For a Night Gala by NIVIRU

The most elegant of the Niviru range. Some say it smells like Naxos and at first spray it certainly shares that sweetness and similar citrus notes but this Niviru scent is denser resinous and has a smoky touch at the outset whereas Xerjoff’s is lighter and brighter. As it dries down it diverges significantly; the base sweetness is similar but here it becomes more resinous a heavier drier tobacco where tonka bean is noticeable and on my skin it gains a slightly powdery cocoa-like nuance. After about three hours it settles into a lighter spiced vanilla that lasts until 8–9 hours. Without a doubt it is the most formal and nocturnal fragrance from the brand although it also has a youthful appeal. It is the third perfume I have thoroughly tested from the discovery set and I find Niviru to be a very interesting house: distinct from commercial aromas fair prices and excellent work by the team. I love it but I wouldn’t buy it if I already owned Naxos; however that cocoa note in the dry down is brilliant. I aim to keep a small collection and this scent fits perfectly so I would look into other fragrances from the house. That it is good is a fact. I know they are preparing perfumes with higher concentrations and more complex compositions which seems very promising.

Personally it does not remind me of Naxos at all. Both have tobacco and aim for that sweet sensation but the paths to get there are opposite. Here the opening is spicy slightly bitter and gives a sensation of smoked vanilla. While the tobacco is present from the start this evolves into soft powdery woods with a very balanced sweetness alongside a very agreeable tobacco. It is a fragrance that is greatly liked; it is not challenging yet it surprises and pleases the public that buys without overthinking. Unfortunately the performance on my skin is poor: it stays very close to the skin throughout its life and given its density I would prefer better longevity. Prices have risen which is respectable and at the current cost of €120 I believe there are options with tobacco that are more interesting at retail price or in the grey market. Nevertheless it is very pleasing to see young people who respect perfumery and want to do it properly to earn their place.

Pleasant surprise. I already had Easy Days and liked it quite a bit but this one surpasses it. It is deeper more elegant and more nocturnal. At the opening it reminded me a little of Naxos then it evolved differently. The longevity and projection are good. I loved it. 8.5/10.

Personally, this is my favourite from the entire Niviru collection. I see it as the most elegant and yes, more exclusive, designed for formal occasions and events, although I wear it daily without issue, perhaps because I am older and prefer this type of perfume, being accustomed to it. For younger people, they will love the performance for going to the office or a night party. It is a safe bet that never fails. I do not wish to delve into specific notes because it is very well made, everything is integrated and denotes quality. It opens with pepper, citrus and green tobacco, then a vanilla and tonka that leave a very well-integrated creaminess. Highly recommended.

For me, this is undoubtedly the best Niviru perfume. I believe it is ideal for anyone wanting to enter the niche world, regardless of age, and it is totally unisex. Although it is a night scent, it is not overpowering; it is warm and sweet, yet neither gourmand nor cloying. It is warm, slightly spicy, soft and creamy, with a barely powdery touch. The quality is excellent, especially that vanilla and the accord with tonka and patchouli, which are very well balanced. The fragrance is not flat; it has nuances and produces bursts of different notes. Its longevity is entirely correct; you cannot ask for more from such a soft and pleasant scent. In short, for the price, it is one of the best options on the market right now.

I bought the Niviru Discovery Set on pre-order; the wait was long, but it was worth it thanks to the discount voucher. For A Night Gala and For Easy Days have arrived. The box is simple cardboard, yet rough and sturdy, which I appreciate after my previous Niviru perfume arrived in a flimsy box that gave me cause for concern. Since the bottles are transparent, I keep the boxes to protect them from light. The bottle design is clean, but its ergonomics are poor; it’s uncomfortable to hold and spray, and I dislike the transparency, always preferring some colour to shield the perfume. The labels on both box and bottle list the perfumer, notes, a description, and, most importantly, the concentration. Niviru deserves a ten for providing honest, straightforward information without using terms like ‘elixirs’ or ‘absolutes’ to sell smoke and mirrors. The cap is metal with a plastic interior and fits well. For A Night Gala smells spicy due to the pepper, with the dry wood of cashmeran and a delicious tobacco that has great depth. Then bitter cocoa and vanilla with tonka join in, balancing the sweetness without excess. The ambergris note stands out; although synthetic, it is clearly identifiable here. I compare it to a Layton Exclusif and a Naxos without the honeyed or floral aspects. On my skin it lasts over seven hours, projecting well for the first three. You can tell the quality, and I hope the €90 isn’t a barrier, because these guys are keen to do things properly. My best wishes to them.

It is an extremely pleasant perfume, a darker, chocolatey, spicy and incensed, almost peppery version of Naxos Xerjoff. They are by no means redundant; this smells much more nocturnal and dark, suitable for cold climates. Nothing citrusy, something more serious, with the smoky touch of incense and an intense spice that must be the pink pepper, which notably differentiates it from the previous one. I also find a powdery note. Its evolution is very attractive towards a sweet and tasty vanilla that is not cloying; this happens after three or four hours when the chords of tobacco, cinnamon, spice and incense buzz. I have used it at work and it is perfect; you stand out from the rest in a brutal way. It lasts about 6-7 hours on my skin. In those jobs with blue or violet paper uniforms, it is the only way I know to feel well dressed. Undoubtedly, it is a fragrance of grand quality created by talented young people who have managed to make author perfumery much more accessible and understandable. It is worth taking a look at their interviews on their podcast with great perfumers. If this is what they achieve with the little time they have had, I cannot imagine how great their project will be in the future.