This harmonious opening of Basil and Neroli smells bright and sparkling
It starts with the rich and vivid green notes of basil leaves, in harmony with citruses smelling like bergamot and mandarin. The basil gives a pleasant aromatic feeling that adds freshness to the citrus and twists it to become more powerful and compelling. This aromatic notes and bergamot combination gives an impression of a sweet Moroccan tea with mint leaves. Underneath, neroli peeks through and smoothen this dazzling and vibrant opening.
The green and citrus notes linger on the skin while the neroli facet becomes more and more visible. Lily of the valley bouquet envelops the neroli, smelling gorgeous and irresistible. With the green facet still dancing, this bouquet smells fresh, clean, and transparent. A sweet and fruity note reminiscent of pear flesh follows, adding nuances and excitement in the middle of this marvelous bouquet. This sweet pear feels soft and fluffy, and I think musks are responsible for giving this effect.
There’s a clean and pure sensation
The musky facet in this fragrance is enjoyable. It is not heady but somewhat feathery, with a hint of fruitiness that provides depth. The musk contributes to creating clean and pure sensations in this fragrance, making it smell simple but refined.
I’m getting to the most exciting part of this perfume, the vetiver. The vetiver touches every step of this fragrance development, silently modifying the accord by giving part of its characters. The earthy, creamy, nutty, and woody nature is all over the place, camouflaging. It is in the right balance to lift the green, aromatic, citrus, floral, and musk accord, without being obvious. In other words, vetiver is not the show’s main actor but indeed play an essential role, especially in giving this fragrance intensity and tenacity.
Basil & Neroli is exceptionally long-lasting compared to other Jo Malone perfumes I have. It stays for a good 5 to 6 hours in the day. And when I wear it to bed, the fresh and green sillage is obvious in the morning when I woke up.
I think I chose this perfume because of the vetiver, without even realizing it. I just knew that I am drawn to this perfume since the first sniff. I noticed the vetiver a bit later, and it was mindblowing. I blamed my nose for not catching it at first, but, anyway, it means the composition is very well balanced. Hahaha.
Basil & Neroli is a trip to memory lane
I will not forget this perfume because I bought it with my parents at Edinburgh airport before flying back to Paris for my graduation ceremony. It was just launched that year, 2016. This fragrance always takes me back to that period. I was happy because I finally got my master’s degree, but, at the same time, sad because I had to leave Paris. Nevertheless, this perfume reminds me to have hope and courage in facing the future, even though there are uncertainties.
I’m happy that scents can bring me anywhere.
Does your mind wander when you smell?
Cheers!
Gia
