New Perfume Review: April Aromatics Ray of Light by Tanja Bochnig + Good Day Sunshine Fragrance Draw

tanja bochnig

Tanja Bochnig of April Aromatics

When I was  at Esxence 2014,  Milan  this past March I  met the tall, blonde, willowy beauty Tanja Bochnig, the perfumer of the botanical line April Aromatics. She wasn't exhibiting, just a visitor, so we were able to have a nice outdoor lunch, and chat. She graciously gave me a sample kit of all of her fragrances and as I slowly explore them I realize that she is a talented perfumer in the natural perfume category, or any category, really. She recently won an Art and Olfaction award for her fragrance Calling all Angels. Her line has finally been made available in the US for the first time as she recently launched at LuckyScent.com.

April aromatics ray of light sun rays cafleurebonlemon drop cocktail ray of light

Her new fragrance, Ray of Light, is a  bright citrus scent for summer, and is it ever juicy. I'm at a table of people stabbing at grapefruits, squeezing limes and lemons into their beverages, and drinking mimosas. A sprig of mint from a nearby mojito melds it all together. It is so uplifting and happy that I'm a bit blissed out. The next phase is a slight coating of sugar that mellows the citrus, but without losing any of the juicy quality.  It's a Lemondrop cocktail,radiant and yummy with a kiss of sugar and a potent kick. Potentially, you would never want to reach the drydown of this perfume, but refresh all day long. Tanja knew that the ingredients were ethereal on skin, but to her this fragrance represents light and love, which bears repeating. However, in the interest of sniffing, I will say that the drydown, which has a bit of blond tobacco, is smooth and subtle.

April aromatics ray of light herkimer diamond

Herkimer Diamonds with inclusions

Ray of Light is exactly that; an uplifting stream of sunny fragrance. It puts a smile on my face immediately and just really transports me to a  place that makes me happy. I have smelled some delicious juicy citrus fragrances the season, but  Ray of Light is the most photorealistic and  is truly a treat for your nose. It is also infused with two unusual ingredients meant to offer spiritual uplift ; Herkimer diamond and citrine*. For that transcendent time that it is on your skin, filling you with joy and song, it's worth  buying two bottles.

I received my sample from Tanja at April Aromatics. It will be available in September for wider release, and samples can be ordered online.It is an EDP

* Herkimer diamonds are double ended quartz crystals of exceptional clarity, and are purported to be powerful conduits of pure light.
Citrines are a yellow semi-precious gemstone that is a stone of manifestation, imagination, and personal will.

Tama Blough, Managing Editor

april aromatics ray of ight bottle cafleurebon

Thanks to the kind generosity of Tanja Bochnig, we have a draw for a 7 ml spray to a reader anywhere in the world. Please let us know what you think you’ll like about Ray of Light based on this review, and if you have tried any April Aromatics perfumes. Draw ends August 16, 2014

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


 

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50 comments

  • einsof says:

    i’m so happy April Aromatics is finally available here!

    i love citrus, i love the intention Tanja puts into her creations, so this can’t miss.

    i have yet to try anything & i live in the us.

  • Anastasia says:

    I’m looking forward to the “bit of blonde tobacco” in the drydown, that Tama’s describing!!! Sounds positively amazing! I have not yet tried any of the April.Aromatice, but this one is on my to buy list! Thanks for this opportunity and a lovely article!

  • Someotherspring says:

    I’m just a citruss fanatic, I think I’ll love seeing what she does with them…and the idea that she’s doing botanicals is really exciting to me. I’ve heard great things about her line and I’m so glad it’s now available in the States.

  • Amy K says:

    Sugary citrus is exactly what I crave on hot days. The only April Aromatics fragrance I’ve tried so far is Unter den Linden, and it was lovely. Thanks for the drawing!

  • Tami H. says:

    EVERYTHING about this scent sounds great!! Calling All Angels is one of my favorite April Aromatics scents so far 🙂
    I live in the U.S. Thanks for the draw!

  • Steve L. says:

    Wow, this sounds wonderful Tama. Tanja’s work is incredible and this sounds just perfect for the late hot summer months. Please count me in. I’m in the U.S.

  • Suzinn says:

    Reading this review on a 98 degree day in Portland, OR I am left salivating! I want to drink a tall glass of ‘Ray of Light’!
    I have never been able to sample any of Tanja’s work but would love to try this for real!
    Thank you very much!!!

  • d3m0lici0n says:

    I’d love to have that right now! Super hot and humid today. Sounds amazing, i live in the US and thanks for this refreshing draw.

  • Claudia says:

    Love several of Tanja’s fragrances. Unter den Linden and Liquid Dreams being my favorites. Would the opportunity to try this new one .

  • Maya says:

    I have not tried any April Aromatics yet, though Calling All Angels sounds like something I might like. I am not the greatest fan of citrus but Ray of Light sounds delightful. Lots of happy citrus and a blond tobacco drydown sounds wonderful.

  • taffyj says:

    I am a big fan of April Aromatics. I have a hard time finding a citrus fragrance that works for me, but I am sure this one would. All of her fragrances are gorgeous and well done. My favorite scent from the line is Calling All Angels.

  • Marcopietro says:

    I never try April Aromatic scents, but this one is so attractive to me
    that I’ll hurry to order a sample. Your description is a portrait of a mix of joy, happiness and well-being. Just thinking of it makes me smile.

  • Francesca says:

    Ray of Light is obviously true to its promise. Uplifting, liberating in its sense of purity I sumise from the review. And Tanja has such a reputation I’m sure it lives ip to the promise!
    Im international and thanks for the generous draw and lovely review.

  • Darilyn says:

    I have not yet tried any April Aromatic scents, but this really captured my attention! I love the reference to the Herkimer diamonds and citrines, as I purchase my gemstone jewelry based on the spiritual and mystical properties they possess. I love citrus scents!
    I checked out her line at LuckyScent. Thanks for the draw!

  • Connie says:

    Not a big fan of citrus but I’d love to try it with blond tobacco notes. I’m in the US.

  • Eva says:

    I heard very lot good thing about April Aromatics. I always wanted to try at least one of them. I would very like to win Ray of Light.
    I live in Europe.

  • Erzsebet says:

    I was never Tried April Aromatics perfumes, but the review is fantastic. I like citrus scents, especially if they are natural.
    I live in Europe.

  • Timea says:

    That’s a wonderful thing, that she use precious stones for her perfumes. It’s make them more special and fabulous. Although, I was never try any of them yet, but I think they are so perfect. I would very like to try Ray of Light.
    I live in Europe.

  • Jennifer Witt says:

    I could really use a juicy fragrance! I’ve never tried any April Aromatics before, but I’d love to. I live in the US.

  • Patty P. says:

    I’m ready for a sweet citrus. 🙂 I have not tried any April Aromatics but will be trying Unter den Linden first chance I get. US

  • Mujo says:

    I was pleasantly surprised by Liquid Dreams. It’s very lovely and refreshing. I’m a fan of natural perfumery, so I really want to try everything else Tanja created and I’m sure that I will have the opportunity in the near future. As for Ray of Light, I think it sounds awesome with juicy and sweetened citrus and blond tobacco in the drydown. I live in the Netherlands.

    Thanks you Tanja and ÇaFleureBon for this wonderful draw.

  • Cynthia says:

    I have wanted to try this line, and now that it is at LuckyScent it is more doable. One of my first scent loves as a young girl was Love’s Lemon spray. Maybe this is the very grown up version of that? I am in the US>

  • Donna Spiegel says:

    Ray of Light sounds absolutely right up my alley for the summertime. I can’t get enough of citrus fragrances. I keep going back to them this year more than ever. It must be because we had such a long, snowy winter. I love all different scents, but right now I’m in that citrus mindset and this just sounds amazing. I also looked at the other creations from April Aromatics and they sound amazing and are a must try. Luckyscent is great – samples are a coming to this girl 🙂 I like Tanja’s philosophy behind the making of her line. Crystals are cool. I’m in the US and thanks for the opportunity for this draw.

  • Jennifer B in SF says:

    An uplifting, sunny fragrance? Count me in – sounds like just what I needed today! Thank you for the wonderful draw – I can’t wait to try Calling All Angels as well!

  • Martin says:

    The described burst of citrus in Tanja’s all-natural Ray of Light truly sounds like something I would really enjoy wearing and sharing.

  • Steve A says:

    I’m curious to how the Herkimer diamonds and citrine will fit in when actually wearing this.
    I enjoy Precious Woods 🙂 US

  • Ferris Egoiste says:

    I love citrusy scents. They feel like fresh bright sunshine on your skin. Ive tried Tanja’s Unter den Linden and it was pretty great! I cannot wait to try this new one. Im in the US and thanks so much for the draw!!

  • Fazal Cheema says:

    i have smelled many natural perfumes but have never a citrus one before, thus, am interested in this. My interest is also due to the fact that April Aromatics is emerging as one of the best natural perfumery line. So far i have smelled only two from the line including Calling All Angels. I reside in the US and thanks so much for the opportunity to try it before official release

  • Egeria says:

    I’ve always loved cooling lemon scents for summer . I also wear Herkimer diamond and citrines. Thanks for the drawing! I’m in the U.S.

  • Jeannie 07 says:

    I like the fact that Ray of Light Ray of Light is an uplifting smell of a sunny fragrance that makes one happy to wear it and smell it, a real treat for ones nose.
    It fills you with joy and song but it also has a bit of blond tobacco, that gives it a smooth and subtle character

    I had the chance to experience Rosenlust …. oh my God !!!! What a true joy for ones senses !!! I loved it from the very first sniff, unique and luxurious smell …. really I must say that Mrs. Tanja Bochnig of April Aromatics is not only a very beautiful woman in her exterior but also a true beauty in her interior since she has managed to create such exceptional perfumes of true beauty and elegance.
    Dear Tanja please accept my humble thanks and congratulations !!! I believe that your future in the world of perfumery will be bright and more than that exceptional!!! Bravo and again bravo!

    I live in EU and I thank you for this lovely review and draw.

  • Elia says:

    Never tried an April Aromatics myself. What I think I’ll like is that this is described as being happy and uplifting, I could use one of those scents.
    ty

  • Elena C. says:

    I enjoyed very much the review for this fragrance! With all that citruses notes and tobacco in the base to hold the composition together, I am sure that Ray of Light will be something for my taste.

    I have not had the opportunity to test any from April Aromatics.

    Thanks for the draw!

  • Berit says:

    I love, love, love this review and I love natural fragrances. I have been wanting to try April Aromatics and the way you described this perfume as an uplifting stream of sunny fragrance, that puts a smile on my face immediately and just really transports me to a place that makes me happy, makes me really excited about trying Ray of Light. Thank you!

  • Lindsey says:

    I just ordered samples of liquid dreams and calling all angels so I am excited to try April Aromatics as Ihave heard great things about this brand.I would love a lemon drop cocktail sounds amazing. I livein the USA

  • Sandi L says:

    I love citrus, but I would love to try this more from Tanja’s intentions in creating it! The infusions sound like the perfect addition to the composition of the perfume. Congratulation to Tanja on the new release. I am in the US.

  • Janet in California. says:

    I love citrus scents I and anything that will fill me with joy and song sounds wonderful.

    I have not yet tried any of the April Aromatics but I will!

    Thanks!

  • Kate Mancini says:

    I’d love to be included in the draw! Calling All Angels is my fav AA scent so far but I’d love to try Ray of Light. I also happen to love that Madonna song but I digress! Thx for a chance!

  • jiminy says:

    Well, I like Lemon Drops, so that aspect of Ray of Light rings a bell for me. I also like April Aromatics’ approach to botanical perfumery. I live in the US.

  • Fiona says:

    I’ve only tried one of April Aromatics’ fragrances – Unter den Linden – but I’m so taken with it that I’m looking forward to splashing out on a bunch of samples in September. I find Unter den Linden so fresh and realistic – it’s like bottled summer, just like walking under lime trees in hot sun with a dash of citrus, the perfect summer fragrance. I like the sound of Ray of Light, because if it’s juicy, citrussy, realistic and uplifting, and if it’s as good as Unter den Linden, it’s bound to be a winner.

    Thanks for the draw. Tanja is very generous.
    I’m in the UK.

  • Imelda says:

    I love fresh citrusy fragrances, however I have never tried and could not imagine subtle tobacco dry down. I am very intrigued and definitely would love to try this!

  • Kim M. says:

    The iced lemon sounds like it would be ideal for our hot Florida weather. I love the images you used for this — I think the one with the Herkimer Diamonds with inclusions is a perfect choice for this scent!

  • Tess says:

    I haven’t had an uplifting cocktail punch for a long time. It’ll be a wonderful treat indeed. I live in Singapore.

  • Holly F. says:

    Ray of Light sounds like a beautiful uplifting shot of lemon sunshine, and we could all use a mood lifter like this every now and then. I have tried several April Aromatics fragrances, and I am truly smitten. Rose L’Orange made a huge impression on me! Tanja has amazing talent. I’m in the U.S. Thanks!

  • Missi B says:

    I very much like the name Ray of Light, it seems warm and full of hope. Lemon is my favorite summer ingredient, in perfume as in meals. I like its refreshment as well as its drop of sourness. I am interested in the tobacco in the end, for a long time I didn’t like tobacco in my scents, always insisting that it was a men’s ingredient but I grew up into it and like exploring it in fragrances. I would like to see how the tobacco would go with the refreshing citrus notes. I have not tried April Aromatics yet but it is already noted in my diary to do that. I am from Europe.

  • Cynthia Richardson says:

    I think I’ll like Ray of Light’s various notes and I’m very curious to see what the addition of citrine and Herkimer diamonds do for the fragrance. The thought of it sounds wonderful. I have not yet tried any April Aromatics perfumes.

  • johnjd says:

    I absolutely love these type of citrus fragrances. I can imagine all the various citrus fruits being cut opened. I was excited to read about Ray of Light. I’m ready for something different in my fragrance collection and this could be the right one. I have yet to try any of the April Aromatics line but the positivity of these perfumes has me testing them next in line. What a superb draw. I really can’t wait to smell this perfume. In the USA thanks for such an exciting draw.

  • sunnlitt says:

    I love citrus fragrances. And, Ray of Light sounds so bright!
    I have not tried and of the April Aromatics, but I would love to do so soon!
    I am in the US, and thank you for another lovely draw.

  • Lyubov says:

    I have tried a few of April Aromatics fragrances, and I love Calling All Angels. Well, it’s a bit too much for the swelter outside, that’s why I think the new scent would be more suitable. A fragrance carrying connotations of light is lways welcome to my aura. Even in the cold. But for now, I am really curious about the blend of citruses with blond tobacco. Do they mingle, or they intertwine for a whole new sensation?
    I am in the EU, Bulgaria. Thank you for the draw!