In spring and early summer, neroli feels particularly right to me. Lightly floral, just a touch citrusy, bright and never too heavy, it’s a perfect accompaniment to unpredictable weather and my current variable daily schedule of work and play. When someone asks me what my favorite perfume notes are, I always mention rose, and often add violet, iris and carnation, but I somehow tend to forget about neroli — but when I look at my perfume shelves, I realize I have quite a few neroli-centered favorites. Here are my thoughts on three launched in 2024, which was practically yesterday (in my mind, at least) so they all still feel “new” to me. 

On a recent scent-browsing expedition, for example, I came across Essential Parfums Néroli Botanica (shown above). I have to admit I’m not familiar with Essential Parfums (too many brands, so little time), although it was founded in 2018 “to democratize access to fine perfumery while honoring the artistry of perfumers.” Néroli Botanica, Essential Parfums’ tenth release, is credited to perfumer Anne Flipo…

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