Sailing On The Seven Seas

The Seven Seas include the Arctic, North Atlantic, South Atlantic, North Pacific, South Pacific, Indian, and Southern oceans. The exact origin of the phrase ‘Seven Seas’ is uncertain, although there are references in ancient literature that date back thousands of years. In various cultures at different times in history, the Seven Seas have referred to bodies of water along trade routes, regional bodies of water, or exotic and far-away bodies of water. Hence, in Greek literature—which is where the phrase entered Western literature—the Seven Seas were the Aegean, Adriatic, Mediterranean, Black, Red, and Caspian seas, with the Persian Gulf thrown in as a “sea.” Instead, in Medieval European literature, the phrase referred to the North Sea, Baltic, Atlantic, Mediterranean, Black, Red, and Arabian seas.

As trade picked up across the Atlantic, the concept of the Seven Seas changed again. Mariners then referred to the Seven Seas as the Arctic, the Atlantic, the Indian, the Pacific, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and the Gulf of Mexico. Few people use this phrase today, but you could say that the modern Seven Seas include the Arctic, North Atlantic, South Atlantic, North Pacific, South Pacific, Indian, and Southern Oceans. However, our ocean is more commonly geographically divided into the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic, and Antarctic.

First, this year, ZARA continued the collaboration with Joe Malone and launched a new Ocean collection with three Eau de perfumes perfect for the cruel summer of ‘22. ZARA Ocean Collection... What would you expect from a perfume bearing this name? The name might suggest a marine, an aquatic, or even seaweed-based essences. Instead, the three fragrances have floral, peppery, citric, and leathery nuances with a pinch of salt. Each adds a personal touch with a particular accord. I tried them all, and even before knowing the notes, Zara Ocean Nº1 - Salty Ocean Bouquet struck me the most, followed by Zara Ocean Nº1 - Salty Ocean Bouquet and Zara Ocean Nº3 - Caviar Bergamot, respectively.

Salty Ocean Bouquet

Salty Ocean Bouquet is the N°1 of the collection, and according to the ZARA website, it is fragrant with fresh and relaxing notes of bergamot and black pepper wrapped in wood and orange blossom. Um... are we really sure? To my nose, the essence is leathery, rich in spicy, bitter, and salty nuances. Leather with a salty. The name might suggest a marine. Instead, the orange blossom is peppery and leathered with a pinch of salt. Shocking!

Read more about Leathery With A Salty Taste

Caviar Bergamot

Caviar Bergamot is the N°3 of the Jo Malone creations and is a citric and aromatic fragrance created around three unique facets: sparkling citruses, delicate flowers, and salty musks. Initially, when sprinkled on the paper strip or skin, it can look like a classic citrus cologne, which is the main reason I passed it on the first try. But in reality, evolution gradually reveals some very interesting and pleasant bevels. The citrus cocktail features Primofiore lemon. In the province of Siracusa, they cultivate the fruit of Primofiore lemon that ripens between October and March. The high quality of its essential oils range is among the best in the world.

Read more about Rumba Cha Cha Cha Lemonade Mix

Saffron & Orange Flowers

Saffron & Orange Flowers is the fourth piece of the Oceano collection, the N°04. I’m not sure where the Ocean of this collection is because I feel myriad shades except those typical of seawater. Aside from that, Saffron & Orange Flowers is my favourite after Zara Ocean Nº1 - Salty Ocean Bouquet. It fascinates me, and I immediately loved it at the first sniff on the paper strip. I find it a warm, slightly sweet scent with creamy, powdery, and somewhat vanilla undertones, while the milky notes of oriental woods dominate. It is more reminiscent of the smell of the sun warming the ocean than the smell of the sea itself.

Read more about Reflections Of The Sun On The Sea

Did you try any of these summer scents? Let me know your thought.

-Elysium