Néroli Bleu

This is, in my opinion, one of Houbigant’s most intriguing recent releases. I understand perfectly well why it may never become the brand’s most popular fragrance – it doesn’t rely on sweetness or instant gratification. Instead, it celebrates freshness in a far more sophisticated way – green, aromatic, mineral, slightly woody. What fascinates me most is the heart. While many sources simply list ginger, Houbigant itself refers to blue ginger (Dichorisandra thyrsiflora). Whether this is an artistic interpretation or an actual olfactory inspiration, my nose leans strongly toward the latter. I don’t perceive the familiar spicy warmth or citrusy sparkle of culinary ginger. Instead, there is an exceptionally verdant, almost botanical freshness that feels lush, cool, and slightly aquatic - as though the plant itself had been captured rather than its rhizome. The neroli here is radiant without becoming soapy, the peppermint never turns into toothpaste territory and the mineral notes give air to the whole composition. I don’t detect anything sweet, nor do I detect amberwoods. Everything feels restrained, transparent and remarkably well-balanced. Céline Ellena, who is the perfumer behind this, deserves genuine applause. She has created a perfume that resists current trends without feeling nostalgic. In an era where so many compositions chase density, sugar and projection, Néroli Bleu chooses elegance, space and texture. Love it. Will wear it.

this opens with lemon and the black pepper is of excellent quality and the mint is hidden behind the lemon. the ginger comes through beautifully quite quickly and in combination with the black pepper it provides a lovely tingle that lingers nicely. floral splendor with musk in the background, exactly as I like to notice it. a beautiful blend with the right notes in the foreground. wonderful fragrance for enthusiasts who do not want excessive freshness but more a somewhat clean warm feeling and with some deeper touch the cardamom gives.

A citrus fragrance built around neroli with a subtle spice and salt character. The overall impression is fresh, clean and effortless. If you're looking for a bright neroli fragrance with a Mediterranean feel, this is well worth trying. It would fit particularly well in warmer weather.

My favorite from this capsule collection, intense bergamot and neroli, cologne-like, to me this one smells a lot like Mr. Ellena's Bergamote for The Different Company, a very classy and natural smelling Citrus and herbal perfume.