Fragrance Discovery: Falling for Shay & Blue

Disclosure: I received sample fragrances for review purposes or discount codes to use towards the purchase of them. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.

When I first opened my Shay & Blue package, I was ready to explore—two full-sized bottles and five delicious sample vials later, I’ve got thoughts. Big, fragrant, giddy thoughts.

Let’s start with the samples, because these little vials are proof that great things come in small (and very aromatic) packages:

1. Dark Amber Pomegranate
Juicy pomegranate and plum lead the way, but don’t let that fool you—this scent isn’t just sweet, it’s sophisticated. Clove and cardamom round it out with warm spice, while amber and a touch of damp cedar ground the whole thing. It’s rich, smooth, and quietly elegant. Think candlelit dinners and vintage velvet.

2. Blackberry Woods
Light, sweet, and breezy, this one is like walking through a fruit-dotted forest in the middle of spring. Lemon leaves and cypress give it a green edge, but the blackberry is what lingers. It’s perfect for anyone who likes to overspray and leave a gentle, pretty scent trail behind them.

3. Nashwa
Oh, this one. Imagine warm, spiced oud and musky sweetness, kissed by a whisper of bergamot and drizzled with a chocolate-coconut swirl. Nashwa is addictive in the best way—if indulgence had a scent, this would absolutely be it.

4. Driftwood Sea Salt
This one takes you straight to the coast. Driftwood Sea Salt by Shay & Blue is a woody marine fragrance that captures the crisp freshness of salty ocean air, sun-bleached driftwood, and coastal botanicals. It opens with bergamot, pink pepper, and a salty waves accord, then unfolds into samphire, salt marsh vetiver, and solar flower—like warm sun on your skin. The base of driftwood, cedarwood, sandalwood, and moss anchors it beautifully. Fresh yet grounded, it’s a sophisticated seaside escape in a bottle.

5. Pineapple Ice
Hello, summer in a bottle. Juicy pineapple, zesty mandarin, and bright white florals make this fragrance so cheerful and vibrant. It’s poolside mocktails and late-night laughter. Light, fresh, and full of sunshine.

Now onto the full-sized bottles, and yes—let’s talk about my expected favorite (I can't fight it, I'm a gourmand girlie).

Salt Caramel
I swore this sticky dessert scent wouldn’t be my #1 because I was trying not to be so predictable with my faves. I always seem to gravitate towards the most gourmand scents from a fragrance house. So, I was a trying to be very intentional about branching out, trying new things... and breaking from the norm. But I love this one so much, that it's got me thinking, "Who cares about being predictable? Predictable can be good, and in this case, it's really, really good." The more I wore Salt Caramel, the more I caught myself doing that thing—sniffing my wrist and whispering, “Ohmygooosh, this smells SO good.”

And it absolutely does.

They nailed the gooey, buttery caramel note without veering into headache territory. It’s warm, cozy, sweet (but not childish), and just indulgent enough to feel like a treat. It’s dessert in perfume form, and I’m hooked.

Melrose Apple Blossom
This one is a surprise in the best way. A fresh floral—but not the typical kind. Melrose Apple Blossom blends caramel and amber with bamboo and green apple blossom for a scent that’s airy, but rich in tone. It feels like a cool breeze through an orchard, wrapped in soft sunshine. Unique, uplifting, and totally unlike anything else I own.

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A Little About Shay & Blue
If you haven’t heard of them yet, Shay & Blue is a fragrance house doing things differently. Their GenderBlend philosophy tosses traditional scent rules out the window—no “for her” or “for him,” just beautifully composed fragrances that adapt to you.

They’re handmade in London using clean, vegan, cruelty-free ingredients. And with just a 6-person team, their artisan approach shines through. Everything is bottled with care and crafted to stand out in a sea of sameness.

And yes, I have a code for you (affiliate code, thank you!).

20% off for You!

Use MAIL4ROSEY-20OFF for 20% off your Shay & Blue order. 20% off is a big deal when the prices are already so reasonable. 

Whether you’re into juicy fruits, warm spices, soft florals, or creamy gourmand notes, Shay & Blue has something that will surprise you—in the best way.