Molton Brown Orange & Bergamot: The Mother’s Day Gift I kept for myself… #SorryNotsorry

A few weeks ago, I received a gorgeous mailer, suggesting a splurge-worthy Mother’s Day gift idea. And I kept it. Sorry, Mom. When it comes to Neroli, it’s all mine. Can’t share, won’t share. If you’re a fan of the iconic Molton Brown Orange & Bergamot range, it recently expanded with some truly indulgent ancillaries.

One of the most refreshing scents with a prominent Neroli note, this legendary blend launched thirty years ago under the name ‘Bubbling Orange Grove’. It became ‘Naran Ji’ for a short while and is now known as the ‘Orange & Bergamot’ classic.

The Scent

Inspired by the original creation that evokes the freshness of citrus, ‘Orange & Bergamot’ evolved to include some contemporary notes such as blossoming Neroli and bright Amber. Vibrant and effervescent, it originally lent itself to a now signature hand wash. Today, the collection consists of body, bath and home fragrance staples from Eau de Toilette, hand cream, and bath oil to uplifting candles and aroma reeds.

photo courtesy of moltonbrown.com

Notes Breakdown

The vibrant bouquet opens with Orange, Bergamot and Mandarin, lingers with Neroli, Cardamon, and Galbanum, and finally dries down with Musk, Ylang-Ylang, and Cedarwood. Truly exquisite, it captures the mediterranean vibe of aquatic, floral, and citrus undertones perfectly. While I haven’t yet walked around Seville, its streets are home to over 14,000 of most bitter orange trees. Adding Seville to travel destinations for near future…

Radiant Body Polisher

Fact: any Molton Brown Bath & Shower Gel is a bathroom shelfie must-have, but the new Radiant Body Polisher has elevated my Orange & Bergamot experience to spa level. Gel-like, it exfoliates using crushed apricot shells and bits of orange peel. This gentle resurfacing not only preps the skin for a body moisturizer but invigorates the skin by promoting increased blood circulation. Aromatherapy is a default perk.

Super spreadable, it works best when I apply it on dry skin seconds before stepping into the shower. I then add some water and massage concentrating on areas that are usually rough or dry (elbows, knees, feet). More great news: it rinses off like a dream. The jar is massive, so don’t be frightened by the luxe price point – it will last. $50 (9.7 oz.) moltonbrown.com

Radiant Body Oil

I’ll be the first to admit that I prefer body oils over moisturizing lotions or creams. It took me a minute, however, to perfect the no sticking, no staining application of the Radiant Body Oil. Oils or dry oils work best for me when rubbed into damp skin right before getting out of the shower. I then pat myself dry and experience hours of the softest skin.

The Molton Brown Radiant Body Oil in Orange & Bergamot is currently topping my short list of indulgences. Silky and lightweight, it absorbs great and leaves behind a subtle yet very present veil of its refreshing scent. The stately glass bottle is gorgeous. I do fear dropping it on my toe whenever I use it. OCD or paranoid? They may not be mutually exclusive… $49 (3.3 oz.) motonbrow.com

If your fragrance preference leans anywhere close to my Neroli obsession, see the list below for my other tried and true favorites:

  • African Botanics Neroli Infused Marula Oil $120 – 30ml dermstore.com
  • Malin + Goetz Neroli Candle $55 – 9 oz. spacenk.com
  • Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm $60 – 100ml spacenk.com
  • REN Neroli and Grapefruit Shower Gel $24 – 200ml renskincare.com
  • Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Eau de Parfum $230 – 50ml sephora.com