Recently, I came across an interesting product called perfume oil. And as someone who loves perfumes and fragrances, I was definitely intrigued!
So, I bought a 30 mL bottle for $148 CAD.
Unlike traditional perfumes, which typically come with a spray dispenser, perfume oils usually come with a dropper. The directions are simple: massage a few drops of the oil onto your arms, legs, dΓ©colletage — anywhere on your body where you want to indulge in nourishment and a highly concentrated expression of exquisite fragrance.
For $148, I was hoping for a fragrance that smelled beautiful and lasted a reasonable amount of time on my skin. Unfortunately, that second expectation wasn't quite met…
The particular fragrance I picked up was Seville Orange.
According to NEST New York, Seville Orange captures the vibrant spirit of citrus with notes of effervescent orange zest, tart pink grapefruit, and juicy mandarin, complemented by floral neroli and cedarwood. The fragrance features Seville orange extract blended with baobab oil to nourish the skin while delivering a concentrated fragrance experience.
With a description like that, any… ANY citrus fan would run straight for it. And that's exactly what I did! ππ
The fragrance experience
Unlike traditional alcohol-based perfumes, which generally shouldn't be rubbed into the skin after application, perfume oils are meant to be massaged in. And I actually enjoy rubbing the fragrance into my skin!
Since the oil is already formulated for application to the skin, I don't need to add anything else. Just a few drops, and the results are divine! <3
Mixed with my own skin's aroma, I find myself wrapped in a creamy, orangey citrus fragrance. It's not too subtle, nor is it too powerful. It doesn't overwhelm, but it's definitely present.
I typically use one to two drops per area. For example, I'll apply one drop to each arm and one drop to each side of my neck. That's more than enough for a potent fragrance experience! I also prefer applying it to my pulse points, as I feel my body's warmth helps bring out the scent.
The projection is especially noticeable during the first 30 minutes, after which the fragrance settles down. Unfortunately, this is where my disappointment begins…
The longevity
Despite how potent the fragrance is when I first apply it, it lasts only about 30 minutes on my skin before I can barely smell it anymore.
I was hoping the fragrance would last much longer, especially considering how concentrated it smells upon application. But I found myself needing to reapply it far more often than I would have liked.
I didn't want to judge it based on just one or two applications, so I tested it over a few weeks. Unfortunately, the results were the same.
Interestingly, the fragrance lasts longer on my clothes. But honestly, I don't see the point of having a perfume oil if I have to drip it onto the collar of my shirts every time I want the scent to last longer. π I'd much rather have a fragrance that stays on my skin!
I really wanted to love this perfume oil, but having to reapply it so frequently takes away from the experience. The fragrance itself is lovely; I just wish it would stick around longer.
Pros and cons
Pros
π A beautiful, creamy citrus fragrance with notes of orange and other citrus fruits.
❤️ Potent upon application without being overwhelming.
✨ Blends beautifully with my skin's natural aroma.
π§ Only a few drops are needed per area.
𧴠The oil format makes application easy and enjoyable.
π The fragrance lasts longer on clothing than it does on my skin.
Cons
⏳ The fragrance lasts only about 30 minutes on my skin.
π Frequent reapplication is necessary to enjoy the scent throughout the day.
π Its initial potency doesn't translate into lasting power on my skin.
π Although it lasts longer on clothing, applying oil to my shirt collars isn't a practical solution for me.
Conclusion
I really wanted to love the NEST New York Seville Orange Perfume Oil. As a citrus lover, the fragrance sounded like a dream, and the actual scent didn't disappoint! π❤️ It's creamy, orangey, and beautifully balanced, with just the right amount of presence without overwhelming my senses.
Unfortunately, a lovely fragrance isn't enough if it disappears from my skin after just 30 minutes.
At $148 CAD for 30 mL, this perfume oil isn't exactly cheap. While I wouldn't expect every fragrance to last all day, I do expect a little more staying power at this price point. Having to reapply it frequently just to enjoy the scent makes it harder for me to justify the cost.
Yes, it lasts longer on clothing, but I don't want to resort to dripping perfume oil onto my shirt collars just to enjoy the fragrance for longer!
Ultimately, I love the scent, but I'm disappointed by its staying power relative to the price. It's a fragrance I want to love, but I can't overlook how quickly it fades on my skin. If you're looking for a beautiful citrus fragrance to enjoy briefly, you might appreciate this one. But if you're like me and want your fragrance to last longer without constant reapplication, this perfume oil may leave you disappointed.
Score: 5.5/10
Website: https://www.nestnewyork.com/en-ca/products/seville-orange-perfume-oil-30ml-1/
