Ray of Light
April Aromatics (2014)

Perhaps the greatest test for any natural perfumer is how they handle The Great Citrus Problem. Citrus notes are short-lived molecules of pure joy, and it is the task of every perfumer to come up with new solutions to make them last beyond 5 minutes. Companies with a broad palette of mixed media materials (both naturals and synthetics) can extend the citrus through layering it over coumarin or oakmoss-replacing materials; see Azemour Les Orangers (Parfum d'Empire) as perhaps the best example of this on the niche side.

On the natural end of things, Ray of Light is probably the best I've personally encountered. The yuzu-like grapefruit topnote is so riveting that you'll drop whatever you're doing just to focus on it. How is this incredible note extended? The best I can tell, it's done through using mint to bridge it to a slightly bitter, resinous galbanum or hay-like accord in the base. There's also a candied edge to it reminiscent of the lemon-and-lime flavored chews of my childhood.

A nice initial opening scent of citrus...but then everything went wrong. This smelled like a comb that has been soaking in solution at the barber shop and is used to comb through wet hair. I couldn't stand it for very long and had to scrub it off. Hence, the lack of longevity and sillage on my rating. I will try to put it on wrists again at some point, but I honestly couldn't stand it after the brief opening notes...maybe it's just my chemistry, but a definite nope for me.

One of the best Lemon-Lime combos I've smelled in a while. Quality as usually with April Aromatic fragrances. The citrus notes come right at you in a beautiful way that will have your nose pinned to wherever you spray this. This will kick ass in the summer, but strong enough to handle the cooler days also. 8.5/10