Perfumista on a Shoestring: If You Like Ambre Passion by Laura Mercier, You Might Like Musk Amber by Nemat International
This summer I discovered the Nemat International line of fragrance oils from India as they are currently being sold in places like Whole Foods and other types of health food stores. I am struck by their good quality. So much so that the Kuumba Made line which previously ranked high in my opinion of such oils has now taken second place. The Kuumba Made oils which smelled satisfying to my nose and are supposed to be 100% natural now take on a less authentic aura compared to the Nemat oils. The latter have more depth, more complexity, richness, and are rounder. Ultimately, they smell more natural. I particularly liked both Musk Amber and Jasmine although I must hasten to add, I am not a jasmine fan.
Unfortunately, this flower has been so repeatedly mistreated that your average jasmine oil can feel pretty cliché. Not so with Nemat International, I recommend their jasmine oil...Musk Amber was my favorite. It is a rich, warm amber with musky undertones. It immediately made me thing of Ambre Passion by Laura Mercier, a perfect scent for fall and winter.
The Nemat oil is thick and adheres well onto the skin. It is so thick it is sometimes a bit hard to make it drip out of the small flacon, it just stays put. You might want to use a toothpick to stir it and take out a drop or two.
The perfume will not project as much as Ambre Passion, being closer to the skin, and that may be a good thing because The Laura Mercier is on the heady side. But it is a surprisingly good amber perfume, independently of the price. If you like a very natural amber you should try these two and decide which one works best for you. The oils come in cute little Oriental style bottles. There are three sizes: 2.5 ml, 5 ml, and 10 ml respectively sold for $2.50, $4.00, and $7.00 at wholesale prices. Retail prices are marked up of course but the prices are still very reasonable, $7 to $8 for a 2.5 ml bottle that will last you a long time due to the high concentration of the oil. Ambre Passion by comparison retails for $65.
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Bonjour, Helene-
How delightful !
I will have to sneak off and investigate these, especially in the Whole Foods on River Street...
My family wearies of my perpetual curiosity where these matters are concerned...
Enjoy your long w/e...
Posted by: chayaruchama | September 1, 2006
I love the Musk Amber. I just bought a handful of musks from Whole Foods, looking for something that could get close to my faves, MKK and Musc Ravageur, and this was the only one anywhere near the ballpark. The amber is big at first, but then the musk asserts itself, and the whole thing becomes pleasing and rich. I also like the Sweet Musk in the Attar Bazaar line, and the Oriental Musk in the Kuumba Made line. Attar Bazaar's Egyptian Musk is too light for my taste. Nemat's Himalayan Musk is also nice - it has a woodsy-piney tint to it that is unusual.
Posted by: minette | September 1, 2006
Chaya,
I already corresponded with you by email about that, but for others living in the Boston area, you can find the Nemat oils at Harvest Coop in Central Square.
Posted by: Mimi | September 3, 2006
Minette,
Isn't that amber rich and voluptuous! It was such a good surprise. I will re-sniff the line this fall just to see if the new weather influences my opinion about some of the other oils.
Posted by: Mimi | September 3, 2006
Asalam alykum,
Can anyone tell me, how I can order from nemat? I especially would like Firduas and Jewel of the nile
Posted by: Rafi Abd Rahman Gonzalez | May 22, 2008