There are some floral scents that everyone knows and loves (think rose, lily, and lilac). Although there’s absolutely nothing wrong with sticking to the classics, there are several underrated floral scents that are to die for.
Neroli is one of those scents, and this guide will dive into what it is, what it smells like, and some Snif scents to try that feature this fragrance.
What Is Neroli?
Before we get to its scent profile, it’s important to understand what neroli is and where it comes from.
Neroli is the name for the essential oil extracted from the bitter orange tree, specifically its large, white blossoms. To make neroli oil, the flowers from this tree undergo a process called steam distillation.
Although orange blossom oil comes from the same flower, neroli and orange blossom aren’t synonymous. When oil is extracted from the blossoms using solvents, the result is orange blossom oil. However, as previously mentioned, when steam distillation is used, neroli oil results.
Neroli oil became well-known in the 17th century when an Italian princess, Anne-Marie de la Trémoille, also known as Princess of Nerola, fell in love with the scent. She used it to add fragrance to her baths and gloves, and eventually, the oil was named after her.
What Does Neroli Smell Like?
Now that you know all about what neroli is and where it comes from, it’s time to dive into the different components of this delicate floral smell. This section will break down the three most prominent notes in neroli: floral, sweet, and green.
Floral
First and foremost, neroli is a floral smell. This is what gives it a light, delicate smell that’s both relaxing and refreshing.
Sweet
What sets neroli apart from other floral fragrances is that it also has a sweet, citrusy edge. When you smell neroli, along with the strong floral smell, you’ll also get notes of rich honey and bright citrus.
Green
Another important element of neroli’s smell is the fresh, green notes. Thanks to this aspect, neroli is often described as a clean, almost soapy fragrance.
What Scents Does Neroli Pair Well With?
Having taken a close look at the basics of neroli, it’s time to start thinking about what it pairs well with.
In this section, we’ll provide three recommendations of scents to pair with neroli to make matches made in fragrance heaven.
Cedar
They say that opposites attract, which is part of why neroli pairs perfectly with cedar. Woody, spicy, and slightly balsamic, the smell of cedar adds depth to the fresh lightness of neroli.
However, what unites these two fragrances is subtle citrusy undertones. For a duo that will warm you up and wake you up, look no further than neroli and cedar.
Fig
If you want a scent combo that’s juicy, floral, and bright, then neroli and fig is an ideal fit for you.
Fig has a complex fruity smell that has sweet, earthy notes along with a green freshness. When combined with the floral notes in neroli, the result is a delectable fragrance that will transport you to the first warm days of spring.
Grapefruit
You can draw out the citrusy undertones in neroli by pairing it with one of the most iconic citrus scents: grapefruit.
The tangy brightness of grapefruit can be smoothed out by the smell of neroli. Given that neroli has a naturally sweet twist, it balances out the bitterness of grapefruit and plays off its subtle floral notes.
What Are Some Fragrances To Try With Neroli?
It’s time to bring together everything you’ve learned about neroli to take a close look at two Snif fragrances that make the most of this nuanced floral scent.
Vow Factor
First up on the list is Vow Factor, a scent dedicated to the romantic side of life. This fragrance features green fig, neroli, rose, cedarwood, tonka bean, and ambrette seeds.
Equal parts whimsical and wearable, this is the kind of fragrance that will brighten up any outfit, regardless of whether you’re throwing on jeans and a t-shirt for a quick grocery run or preparing for a night out on the town.
Citrus Circus
As the name might suggest, Citrus Circus is our scent dedicated to the wonderful world of citrus smells.
Made with creamsicle, grapefruit, lime zest, sparkling water, neroli, violet, cedar, and white amber, this fragrance is bright and energizing without being overpowering. Often described as the smell of a hot summer’s day, this scent is playful, woody, and delicious.
Your New Favorite
Searching for your next signature scent doesn’t have to be a mysterious process. Now that you know the ins and outs of neroli, what it pairs well with, and the Snif scents that feature this show-stopping floral fragrance, you’re more prepared than ever to find the next scent that perfectly matches your vibe.
FAQs
What does neroli smell similar to?
There’s no other scent that smells exactly like neroli. However, if you’re wondering what other scents are comparable, bergamot, jasmine, ylang ylang, and orange blossom are all similar scents.
Does neroli smell like bergamot?
Although neroli and bergamot are both citrus scents, neroli has a more floral, clean smell while bergamot has a sweeter and juicier scent profile. If you’re unfamiliar with the smell of bergamot, it’s a lime-like citrus that has a delicate sweetness.
How are neroli and jasmine different?
Both neroli and jasmine are floral fragrances, which means they belong to the same fragrance family. However, jasmine has a deeper, richer smell than neroli. What’s more, jasmine is usually extracted using solvents, whereas neroli is extracted using steam distillation.
Sources:
Neroli Oil Overview, Benefits, Uses, Side Effects, and Precautions | Healthline
Citrus Essential Oils in Aromatherapy: Therapeutic Effects and Mechanisms | PMC