Secrets d'Essences - Neroli Yves Rocher 2013

On first application it reminded me of Maroussia, probably because of the orangeblossom. They don´t have anything else in common. Neroli is a woody and aromatic fragrance. If I didn´t know it was an Yves Rocher fragrance I would have guessed a Hermés. It smells very natural and clean, very cozy and not too sweet. I really like it. Good job YR!

Secrets d'Essences Neroli is not only about the eponymous note, but also about the different parts of the sweet and bitter orange tree. I wonder if the latter fact could be partly responsible for the significant changes in my perception of this perfume over the years.
It was also one of the fragrances to prove to me that circumstances such as temperature can indeed influence the development and perception almost beyond recognition.

When tried in the cooler season, I was immediately repelled by the bitterness of a disinfectant or sunscreen and searched in vain for something that even remotely resembled nature, be it the orange or the flower. The next time when the temperature rose, the spray nozzle was already emitting a delicate orange scent. While the association of swimming pools was undeniable because of the white cleanness, there was a hint of something nostalgic that I could not put my finger on and that was associated with my grandmother in my childhood - a ladylike composure without going in the direction of soapy stiffness, a soothing breeze in the humid heat... it may have been a whiff of 4711 caught on a midsummer's day. At this stage, I could not imagine how this fragrance could ever be considered 'too sweet' by some reviewers.

I was enlightened on this matter when the orange blossom finally appeared after two years. The fresh, almost tangy breeze had turned into a sweetish muskiness, the translucent white had become a muted 'matte' - just like the bottle's transition from opaque white at the top to clear glass at the bottom (a coincidence?). For some horrifying moments, I even felt a slight resemblance to the orange lollipop of Le Couvent des Minimes' Eau Aimable, which I cannot smell without a headache. In the end, however, SE Neroli, with its orange milkiness, remained on the safe side without crossing the sugar line to become too bothersome.

I wouldn't withhold SE Neroli from any gender; if worn in appropriate doses, it could be enjoyed as a sweeter and less fresh alternative to the classic Eau de Cologne, with surprising longevity.
The brand seems to have changed the packaging by replacing the thread attachment with an imprint. It is unclear if the scent itself has undergone any changes. There are also rumours that production has been discontinued. Should this happen, the brand will certainly miss a unique fragrance in its perfume range.

Originally written 7/8/2015
Edited to add: As of autumn 2019, the whole Secrets d'Essences line was discontinued.

Yves Rocher keeps surprising me. Not only do they keep inventing new combinations of notes. They are also behind this beautiful line of fragrances: Secrets d’Essences. It consists of 14 different fragrances registered in Parfumo’s directory. I have, so far, met Iris Noir EdT, Tendre Jasmin and Neroli. Tendre Jasmin in, imho, a bit too sweet and loud. Iris Noir is really good. And my thoughts about Neroli I will share in the review. My future plan is to meet Voile d’Ambre, Vanille Noire and Rose Oud. Maybe they will get a new home in my collection.
Neroli is lovely. It starts out citric. The dynamic duo of bergamot and bitter orange makes me check the box again - did it say Neroli?! But the acidic first impression soon evaporates and reveals a warm flower mix of Neroli and Orange Blossom Absolute. Both notes in their Sunday dresses. At their best. Because that is what this is: a really beautiful Neroli fragrance with all the help from its friends. Musk shows itself early, lingering in the background. Adding depth to the whole image. Nicely done.
Again the drawback is the longevity. Two to three hours. That is not enough, if you want to wear it at work. But at the movies it may be just fine.
I love the Secrets d’Essences bottles.
Year 2, 44/365

This is my favourite orange blossom/neroli fragrance. It's a neroli in full bloom, leaning bitter green, tempered with citrus (lemon, lime, bergamot). It's light and fresh, very true to the natural blossom. No soap, no musk. Something about it reminds me of coolness, like a lemonade with lots of ice. It's been a perfect fragrance to wear during the recent heat wave. Refreshing, light and yet refined. Truly beautiful. Moderate staying power. I love combining it with Ginger by Origins for an extra zesty boost and it makes it last longer.

To be worn in the heat when everything else feels cloying.

The bottle is gorgeous.

Discontinued but relatively easy to track down 2nd hand.

Yves Rocher is often underestimated, much like Lush or The Body Shop... but a true perfume lover should venture into these feminine realms of prejudice with an open mind - it could lead to the discovery of a few affordable, high-quality perfumes. Neroli from the Secrets d'Essences line by YR would definitely be one such case for fans of creamy-light summer fragrances. €26 for 50 ml - you can't complain about that. To be honest, that's almost niche-level for me, if such a thing even exists. In reality, there are only subjective positive or negative opinions, maybe even boring. However, the high-quality raw materials and the smooth scent impression can be objectively evaluated and classified, allowing one to easily distinguish between hastily thrown-together quick shots and lovingly crafted quality perfumes. Neroli is definitely gentle, devoted, and beautifully creamy.

Musk and orange blossom play at least as significant a role as the namesake essential citrus oil. The scent is like a cloud of neroli - and fans of this direction rightly resonate with the fragrance at number 7 of those. Like a white bedsheet through which a refreshing hand reaches and slowly applies a neroli cream. Sensual and simultaneously clean. The scent almost deserves a halo, yet it never feels strained or forced, let alone scratchy.

Bottle: they don't skimp here either.
Sillage: Neroli scents should hardly be too aggressive.
Longevity: 5 hours for me - unfortunately, I only had a silly refreshing wipe as a test object that I had to press on my wrist.

A neroli scent like sparkling, airy milk glass - unbeatable for the price!