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StOrC – :
This version of Nu does smell really close to the original (which I also have) This is just lighter, a more sheer “updated” & delicate version to me. Actually, it’s lovely, a very wearable oriental with a noticeable patchouli note & light spices. Patchouli is not listed here but it is definitely there because A) it says so on the bottle, & B) I can smell it clearly !
I agree that this version is not loud, but it definitely lasts well on my skin – sprayed 10 hours ago, it was with me all day & I can still smell it now. It’s also quite versatile in that I would feel comfortable wearing this almost all year round. I also think this would smell fantastic on a man.
Too much moaning about reformulations sometimes, with this I can easily just accept & embrace the way it is now – it’s still a great scent. It still smells like original Nu (imo) but I think I find this one a bit more easy going (less “peppery”) I have a lot of perfumes (from across the price/range spectrum) & this one (for me) is really up there, one of the very best of my collection.
Edit. The packaging of this version is a crying shame. It’s tacky, plastic-y & does not match the elegance of the lovely scent inside. I wonder if they’d launched this with a fanfare in a stunning bottle & under a different name, it would’ve been a run away success? 🙂
klimind – :
This is great, virtually the same as the original in the shiny purple disc. Fabulous stuff, smooth spicy, not too sweet (so rare these days) and more feminine than Sensuous Noir (a similar spicy creature). Another one added to the want list.
romello.2000 – :
When I first tried this it came across as a soft, powdery scent. But there was something about it that made me stop by the Yves Saint Laurent counter every time I was out shopping for just one more test. The more I tried it, the more I picked up on the incense until I caved in and bought some. I am really glad I did. There’s a subtle freshness from the bergamot that lifts the top notes and then it settles down into soft frankincense and myrrh. On me, it’s not spicy at all. I wish I had tried the original as it must have been wonderful, but I am enjoying this reissue very much.
I agree with those who aren’t taken with the bottle. I find the design clunky. When I opened the box, because of the list of notes on the bottle I thought they had accidentally sold me a tester.
sdomic – :
EDIT: I bought the original a few weeks after I sampled the reissue. Think the reissue is more of a day-scent and versatile. I like the reissue more.
This reissue of Nu is rarely mentioned at all so guess how surprised I was when running into it a few days ago. My heart literally jumped over the roof since I wanted to sample NU for a long, long time. Of course I sprayed right away. And I love it!
What a great cardamom bomb this is. The toned down incense in the new Nu makes it a more “versatile” scent than just for evening night outs. I agree with all other reviewers on the sillage and longevity: this Nu is shy, but it lasts and lasts.
My only complaint is the orchid note. I wish it was a little bit less intense during the dry down. If so it would’ve been my perfect cardamom scent and I no longer need to get Neela Vermeire Trayee.
driftrit – :
Nu is exactly the sort of fragrance I love. I haven’t yet smelled the original fragrance so I can’t compare the two, however, I find this version to have real clarity in its fragrance. The cardamom is beautifully rendered as is the incense; on me, the florals and light citrus add a sweetness to the first two, delivering this wonderful fragrance which doesn’t become dull or overblown. I live in a hot, humid environment and this fragrance is fresh on a close day, yet warm on a winters day. The best part for me is that Nu is never so heavy that you get a headache, which some fragrances with incense can do with me. The incense is clear but not cloying. This is currently my go-to fragrance. It makes me feel happy and confident when I wear it – a benefit YSL never mentioned on the packaging! Sillage is good on me, as is longevity. Can you tell that I really love this one?
likin – :
Warm spicy, pleasant, oriental scent. Very ladylike and not too heavy. If you love oriental scents, try it! You won’t be disappointed. An Arabian princess could wear it for sure.
mypiko – :
Sampling from a decant gifted…ive only had the original in edt version whose top notes dissipated with age. I dont think this smells like the edt i had so can only assume others compare to edp. Anyway overall impression is good. Cardamom strong initially but after top notes settle it does change into a sweet incense. I dont really dig the church smoky incenses but i like this. I get a soapy smell too…not sure what note is giving this? I think a large decant would do me fine because deep down if i wanted spice and incense i think i would choose opium every time!
Edit= i took this decant on holidays and i love it! Even though my initial thoughts was i would choose vintage opium over this i find this so easy to wear and versatile
safas – :
@brittliis
It is definitely NOT the same as the “old formula”!
unascurfals – :
I`m so happy discovering La collection NU, as it`s exactly the same like the origin Nu, so stop wining, who tells that it`s not the same, weaker etc- just use it and enjoy as I do:)! I bought 4 bottles of it, as I don`t know how long I can find this collection Nu.
cac2s96 – :
The problem with re-releases of Fragrances isn’t that they change the fragrance its the people who had the ‘original’ whining that its nothing like the original. In most cases releases aren’t about recapturing the old crowd but appealing to a newer one, who aren’t interested in smelling like the old crowd.
I’ve never tired the original Nu so I don’t know exactly but on me this one is a nice smooth spicy scent. The silage is moderate and the longevity is moderate on me, it turns into a faint pleasant background rather quickly but occasionally as you walk down the street or through a shopping mall you catch a waft of a soft mysterious incense and the spice market of Marrakesh. Like a softer, more subtle and less in your face Spicebomb version of Youth Dew by Estee Lauder.
федос – :
Very enjoyable fragrance. Had the original bottle. Actualy, this stops me of purchasing the new 2011 version. There are just some distant similarities with the original one.
mosp – :
I’ve never smelled original Nu, but judging by the descriptions i’m pretty sure i would’ve loved it. This version is a beauty, it’s an incense scent alright in the lineage of Opium, but pared down, nude almost. The olibanum smells smoky yet super white and luminous. The cardamom is the star, green and lightly spicy, and the modern floral accord of orchid replaces carnation and heavy florals of vintage orientals.
A successful attempt at updating balsamic fragrances. Big like:)
scent: 8/10
longevity: 6/10
sillage: 6/10
Korhan – :
I had never even heard of this scent, but I still went ahead and spritzed my hand when I came across it at a local store. “Nu” in french means naked, so I was expecting a skin scent.
First blast was spices. A whiff of sweat, too, so I thought there must be cardamom in it. And sure enough, it’s listed in the notes. Then some kind of dark floral, unplaceable to me, because I’m not vhery good at identifying flowers. At this stage I was wondering wy they called it “Nu”. I went about my work. Then remembered to sniff my hand again. Sweet incense is what came to mind – probably the olibanum. And that was when I realized where the name came from. The scent had melted into my skin, it was ever so slightly sweet and spicy. The olibanum was enchanting. Everything was radiating off my skin as though it was just my own body smelling unbelievably good.
If this scent were a colour it would beige with golden undertones.
From the lack of reviews I can see this has not got the attention it deserves. Please test, I think you will not be disappointed.
ROBSON77777 – :
Pardon my polygamy, but I happen to have relationships with all NUs: original EDP, EDT and with this LA Collection Nu, YSL by L’Oreal.
Love all of them unconditionally.
Nu is a scent of depth and sensuality. Such a character! Colourful and temperamental. Putting NU on makes Her subtly aggressive in contrast to His passive intensity, or vice versa, if you wish.
This shamanic concoction of citrus, spices and balsams is both carnal and transcendentally lyrical.
Love is all nuance s…..! Even if it lasts hardly long enough, the pain from Love lasts forever….
fil4593 – :
It smells like Nu from 2001, only not as strong. It seems a bit sweeter, whereas the original was more of an incense bomb with spices.
bpf018JeomiWogkig – :
This was on special, less than half price, on a local website (I’m in South Africa) and I couldn’t resist buying it blind based on the notes listed here. Well, wow, it has patchouli. First thing I smell when I spray it on. How is that not listed here? It is even written on the outside of the bottle – a little list in gold writing – Accords: Bergamote, Cardamome, Encens, Patchouli, Oliban. Now I am not a huge fan of patch, much as I like the idea of it, and this overwhelming burst of it made my heart sink… BUT, it is briefly dominant, later it seems to take a step back as other notes take a step forward – cardamom, incense, and this Nu becomes something I can actually enjoy. It definitely has a certain charm. A warm, comforting smokey sweetness with lingering spice and a slight soapiness that is nice rather than offensive. For the price I paid, I’m really happy.
koba24 – :
Let me start this by saying that I had the old Nu, in the round silver bottle, and loved it. It was one of my first perfumes, and probably the first one I chose for myself and saved up for. So yes, I know that this is not quite the same: it is a bit lighter and less opulent. However, I still love this and strongly recommend it.
The bergamot and vetiver, when combined with vanilla, create a fresh ice-cream sweetness, which is nicely perfumed by the light but noticeable orchid, and offset by the darker, but nonetheless cool, cardamom and incense.
It is all really well blended and the longevity is very good. It is not a sillage bomb as I remember the original being, but it projects nicely, within arm’s length.
To me, this is a beautiful and unusual fragrance that still holds its own. Don’t dismiss it just because it has been re-formulated.
phapypelo – :
This is high class! nu is a fragrance with attitude, a bit edgy, bold and at the same time sensual. Definitely created for intellectual women. Modern, direct, luxurious.
sberbank1981 – :
I remember the original EDP version back in the early 00s and I am sorry to say that this is a more simple and less stronger re launch of the original which was truly sensual and addictive.
grargeCheancy – :
I don’t love this, but I like it. It’s bold and spicy, but still very wearable. Perhaps a good alternative if you thought Opium was too mature or heady (I actually just wrote a somewhat mean review of that one).
leshyrero – :
I usually don’t get happy when I see that are reviving fragrances, for one simple reason: Always change the original formula. No, this isn’t a rule (but it’s something that’s almost impossible to not happen). Well, compared to NU, I am very saddened. This new version is, as said below,” shadow” of the first (It could be more inconspicuous than the EDT). Anyway, L’oreal isn’t least bit worried about quality or relaunch the product in question here and the focus is profit. What happens? They developed a line called ”la collection” (shaming) and they’re relaunching the greatest hits / classics from YSL label . Neither my adored and loved NU was spared. Yes, it’s just a poorly made replica and what is worst in the composition is a jet of synthetics and cheap (worthy of the L’oreal laboratories). Unfortunately I come across on the shelves of department stores with this new version and I’m laughing with the charm of some in relation to perfume. Yes, NU arouses interest of many who had no opportunity to have it or know it, but this is not the best chance. A shame, a lack of respect to my favorite YSL. Anyway, we live in a period where market and money is above and overlaps everything. This NU is worthy of the season: empty, deluded, indulgent and shallow. It is pitiful. Saint Laurent & L’oreal are destroying (or at least helping) an inheritance honorable and pompous.
Scent:
2*/5*
Bottle:
1*/5* (I can’t find anything interesting in a cube embedded in another cube and that supposedly it will refer us to a chess piece.)
german6807 – :
Wow how many bad reviews and I’ve just bought this one today.
Well what can I say… I love it. It’s spicy, it’s soft, it’s strong (bad longevity? really? I still smell it very very distinctly, and it’s been 9 hours).
I haven’t ever tried the much-spoken-about old version, and maybe if I had, comparison would not be in favor of this one, but … coulda woulda … you know.
Actually, I don’t mind. Times change, recipes change, design change. And I love the bottle. Pretty laconic design.
How it smells: woody+bit sweet, spicy, warming. very little insence (never even thought there is until seen here), and thank you very much for that – if i’d smelled it when I tried it I would have never bought.
Lovestro – :
The only frangrance I use from anything that comes from L’oreal group. It’s powdery and spicy. the downside: wears off rather quickly. Expensive to be retouching throughout the day but it just smells so good I don’t care of the expense.
rearrifiesiab – :
Once again the reviews here were pretty accurate.
The perfume is still good but it’s not the same.
It’s spicy and citrus-y but less smokey, less deep and less complicated.
I would buy it but it is ridiculously expensive for what it is. After all, after months of mourning, I substituted the original Nu with Dior Addict and I am quite happy about it, I would not want to cheat now that I settled down.
mztofree – :
i’m not one to lament discontinued fragrances or to bemoan reformulations. having said that, the current nu is barely a vague ancestor of the original edp. gone are the layers, the complexity, most of the incense and some of the lotus. there, now let’s let go and move on. the new version is nice enough. i always enjoy the freshness of bergamot, which i find is even more prominent now. i do like this for what it is but probably will not buy it again when my bottle is done.
Zemnangecaure – :
01. november 2012
let´s be honest, you probably have double thoughts about this fragrance since it was released by L´oreal and we all know now (and that´s not a secret) that L´oreal ruined many fragrances by reformulating them. I have the original “Nu” in EDP and i love it, i have original EDT and like it as well, so when i heard that it was re-released i was very happy about it. By now i have tested every female version of “la collection heritage” fragrances and some i love, some i like and some i dislike. So i will give you my honest opinion about this one as well.
First i would like to describe this particular fragrance and then compare.
When applied onto the paper blot i thought: “WOW! it is just the same as it used to be!” Then, 5-10 minutes later i have noticed that after a strong opening it becomes much more softer, but then again goes back to it´s sexy roots and on paper it stays very incensy for a very long time (next day it was still going strong with spices and incense). When as applied on my skin it was the same reaction and it acted absolutly the same, my only complaint is about the sillage: it is poor!!! I don´t know how many sprays i would have to give to achieve the same sillage as with the original one. I guess twice as much! And the drydown is more spicy than incensy. But (here comes the comparision) the general impression: it is very close to original, yes it´s weaker on sillage, but a lasting power is good (almost 12 hrs) and it is a softer one. The original was quite spicy and even more on a masculine side, it projected very loudly (i´ll take that ma´am). In this one you can smell all the notes from the beginning minus wood and less spices. Softer incense, but don´t think it´s a shy girl – no, she is confident, but no longer wears leather jacket or skinny leather pants with killer stilettos. She still wears the leather jacket but this time with flat boots. Still sexy and confident but a bit more vulnerable. Think of her as she has lost a bit of her ambitions, but still knows what she´s doing.
In overall it is very close to the original, of course the ingredients has been changed, but the spirit is still here. Don´t judge it too hard, it is a beautiful one. I really really like this one, but to be completly honest since i have several bottles of the original “Nu”, i probably won´t buy this one since i don´t need it. The rest of you who don´t have the experience with the original one: go for this one, you won´t loose much!
So i loved the “In love again” re-edition (THE BEST version of this fragrance by far and it´s my TOP5 favorite), i really like “Nu” (nice job), i like “Yvresse” (you have to get used to it, but it´s lovely) and dislike the horrid version of “Y” (same faith as with Opium – they´ve ruined it!)
Anastasia_Nasya – :
I haven’t tried the original Nu but I really enjoyed this version. A modern Nu? For those who have tried the old one it’s much easier to compare. On me,Nu is a silent,deep woody fragrance which opens with juicy bergamot and dries down into an olibanum-cardamom,slightly spicy combination.It’s not loud,spices don’t scream here,on the other hand it’s smooth,tranquil,mysterious. I find a great similarity between Penhaligon’s Malabah,Guerlain’s Mitsouko and Nu.The drydown is something between Malabah and Mitsouko. It’s like Mitsouko taming the spiceness of Malabh,creating ”Nu”. I really like the nude cubic bottles,also lasting power is very good.
st2000000 – :
i had nu before which lasted forever. this one is similar in smell but very shy and quiet. it last long but stays close to the skin and has poor silage. the fragrance itself is pleasent and modern with a hint of masculinity but i think its too expencive considering nu was my favorite edp ever. still have nu edt and i can tell it last much more than the reformulated nu.
SZdanevich – :
I really did not expect it to be so mainstream when tried it. Don’t think it’s inherited much from it’s predecessor. Very fresh as well as spicy. Correct me if I’m wrong, but it reminds me of Elle somehow.. The dry down is delicious though, very deeply spicy with just a hint of orchid and some fruit. And it lasts and lasts..
yuriy_kov – :
The original Nu EDP by YSL was a beautifully mysterious, spicey oriental. I loved the packaging, which seemed new and differant in 2001 as did the fragrance itself. There was a dark sexiness to this that made it a perfect evening fragrance. Good sillage and super longevity….NOW A WARNING… LOREAL HAVE DESTROYED IT. NU by Loreal is a wet and windy cheap copy of NU in the cheapest nastiest bottle. Loreal are fucking up every perfume with integrity that YSL ever produced. It is now cheap juice for mega bucks. I fear to smell the new Y as im still in therapy over the reformulated Opium. Loreal sucks.
Jan
21
2012
Onlyspam – :
I have sniffed the original and this one. If you love the original and want this one. Please test it. It is just not the same anymore. It is still a lovely fragrance, BUT
something is missing. That something that made NU NU. It made it sexy and provocative. The depth is gone. It has been watered down and softend. They try to make the parfum more acceptable! ?? WHY!?? Im not in love with it! And wouldnt even spend my money on it anymore.
L’oreal = Bad marketing. Slimming down the line and cheaper packaging OK. Changing the parfum to something else hell NO! Luxury is not what it used to be anymore………
kekckekc – :
I never tested the original NU in either concentration, so I can only rely on this new, reformulated version. Comment one: I definitely preferred the old one rather than the quite bland, creme bottle. The fragrance itself is very pleasant- I am actually a bit surprised at how much I like it knowing that most often the reformulated scents are nowhere near as good as the original scents. Nu is pleasant and soft and creamy- if the cream can be spicy at the same time. It reminds me of Sanctuary’s body butter called Kyphi- which was an excellent sweet and spicy vanilla.
Here there might not be any vanilla, but there is a touch of smoky sweetness and all together- nice to see this name back in business. My only however big complain is about the lasting power or rather its lack. One hour and the scent is gone from my skin.
rooooby – :
How divine, a re-issue of NU. It comes as quite a surprise and I can’t say how much I like the bottle design though.
As for the scent, perfect as far as I can tell. I hadn’t smelled NU in over 5 years though I did have the ETD version a few years back. I much prefer the EDP as it is softer, simpler and heavier. Some white flowers, incense and delicious musky woods.
Bravo YLS for bringing back a wonderful scent (if only other companies could do this with the many iconic, deceased legends we all love).
TAIFUN29 – :
La mia nonna era innamorata di questo profumo! Che le avevo regalato io un Natale tanti anni fa! E poi come al solito…hanno sospeso la produzione! Sarà uguale a quello di 10 anni fa (piu’o meno)?
Many – :
If thay come to Brazil I would buy all the bottles of Nu.
Se vier para o Brasil eu comprarei todos os frasco de Nu sem excessão.
mosar – :
i hope this will smell the same as original Nu edp 🙁