Etro • Shaal Nur • Fragrances

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*TOP REVIEWER* tessture on 7/4/2011 12:42:00 PM more reviews by tessture

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

Wow, I'm so not sure what the previous reviewer got that made her smell this as 100% masculine: It's not. First on there is a blast of harsh almost-patchouli woods, but that passes quickly and Shaal Nur mellows to a sweet faintly woody vanilla incense with dry sandalwood tones and an almost fruit-like sweetness. Hours later, it's powdered Japanese wood incense with sweet vanilla-musk coolness, like the base of Worth's Courtesan. I like it okay, but it's not a keeper for me. My sister, however, adores it, so the bottle is going to a good home. I don't get the blast of citrus others have gotten either. It's just a nice vanilla wood incense on me.

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*TOP REVIEWER* condesadepitimini on 2/27/2009 8:49:00 AM more reviews by condesadepitimini

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Blond, Fine   Eyes: Green    

Well, I'm sorry but Luca Turin was right.
This is a green spicy vetiver, 100% masculine (and the frag is marketed as feminine).
So spicy, too many BBQ spices for my taste -estragon, thyme, rosemary. I like these in food, less in frags.
Woody and heavy on the cedar.
I would have loved and expected this frag to be warm, spicy and truly oriental (in a feminine way) not herbal, full of vetiver and where the Encens is almost un-recognizable, you have to wait til the dry down to smell but just a little of it.
Reminds me of Grey Flannel, of shaving cream and of those balsamic fomentation medicines I use when I have a cold (sic!)
It is in anycase an interesting frag, complex, well constructed; ideal for an uptown well bred young man, but nothing I would really wear myself.

_____________________

Notes as per Osmoz:

Top: Lemon, Coriander, Bergamote, grapefruit, rosewood.
Heart: Thyme, Estragon, rosemary, Karo Karoundé, Rose, Petit Grain
base notes: Nutmeg , Patchouli, Vétiver, Cedar, Oppoponax, Encens, Musc

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SkirtSteak on 1/31/2009 1:34:00 PM more reviews by SkirtSteak

Age: 36-43   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I'm only writing this to snarkily correct Luca Turin, who was clearly suffering from olfactory fatigue(or dementia) when he reviewed Shaal Nur in "Perfumes the Guide". Luca called this a "warm vetiver", and said it's "not a million miles from Vol de Nuit". The only thing SN and VdN have in common is that they're both perfumes, and neither fragrance could be characterized as a Vetiver. Hopefully he'll take time to actually smell the perfumes the next time he writes a book, or turn the sniffing over to the less geriatric Tania. By the way, Robin of 'Now Smell This' shares my categorization of Shaal Nuur as a unisex incense frag. Etro does have a vetiver scent, aptly called "Vetiver". Perhaps those unfamiliar with what vetiver actually smells like could buy one of those little single note kits to hone their skills...

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jemimagold on 11/13/2008 4:15:00 PM more reviews by jemimagold

Age: 36-43   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

Etro’s Shaal Nur is a dark oriental fragrance whose semi-acrid top note reminded me of Estee Lauder’s style of perfume – Youth Dew in particular. I also caught fleeting whiffs of saffron and amber which petered out after about 10 minutes. As the middle notes of vanilla and incense crept in and softened things up, Shaal Nur became a much more likeable and wearable fragrance. My overall impression of Shaal Nur is that it has a cozy “frankincense and myrrh” vibe and is definitely a fragrance for colder weather. Despite the listed notes below, I cannot say that I detected any citrus, rose or narcissus at all but then I dabbed it on which seems to produce different results than spraying.


In terms of comparison, if you like cuddliness of Shaal Nur, you would also enjoy Cristiano Fissore’s Cashmere for Women or the Ormonde Jayne line.


Per The Perfumed Court, here are the notes: citrus, rose, narcissus, karo karounde, jonquil, incense, vanilla and spices.

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*TOP REVIEWER* 52pigtails on 9/24/2008 3:22:00 AM more reviews by 52pigtails

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I'm not a big fan of incense, but I do love Etro for its very chic, elegant reputation. Plus, I was looking for a soft, not too offending incense fragrance to add to my fragrance library, just in case. This is exactly what I was looking for: a light, subtle incense infused in fresh citrus and contoured by warm herbs (thyme, estragon, rosemary) and soft flowers (rose, karo-koundé). I find it very complex, very interesting to explore, suitable for a chill fall evening and calming enough for bedtime. The lasting power is amazing and I love wearing a scarf or a sweater that still has that fresh relaxing note on it after some days.
NOTE: Do not trust the smell of Shaal Nur from sample vials, it's very very different and misleading, in that I didn't smell citruses at all. The fragrance is really different when sprayed.

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*TOP REVIEWER* rocketqueen on 6/18/2008 3:25:00 PM more reviews by rocketqueen

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

Shaal Nur from Etro was created in 1997, here is the description:
Top: Citrus floral (lemon, bergamot, grapefruit, tangerine, rosewood, coriander)
Heart: Aromatic floral (thyme, tarragon, rosemary, karo karoundé, rose, petit grain)
Base: Spicy, woody, amber (nutmeg, patchouli, vetiver, cedar wood, opoponax, incense, musk)


A great dose of herbs, that's for sure! I sense loads of thyme and rosemary, lemon thyme, a small amount of nutmeg, a touch of pot marjoram, some coriander and it feels like I'm strolling through a herb garden, rubbing the aromatic leaves between my fingers. I tend not to like citrus notes and I get a large deal of bergamot here in the first burst, which is a detest note for me as it very often turns extremely sharp and dominating, here too. The blend is more sharp than harmonious, a tad aggressively unbalanced instead of well-composed and warm. Wood is in the background, dry woods, incense and a little amber. Aromatic is the main feeling here, possibly with a thin, thin note of an exhausted rose that's panting in the background. Shaal Nur really makes me what to throw a herb and spice marinade together, I suddenly start to think of the gorgeous Jamie Oliver and his even more gorgeous roasted chicken.

The dry-down is much better; after a few hours, what is left is a woodsy rosemary with some musk which is a very calming blend - and lo and behold, the dark rose evolves! Oh, thy beautiful rose! No predominating note but just enough for it not to flicker off. Now Shaal Nur is warmer, mysterious, beautifully sultry. Hot!


I adore Shaal Nur, but not until the citrusy top notes has diminished.


Staying power: 7/10, not extraordinary fantastic but lasts until the evening.

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ocpunk1 on 6/11/2008 4:39:00 PM more reviews by ocpunk1

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Red   Eyes: Brown    

I am in a bind with this fragrance. I have a couple of samples and have been wearing it for awhile, trying to make up my mind about it. I don't really like the top notes; I don't know if it's the lemon or what, but it comes across at first as too MUSTY for my taste, reminding me of a really powerfully scented head shop from the '70s. On the drydown, it is quite pleasant, although either the patchouli or the sandalwood note sticks out a bit from the rest of the composition, again, hearkening back to those places and that time period. Shortly after I received a sample of this, I also received samples of Bond No. 9 AW Silver Factory and CdG's Incense Series Avignon. I really love them, too, and appreciate that they are a little sweeter and a little less "curry" scented than the Shaal Nur. And on the drydown, all are very similar. What to buy, what to buy... AWSF is SO expensive, CdG and Shaal Nur are pretty close in price... I'll have to append a note on what I decide to do. :) If anyone has any response to this, please post. :)

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debrsl on 4/24/2008 2:59:00 PM more reviews by debrsl

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

This is a straight-up masculine.

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Sayers on 4/1/2008 9:52:00 PM more reviews by Sayers

Age: 44-55   Skin: Normal   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

Shaal Nur is bright and warm at the same time. Citrus, vanilla and a hint of what seems to be honey incence. I adore this fragrance that is uplifting and centering. Wear it year round...also a great sleep scent.

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*TOP REVIEWER* purplebird on 3/11/2007 12:39:00 PM more reviews by purplebird

Age: 44-55   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

This is one teriffic citrus. The grapefruit stands out on me, and there are herbs--terragon and rosemary--and plenty of nutmeg. Cool, spicy, tangy, and wet. It works. I think it has masculine leanings. Here is my reason: Shaal Nur reminds me of my father's shaving cream--in a good way. I have memories of my sister and I lathering up our baby faces and dragging bladeless razor handles across the foam. What a nice fragrance.
Some men think it is a little feminine, some women think it is a little masculine: that puts it squarely in unisex territory, which is where Etro does its most excellent creation. Another fine Etro fragrace that crosses over the gender border.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* Gracious_Lady on 2/24/2007 9:53:00 PM more reviews by Gracious_Lady

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Medium Brown, Warm   Hair: Brown, Relaxed, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Shaal Nur was recommended to me, and I recently acquired a sample. I was very excited to try it. Well, it is a bit too loud and linear on me. Not sure which note it is (might be the cedar), but it upstages all the other notes. On me, Shaal Nur is kind of medicinal. Truly a disappointment. I had such high hopes.

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newproducts on 10/15/2006 12:24:00 PM more reviews by newproducts

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Shaal Nur is a deceptively complex scent. On cursory sniff, it has a bright citrus topnote that immediately segues into a dark and dense, almost mossy (reminiiscent of vetiver but not quite) middle and bottom, which together is reminiscent of men's cologne. The rose is quite hidden, and you will find it only if you look long and hard for it, as any respectable rose lover would. The dark and dense bulk of this fragrance, on further sniffage, smells more like frankincense, and a melange of herbs -- including maybe bay and sage, but I am only guessing here. All of this may not sound at all appealing to some (and may make others, most likely fellow perfume, especially incense, fanatics who frequent the fragrance board :P , jump at the chance to sniff it). However, appealing it is. The darkness of the scent is balanced by the citrus, and it is at once refreshing and incredibly grounding. I love to wear this to bed or while studying/reading. It is perfect all year-round, even in sweltering heat or the dead of winter. It is not a scent I would wear to impress others but a scent I wear for myself.

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*TOP REVIEWER* amykelley on 10/10/2006 1:40:00 AM more reviews by amykelley

Age: Unknown   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

Shaal Nur is the perfect choice when I want to feel calm and focused. There's a brief lemony zing when I first spray it on, and then it all quickly fades into a very light, creamy combination of incense, wood and a tiny hint of vanilla - just enough to sweeten it a bit, but not enough to make it a sweet fragance.

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glitzygirl on 1/29/2006 7:17:00 PM more reviews by glitzygirl

Age: 36-43   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I am quite taken with Shaal Nur. On first spray it almost conjures a men’s shaving cream- the old kind with the soap dish and the little brush that’s used to make a lather. It smells citrusy and clean with a touch of lavender and perhaps rosemary. Then it softens and sweetens. It smells of incense and sandalwood, vanilla and light roses. It never gets too rosy or overly sweet on me though. There is a clean, refreshing quality that lingers on my skin. Overall this fragrance makes me feel up-lifted and happy. The final dryout is slightly exotic reminding me of other great Orientals such as Shalimar, Or des Indes, and Habit Rouge. While I think this is a gorgeously understated women’s fragrance, I can see it working equally well on the right man. As an aside, Shaal Nur is wonderful layered over Etro’s Patchouly where the rose and vanilla take on a woody nature with a bit of camphor-like undertones.

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thrpschr on 12/11/2005 8:19:00 PM more reviews by thrpschr

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Black   Eyes: Blue    

Sadly, Shaal Nur doesn't seem to work very well with my body chemistry. I would love to love this, but on my skin, Shaal Nur is extremely linear and almost completely lacks anything that might be called a drydown. The first blast is very strong, heavy on the citrus and cedar, and way too sharp. Household cleaner sharp. Two hours later, it's still household cleaner and eye-wateringly sharp; yet another couple of hours, it's weaker, but not more mellow, and after another hour or so, it's gone. That's all.

Edit 070723: I don't know what happened, but I gave it a new shot and all of a sudden this works splendidly on me. It starts off with a similar herbal citrus accord, but more complex than I remembered it, and then slowly evolves into a rich, soft and slightly sweet vanilla-tinged incense. When it really settles in the drydown I find it almost too soft and smooth, and begin to long for the rush of herbs and lemon peels in the beginning.

I was given a nearly full tester bottle for free by a very kind SA when I tried to buy it on sale, but they didn't have any bottles left; so I have what feel like a lifetime supply of Shaal Nur. If I ever finish the bottle, I can see myself buying a new one, though.

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Perfmavin on 3/16/2005 9:45:00 PM more reviews by Perfmavin

Age: 44-55   Skin: Very Oily   Hair: Red   Eyes: Green    

A disappointment due to the lack of lasting power. 2 hours max after dousing myself- even after applying the body lotion under it. The fragrance itself is exotic and warm and I would give it a higher recommendation if it weren't as expensive and/or more lasting.

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*TOP REVIEWER* freskagirl on 2/9/2005 11:25:00 PM more reviews by freskagirl

Age: Unknown   Skin: Combination   Hair: Black   Eyes: Green    

I'd been living off samples of this one for a year or more, and finally purchased a full-size bottle. What a revelation--this fragrance really comes into its own on me when it is *sprayed* on, as opposed to dabbed. I'd been hesitant to buy a bottle because the samples didn't seem to last on my skin. When I spray this on, I get lemon (not super-tart, but a mellow lemon) and a slight whiff of dry woodsiness. Then incense--a churchy incense--combines with the lemon. Normally, I think of church incense as somewhat "cool", but the lemon seems to warm this up (there's a touch of spicy sweetness in there, too). This is a soft scent that still makes a definite statement. Love it! The bottle is pretty, too.

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*TOP REVIEWER* helg on 2/5/2005 11:21:00 PM more reviews by helg

Age: Unknown   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

This incense scent is not typical of its category. Granted , there is innovation behind it.
Citrus combines with incense to make a summery scent. Well, cool incenses are already suitable for summer. I do't know why they needed to further make it more refreshing.

This one starts very lemony and retains that lemony tone quite a while till the incense drydown. Then a little vanilla comes through and makes it a little cuddlier. No wood descernible for me. Lasts well and has the most lovely bottle!!
It is indeed unique in its combination. One to be experienced at least , for sure.

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*TOP REVIEWER* vampsandtramps on 1/7/2005 5:05:00 PM more reviews by vampsandtramps

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I have been writing so many negative fragrance reviews lately that it feels good to write something positive. Shaal Nur is amazing. On first application, I get an intense lemon, but it fades immediatley to a lovely blend of incense and citrus. The spice wears off after a few hours and it becomes a soft woody fragrance, and suprisingly the lemon still lurks in the background, which makes the drydown interesting instead of generic. It is so sexy and wearable, and I think I'll be able to pull this off in the summer too!

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BubbaJab on 1/4/2005 7:22:00 AM more reviews by BubbaJab

Age: 44-55   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

Horrible scent! Yuck!

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