Close GAP 2009

For several years now, we have been going to Juist once a year. We stay for 8 or a maximum of 10 days and enjoy the peace there. This year, we were there for the first time for 14 days, wanting to really relax. To be honest, 14 days of peace were a bit too much for me. After a few days, I became restless; just reading, cycling, beach walks, going out to eat became too monotonous for me. And due to the lack of a perfumery, I visited the drugstore with the red horse in the logo almost daily and studied the drugstore fragrances. Of course, I didn't buy something on every visit, especially not a fragrance. The saleswoman sometimes eyed me suspiciously over the rim of her reading glasses, probably thinking I was up to no good. She always seemed to have something to do on the shelves near me. I was eventually interested in Close by Gap, but there was no tester and only one bottle left in stock. At 11.50 € for 50 ml, I couldn't go wrong and decided to make another blind purchase. The saleswoman was visibly pleased when I bought the fragrance, even though there was no tester available. From then on, I was greeted with a smile and "moin" during my visits.

I perceive Close less as a perfume; rather, I think of it as a friendly, aquatic scent. The beginning is floral, delicate, and fresh; I can barely detect the citrus fruits. A little later, I smell the sea, strong and salty, like a brisk breeze. I like that; I enjoy aquatic scents especially in summer, but I find there are few authentic ones. Aura Maris, which I had, is classified as aquatic here, for example. I don't find that at all; with Aura Maris, I primarily smell fresh citrus fruits and orange, and this fragrance has nothing to do with the sea for me. After an hour, Close develops a slight synthetic note, not disturbing, but also not pleasant; maybe that helps it last longer. No, unfortunately not, it weakens significantly after two hours, becomes warmer, and I still perceive vanilla and woody notes, then Close fades away, which is a pity.

Close is a fresh, uncomplicated summer fragrance, without edges or corners. Those who like it close to the skin and prefer aquatic clean scents will be well served with this fragrance. The longevity is rather poor, but for this price, you can reapply several times. The milky glass bottle feels good in the hand, sprays precisely, and is rather simple; I like it. Close doesn't smell bad on men's skin either; my beloved had to try it, but it disappeared even faster on him. I probably won't use up Close but will exchange or gift it; I just prefer stronger scents.