REINE DE SABA
Balqis Reine de Saba

2022

PERFUMER
Nathalie Lorson

bergamot
MANDARIN
MAGNOLIA

BLACK PEPPER
OSMANTHUS ABSOLUTE
HELIOTROPE

patchouli
sandalwood
VANILLA
musk

Balqis Reine de Saba is not an instant love as much as Aksoum from the brand was, but it’s definitely another one that raises my interest in Reine de Saba.

Initially I expected it to be a much heavier scent profile. For a moment I would say it feels like a pretty sweet woody scent. But nothing like the usual chocolate-esque patchouli or milky sandalwood (it has elements of both). And that remains true, but Balqis wears much brighter and lighter, with quite a good hit of citrus, but also a fruity tinge that persists after the opening.

Combine this with a palpable, powdery heliotrope that I started noticing more and more. Heliotrope, that peachy-hint from osmanthus, woods. I wouldn’t say I’ve never smelled anything like it, but I can’t pinpoint a good reference at the moment; it’s rather unique.

Balqis feels simultaneously rich, seductive, ambery, but also quite classy and I think its powderiness that comes through pulls it in a more traditional direction.

As it has dried down, it’s mostly a mix of sweet sandalwood and soft mushy heliotrope powder. Definitely feels cozy to me. A lovely release.