I recently heard someone say that fragrances using 100% natural notes are not real fragrances, but soup. Whilst I found this pretty funny; Neom Energy Burst Eau de Parfum must be the chef’s special at a Michelin Star restaurant. That being said, this fragrance is not clever; there’s no fragrance pyramid or advanced perfumery techniques here, French or otherwise. But, it doesn’t need to be and I’ll tell you why.

Although I’m reviewing this as a fragrance, it’s not that – well it is, but it isn’t… It’s very similar in idea (but not scent) to Clarins’ Eau Dynamisante, which was originally created and is still used as part of Clarins’ massage therapy treatments. Aveda Energising Composition is another great example of this!

Neom Energy Burst is a true therapeutic fragrance that doesn’t just ‘smell nice’ but I found genuinely uplifting as I find with most Neom products. I’ve actually used their products since launch but ashamedly realise they’ve only been featured on MANFACE once! Neom Energy Burst is feminine ‘leaning’ but definitely a unisex scent; it’s almost outside the realms of gender association.

I was recently in a spa in Frankfurt (long story) and they used fragrance as part of their therapy experience. But, for some really odd reason they used Atelier Cologne scents and it just didn’t work; they’re lovely, but definitely not therapeutic scents. In its place I’d have 100% punted for something like Neom Energy Burst. It’s really difficult to paint a picture of this without you smelling it, so I 100% suggest you at least track down a sample to see what I mean – you’ll get it I assure you.

So the scent itself is grapefruit, lemon and rosemary; although behind those key notes is a propitiatory blend of 17 essential oils. It’s £49/49ml and is available in only one size.

From discussions with many people about Neom, I know their fragrances can be a bit polarising as their products have a very distinctive ‘aromatherapy’ bent. However these type of fragrances used throughout their entire brand is why I really, really enjoy them. Energy Burst is no exception as I find the fragrance both deeply uplifting and calming in a way only natural, pure essential oils can deliver.

The entire formulation is 100% natural (even the alcohols) and therefore my only criticism is that because it has been put in a transparent, albeit it gorgeous, glass bottle – if left out in the light, it will spoil. To prove how natural this is, the ingredients list is below; which I think is the first time I’ve listed them for a fragrance!

Neom Energy Burst Eau de Parfum Ingredients

Alcohol Denat., Parfum*, Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Benzyl Alcohol, Limonene, Linalool, Geraniol, Citral, Evernia Furfuracea (Tree Moss) Extract, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Farnesol. *Made with 100% natural essential oils including grapefruit, lemon & rosemary.

Neom Scent Discovery Test

The Neom Scent Discovery test is a really cute and interactive way to discover the Neom brand. It combines their gorgeous fragrances with fun as wekk as their their aromatherapeutic philosophy.

The test contains 4 vials that all have different wellbeing needs on the back. All you need to do is open each vial and inhale the scent, waiting a few seconds between each. Each of the 4 are gorgeous, but the idea is that depending on how you’re feeling, you’ll be drawn to whichever scent is meeting your need; whether it’s happiness (or lack of), low energy, need for sleep or high stress. For me, it’s continually the sleep scent so I can 100% vouch for this test’s surprising accuracy!

What’s lovely is that these oils are 100% essential blends so can be used to dab here and there; for my I put a little sleep on my pillow.

The kit costs £5 but when you buy it, you’re emailed a £5 voucher to use against any Neom purchase online so in reality, it’s not costing you a thing. As I said, this is a great introduction to the brand and a more or less no obligation trial to see if you like what they’re all about.