Shay & Blue London Parfum Nashwa (Dom de Vetta and Julie Massé) 2017~New Perfume Review + نشوة Golden Intoxication Draw

Golden Goddess Editorial for Idol Magazine by Lindsay Adler©

"Nashwa" is the English transliteration of the Arabic word نشوة, equating to ecstasy and to an overwhelming feeling of comfort, happiness and joyful excitement. "Nashwa" can be used to describe personal feelings of rapture or can explain the experience of mystical religious transcendence. "Nashwa" is also a popular name for baby girls, a blessing that the parents bestow on their child, suggesting a lifetime filled with beautiful fragrance and a future of brilliant joy and happiness.

 Donyale Luna Formidable Magazine

This summer, 2017, the word "nashwa", a synonym for elation, euphoria and intoxicating fragrance, has been brought to life in a new perfume by Shay & Blue London.

Shay and Blue Parfum Nashwa

Creative Director Dom de Vetta, in collaboration with in house-perfumer Julie Massé, launched the House's first pure perfume, Parfum Nashwa Extract of Parfum, available now exclusively at Harrods London, (it sold out its first day!). Shay & Blue developed a special gold colored flacon for their new creation and as always, the fragrance is hand-poured. 

Donyale Luna in Satyricon photographed by Federico Fellini (1969)

 Shay & Blue Parfum Nashwa opens a door into another dimension, a golden world of gilded reflection, emanating the light and atmosphere of peaceful bliss, a serene refuge from the world. The very first delicate spray suffuses my skin and immediate surroundings with a sunny amber freshened with just a touch of bergamot and neroli. This gentle and balmy opening evolves into a crisp, sweet woodiness, reminiscent of a fine Borneo oud graced with creamy undertones of butter and coconut. 

Donyale Luna in Lurex by Paco Rabanne, photo by David Bailey for Vogue, 1966 (apped MC)

A trace of dark chocolate colors the heart of Parfum Nashwa with a tawny hue.  For me, Nashwa is not so much a gourmand fragrance as it is an hypnotic and tranquilizing aura. I can almost see myself glowing, a radiant halo surrounding me and emanating from every pore. This soothing and protective effusion lasts for at least eight hours before the perfume begins to slowly vanish, becoming increasingly evanescent as the lush golden color resolves to a transparent glimmer of musk, oud and amber.  The life of this beauty is an astonishing; 12 hours on skin and days on clothing. Yet, Nashwa is never overpowering, and the sillage remains sensuous and simultaneously subtle from the first to the very last breath.

Donayale Luna photographed by Federico Fellini (1969) Apped MC

 Shay & Blue Parfum Nashwa is a fragrance that transports and intoxicates. It seems apt that the word "nashwa" can also signify the moment of poetic or artistic inspiration. Perhaps every creation, every work of art, including the art of perfumery, is simply ecstasy realized. Certainly, for me, the Shay & Blue Parfum Nashwa is euphoric bliss, focused, concentrated and brought to life in a gleaming, golden flacon.

Notes: Bergamot, neroli, cacao noir, coconut, fine musks and oud.

Disclaimer:  Many thanks to Shay & Blue London for the glittering flacon of Parfum Nashwa Extract of Parfum.  My opinions are my own.

Note:The Oud Alif and Amber Rose fragrances  will also soon be available in pure parfum strength at Harvey Nichols

Gail Gross, Editor

Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief and Art Director: I wore Nashwa for a few days and  in my mind  and the exotic images of Donayale Luna, the 1st African American model to appear on the cover of  Vogue kept appearing as I wore it. 

Gail's Photo of Parfum Nashwa

Thanks to the generosity of Shay & Blue London and Dom De Vetta we have one 60ml bottle of Parfum Nashwa for one registered reader in the US, the EU or Canada. (be sure to register or your comment will not count). To be eligible, tell us where you live, what appeals to you about Gail’s review and your favorite fragrance by Shay & Blue.  Draw closes 8/12/2017

We announce the winners only on site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS feed…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

 

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46 comments

  • ElenaChiss says:

    I liked how Gail describes Nashwa as a soothing and protective perfume, her serene refuge from the world. It really looks like something that I would enjoy very much. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance to test anything from Shay&Blue yet. I am from Eu. Thanks!

  • I’m new to Shay & Blue. This one sounds interesting
    I like the name as well. Thanks for this giveaway

  • I just love Gail’s writing, but her reviews always end up costing me $$$ as I add yet another “must have” to my list!;-) gorgeous review and what sounds like an amazing scent. (PS…LOVE the Satyricon pictures. My favorite Shay & Blue is Scarlet Lily! in the USA

  • The way Gail describes this scent in detail has me enthralled. Hypnotizing, tranquilizing aura, radiant halo, soothing creamy undertones. I had to go to the Shay Blue website to learn more. Here they describe it as, “…cacao noir and coconut melt over intense, dark oud and musk…” The kind of scent described by Gail is one after my own heart. I need a euphoric, sensual radiance in my life.
    I live in the US!

  • RoseMacaroon says:

    It sounds like a restorative and atmospheric perfume with hints of gourmand. I’d love to try it! It’s all about serene refuge from the world (which should be its own scent category, imo).
    Thank you so much for the draw! Sounds like a great intro to Shay and Blue (which for me it would be).
    I’m in the US.

  • Any perfume that evokes golden light is a must try for me, so Gail’s lovely review has me on the edge of my seat! I’ve not yet tried any Shay &Blue fragrances yet but must investigate further. Thanks to all for the generous draw! I live in Canada.

  • A sunny amber with creamy undertones in heart appeals to me. Haven’t tried any perfumes from Shay&Blue. Thanks for the chance! I live in EU

  • GrandmaGaga says:

    Based on Gail’s review, I just know I would love this. It sounds warm and golden and I love the name…ecstacy or inspiration…beautiful! I am in the US. Thank you for the chance!

  • Tom Schroeder says:

    Gail’s description of Nashwa is truly intoxicating, with amber, creamy coconut, butter, musk, and oud. Everything about the fragrance sounds decadent. I was also mesmerized by the photos of Donayale Luna. Wow, Michelyn, that’s visually evocative of something very special. Having no prior exposure to Shay & Blue, the two other big fragrance releases of the house, Oud Alif and Amber Rose, also sound similarly decadent. These fragrances all seem like they are head-turning, versatile, easily wearable, and could be enjoyed in many settings. I am from San Jose, California, US.

  • Oh this sounds intoxicating!!! I love middle eastern scents, and was entranced by my 3 years living in the Emirates, so much so that I left married to an Egyptian man! I would love to smell this – every Shay and Blue offering I have smelled has been superb, but my favorite is probably Framboise Noire. Brilliant Review Gail – you make me want to drown in this stuff! 🙂 I live in Maryland!

  • fazalcheema says:

    Nashwa feels like a gourmand-musky creation if there is such a category. Shay & Blue has explored gourmand category before but the previous creations were airy. This seems like a dense gourmand creation that takes the airy path at the end. My favorite from the ones I have tried for Shay & Blue is Oud Alif. I am in the US.

  • I’ve never tried a Shay&Blue fragrance, so I have no favorites. Gail’s review makes Nashwa sound very appealing. I love the history of the name which she included. Thanks for the draw. I live in the USA

  • Hi what appealed to me about review was when i read the article i came to the part where the notes were,wowza !,sounds amazing would love to win this,being as im not familiar with shay n blue but after reading this i definitely want to try there offerings ,thnx for review and giveaway .
    i live in canada

  • ntabassum92 says:

    I’m in an oud craze atm, so of course this sounds awesome. An oud for summer – it sounds tropical, warm, and light at the beginning. I’m in the US. I haven’t tried a Shay & Blue fragrance yet, but I keep hearing about the brand so will be trying them soon!

  • Even though I am rather down-to-earth and not close to spirituality, this powerful review fascinates me. Oh, and the pictures of Donyale Luna do so to! – My wife tried S&B’s Salt and Caramel only yesterday, that was fun, same for Framboise Noir a while back. Other than that, I am not too familiar with this brand. If I win, please send to Germany.

  • I live in the US, and. I’ve never tried any Shay & Blue fragrances but this review had me drooling! Especially this: “For me, Nashwa is not so much a gourmand fragrance as it is an hypnotic and tranquilizing aura. I can almost see myself glowing, a radiant halo surrounding me and emanating from every pore.” Yes, please!!

  • The review of Nashwa sounds so good: round, warm, enveloping, yet exuberating. That oud note really makes me to want this perfume.
    I like leathery fragrances, and by looking at the notes, I think “Blacks Club Leather” would be a favorite.
    I live in the E.U.
    Thank you.

  • Unfortunately, I have never had a chance to try any fragrance by Shay & Blue. I very enjoyed to read Gail’s review, and I really love the description of this scent. It sounds fabulous. I would very glad, if I could try it. Thank you very much for the draw. I live in Europe.

  • I love dark chocolate in all its forms and in perfumery as well, no question about it. The supporting notes of oud, amber and musk sound great as well and I believe it’s glowing and radiant. Thanks for the draw, I’m in the EU.

  • Great review! This was my favorite part.

    The very first delicate spray suffuses my skin and immediate surroundings with a sunny amber freshened with just a touch of bergamot and neroli. This gentle and balmy opening evolves into a crisp, sweet woodiness, reminiscent of a fine Borneo oud graced with creamy undertones of butter and coconut.

    I live in the U.S. Thanks for the generous giveaway. My favorite from the House is Salt & Caramel.

  • I have been lucky enough to smell this fantastic new fragrance a couple of times when visiting there gorgeous boutique and it truely is as stunning as this piece makes it sound! Gail’s choice of words are beautifully

  • (Whoops hit submit too soon)…
    effective at describing this comforting and soothing fragrance, it really does envelope you in something special that makes you feel you can take on anything.
    Thanks and I am in the EU xx

  • A trace of dark chocolate colors the heart of Parfum Nashwa with a tawny hue. For me, Nashwa is not so much a gourmand fragrance as it is an hypnotic and tranquilizing aura. I can almost see myself glowing, a radiant halo surrounding me and emanating from every pore.- Just beautiful and I have wanted to try this.My favorites are Oud Alif and Black Club Leather. I live in the EU

  • Such an interesting combination of notes. Clean neroli with cacao noir, along with oud and musks sounds incredible. I’ve never heard of this perfume house but will read up about them on Fragrantica. I’d love to try this fragrance!
    I live in the U.S. (New York)

  • I am always impressed with the creativity of Shay & Blue!! Nashwa, sounds like a fragrance so many in the world are in need of at this time. Loved this statement from Gail, it is a fragrance that transports and intoxicates. It seems apt that the word “nashwa” can also signify the moment of poetic or artistic inspiration. Would love this one…

  • I liked how Gail describes Nashwa as a soothing perfume.
    I like gourmand or semi-gourmand fragrances. Veri interesting name- “nashwa”.
    I’ve listen about this perfume brand, but have not tested and read reviews!
    I would loke to win.
    USA, DE

  • Shay & Blue Parfum Nashwa an hypnotic and tranquilizing fragrance with the notes of Bergamot, neroli, cacao noir, coconut, fine musks and oud. Sounds awesome! I just love a warm creamy oud… Thank You for this giveaway and I do live in the US…

  • I live in Canada.

    Gail does such a great job describing the scent in this article that you can almost smell it.

    I am new to this fragrance house.

  • I was intrigued by the description of this when I read the release a month ago and after Gail’s review I want it more:) The scent sounds amazing!
    I haven’t tried Shay&Blu perfumes.
    Thank you for the draw! I live in Europe

  • Thank you everyone for the kind words! It is so easy to write about such a beautiful fragrance. Even with the golden aura I find Nashwa especially refreshing on these hot and smoky Pacific Northwest summer days.

  • I live in Romania (EU).

    I haven’t tried anything from the house, so this will be my first one if I am to win. I like that it is not a complete gourmand, I have trouble being able to wear those. But I like gourmand elements in my fragrances, for sure! I’d be curious to see how cocoa and coconut intertwine with the rest of the notes, as the taste of cocoa and coconut are one of my favourites from desserts.

    Also, the limited projection like an aura, is something I look for in fragrances, usually. 🙂 it gives the impression of “personal smell”. Thanks for the giveaway!

  • I am in the US. I’ve only sampled a couple of Shay and Blue’s offerings. By far, my favorite is Blacks Club Leather. Wow.

    What I really liked about the review is the chocolate. I love when chocolate is used in a sexy, not gourmand way, and she made it sound like it fits the bill!

  • Unfortunately, I do not know anything from this house, but I am always opened to new experiences, especially to Nashwa now that I have read Gail’s review as having a heart of dark chocolate and also being very long lasting. Seems like a winner in my book.

    I am from EU. Thank you!

  • A tranquilizing hypnotic aura that last 12 hours! Wow. I was immediately drawn to the cocoa note. I could go for something that has ‘peaceful bliss’ especially since I go back to work in 2 weeks in a 5th grade classroom. Love the name of this fragrance. I have never smelled anything from this line, but would love for this to be the first. Thanks for the gorgeous article and photos! I live in the US.

  • Great review.

    I don’t have a favorite fragrance by Shay & Blue.

    Thanks for the chance, I’m in Canada.

  • The combination of notes is intriguing to say the least. Neroli, dark chocolate and oud is something that I’d like to try. Not to mention that you make it sound delicious even though is not a true gourmand.
    I’m in the EU.

  • Golden light in a bottle? I’m sold. Haven’t tried any Shay & Blue fragrances yet but the way Gail describes it has me eager to explore the house.
    I’m anxiously waiting in South Florida, US.

  • hotlanta linda says:

    Gail`s writing makes one all but whiff the scent through the computer screen! 🙂 I do not have any bottles from this line – we can afford to read vs ordering from overseas – lol!! We are in the USA.

  • Hikmat Sher Afridi says:

    Mesmerizing review! Gail, it maybe easy for you to write but for me its really a cumbersome task or maybe English is not my language. NASHWA sounds great! What appealed to me that: Shay & Blue Parfum Nashwa is a fragrance that transports and intoxicates. It seems apt that the word “nashwa” can also signify the moment of poetic or artistic inspiration. It is an hypnotic and tranquilizing aura. My favorite from the line is Blacks Club Leather.
    Thanks to the generosity of Shay & Blue London and Dom De Vetta; and CafleureBon by letting my relative/son-in-law address in US/Canada.

  • doveskylark says:

    i like fragrances that have an aura. Nashwa appeals to me because of its lasting power. I have skin that is like a sponge–nothing lasts long on me. I’d like a tranquilizing perfume that lasts and lasts.
    I haven’t tried any Shay & Blue fragrances, but I want to try their Dandelion Fig.
    I live in the USA.

  • I love the idea of Nashwa as conveying a sense of reflection- a sense of refuge from the world but also a sense of ecstasy.
    I also love the idea that it’s related to a blessing for baby girls.
    I live in New York.
    My favorite Shay & Blue fragrance is Blacks Club leather. Thank you for this opportunity and thank you for making and reviewing such wonderful scents!
    Sonia

  • Watertiger1 says:

    I hope I’m not too late! I’ve never tried anything from Shay & Blue, but Nashwa sounds really angelic and other worldly! I would love to own a gem like this. Thanks for the chance! I’m in

  • Love the notes in this one! Have never tried anything from this house but have heard tons about it! I’m in Canada and thanks for the draw!

  • Nashwa sounds lovely. I enjoy tenacious perfumes that are like a subtle aura, and I’m tempted by chocolate and oud together. I’m in the US and don’t have a favorite yet. Thanks for the drawing!