Top Notes 
Heart Notes 
Base Notes 
04/04/2021
Elysium
816 Reviews
Elysium
3
The Treasure Of Mermaids
Aquamarine evokes the purity of crystalline waters and the exhilaration and relaxation of the sea. It is calming, soothing, cleansing, and inspires truth, trust, and letting go. In ancient lore, Aquamarine was believed to be the treasure of mermaids and was used by sailors as a talisman of good luck, fearlessness, and protection. It was also considered a stone of eternal youth and happiness.
Aquamarine comes from the Latin aqua Marinus, meaning "water of the sea," and refers to its sparkling ocean-like color. The pale blue, transparent crystal is a member of the Beryl family. The iron oxides within the chemical makeup of the stone cause its color, sometimes bluish-green.
I am in my favorite cosmetic shop, as I always stroll in front of the perfume shelves. I know the positions and brands by heart, and my eyes scan carefully in search of something new that was not there the last time. Immediately the aquamarine bottle with those shades between green and blue captures my attention. A smile crosses my face. No matter what marine scents I have received or purchased over the years, Davidoff'sDavidoff's Cool Water has always been my quintessential marine scent. I unscrew the cap of this fresh Gandini Aquamarina perfume, aquatic, aromatic of lavender, and immediately catapulted me back to 1988. For my birthday I had given myself the perfume and aftershave set. In that era, Cool Water was what Creed'sCreed's Aventus represents today for men. As the top notes dissolve, the lush amber salty accord takes the stage paired with the white musk and earth. The scent takes on depth and has a calming effect on me, somehow. And I decide to buy it. The price is ridiculous for this gem.
For one thing, rather than the ocean, Aquamarina reminds me of a lake or lagoon crystal water. Lagoons tend to have what is known as brackish water. It means it is neither fresh nor fully saltwater. Coastal lagoons tend to be pretty salty, as the tide's constant influx brings with it seawater and renewed salt levels. The brackish levels will fluctuate with the seasons. Increased rainwater or river flow will bring an abundance of fresh water, while dry seasons will mean the lagoons are primarily ocean water. At the first spray, it is pungent; I perceive citrus mingling with aromatic accords and mixing with other herbaceous notes. Interesting how sweet citron and tangerine blend gracefully with bitter grapefruit and herbaceous lavender. The herbaceous edge is sturdy, similar to wet hay.
The heart is where the aquatic notes take place, with plenty of dewy violet leaves. As mentioned, the watery feel is more like brackish water in a lagoon than saltwater from the ocean. Perhaps a bouquet of indole jasmine and sensual lemon magnolia tempers the saltiness effect and gives the perfume an overall softness and humidity. The result is pleasant, fresh but not sweetish, as is often the case with some marine fragrances.
Finally, the calone-aquatic aura dissolves, and a kind of soapy green aroma with musky tones replaces it. The dryness abandons itself in a vortex fueled by the persistent, warm, and sensual flow of ambergris and musk, with just a touch of patchouli, which here serves to give resilience without overpowering the other notes.
Aquamarina is a daytime scent that works well during warmer seasons and is safe enough to be worn anywhere, for casual or office use. It is one of those fragrances that are not overbearing, even if over-applied. The sillage is respectable enough to grab attention, but not to the point of saturating a room.
This review is based on a 100ml bottle I own since April 2021.
-Elysium
Aquamarine comes from the Latin aqua Marinus, meaning "water of the sea," and refers to its sparkling ocean-like color. The pale blue, transparent crystal is a member of the Beryl family. The iron oxides within the chemical makeup of the stone cause its color, sometimes bluish-green.
I am in my favorite cosmetic shop, as I always stroll in front of the perfume shelves. I know the positions and brands by heart, and my eyes scan carefully in search of something new that was not there the last time. Immediately the aquamarine bottle with those shades between green and blue captures my attention. A smile crosses my face. No matter what marine scents I have received or purchased over the years, Davidoff'sDavidoff's Cool Water has always been my quintessential marine scent. I unscrew the cap of this fresh Gandini Aquamarina perfume, aquatic, aromatic of lavender, and immediately catapulted me back to 1988. For my birthday I had given myself the perfume and aftershave set. In that era, Cool Water was what Creed'sCreed's Aventus represents today for men. As the top notes dissolve, the lush amber salty accord takes the stage paired with the white musk and earth. The scent takes on depth and has a calming effect on me, somehow. And I decide to buy it. The price is ridiculous for this gem.
For one thing, rather than the ocean, Aquamarina reminds me of a lake or lagoon crystal water. Lagoons tend to have what is known as brackish water. It means it is neither fresh nor fully saltwater. Coastal lagoons tend to be pretty salty, as the tide's constant influx brings with it seawater and renewed salt levels. The brackish levels will fluctuate with the seasons. Increased rainwater or river flow will bring an abundance of fresh water, while dry seasons will mean the lagoons are primarily ocean water. At the first spray, it is pungent; I perceive citrus mingling with aromatic accords and mixing with other herbaceous notes. Interesting how sweet citron and tangerine blend gracefully with bitter grapefruit and herbaceous lavender. The herbaceous edge is sturdy, similar to wet hay.
The heart is where the aquatic notes take place, with plenty of dewy violet leaves. As mentioned, the watery feel is more like brackish water in a lagoon than saltwater from the ocean. Perhaps a bouquet of indole jasmine and sensual lemon magnolia tempers the saltiness effect and gives the perfume an overall softness and humidity. The result is pleasant, fresh but not sweetish, as is often the case with some marine fragrances.
Finally, the calone-aquatic aura dissolves, and a kind of soapy green aroma with musky tones replaces it. The dryness abandons itself in a vortex fueled by the persistent, warm, and sensual flow of ambergris and musk, with just a touch of patchouli, which here serves to give resilience without overpowering the other notes.
Aquamarina is a daytime scent that works well during warmer seasons and is safe enough to be worn anywhere, for casual or office use. It is one of those fragrances that are not overbearing, even if over-applied. The sillage is respectable enough to grab attention, but not to the point of saturating a room.
This review is based on a 100ml bottle I own since April 2021.
-Elysium
Elysium
