Via Camerelle Carthusia 2006 Eau de Toilette

Via Camerelle is a low-class, cheap, semi-skanky fragrance that is mostly floral, grounded by something warm and vaguely powdery. It's like a store variant of a scented oil plug in. It's not as strong or as sickly as toilet deodorizer, but the scent threatens to go that way. There's a little sparkly/tingly/fresh component to it, probably bergamot, but this is trampled underneath the hooves of the cheap floral. By 90 minutes, it becomes somewhat musky, and then I scrubbed it off. Silage was about a foot, and longevity I didn't care to discover (obviously). Man, I just don't get Carthusia as a house. Whatever they do is just gross.

Via Camerelle is interesting in the sense that it's a citrus scent which leans more towards a bitter and green side.

I find this scent very unisex and I think it's great for Summer, particularly when on a vacation. This perfume is rather distinctive and in some ways, herbaceous.

The herbs and citrus thankfully blend well, creating a very unique and pleasing scent. It's quite concentrated with an odd dampness which dominates in the heart and the drydown.

Although bitter scents aren't really my cup of tea, I enjoy smelling Via Camerelle, probably more so on a tester card or someone else's skin other than my own.

The drydown was actually quite salty to my nose, it also reminded me of the scent of dry cat food. I must add that I like both of these smells, so it wasn't as repulsive as the description makes it appear to be.

Via Camerelle is not my favourite from Carthusia as I like their much sweeter, more feminine offerings, however there is nothing unpleasant about this little gem. In all honesty, this is the most unique from the six I've tried.

This fragrance opens with a blast of mixed citrus notes. First I smell the lemon the most; then it is balanced by the orange note. It is a fresh scent, the citrus being creamy, not tangy. At this stage, very close to the skin, I smell the flowers faintly underneath, just waiting for the head notes to disappear. The body notes are slightly salty sheer white flowers. From this bouquet the strongest one seems to be the jasmine note. I have to add that throughout the fragrance a certain citrusy touch remains. The dry down is a musky amber note, quite powdery, but not too sweet. Lasts for nearly 8 hours on my skin.

1.) Oregano exclusively in the top note:
I only detect the oregano after familiarizing myself with the fragrance pyramid. However, it is clearly noticeable then. But that's not a problem, as it fades quite quickly, within 15 to 20 minutes (when worn on the skin; the non-skin experiment is still pending). What remains is likely the lily (in combination with cyclamen and jasmine).

While it smells somewhat similar to oregano, it can be clearly distinguished from it.
Oregano is rightly only listed in the top note. Due to the aforementioned similarity between oregano and lily, the citrusy spice package transitions wonderfully into the floral bouquet at the beginning.

Perhaps the partially existing criticism of this fragrance stems from the view that the oregano lingers much longer. Fragrance impressions are indeed subjective and depend on many factors; however, I am confident that after 30 to 45 minutes, I will not smell a hint of oregano anymore.

Experiencing a spicy (and citrus-fresh) top note is enjoyable. The fact that flowers follow and all spice notes disappear is a welcome change. Because scents that only linger in the spice rack bore me in most cases.

2.) A floral heart:
The floral bouquet of the heart (and hearts...) smells wonderfully "non-floral-floral." This means you are not overwhelmed by powdery, breath-taking flowers. This scent impression is more reminiscent of the smell of water in a flower vase. If you believe the distribution story of the Carthusians on Capri, such a "scent water" sparked their perfume activities. In "Caprissimo," this image is also excellently realized, but it also comes to mind with Via Camerelle. Such floral scents are also perfectly wearable for men. I am thrilled.

3.) Intensity progression and longevity:
The top note lasts long enough to become saturated with it. Then the intensity decreases, but the heart note persists for a long time at a low, yet constant level. This is a very pleasant, wearable/compatible scent progression. This fragrance could be worn for several days in a row, which is rare for expressive scents.

The longevity on the skin is less than on a test strip or elsewhere. The scent remains close to the body. Overdosing the scent is only possible regarding the top note. It is advisable to reapply several times a day to enjoy the top note again and to add more volume to the heart overall. Therefore, I opted for the 100-ml variant and not the only slightly cheaper 50-ml bottle.

4.) Mediterranean scent:
A Mediterranean association immediately zips through my mind after spraying. Although this is not the usual (in both senses: the common and the often experienced) Mediterranean note, the fresh lightness instantly beams you to the island of Capri. This is vacation in a spray. After spraying, you just manage to call out to the bewildered surroundings, "I'll be...," and you're gone.

5.) Absence of aquatic notes:
Fortunately, no aquatic note is vying for fresh impressions here. I am also bored with that by now. For me, even a small hint of aquaticity is decisive for the overall impression. I like some aquatics, but that works for me only occasionally. The freshness effect here comes more from citrus, spice, and floral (the aforementioned floral water). I can accept such freshness. In light of this calm, natural freshness, all synthetic mainstream fresh fragrances can pack up. Because they come across as what they are: helplessly desperate and grandly failed chemical experiments.

6.) A misunderstood gem:
Via Camerelle is completely underrated here at Parfumo. Perhaps it is not the most overwhelming fragrance in the world, but the concept is imaginative and represents a stylish middle ground between unobtrusiveness and daring.

The execution is also confidently successful; I immediately believe the Carthusians in their natural ingredients. There is not a moment's pause in breath (unlike most mainstream fragrances) while you take a deep breath with your nose close to your wrist.

7.) Comparison fragrance:
The fragrance that comes closest to Via Camerelle, in my opinion, is "For Him" by Narciso Rodriguez. There is also a wonderfully non-floral floral quality there, but it is darker, more masculine, and less Mediterranean.

8.) Conclusion:
A perhaps genius Mediterranean floral fragrance with a refreshing spicy opening that only reveals its brilliance at second glance.

9.) Recommendations:
Unconditional test recommendation. - For a blind purchase, this fragrance is generally too risky, as it evidently also faces rejection. Those who love the aforementioned comparison fragrance, Mediterranean scents, and the Carthusia DNA (i.e., the common thread of all Carthusia fragrances) can risk a blind purchase.

The fragrance is genderless/gender-independent, wearable from 12 degrees Celsius and during the day, at work or in leisure. As an evening or going-out fragrance, it is only suitable in high summer; otherwise, it is too light, sweet, and weak for that.

Better than fresh is actually only fresh with a hint of spice. That this can work very well by enriching the usual citrus medley with appetizing kitchen herbs has already been made clear to me by "Mirto Di Panarea" from Acqua Di Parma. If you don't know it, you should enjoy the incredible basil-citrus combination of the opening there. :) After that, however, you should wash off Mirto, as it unfortunately turns sour and dull.
Via Camerelle has the special guest of marjoram, which has already been much debated here. For me, it is not too hearty, but simply that one small molecule that makes a beautiful top note even more beautiful. :) And once again, I can appeal to everyone looking for an affordable summer fragrance: Here are many long days, a lot of dreaming and floating, here the swallows rise and chase up into the highest blue.
The juicy top note has incredibly lasting power and only gradually yields to the deeper floral tones. I am not trained in flower recognition, so I can't really identify lilies or cyclamens. The jasmine is of a gentle hue and gives the fragrance a lot of calm and a new center. The base is also wonderfully soft and has something evening-like about it. Especially the amber is mercilessly mild and good for all noses that need a little flattery.
"Via Camerelle" is an exceptionally picturesque fragrance full of southern nuances and truly recommended to everyone, everyone here!