Nina Eau de Parfum

My local Shoppers Drug Mart had a promotional display for this fragrance that included custom blotters and carded samples. If you, like me, looked at the bottle and expected an apple perfume, you're in for a surprise! On the test strip, Nina EDP is a hyper-realistic vanilla ice cream with nuts - it's like a scoop of it was right in front of me! It's quite different when applied. On my skin and clothes, it has a more distinct fruity-floral, jellied opening. The woody vanilla notes come through a few seconds later. It's sweet, creamy, and gourmand without being heavy or cloying. Kind of like milk, as opposed to cream. The base, in its wood and spice, reminds me very vaguely of Good Girl by Carolina Herrera. Nina EDP's top and mid notes help it maintain brightness and keep it from being heady and thick. Nina's dry down reminds me also of Lancôme's La Vie Est Belle Vanille Nude. Nina EDP appears to have intimate to intimate-moderate projection, and average longevity. A fun, playful fragrance to be sure, but not overly unique amongst the sea of vanilla and pistachio perfumes available these days. The cute apple bottle is a draw through, and would look very cute on a perfume tray. I actually think this perfume would be good for spring and fall, something slightly warm for when there is a chill in the air, and to accompany you in the ephemeral, transient moments between seasons.

Well this one was weird. I really liked it on a blotter, so I got a tester. And then I was persecuted by the applesauce with cinnamon all day long. Not that I mind the sauce, but it's not what I'd like to wear 24/7. Maybe I should give it a second try, maybe it's more of a winter fragrance, you know, something to warm you on dark winter days, but for now I'm putting it away.

Four paradoxical facts for this "new" release from Nina Ricci. 1) I would never agree more with the section "this perfume reminds me of" and it's kind of rare as usually people start voting even before the official release. 2) I find it a bit strange for being the first reviewing the 20th anniversary edition of Nina. I was expecting something more innovative and not just a kind of Cheirosa 62 in EDP concentration. 3) What it really reminded me upon first spray? Prada Paradoxe Radical Essence. That alluring strong pistachio that has been done before, just way softer, more 'girly' and light. Lasting power & sillage are hardly average. 4) Never had a NR perfume in my entire collection and I am wondering why. Let's see what Venus Intense will do...