“What type of scent do you like? Something fresh, floral, woody, sweet…?” That is a great question. Over the years, I’ve grown to appreciate different scent profiles ranging from the very sweet Mugler-like fragrances in my teenage years, with the likes of Aquolina’s Pink Sugar and Viktor & Rolf’s Flowerbomb, to light floral musky scents like Daisy by Marc Jacobs and Philosophy’s Pure Grace.
Today, I have a wide array of fragrances in my bathroom cabinet, and wouldn’t be able to tell you which of those is my signature scent. That is because I’ve fallen in love with perfumery, and I’m always curious to put my nose on different scents, existing or new. 2018 in particular has been a great year of experimenting. I’ve certainly ventured out of my white-flower-jasmine everything comfort zone. I’ve come to enjoy deep woody and oriental fragrances as well as green, metallic and powdery notes. With that in mind, one of my favourite new discoveries this year has been Nirvana Bourbon by Elizabeth and James.
Nirvana Bourbon was launched in 2016 by the famous Olsen twins under their fashion brand Elizabeth and James. For me, this fragrance is a new olfactive territory as it’s significantly richer, bolder and more masculine than any of the other scents in my perfume collection. It’s dark, sexy, inviting, and exudes strength and confidence. It’s certainly an evening scent that pairs perfectly well with a bold burgundy lip.
Key Notes
Top: Tuberose
Heart: Oakwood
Base: Bourbon vanilla
Olfactive Classification: Oriental Woody
What to Expect
Nirvana Bourbon opens with a slight citrusy but sweet note, which mingles with a warm vanilla base for a surprising contrast of hot and cold. As the name of the fragrance suggests, you can expect to smell a liquor-like vanilla whisky. The whisky note is enhanced with a rich oakwood tone that adds depth to the fragrance. This woody facet reminds me of a barrel of whisky, where you can smell the ageing Bourbon soaking up the flavours of the wood. As the fragrance further develops, tuberose brings more texture to the whisky note by adding creamy and spicy facets. A deeper warmth, just like the sensation at the back of the throat after a sip of whisky on the rocks. Finally, this discrete floral note interlaces with the dryness of tobacco and leather undertones to give a smoky and spicy impression.
My Olfactive Journey
Nirvana Bourbon takes me on an evening out at a super exclusive members’ club, one which doesn’t even have a name on the front door. Only a select few know that a secret password is required to be admitted at the door. Once you get past the entrance and descend a few hundred steps, a dimly lit room with plush velvet sofas and fine woodwork make up the coolest vintage whisky bar. When I spray Nirvana Bourbon, I can imagine myself sitting comfortably on one of those oxblood sofas with a crystal glass in hand, sipping on the finest Bourbon.
Nirvana Bourbon also imparts a smoky tobacco facet, which brings me to a cigar parlour at the heart of a busy city. There, men in their 40s and 50s come together for an afternoon discussion whilst sitting back in leather chairs, and enjoying cuban cigars.
To represent this facet of the perfume, I decided to pair Nirvana Bourbon with a blazer, velvet trousers, purple vintage earrings and a camel bag. It adds a masculine touch yet remains feminine, which I feel goes well the smokier and more assertive side of this fragrance.
Towards the end of this olfactive journey, leathery undertones bring a vintage touch to the fragrance. I’m now in the living room of an old house, surrounded by a collection of antique books.
And of course, I’ve poured myself some whisky and get ready to play an intense game of chess by the fireplace.
Que le meilleur gagne!
Outfits & Accessories
Dress: Zara
Vest: Massimo Dutti
Top: Maddison, Zara
Trousers: Massimo Dutti
Sweater: Zara
Shoes: Maison Via Roma
Bag: Mango
Jewellery: Vintage, Accessorize
Beauty
Face: Lumene Invisible Illumination Instant Glow Fresh Skin Tint in shade Universal Dark, Tom Ford Bronzing Powder in 01 Gold Dust, Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Concealer in 2C Light Medium, Lumene Invisible Illumination Nordic Glow Palette
Eyes: Tom Ford Eyeshadow Palette in 11 Lavender Lust, Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Eye Pencil in 12 Burgundy Suede, Estée Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara in 01 Extreme Black, Estée Lauder Brow Now Brow Defining Pencil in 02 Light Brunette
Lips: Estée Lauder Pure Color Love in 120 Rose Xcess
Nails: Lumene Nordic Chic Gel Effect Nail Polish in 9 Moonlit
Disclaimer
Sample and images are my own.
Such a well written piece Josephine which led me into another unknown perfume world – well done again, you can be very proud of your blog. Your pictures really translate your feelings and as always you look amazing. x
Author
Thank you so much!! 🙂
Another completely different univers. Each time you know how to transport us into another scented dimension. Interesting and highly addictive : you are such a story teller !
Author
Thank you for the kind words! 🙂