Nocturne: A Literary-Inspired Perfume Evoking Mystery and Dark Romance

When I was a teenager, and even now, I have always been drawn to love stories with a heavy dose of mystery and just a touch of darkness: Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, The Phantom of the Opera, and of course fairy tales (which are often darker than many people realize) all sparked my imagination and left a deep impression on me.

In creating Nocturne, a literary-inspired fragrance, my goal was to capture both the romance and the mystique of these stories, with just enough darkness to awaken curiosity and imagination. Nocturne, which means “night music,” is a rich, spicy floral with warm undercurrents that blooms beautifully on the skin. This is our longest-lasting clean rollerball perfume and one of our most popular fragrances, especially in the colder months.

Nocturne is also our best-selling fragrance, and for good reason. Everything about this literary-inspired scent captures both romance and mystery. Its scent story unfolds like a classic dark love story, revealing itself slowly, layer by layer, as it warms on the skin.

A Literary Inspired Perfume Scent-Story

Nocturne opens with sweet, heady blooms of authentic rose and subtle fruity notes that immediately fill the senses and lift the spirit. As it settles, a warm heart of resinous labdanum, soft spices, and black pepper emerges, adding complexity. On the skin, the fragrance continues to warm and bloom on the individual wearer, unfolding into a sensuous blend of romantic florals with a lingering warmth. This "slow unfolding" is part of what makes Nocturne so captivating as it continues to develop and linger on the skin. This, along with it's deep floral and spicy notes, are also what makes it a perfect choice for evening wear and special occasions.

With a name and fragrance notes originally inspired by by Gaston Leroux’s The Phantom of the Opera, as well as the musical adaptation ( "The Music of the Night," of course!), Nocturne draws on the romance of shadows, velvet, music, and unrequited longing that define many darker love stories.

There is beauty here, but also restraint. Passion tempered by mystery. Love that is intense, complex, and perhaps not entirely safe.

Unlike some of my other literary-inspired fragrances, like Juliet, Nocturne is not rooted in a specific historical period of perfumery. Instead, its grounding comes entirely from story, atmosphere, and mood.

The fragrance notes unfold the way a dark love story does, slowly revealing depth, tension, and beauty as it develops on the skin.

The lush opening rose mirrors first attraction. As the scent deepens, labdanum, spices, and black pepper add intrigue and emotional complexity. Finally, the warm musk lingers close to the skin, intimate and unforgettable, like a melody that continues to linger, long after the music itself has ended.

A Dark Romance Meant to Be Worn

Nocturne is a fragrance that truly comes alive on the skin. Because it is an oil-based roller perfume, the warmth of the body allows the notes to bloom and soften over time, revealing new layers as the hours pass. It is not overpowering, but it is our strongest and longest-lasting in the literary, clean-perfume line. It remains present on the wearer for several hours.

Among our customers, Nocturne has become a favorite for evenings, romantic moments, and special occasions. In the fall and winter months, the labdanum, spices, and musk feel especially cozy and enveloping, making it a warmly romantic scent in colder seasons.

Nocturne also wears beautifully in the evening at any time of year. For daytime wear year round, lighter application can be used. The the rose and warm florals keep it balanced and intimate rather than heavy, creating a scent that feels sensual and intentional, not overpowering.

A Romantic Gift with Depth and Story

Because of its rich scent profile and literary inspiration, Nocturne makes a beautiful gift for those who love Phantom of the Opera, a darker love story, or simply fragrance with deeper meaning. It's also a great option for those seeking a cleaner and more natural perfume option. This scent is a popular gift, especially around Christmas and Valentine’s Day.

Whether worn as a signature evening scent or saved for special moments, Nocturne captures both romance and mystery in a way that feels timeless and gorgeous. It is a fragrance for those who love beauty with complexity, and romance with a sense of mystery.

Nocturne: Rose, Black Pepper, Plum, Labdanum Clean Perfume

$20.00

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FAQs

What does Nocturne smell like? Nocturne is a rich, romantic scent with blooming rose and subtle fruity notes layered over warm labdanum, spices, black pepper, and soft musk. It is floral, mysterious, and gently spicy, with a warm, lingering finish.

Is Nocturne a strong fragrance? Nocturne is not overpowering, but it is the strongest scent in our clean, oil-based perfume line. It does not project loudly into a room, but it is quite present on and around the wearer. It is also long lasting, especially when applied to warm areas of the skin.

When is the best time to wear Nocturne? Nocturne is best suited for evenings, romantic moments, and special occasions. It is especially loved in fall and winter, but can be worn year-round in the evening.

Is Nocturne wearable during the day? While Nocturne is designed as an evening fragrance, it can be worn during the day if applied lightly for a softer, more intimate effect.

Is Nocturne seasonal or part of the permanent collection? Nocturne is part of Bloom’s permanent collection and is available year-round. It is a best-seller and customer favorite.

Is Nocturne a good gift? Yes. Nocturne is our best-selling fragrance and a wonderful gift, especially around Christmas and Valentine’s Day. Its romantic, mysterious scent and literary inspiration also make it a favorite choice for a meaningful self-gift.