Our take
What does Nu Eau de Parfum smell like?
Nu came out in 2001 at Yves Saint Laurent, while Tom Ford was running the house's creative direction. Jacques Cavallier built this eau de parfum around incense, which is still rare in a mainstream women's scent. The opening is fresh and a little stern. Bergamot mixes with green cardamom that smells of crushed seeds. The heart slips toward a dark, barely floral orchid, lit by jasmine and given bite by pepper. Reviewers also pick up elemi, a lemony resin that adds an almost mineral clarity. Then incense takes over. It is dry and smoky, like cold church stone, laid over sandalwood and vetiver with a faint musk. It never tries to win you over right away. Nu is discontinued, and bottles now trade between collectors. The eau de toilette, which has a different formula, is no substitute.
When to wear it
Autumn and winter evenings. Two sprays on skin, as the incense spreads slowly but lasts a long time.
It belongs to the Oriental / Amber, Spicy family. Nu Eau de Parfum is one of 47 creations by Yves Saint Laurent in our encyclopedia.
