Perfume Review: Maharanih by Parfums de Nicolai
Maharanih is the newest fragrance in the Parfums de Nicolai line. Patricia Nicolai is the grand-daughter of Pierre Guerlain and has received extensive training in perfumery, even from Jean-Paul Guerlain himself. I highly admire her creations, my favorite being Balkis (velvety, peppery raspberry), Maharadjah (spicy lavender), Vanille Tonka (candied incense). The scents are marked by not only unique combinations of notes but also by certain exoticism, the search for the undiscovered. Maharanih seems to follow that tradition - it carries a distinct Nicolai mark exploring aromatic and spicy notes.
Maharanih is a radiant scent. Bitter orange soaked in geranium is what you get upon first sniff - aromatic and pungent. The heart is permeated with lavender and a touch of cinnamon, very much echoing Maharadjah. The drydown is softened by smooth amber and barely there sandalwood. I very much enjoy the fragrance but it’s another case of conceptual appeal. I cannot help but think Maharanih would make an excellent home scent. On skin, it lacks a certain something, that quality which makes perfume wearable. Perhaps, it’s also the fact I find it too similar to Maharadjah which I prefer much more.
Maharanih is available at Luckyscent.
Image source: luckyscent.com
20 comments February 22nd, 2007