Libertine Neroli

Spritzed out there in the air, that fragrance is still only abstractly connected to what it's going to smell like, in actuality, once it's on your skin Libertine Neroli I blind-bought Libertine Neroli for a number of reasons, none of which excuse blind-buying. I don't know Francesca, but, for whatever reason, based on the numerous descriptions & interviews of/with her, I found myself wanting to know her better, feeling as though something about her knows the something about me that so many others don't. I'm a creature of habit, thus, when my fragrance purchases arrive, I do the macerating thing -- spritz 6-10 squirts, then, put it away for (theoretically) a month. Most of them, I can survive the month, letting it sit, without the anticipation being too overwhelming. But, truthfully, this one is SO different from any of the other scents I possess, that I really couldn't stop contemplating how I was going to wear it, what circumstances would even be the time/place for Libertine Neroli. Sometimes, I think too much, probably. Anyway, mine arrived on Thursday, 02-13-25. I made it through the weekend, before I was stuck home yesterday, Monday, 02-17, due to bad weather, and, I finally decided to just try it on for size, wear it around the house, by myself, see how it hit me, and then, maybe, I'd have a better idea of where it was gonna fit in for me, when I get ready to wear it out. I am SO happy to come away from yesterday's experience feeling like I'm probably going to, at some point, have to be purchasing another 30ml of Libertine Neroli, because, once I had applied 3 spritzes (each shoulder, back of the neck), and, had gone about doing some things around the house, I began to catch plenty of whiffs of what I was wearing, and, I smelled good. I smelled distinctive. No one else, most likely, is gonna be wearing a neroli like MY neroli, whenever I do elect to wear it out...unless, they know about Francesca Bianchi, too! 🤎 And, weird thing, too -- I stepped outside, for a little bit, and, had to put a coat on. The coat I put on, I had worn before, when I had on either Khamrah, Khamrah Qawa, or, Turathi Brown...the lingering scent was lovely. But, as I was wearing it, the scent of the Libertine Neroli was intermingling with whichever was already in the coat, and, let me tell you, I don't know jack-schitt about layering, but, THOSE TWO, whichever they were, made for a FANTASTIC, such a natural-fitting pair. Odds are, I'm gonna be trying to intentionally recreate that pairing, once the macerating's done, the weather warms up, etc. I'm satisfied enough, that I've already placed a purchase of Etruscan Water, with every intention of trying out at least one more of Francesca's FREEFALL line.

First impressions from 2ml sample. It's a very strong like. However even though I put on a hyaluronic acid prep and then some fractionated coconut oil (my skin is a scent eater) on the top of my hand before application and despite spraying x 2, it's not as strong as I would wish. Certainly nothing like The Black Night which is a LOVE. 🥰. I'm realising what is often said of Bianchi in reviews here that many of her scents are variations on a theme. I can't say that's off putting as even though the bass track may be somewhat similar in them it's just a background to some degree to show the higher notes off. I don't know enough about scent elements at this stage to be able to go oh there is the neroli, there is the galbanum etc. That's to come with time I imagine if I continue this rather expensive hobby/passion/education. However this is a very beautiful fragrance, luxurious, rich, subtle, entrancing. If only it worked a bit better on my skin as many others say it is a strong fragrance on them. Take 2: I think I was a bit unfair with this in giving an overall impression with a double spray on the back of one hand. I went through the day like that and it's dry down is extended and interesting. Thing is it's got a different sort of projection to Black Knight I think, it's softer, more diffuse and more enveloping, sort of like lying on a very soft mattress. I think with multiple pulse points this could become a love.

Possibly a new contender for the number 1 perfume from Francesca out of the 7 I've tried, and a hit in my personal top fragrances. I really didn't expect this. I’ve always stayed away from the neroli note because I don’t like citruses, but having decided to continue trying the brand's fragrances and having heard many rave reviews from bloggers, I chose Libertine Neroli for testing. Skin test: the first hour is something else. Eroticism, passion, carnal. It has both passion and languor at the same time. I imagine a couple on a sunny beach making love. Hot, sunny, honeyed, intoxicating. After an hour this passes and oakmoss joins in, making it more elegant, as if that woman who was on the beach came to her senses after the obsession, dressed in something more formal and went for a walk. Something orange-like makes this fragrance very positive. And so this lady walks through sunny Italy, but it's as if her body still keeps the scent after sex on the beach. Unfortunately, I didn't have a proper chance to feel the fragrance outdoors: freezing temperatures and almost total absence of wind. Musical association: Bebe - Siempre Me Quedara. Very cool perfume. Very delicious, you want to catch its scent, breathe it in, alluring. Liked it much more than Etruscan Water (also a chypre). In second place of what I've managed to try from Francesca is Lost in Heaven, in third is The Lover's Tale.

Libertine Neroli by Francesca Bianchi stands out as a refreshing departure from her typically dark and sensual style. While most of her creations lean into brooding, intimate/sensual territory, this one is surprisingly bright, green, and uplifting. It’s structured like a chypre, with that familiar mossy backbone, but it opens with a vibrant burst of citrus—bergamot and neroli shining front and center. The neroli brings a slightly sweet, floral sharpness that’s beautifully softened by Francesca’s signature iris—powdery and elegant—while a touch of geranium adds brightness and balance. As it develops, the citrusy sparkle fades a bit, and the deeper elements start to emerge. Earthy oakmoss and soft leather slowly creep in, adding complexity and giving the scent a subtle, grounded edge without losing its citrusy character. Libertine Neroli is very wearable, with a smooth unisex appeal that makes it an easy pick for daily use. It’s still unmistakably Francesca Bianchi, but in a "lighter", more accessible form. The performance is solid—lasting well and projecting without overwhelming. If you’ve been curious about her work but hesitant about the heavier scents, this is a great entry point. It’s refined, cheerful and sophisticated.

I find Francesca Bianchi to be someone who likes to set their signature firmly and recognisably onto anything that they do. Whether that is good or bad is up to the audience, of course. I don’t see anything wrong in it. Libertine Neroli is approximately as close to your average summer neroli cologne as Chanel No 5 is to CK One. Lots of labdanum and oak moss leaves little doubt around the connection to the chypre style of yore, and the spicy-animalic base is obviously catering to people who are not afraid of standing out. Very similar to Etruscan Water in the base. Top florals are a different story, however, making the resemblance to classic femme fatale perfumes uncanny. For a couple, make sure you get both. However, younger males might fall more easily for Libertine Neroli on themselves than my generation does, which is probably because my granny used to wear exactly this profile. For divas of the stage or screen, or younger people looking for a scentscape to accompany an evening of Truffaut or Rohmer films. You will smell like the opening night reception of the cast and crew.