Surprising Turn: Chai Isn't Limited to Fall, and This Stylish New Scent Demonstrates It.

      To describe my perfume collection as extensive would be an understatement. Like many beauty editors, I have made it my full-time job to frequently explore new fragrances in the market—it's all in the name of research. My latest *exploration* led me to a remarkable new clean brand that continues to impress me with each release. Today, the fragrance house Belnu has launched a new product: Chai Fleur Eau de Parfum. This enchanting and distinctive scent fills a void in my perfume collection. Although chai notes are often associated with fall, this fragrance demonstrates that they can indeed be beautifully delightful throughout the year. If you're looking for something refreshing to add to your collection, Chai Fleur is an ideal choice for the spring-summer season. Moreover, the brand’s other fragrances are equally enticing. For more on my Belnu favorites and details about Chai Fleur, continue reading. Below is my heartfelt tribute to the brand.

      Key notes: Nutmeg, cinnamon, green cardamom, lavender, cistus, violet, vanilla bean, cypriol, cedarwood, vanilla. I must start this review by stating that I don’t view chai as a basic flavor in any sense—not in lattes and certainly not in the realm of fragrance. I fell in love immediately when I experienced Belnu's Rose Steady due to its unique richness—Chai Fleur is no exception. It's multifaceted and intricate, yet still inviting. The vanilla bean notes are the most prominent, creating an exceptionally sweet gourmand scent, but as it dries down, you get hints of all its nuanced layers, prompting curiosity about its beautiful and subtle complexity. For me, the violet and cedarwood notes add considerable depth on my skin. That’s what captured my attention—it’s not your typical gourmand with standard notes. Belnu took a chance and created something extraordinary, similar to what they’ve done with their other fragrances. Each one is truly distinctive, and Chai Fleur is certainly my new favorite from the brand. The initial notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, and cardamom provide warmth and comfort, while the heart notes of lavender and violet introduce an element of mystery. They ground the fragrance and impart a fresh, floral nuance. Overall, the scent is creamy, long-lasting, and whenever I wear it, I cannot help but keep sniffing my wrists. If you enjoy gourmand scents but desire something a bit different, this is your answer. As a beauty editor with years of experience, I find myself seeking fragrances that are bold and explore new scent profiles. Belnu embodies this spirit while remaining committed to its clean ethos. The brand's founder, Darcy Moore, started Belnu after her skin cancer diagnosis, realizing how many irritating ingredients are commonly found in fragrances, and she aimed to create something better. Chai Fleur and the brand's other products display that clean fragrances can be both enduring and special without harmful ingredients. Below are a few of my other favorites from the brand.

      Key notes: Black pepper, cardamom, honeyed lemon, tobacco leaf, cistus, guaiac wood, amber, incense. Moody and smoky perfectly capture the essence of this new fragrance from the brand. It is undeniably bold and ideal for those who enjoy a heavier, woodier scent. The richness of tobacco leaf, black pepper, and guaiac wood is enhanced by the lighter notes of honeyed lemon and amber, creating a truly unisex aroma.

      Key notes: Frankincense, cashmere wood, bay leaf, rose, sandalwood, fig leaf, patchouli, cedarwood, musk. I literally exclaimed "Ooh" the first time I experienced this fragrance due to its fascinating and unique profile. Initially, I was unsure how it would smell on my skin when I first opened the bottle. However, once I sprayed it on my wrists, I fell head over heels. It's profoundly rich, earthy, and rose-centric without coming off as "old." I now consider it one of the most exquisite scents in my collection. Although I typically gravitate towards gourmand fragrances, this one is floral and earthy with elements of frankincense, rose, and fig leaf.

      Key notes: Bergamot, pink pepper, orange blossom, lavender, verbena, jasmine, patchouli, vetiver, sage, amber. I was pleasantly surprised by this fragrance since bergamot is not usually one of my favorite notes. It greatly depends on the accompanying notes, and this combination is simply harmonious. The slight spiciness from pink pepper is balanced by the soft, sweet notes of orange blossom, lavender, and jasmine. One reviewer even mentioned, "My doorman asked me what I was wearing and wanted the link to buy it for his wife. That's equivalent to a gold medal in New York."

      More Fragrances I Currently Adore

      Ellis Brooklyn

      Guava Granita Eau De Parfum With Vanilla and Banana

      Key notes: Guava juice, banana, vanilla. This newer fragrance from Ellis Brooklyn