The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Cereja e Avelã translates directly to Cherry and Hazelnut, no translation required, no metaphor needed. The name is the brief. Released in 2014 as part of Natura's Tododia collection, this fragrance answers a simple question: what does a Brazilian cherry smell like when it meets a roasted hazelnut? Verônica Kato, the perfumer, worked with ingredients that carry different cultural weight in Brazil than they do elsewhere, the cherry bright and tropical, the hazelnut more European in its comfort associations. The result sits between those two worlds.
The choice to lead with hazelnut as the heart is the interesting move here. Hazelnut reads differently depending on where you're standing, in European perfumery it's a cozy, dessert-forward note; in Brazilian context it adds a roasted depth that feels more grounded, less saccharine. Combined with peony and lily of the valley, the florals keep the nut from going full gourmand. They're there to temper, to lift, to make the sweetness feel botanical rather than bakery. The vanilla and amber base then bring it back down to earth, warm, close, lasting.
The evolution
The opening hits bright and tart, cherry that's almost effervescent, pomegranate adding depth, a breath of pink pepper that prickles for about thirty minutes before settling. Then the hand-off: hazelnut takes over, warm and roasted, the peony arriving soft and slightly powdery on top of it. The florals don't compete with the nut, they float above it, keeping things light. By hour two, vanilla and amber arrive, wrapping the hazelnut in something creamier. The drydown stays close to skin, intimate, soft. On clothing it lasts longer, often into the next day, which reviewers consistently mention. The sillage is moderate throughout. Close enough to notice, never loud enough to announce.
Cultural impact
Part of Natura's Tododia line, Cereja e Avelã occupies a specific space: accessible, warm, comfort-oriented. The name in Portuguese signals its Brazilian roots directly, no translation, no dilution. Among the house's portfolio, it sits alongside other fruity-nutty compositions like Cereja Negra e Praliné, though this earlier release leans softer and more floral. The reception skews positive for everyday wear, particularly in cooler seasons, with reviewers noting its value positioning within Natura's broader range.
