Nirvana Black by Elizabeth and James

Nirvana Black was created by the Elizabeth and James brand which was founded in 2007 by CFDA award winning designers Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen. They wanted to create a brand, and I quote that, “bring an elevated sensibility and thoughtful design to this contemporary lifestyle brand.” ElizabethandJames.com. Elizabeth is supposed to embody sophistication and femininity and James brings edge and masculinity to the equation. They are meant to work separately, but together they create the vision that makes Elizabeth and James such a unique and modern brand. I am going a little bit into the brand, because in order to understand Nirvana Black, it helps to understand the concept and vision it was created under. Nirvana Black has a counterpart, Nirvana White, both fragrances can be worn separately, but together they create an unique scent that truly embodies the Elizabeth and James brand.

Notes:
Violet, Sandalwood, Vanilla.

When I first put on the fragrance, the scent was  pungent and sharp, spicy and musky right away. If I use one word to describe the initial impression I get from the scent it is darkness. Additionally,  you smell the woody components as well. The violet note is not sweet, it is more green and herbal. The combination makes me feel like I am walking through a wet forest on a cold day.

 

There is a sweetness to the fragrance that is very appealing and makes you want to get closer, this does not make its appearance until the heart and base notes show up. This is when the fragrance takes a more feminine and soft journey as supposed to the initial opening which is very masculine in its olfactory song. Although soft, at this point the fragrance  remains full of personality with its spicy and delectable scent.

Dirty femininity with this scent is one way to describe it, it’s pretty but there is a level of edge and mystery and smokiness that makes this fragrance very appealing and comforting.

 

In my opinion Nirvana Black is best worn in the cooler months, if not, could be over powering  in the warmer months. However if you layer it with Nirvana White it would work for the warmer months as the notes in the white makes it fresher and brings out more of the floral notes than the spicy notes. The beauty of the Nirvana fragrances (White and Black) is that you can use them both layering them, or individually. Together they smell amazing, it can really cater to your mood, season and place.

 

The journey of this fragrance up to this point was very interesting, and the top and middle notes is what makes this fragrance beautiful and unique. The dry down after about 8 hours was very soft vanilla with a slight powdery note.

Overall, Nirvana Black is a beautiful scent, one that will be unique and bring something special to your fragrance collection. Go ahead and explore this dark beauty, who knows, it might bring out a side of you that you didn’t know you had.

MY PERFUME RECOMMENDATIONS (WINTER 2015-2016)

On a day like today where the temperature has hit the mid to low 30’s  and winter finally decided to show up, it inspires you to finally bring out those scents that you reserve for the colder months of the year. The warmth, the comfort these scents bring to me is something I look forward to every winter, and although you can wear these scents any time of the year if you choose to do so, for me, the notes truly sing during the sweater weather months. Below are a few recommendation of scents that I personally feel are perfect for this time of year. Some old fragrances that every year I love wearing, and some newer ones to explore.

Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker

A warm close to your skin type of scent that screams feminity with class.

Notes; mandarin, bergamot, rosewood, lavender and apple Martini,  patchouli, paper whites and orchid, cedar wood, white amber, and sultry musk’s and woods.

Cashmere Mist by Donna Karan

This scent gives one the feeling of wrapping a comfortable warm blanket all around you. It’s sensual, soft with a touch of powdery that can be very feminine.
Notes; Lily of the Valley, Suede Notes, Bergamot, Ylang Ylang, Jasmine Maroc, Sandalwood, Orris, Amber, Vanilla, Cedarwood, Patchouli, Musk.

Sensuous by Estee Lauder

This is a fragrance that I start to wear once the weather starts to change in the fall. It is the scent of the holidays for me, it’s spicy, sexy, warm and feminine.

Notes; magnolia, ghost lily accord, honey molten woods, jasmine petals, sandalwood, amber, juicy mandarin pulp, black pepper

Angel by Thierry Mugler

This fragrance was very popular back when it was launched in 1992, it seemed like every woman was wearing it and you couldn’t go very far without smelling it on someone. It is one of those scents that is so addictive, delicious but you either hate it or love it. It is warm and sexy, with a touch of flirty and fun. Great scent for this time of year.
Notes; Bergamot, Hedione, Helional, Honey, Dewberry, Red Berries, Vanilla, Caramel, Patchouli, Chocolate, Coumarin. 

Nirvana Black by Elizabeth and James

Nirvana Black can be worn on its own or with its counterpart Nirvana White. Although you can wear both of them together during this time of year, alone Nirvana Black is perfect for those winter mornings when the chill in the air makes you wish you never left your home. It is soft, woody with a soft sandalwood scent that is warm and sensual. The vanilla gives it a softness that is needed to make the fragrance just perfect for those cold days.

Notes; Violet, Sandalwood, Vanilla. 

Black Orquid by Tom Ford

Mysterious, sexy with a touch of classy glamour is how I describe this scent. It is the one you want to wear when you are out on the town during the colder months.

Notes; Black Truffle, Black Orchid, Black Plum, Noir Gourmand Accord, Patchouli. 

 Narcisso Rodriguez For Her

This scent was created for the woman who is confident, feminine and wants you to get closer and closer to her in a sweet embrace. It is a scent that explores a woman’s skin with floral notes, amber and musk.

Notes; Honey Flower, Solar Musk, Orange Blossom, Osmanthus, Amberlyn, Vanilla, Tactile Musk, Tactile Woods, Vetiver.