday. Now let me complicate things further for myself and decide on my favorite. Now here in lies the most difficulty. I have two. They are Emerald Reign and Benevolence. However, the one that I finally have decided is my absolute favorite in this line for me personally is, Benevolence. 

Now I would like to extend my warmest thanks to Nasreen Rehmat and Valleri Ortiz at Parfumerie Nasreen for sending these wonderful parfums my way to enjoy. Believe me ladies, the pleasure was all mine. 

Limited Edition Holiday

House of Sillage

Parfum Extrait

Citrus/ floral/ green/ woody

Top Notes:  Blood Orange, Mandarine Orange, Black Currant

Heart Notes: Peach, Egyptian Jasmine Absolute, Rose

Base Notes:  Haitian Vetiver, Virginian Cedar oil, White Musk

The House of Sillage description:

"A choir sings notes of Virginian Cedar oil and freshly fallen snow. Find comfort in the warmth of the fireplace. While anticipation stirs an orchestra of Egyptian Jasmine and Haitian Vetiver. Peach, Mandarine and rose resonate the spirit of generosity. Holiday magic emanates."

Citrus and black current edible in every respect are the welcome start of this uplifting introduction. Moments later, peach, Egyptian Jasmine and Bulgarian Rose warm up and the heart of Holiday joins with the fruity start. As this juicy parfum heads toward the base, green Haitian Vetiver and clean woody Virginian Cedar oil join in. Finally soft white musk rounds out this special parfum. Every single note in Holiday is in perfect harmony with the others. The top of this Limited Edition bottle seems to be a Holiday Snow Globe. I can imagine snow with the scent of Haitian Vetiver and Cedar oil combined. Maybe even the slightest hint of a light crackling fire. Standing nearby the fire is a Tree warmed by the fireplace wearing a garland of orange slices, black currants and peach slices emitting their fragrance. Underneath lay presents wrapped in beautiful papers adorned with bows and ribbons simmering in the light of the fire and the tree.

All is at peace and perfect harmony in this gathering of notes. Holiday is a magical surprise.

May be purchased at Parfumerie Nasreen.

Available only in The Limited Edition Bottle for $1,200.00 

2.5 oz./ .75 ml.

Nouez Moi

House of Sillage

Parfum Extrait

Floral/Spicy

Top Notes: Bergamot, Pink Peppercorn 

Heart Notes:  Jasmine, Bulgarian Rose oil, Cardamom

Base Notes:  Tree Moss, Indonesian Patchouli, White Musk

House of Sillage description:

" Beguiling by glance, all in her path are enthralled. She captivates with irresistible notes of Bulgarian Rose. Noble Sicilian Bergamot and aromatic Indian Cardamom. A sultry potion of exotic spices amplifies the sensuality of seduction."

Juicy Sicilian Bergamot with a tickling spicy punch of pink peppercorn are the opening notes of this parfum extrait. Just a minute on the skin before Jasmine and Bulgarian Rose oil warm up to join the top notes with the heart. Shortly Cardamom is apparent as the spicy notes are reinforced and slightly deepened. Ten minutes later tree moss and Indonesian Patchouli join themselves to this potion, bringing about an earthy, ever so slightly woody feel to this fabulous parfum. White musk ever so soft, floats into the web as if  descending from the heavens.

Nouez Moi is a fine intricate web where every note is woven in precisely. Floral and spicy yet with a woody earthy element. Nouez Moi weaves a beautiful bewitching web around the wearer. She is confident and in control, yet, not over bearing. She knows from where she's come, where she is, where she's going and just how to get there. She moves through her life with confidence and determination as others watch and marvel at the grace with which she moves and lives. She is admired by all.

May be purchased through Parfumerie Nasreen.

Available in the Signature Collection bottle for $350.00 or the Limited Edition bottle for $1,200.00 both 2.5 oz./ .75 ml.

Love is in the Air

House of Sillage

Floral/Fruity/Musky

Top Notes: Orange, Plum

Heart Notes:  Jasmine, Roses, Cedarwood

Base Notes:  Patchouli, White Musk

Description from the House of Sillage:

" A beautiful plume of songs of new love in the air. Sweet hints of citrus and plums encircle roses. A tender stolen kiss embraced harmoniously with precious promises of perfume purities." 

    A halo of oranges and plums adorn the beauty of this descending angel garbed in jasmine and roses. As she nears, her shining tresses emit the fragrance of cedarwood. Her wings are soft feathery white plumes and with every moves scent the air ever so slightly with soft white musk. Her feet slowly light on a bed of patchouli. Breathing deep of the air, you look at her and realize her name is Love and you are why she has come.

Love is in the Air is a lovely fruity, creamy floral with a very subtle woody, musky base.

May be purchased through Parfumerie Nasreen

Available in the Signature Collection bottle for $350.00 or the Limited Edition bottle for $1,200.00 both 2.5 oz./ .75 ml.

TIARA

House of Sillage

Citrus/Floral/Vanilla/Musk

Parfum Extrait

Notes: Calabrian Green Tangerine, Cinnamon, Bulgarian Rose Oil, Peony, Cedar Oil, Madagascan Vanilla, Soft White Musk, Amber

House of Sillage description:

"Emotive and sensuously magnetic, Tiara is a modern classic. Vanilla and musk notes infused with rare and delicate florals create a sumptuously evocative fragrance that is further transformed by the woman wearing it." 

This lovely floral parfum misted on with the Calbrian Green Tangerine and Cinnamon spicy and citrusy. Followed quickly by the Bulgarian Rose and Peony fresh and floral. The citrus now fades and the spices and florals are joined by the cedar oil, vanilla and soft white musk. Nice. The twist was what the Amber did to the whole composition. I could not believe it. The addition of amber made me think that I was standing in a field of sun warmed flowers. Yes, warm flowers. Tiara is very lovely. I could nearly see the yellow sunlight bathing a field of flowers as I kept raising my wrist to my nose. Not too strong, nice sillage and long lasting.

Available at Parfumerie Nasreen.

Signature Collection bottle $350.00 or
Limited Edition Bottle $1,200.00
Both are 2.5 oz./ .75 ml.

CHERRY GARDEN

House of Sillage
Nose: Mark Buxton
Parfum Extrait

Type: Floral/Fresh/Vanilla/Woody

Notes: Sicilian Bergamot Oil, Star Anise, Bitter Almond Oil, Jasmine, Rose, Bourbon Vanilla, Sandalwood, Heliotrope, White Musk

House of Sillage description:
" Elysian fields of Cherry Blossoms whisper childhood secrets. Sweet hues of Almond and vanilla flow in the breeze. Sun rays kiss soft skin, touched with a fragrance to refresh the wonder hidden within."

The description given by the House of Sillage says it all about this beautiful parfum extrait. But, I have more to add. This parfum gets its cherry blossom scent from the exact combination of the bitter almond oil, jasmine, rose and hint of star anise. Very lovely and soft as a delicate white and pale pink feather floating along on the spring breeze. It brought me back in time to spring drives down a particular road lined on both sides with Cherry Trees in full bloom, heavily laden with those delicate pale pink blossoms.

Nice sillage, long lasting parfum.

May be purchased at Parfumerie Nasreen.

Available in the Signature Collection (cupcake bottle) $350.00 or the
Limited Edition bottle $1,200.00 both are 2.5 oz./ .75 ml.

EMERALD REIGN

House of Sillage

Parfum Extrait

Type: Spicy/Earthy/Smoky/Woody

Top:  Violet Leaves, Geranium Leaves

Heart: Coriander, Indonesian Nutmeg, Indian Cardamom, 

Base: Vanilla, Benzoin, Sandalwood, Patchouli

Nose: Mark Buxton

A unique and wonderful parfum extrait! Here is the description from the House of Sillage:

"The royal White Tiger is rare, untamed; with emerald eyes. Confidence reigns. Fiercely independent. Inner strength preceding. Do not stare into the eye of the tiger. Brazen Indonesian Nutmeg and spicy Indian Cardamom oil convey courage unprecedented. The fragrance of empowerment."

This is my personal description of EMERALD REIGN: The notes listed above are in the order that they revealed themselves on my skin. Emerald Reign misted onto my skin in an aquatic burst of violet leaves to be joined in seconds by the dry green of geranium leaves. These two were joined in the blink of an eye by the very luscious spicy heart. Before I knew it, the two top notes seemed to have drifted away and the base notes began to emerge one by one. This wonderful parfum warmed, became slightly smoky, woody and then gained an earthiness as it developed. Yet, it retained a spicy accord which swirls through it like cinnamon in a bun. Nice sillage, and longevity. Emerald Reign beckons others to the wearer. It is mysterious, intriguing, rich and as plush as black velvet. The invitation is there, come hither if you dare!

May be purchased at Parfumerie Nasreen

Housed in unique cupcake bottles of either the Signature Collection $350.00 or the Limited Edition $ 1,500 pictured below.
both are 2.5 oz./.75 ml.

BENEVOLENCE

House of Sillage

Parfum Extrait

Type: Floral/Fresh/ Vanilla

Notes: Bergamot, Tunisian Bitter Almond Oil, Tunisian Orange Blossom, Jasmine, Lavender
            Madagascan Vanilla, White Musk, Sugar

House of Sillage description:

" A gift wrapped in the promise of a journey where the sacred essence of love becomes the source of immortality."

My description is this:

     Bergamot sprays warm skin with a juicy burst of citrus, quickly joined by Tunisian Bitter Almond Oil bringing a momentary cherry quality turning nutty in minutes as it settles. As the citrus note subsides the heart of sweet powdery delicate orange blossom is very nice joined with the vibrant smoothness of jasmine. Almond and powdery floral is a nice combination and the addition of lavender brings a slight earthy quality to the composition. In a few more minutes the base begins to engage and swirl throughout the heart. Vanilla creamy and smooth yet not to sweet.  Very soft and feathery white musk. But that is not the end of this beautiful parfum. Add a dash of sugar and it is really complete. Gourmand? I don't really think so. This lovely parfum extrait is perfectly balanced between the sweet, the powdery florals and the feather soft white musk. Neither strong nor fleeting. Benevolence has great longevity and nice sillage. 

Where to find: Parfumerie Nasreen

2.5 OZ. / .75 ML

Housed in either the Signature Collection bottle (cupcake) $350.00
or The Limited Edition Gorgeous Bottle $1,200. Both pictured below.

FLEURS de GARDENIA

CREED

Type: Fruity/Floral
Eau de Parfum

Characteristics: Translucent, Ethereal, Bright, Delicate, Stimulating, Romantic

Top Notes: Pink Berries, Ripe Black Currant, Galbanum
Heart Notes: First Love Gardenias, Double Blush Roses, Lavender Peonies, Lily of the Valley, Pink 
                      Jasmine. 
Base Notes: Soft Musk, Pink Patchouli, Virginia Cedar

This Eau de Parfum is Beautiful! Light and ethereal are very proper words to use when describing the first impressions of Fleurs de Gardenia. The top notes combined with the fresh green notes of galbanum are bright and stimulating. As this moves onward into the floral heart notes, it is as if their buds have unfolded one by one to fill the senses with a little bit of heaven. A short while passes as you enjoy this eau de parfum before the entire base warms on the skin. When it does it is balmy and soft as a feather. The base notes deepen the floral notes slightly and it is romantic and delicate in the final dry down.

The House Of CREED does it right again. Maybe Oliver Creed wanted to paint an olfactory picture of a garden in one corner of heaven. Or, maybe, he was thinking about the budding of a new romance. Which ever it was he had in mind, I would have to say that as usual Oliver Creed was spot on.

You may purchase the full size or a sample from Parfumerie Nasreen.

2.5 oz./75 ml.
$260.00

 

THANK YOU LADIES, SO MUCH!

Before going on to my next post today I would like to sincerely thank Nasreen and Vallerie for their lovely gift and thoughts on my birthday. What a wonderful surprise. I enjoyed the fragrance and wrote about it immediately. Sorry this has taken a little long to be posted on here but I had a slight issue with my computer that required some work.

ACQUA FIORENTINA, THE ENCORE

CREED

Fruity/Floral

Top Notes: Lightly sweet greengage plum (dessert plum), Diamond Jubilee Apples, Pruneau

Heart Notes: Renaissance Roses, White Carnations, Florentine Pear, Sicilian Bergamot and                                       Calabrian Lemons

Base Notes: Virginia Cedar, Indian Sandalwood, White Grapefruit.

Oliver Creed (sixth generation master perfumer) at CREED in Paris presents this Eau de Parfum as a gift to his American audience, Acqua Fiorentina The Encore. The original was not available in the USA. As a special touch to the creation, Mr. Creed added Diamond Jubilee Apples to the blend honoring The Royal Year 2012.

On me, this is fruity and slightly floral. Very lovely and an easy wear. These fruit notes are juicy, not too sweet, not too tart. The fruits are right there in the middle of both. The two floral notes are perfect in this composition. As the base notes of Sandalwood and Cedar become apparent, they are subtle, adding depth. Then the surprise is the juicy white grapefruit revealing itself in the base. If you love fruity parfums, then this one is sure to delight you. No, not a sweet teenagers fruity fragrance. This one is grown up and classy. The house of CREED, has created another lovely Eau de Parfum. To tell the truth, I would expect nothing less from this Parfum House with their history of creations for Royalty and the famous throughout their existence. 

2.5 oz./75 ml.

$260.00

May purchase a sample or the full size bottle at Parfumerie Nasreen

 

AMYRIS FEMME

Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Notes: Orange from California, Jamaican Amyris, Florentine Iris, Haitian Vetyver, Musky Amber

Amyris is a flowing shrub in the Caribbean whose trunk secretes a balsam called elemi. Elemi is called "A flame that never dies". 

A burst of California Orange leads into a whisper of floral which is quickly immersed in dry greens, fresh greens and balsam, finally resting on a base of soft musky amber. This Eau de Parfum is not transparent nor opaque. It is more like a lovely veil. Wear it everywhere, everyday, anytime.

Graceful class in a bottle. Amryis Femme is every bit a lady raising her voice just above a whisper.

Amryis Femme! Try this one and see if it becomes your new signature scent or your first one.

2.4 oz. Bottle
$185.00

You may purchase a sample or the 2.4 oz. bottle at Parfumerie Nasreen

Parfumerie Nasreen Contact Information

Owner: Nasreen Rehmat

Boutique Name: Parfumerie Nasreen, Inc.

The Contact information for Parfumerie Nasreen is as follows:

If you are in the area or living in the area:

Alexis Hotel
1005 1st Avenue
Seattle, Washington, 98104

Email:
contact@parfumerienasreen.com

website:
http://parfumerienasreen.com/

Phone numbers:
206-682-3459
or toll free:
888-286-1825

M. Micallef Jewel for Her

Martine Micallef 
Nose: Jean Claude Astier
The Jewel Collection

Eau de Parfum

Winter Fragrance: Spicy, woody

Top Notes: Coriander, Cardamom, Bergamote 

Heart Notes: Ylang-Ylang, Jasmine, Rose

Base Notes: Vanilla, Musk, Patchouli

This is an elegant winter fragrance warm and glittering. A fine cashmere or soft wool coat for your senses. Rich and opulent from the top notes to the base notes. Momentarily it was reminiscent of a fragrance I once knew, but upon consideration, Jewel for her is by far better done. However, curious as I was, I looked up the suspected twin to make a fast comparison of fragrance notes only to find three in common. The olfactory senses are odd that way. At this point this fragrance had come into its fullness: spicy and oh so smooth. My rush to compare the two was something that made me laugh out loud at how silly an idea it was that I had on a repeat of something I had worn many years ago, especially since it lacked the prominent orange note the other one had had. Jewel for Her definitely has my vote as one of the best cooler to cold weather fragrances. Guaranteed you will feel classy, yet snug and warm in your new addition for cooler weather. A warm, spicy and glittering jewel!

May be purchased at Parfumerie Nasreen.

3.3oz/100ml
$245.00

Mon Parfum

Martine Micallef
Eau de Parfum

Floral, Gourmand

Top Notes: Tangerine, Orange Blossom
Heart Notes: Passion Fruit, Vanilla, Vetyver 
Base Notes: Patchouli, Toffy, Musk

Tangerine and orange blossom fruity with a just detectable sweet floral immediately announce their arrival from the bottle quickly followed by the note of passion fruit and I find myself floating above ground. Light hints of vanilla bring this parfum closer to earth and rounds out the next note as it makes its presence known. Vetyver joins our composition moist, woody and balmy at which point I find myself standing on solid ground again. Patchouli further confirms that, yes, I am standing on solid ground and soft musk lends another component of earth just before toffy shows up to keep my feet just an inch over solid ground again.

The Eau de Parfum may be purchased at Parfumerie Nasreen.

1oz./30ml
$225.00

Ylang in Gold

Martine Micallef 

Eau de Parfum

Top notes: Sage, Rosemary, Artemisia
Heart Notes: Mint, Magnolia, Ylang-Ylang
Base Notes: Coconut, Moss, Musk

This fragrance starts out herbal and quickly moves to the heart adding mint to round out and change the direction from herbal and prepares you for the lovely floral heart. Finally minutes later this unique fragrance moves into its heart of coconut, moss and soft musk.

The best way I can describe this golden gem is, that it is a treat for the senses. It is hypnotic, enthralling to the point that you will lift your wrist to your nose often after the first spray from the bottle just to breathe deeply of this composition. Mint, magnolia and ylang-ylang are absolutely perfect together. Everything finally comes to rest on a final bed of softest white musk. Gold indeed!

May be purchased at Parfumerie Nasreen

1oz/30ml
$245.00

Ananda

Martine Micallef

Eau de Parfum

Type: Citrus, Floral, Vanilla

Top Notes: Citron, Cassis, Prune

Heart Notes: Rose, Mimosa, Violet, Ylang-Ylang, Jasmine

Base Notes: Vanilla, Mimosa, White Musk

Ananda means *bliss* in sanskrit. 

Ananda is described by the official site: Ananda represents a bouquet of good mood and wonderful feelings.

From fruity top notes to light floral heart notes, descending to a lovely base of vanilla. Moving onward to the addition of more mimosa and finally landing on soft white musk, this parfum "is" bliss, good moods and wonderful feelings. It is fresh, young and carries the promise of wonderful days and nights.

You can find your bottle of this "bliss" at Parfumerie Nasreen.

1oz/ 30ml 

$89.00

APOM Femme (for her)

 Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Cologne

Notes: Orange flower, Ylang-Ylang, Cedarwood

Orange flower: fresh and sweetish floral note.
Ylang-Ylang: Delightful sweet, heavenly odor. Rich, floral, sweet and narcotic, aphrodisiac & erotic
Virginia Cedarwood: Clean balsamic, woody odor with a pale undertone of sandalwood.

While the note list is not large, I believe that, the notes used in this fragrance are extra grade in their quality and the amounts of each used was the whole key to this. The nose of Francis Kurkdjian is something to be admired while testing and wearing the fragrances that he creates.

APOM (A Part of Me) is interesting, intriguing and powdery. It is soapy and floral, sweet and woody.

The simple yet lovely fragrance is first all orange blossom flower soon joined by the ylang-ylang, making it headier and slightly soapy. The entire composition is grounded by the Virginia Cedarwood but, does not lose the powdery floral. It is as if all three of these notes are now one new note. Yet another sniff of my skin and I can still detect each one. This is lovely, powdery, slightly floral sweet and lightly woody.

The companies official site describes it as:

APOM, "A Part of Me", a bit of one-self to leave with others. A refined vision of the Orient in a deep and capturing Eau de Parfum.

This fragrance may be purchased at Parfumerie Nasreen

$175.00
2.4oz/70ml bottle

Opus VII

Opus VII 

The Library Collection

Eau de Parfum

Galbanum: A gum resin, leafy, green, soft balsamic odor. Fresh or green lift.

Pink Pepper: fruity, floral pepper with a slight nasal punch

Cardamom: spicy floral of the ginger family

Nutmeg: earthy, spicy

Fenugreek: herb smelling sweet as maple syrup or caramel

Argarwood smoke: (oud wood) Sharp, animalic, pungent, intense

Patchouli: earthy, dry woody, spicy

Ambrox: synthetic amber (woody, balsam, tobacco) 

Leather: smoky, sweet, animalic warm

Ambergris: Woody, balsamic

Costus Root: Has green, violet like accents, adds warmth

Muscone: Recreates musk, elegant warm animal notes and adds lift. Powdery musk.

Sandalwood: Powdery, balsamic, woody, rich. Gives a smooth finish

Olibanum: Tree gum resin. Also called frankincense. Spicy and balsamic, similar to incense

Cypriol: plant or marsh grass, imparts a woody, earthy note. Deep with smoky notes of leather oriental in character.

This is a complex and rich fragrance. Green bursts balmy lifting my spirits while Pink Pepper adds a slight nasal punch along with spicy cardamom and the earthy addition of nutmeg sweetened slightly by fenugreek. Slowly this master creation moves toward the heart notes of argarwood smoke and the woody balsam of ambrox and earthy patchouli. At this point the complex juice is slightly green, smokey woody with its rough edges still smoothed by the ever present fenugreek. Still developing slowly this parfum moves along to its base notes. A leather is detected soft and warm. Oilibanum warm and balsamic can be detected along with the powdery Muscone and Sandalwood. Further enhancing the green notes are the emergence of Cypriol and Costus Root adding green, woody and leathery warmth. After an hour this master creation is complete. 

Opus VII is describes by The House of Amouage as:

A green, woody and leather fragrance evoking the juxtaposition of harmony with the intensity of recklessness. 

 It certainly is in all it's complexity yet is comes together warming up over an hour as it moves along through all the levels and each notes becomes evident then blending smoothly in this unbelievable olfactory journey. Viola, Amouage, once again they have created a master piece to add to their line up of many. What a marvelous creation!

Opus VII may be purchase through Parfumerie Nasreen

3.3 oz/100ml

$335.00

Opus II

Amouage Opus II from the Library Collection
Eau de Parfum

Type: Oriental, Woody

Top Notes: Lavender, Absinth, Pepper, Pink Bay
Heart Notes: Jasmine, Rose, Cinnamon, Cardamom
Base Notes: Cedarwood, Patchouli, Amber, Musk, Frankincense

From the very first moment the top notes are light, green and fresh. In a minute Jasmine is noticeable followed by the spicy Cardamom and Cinnamon. Rose warms up the way that only the house of Amouage can show case an earthy rose! Five minutes later the entire base has made its entrance and joined with these precious notes to complete this beautiful soft, smoky, woody, green Eau de Parfum. First of the base are the Patchouli and Cedarwood, followed by sweet amber deepened into the soft smokey effect of musk and frankincense. All the while the rose is still present, surrounded by a bed of the soft smokey, woody notes to show her off.

Comfortable easy to wear, this fragrance reminds me of sitting on my deck in the summer with the fresh scents of the greens, wild flowers and woods on the hillside behind the moistness of the rushing creek wafting around warmed by the sun. Suddenly I enter the house into the library with the old leather bound books and old parchment paper, sitting on old wooden shelves, to sitting in an over sized comfortable old leather chair. This is the olfactory journey this fragrance takes me on. What will be the description of your olfactory journey. Try this one for yourself.

This eau de parfum may be purchased by the bottle or sample from Parfumerie Nasreen.

3.3 oz/100 ml bottle
$335.00

Aqua Universalis

Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Eau de Toilette

Notes: Bergamote, Lemon from Sicily, Lily of the Valley, Sweet Mock Orange, Light and Musky Blonde Wood

Bergamote and Sicilian Lemon burst forth mouth watering and citrus. Quickly to join in the composition is the Lily of the Valley which is toned by the citrus notes and tamed by the Sweet Mock Orange note in this fragrance. Heavenly as it is there is still one more note to add to this lovely fresh floral composition is the emergence of Light and Musky Blonde Wood. In a flash it is complete.

This is a clean fragrance with all the sharpness of other clean scents rounded out and smoothed. Very well done and not at all like others claiming fresh, clean, or clean linen etc., all pale in comparison to the mastery of Francis Kurkdjian's Aqua Universalis. This is a fresh, floral and woody fragrance that is easy on the senses. It is clean and classy but never over powering. As the company describes it on their site:
    "A fragrance that is quite simply luminous, to be used by everyone, everywhere and at all times. An exquisite sense of freshness in an all purpose Eau de Toilette".

Available in 2.4 oz./70 ml Bottle at $165.00
May find this at Perfumerie Nasreen, or Maison Francis Kurkdjian website.
Sample supplied by Parfumerie Nasreen

Jubilation 25

The House of Amouage

Created to Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the House of Amouage

Eau de Parfum (long lasting)

Type: Medium Floral

Top: Tarragon, Rose, Lemon, Ylang-ylang
Mid: Davana, Labdanum Ciste, Rose, Frankincense
Base: Amber, Musk, Vetiver, Myrrh, Patchouli, Dark Oud

The top notes appear all at once, a lovely and pleasant combination. As this wonderful liquid continues into the heart, Davana, Labdanum, Rose and Frankincense artfully make their entrance, joining the top notes. As if the artist were applying his brush to a canvas for the senses, ever so quickly, yet very precisely, the finishing touches are made to the entire composition. Amber, Musk, Vetiver, precious Myrrh and Patchouli warm on the skin completing this luxurious parfum. Jubilation 25 is a wonderful medium floral, neither sharp, nor heady. On my skin by the time it reached the heart notes, I had a sense of a fine milled soap. However, never do I forget that this an oh so classy parfum, lovely in every way. Jubilation 25 can be worn throughout all seasons. It is classy enough to wear to the finest occasions or as an everyday fragrance. The final dry down is lovely with prominent notes of Frankincense, Patchouli, Dark Oud and Myrrh. The later of which lull me peacefully off to sleep at the end of the day. The base of this parfum lends an opulence to this precious parfum, making it an absolute treasure.

May be purchased at Parfumerie Nasreen

$315.00
3.3 oz/100 ml

Anima Dulcis

Arquiste
Developed with Rodrigo Flores-Roux and Yann Vasnier 
Type: Baroque gourmand

Composition: Cocoa Absolute, Mexican Vanilla, Cinnamon, Chili Infusion
Eau de Parfum

"November, 1695, Mexico City:
     The scent of exotic spices floats throughout the halls of the Royal Convent of Jesus Maria, where a group of nuns prepares a Baroque recipe of Cocoa infused with an assortment of chilies. After centuries of obscurity, the convent's secrets are exposed in a rich experience for the senses."

In a word, this fragrance is FABULOUS! It warms and blends on my skin magically. You need to try this one to believe it.

Arquiste has now found its place in my heart of favorite parfum houses with its unique combinations of fragrance notes. These wonderful eau de parfums have been created with specific time periods and places in mind. Recreations of the past. Huge applause to Arquiste!

$185.00
55 ml

Available at Parfumerie Nasreen

ALEKSANDR

Arquiste
Developed with Yann Vasnier
Type: Ambery, Leather

Eau de Parfum

Neroli, Violet Leaf, Fir Balsam, Russian Leather

The parfum house description:

On a frosty winter afternoon, a fiery gentleman finishes his toilette by dabbing on a preparation of Neroli and Violet. He draws down his cuffs, dons a heavy fur and strides out in polished leather boots. As he rides off on his sleigh, the woody scent of Fir fills the air. Beyond the snow-laden trees, on a clearing bathed in amber light, the fateful duel awaits.

The top notes: Neroli and Lavender - light, sweet, earthy and spicy
The heart: Violet Leaf - metallic, green, aqueus
The base: Balsam, Russian Leather - warm, sweet, mellow, warm, soothing

There are a few things that I would like to add to the description from Arquiste. First, upon looking up Russian Leather, which is different from other leathers, as they are the world over due to the process each country uses in the tanning process, Birch is used in the Russian process. This changes the whole thing. It is warm and mellow and to me, delightful! This fragrance is easy to wear in warm weather as I believe it would be in the dead of winter as well. For those of you unfamiliar, the scene described above is set in Russia. I would not leave anyone wondering where this scene is set due to the world wide viewing of this blog. This fragrance is long lasting. The floral notes are light and easy for those who cannot wear floral scents.

My honest review: Perfection in a bottle!!!!!!!! And the bottle is lovely! Thank you Arquiste.

Available at Parfumerie Nasreen.

$165.00
55 ml

LES NOMBRES d' OR OUD

Mona di Orio

Type: Oud

Elemi from the Philippines. 

Green Mandarin from Calabre

 Petitgrain from Paraguay - fresh and woody

Patchouli from Indonesia - woody/earthy

Absolute Osmanthus from China - fruity floral apricot note

Nagarmotha from India - Woody deep with smoky notes of leather

Essential Oil of Oud from Laos 

Musk, Ambergris, Atlas Cedarwood

Elemi, Green Mandarin and Petitgrain are the first to caress the nose and senses on first contact with my skin. Next Osmanthus subtly joins the group, quickly on its heels Nagarmotha warms things up further. Oud from Laos slips in within minutes and not long afterward the final additions of musk, ambergris and cedarwood complete the most WONDERFUL Oud parfum I have tried to date. This one is a lovely Oud. Not too strong, not too sharp. Absolutely perfect and balanced in every way. It caresses the senses. Well done!

May be purchased at Parfumerie Nasreen

Eau de Parfum

$525.00

3.3 oz./100 ml

 

LES NOMBRES d'OR VANILLA

Mona di Orio
Eau de Parfum

Top: Bitter Orange from Brazil, Rhum Absolute, Petigrain 
Heart: Clove, Madagascar Vanilla, Tolu, Gaiac Wood
Base: Vetiver, Sandlewood, Ylang-ylang, Tonka Bean, Leather, Musk, Amber

This is not your teenagers vanilla. It is instead all grown up under the artistry of Mona di' Orio! 

With this fragrance, Mona di' Orio imagined a romantic story involving an old ship from long ago, on its way to the Comoros Islands or Madagascar, carrying a cargo of Oranges, vanilla beans, rum barrels, clove, sandalwood, leather, musk, ylang-ylang and amber. 

The above description is the best way to describe this amazing fluid! When I close my eyes and take a deep breath of it on my skin, I too can san an old ship on the seas with its wood shining in the sun, heavily laden with the same cargo. Over flowing in fact. A wonderful combination of notes where vanilla is the star!

May be purchased at Parfumerie Nasreen.

$230.00  3.3 oz./100 ml in that unique bottle

A Note

First I would like to thank both Nasreen Rehmat and Val at Parfumerie Nasreen for all of the very generous and wonderful samples that they have graciously supplied me with. Not to mention years of the best service and conversations about parfum.

Without Nasreen I may never have known about the House of Amouge (one of my favorite parfum houses) and I would not have had the chance to also fall in love with two new houses. Arquiste and Mona di Orio.

As I take that wonderful olfactory journey while sampling the many parfums, I find myself challenged to open up my nose more and more with each little vial, refining my ability to identify every note within these compositions. Of course there are description for most online in the way of what the house sees in their mind as they inhale these wonderful creations of theirs but, I have my own to add from time to time and so will you. Our olfactory sense is an amazing one. I could write an entire post about that just by itself. I will spare everyone that for now but look to find it here eventually because I believe that it is very important.

LES NOMBRES d'OR MUSC

Mona di Orio

Top: Neroli, Angelica

Heart: Soft Rose, Delicate Heliotrope

Base: Tonka Bean Absolute, Precious Musks

Eau de Parfum

The top note of Angelica and Neroli, move straight to the heart of delicate and sweet Heliotrope and Softest Rose. These notes are quickly joined by Tonka Bean Absolute and prepare to round out the precious musk as this wondrous fluid warms on the skin. About twenty minutes later this fragrance is complete and rich. Musky and slightly floral but not rough or cloying.

Many musk parfums are sharp or over powering but this one is smooth with rounded corners, as smooth as a water worn pebble. Through the very artistic and talented nose of Mona di Orio, musk has grown up into a  

beauty with grace and charm as well as being housed in a very unique bottle.

Available at Parfumerie Nasreen 

$230.00 for 3.3 oz./100 ml

NASREEN

By Parfums M. Micallef
Floral, Spicy, Sweet, Woody

Eau de Parfum

Top: Deep Rose, Spicy Saffron
Heart: Honey, Gingerbread essence
Base: Patchouli, Elite Suyufi Oud, Velvety White Musk

Designed by Martine Micallef for Nasreen Rehmat and commissioned exclusively for Parfumerie Nasreen comes Nasreen, named after "The Parfum Maven" herself!

NASREEN, is a one of a kind fragrance nothing short of spectacular. It is so well done and beautiful that it nearly defies words. The deep rose stays alive straight through the dry down. Truly a deep rose, earthy, surrounded by every note which blends beautifully in this composition, as it marries with the skin, neither too sweet nor too floral. It is balanced to absolute perfection! A honeyed, slightly spicy rose. Nasreen is crafted using the finest ingredients from the Middle East and around the world, with the expert craftsmanship of classic French Perfumers.

I, personally, have waited too long to try this wonderful fragrance.  This is a must have for me. If you appreciate a wonderful rose parfum, this should be on your list to try! Again, this is sold exclusively at Parfumerie Nasreen and you can order it by calling or stopping in if you are in the Seattle Washington area.

Call: 1-888-286-1825 (toll free)
Samples available at $3.99
3.3 oz./100ml at $265.00 (add to this a stunning bottle)

You can expect prompt, friendly, professional service from the entire sales staff. Your call may even be answered by Nasreen herself.