Honey lovers rejoice! Roxana Villa of Illuminated Perfume has created a deliciously honey inspired fragrance that feels at home on the skin whether it’s warm or cold outside. Yet, to call this simply a honey fragrance does not do Mellifera justice as this perfume has captured the entirety of a bee’s life; wood and musk from the hive, resins and spice from propolis, and of course flowers and sweet honey.
Mellifera had me from the start, as I adore mimosa and ylang ylang which are both in abundance in the top notes. All of Roxana Villa’s perfumes are 100% all-natural, so the floral notes in her perfumes have a depth of quality that surpass their synthetic counterparts. In cheap synthetic perfumes, these two florals can be sickeningly sweet and headache inducing. Not so in Mellifera. The mimosa is softly sweet, waxy and just a little bit green while the ylang ylang is uplifting with a spicy tropical quality. The interplay between the two literally buzzes within me, as if I’m intoxicated by an endless bed of these flowers.
The inspired use of spice and resins are also apparent in the opening of Mellifera, as is a discerning dose of a sunny hay-like note. But it’s in the heart that the perfume truly becomes grounded in the resins. Mellifera is offered in two forms, solid and eau de parfum, and Roxanna kindly sent me both to review. They are nearly identical throughout the top and heart, but as the drydown develops, the two find different paths. The EdP has an amber touch that leans powdery and wonderful for the winter. The solid on the other hand becomes more purely honey on my skin with a beguiling floral embrace. I love them both, but am utterly smitten with the solid.
Now to the giveaway! Roxana will give one lucky winner the chance to experience the beauty of Mellifera, either an EdP or a solid perfume sample, winner’s choice. All you need to do is follow me on Instagram, (let me know your IG username) and leave a comment letting me know which sample you would like to receive if you are the winner! Winner will be announced on 12/16/15 via Instagram. Drawing is now closed. Winner is Brigid!
Mellifera is available on the Illuminated Perfume easy site, $53 for the solid 8.7 gram tin pictured above, or $48 for the 4ml bottle of EdP pictured above.
Images courtesy of Roxana Illuminated Perfume.
thefloraesthetic.com 
I would love to try this fragrance in solid form. I’ve been searching for a good honey-inspired perfume, but they always end up too sticky sweet. This one sounds wonderful!
The solid is really beautiful, and Roxana’s sample pots are adorable!
This sounds amazing, and so lovely! Thank you for the chance and the delicious review!
You are so welcome! Thank you too 🙂
I’m so thrilled that Mellifera has captured your heart and soul dear Trish, particularly since this is the “Scent Hive”! I received some rather auspicious news last night that ties in nicely with this wonderful post of yours…I will be presenting Scent and the Honey Bee at the World of Aromatherapy conference in October, taking place in Utah. Here is the link, although not many details on available as of yet: http://nahaconference.com/ Thanks again for this post and your wonderful, informative bog. Happy Holidays to you, your family and all the readers. xo
Congratulations Roxana! That is wonderful news. And thank you for giving me the opportunity to experience Mellifera, I am also thrilled you are doing this giveaway!! ❤
It sounds beautiful. I would love to try the solid.
Nice choice 😉
If anyone can do a multi-dimensional, natural honey frag, it’s Roxana. She is a genius. Her alchemy astounds me.
I think I have you (your review of GreenWitch) to thank for introducing me to her shop. My favorite fragrance by her is Chaparral.
Thanks so much for this review!
I agree! And I too love Chaparral!
Are you Ona Luna on instagram? Not sure if you already follow over there. That’s where I will announce the winner!
I’d love to sample the solid perfume! This is one very talented lady. Time to head to the Illuminated Perfume website for fixed of “glorious” :).
(hjsimpson76 on Instagram)
Thanks for commenting Holly! And thanks for the IG follow, good luck!
I forgot to mention I would love to sample the solid. i don’t want to be disqualified for not following directions!
Haha! You’re good Margaret. You’re on Instagram right?
Yes, I am…@marmee17 ! Not sure why the “iamoncloud9” is showing up….
That’s what I thought! XOXO
I am utterly drawn to the idea of this scent. That solid looks incredibly appealing.
I was drawn to it as well, and fell in love with it immediately!
I would love to try the solid perfume one! They just look so amazing!
You got it Angela! Good luck ! 🙂
I am theendlessdivine on IG and would love to try the solid!
Thanks for the follow and good luck!!
I’m following you as Jdsbrooklyn! Thanks for the giveaway–ID love to sample the solid perfume. Sounds exquisite!
Hey Jordan! Thanks for stopping by and entering the giveaway!
This all sounds gorgeous. I’d love rhe sample the EdP!!!! @create.love.heal 😍😍
The EdP is so nice, especially this time of year! Good luck!
Hey there honey, I’d bee delighted to sample any of this goodness!
I know you will love it!! 🐝❤️